When to Stop Using Baby Wash

Updated on October 18, 2013
L.D. asks from Modesto, CA
17 answers

My son is 4 yrs old.I am still using baby wash for his skin and hair since the "all in one" approach is so easy. His hair is blond and fine, so baby wash cleans it well. Just wondering when people switch their kids over to regular soap and shampoo. He isn't overly sensitive to soaps, lotions etc. Thx.

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D.S.

answers from San Francisco on

Hi Laura, had to giggle when I read this as I am well into my 50's and I am still using shampoo to wash with. I like the smell and the feel on the skin. I do know that the pedi. doctor told my children to use Dove for thier 3 year old. Anything else would be to harsh for the skin.

1 mom found this helpful
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S.H.

answers from Honolulu on

There is no age limit on these "baby" wash products.
I know, that many adults, use it as well.... due to sensitive skin etc.
When I am in the baby wash aisle, I see MANY women, buying it for themselves. We inevitably start talking about which one is better, and then they say they are buying it for themselves. Even the baby lotions. Because as they say they have sensitive skin and "if it is made for babies, why not adults too?"

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S.H.

answers from San Antonio on

I guess whenever you feel like it. My kids like the smells and other marketing stuff that goes into baby soaps. As long as I'm not spending a lot of extra money on it, I'll buy it. They are 7 and 3. But there is no reason you ever have to use them. I think they do sting less if they get in the eyes, but if your child is ready to close his eyes when his hair gets rinsed then it doesn't matter.

There is nothing wrong with continuing to use the stuff well into adulthood, if that appeals to you. :)

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M.P.

answers from Pittsburgh on

Also I have retreated back to my great grandmothers advise, oatmeal baths!!!! I have a 18 year old and a 9 year old they both have dry itchy skin in the winter. The oatmeal bath by aveeno really help!! Also they don't irritate those girl parts. lol.

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M.L.

answers from San Francisco on

My kids are 6 and almost 8. they both still use a baby wash. My youngest has very sensitive eyes and so the baby soap is better for him. They both still like it. My kids have both used the regular soap and they seem to just go back to the baby stuff on their own.

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L.E.

answers from Detroit on

My daughter is 5 and i still use baby wash. I sometime use it on my own skin. In the summer when we are in the sun or swimming a lot the chemicals can be so harsh on skin the last thing i want is to wash with a harsh soap. If you want to change to something the whole family will use i would use aveeno or dove body wash.

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M.P.

answers from Portland on

If using the baby wash is working, I'd continue using it. I don't think that there is any reason to have to consider changing it until he's old enough that he wants to use what you are using. At 4, having a tearless shampoo is still a help.

I think my daughter switched when she'd used up all the baby stuff. She still buys products aimed at kids, tho. My granddaughter is 10 and she likes to use what Mama uses. I only have my own soap bar and shampoo here and they (her brother is 7) use that. I think I also quit using the baby wash when the bottle was empty and the kids were around 4, perhaps 5.

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K.N.

answers from San Francisco on

Mine are 7 (son) and 5 (daughter). We sometimes use a separate shampoo for my daughter's very long, thick hair and definitely use conditioner. For my son, we use Aveeno babywash because he HATES anything in his eyes, even water. I'll probably not switch until puberty, unless they initiate it.

S.M.

answers from Philadelphia on

I have used Dove Sensitive Unscented soap bar since my son was 1 month also Pantiene Classic Clean Shampoo w/Conditioner since he was 1 month also. Never any problems and he smells soooo awesome after a bath. I did ask my Dr. they said there are no problems with switching...I haven't looked back!!!

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N.C.

answers from San Francisco on

My sons are 9 and 6 and we still use an all-in-one for kids - usually Burt's Bees. I like the smell and so do they. My son will use bar soap if he's in our shower, but I like that the "baby" soap/shampoo won't sting their eyes.

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E.S.

answers from Houston on

My daughter will be 4 soon and I still use it. I think it is easy to use the all in one and if it does get in her eyes (she is a wiggle worm) it won't burn.

B.C.

answers from Norfolk on

My son is 11 yrs and still uses baby soap. He just doesn't care about what soap he uses and half the time he doesn't even care about washing (but I make sure he showers before bedtime whether he likes it or not). The all in one approach is so easy, and when we travel - we all use it. Taking just the one bottle makes packing that much easier.

B.C.

answers from Dallas on

I still use it on my 2 1/2 year old and I used it on my older daughter until about kindergarten or so. No worries. That stuff lasts forever too! I'm only on my 3rd bottle in 2 years!

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E.M.

answers from Bakersfield on

Hi Mama-
Well, you don't have to switch unless you really see a need. They also make all in one washes for bigger kids. L'Oreal has a couple of them. Also, some basic brands (just look at target or wal mart) make an all in one, usually in scents for guys, but they work just as well. THe only thing i reccommend is getting a moisturizing wash. It will be creamier and their skin will thank you for it later. But there really isn't a reason to switch over at any time in particular unless it is not getting him clean anymore, or washing the body odor away (when he gets older).
At that point, though, suave makes a free and gentle shampoo with a polar bear on the front that smells great and feels amazing on thin hair (i have always had baby hair). Then just get him a fun sponge and moisturizing soap or body wash and let him enjoy the cleansing time in the shower.
Hope this helps!
-E. M

C.B.

answers from Kansas City on

i quit using johnsons for other reasons, but i use suave 3 in 1, it's body wash, shampoo, and conditioner, all tear-free. love it!

P.W.

answers from Dallas on

I just used mild soap and shampoo. My skin is very sensitive too and so I was extra cautious with my kids. A few years ago I discovered a natural line and now we use products the whole family can use, but are safe and mild. Choose as natural a product as possible and you will probably be using something milder than the "baby wash" you are using now. Let me know if I can recommend.

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M.L.

answers from Redding on

You can change him over any time between the point when he can keep the soap out of his eyes and when he reaches puberty. Mine is 5 and we are still using it. I will probably switch him over when he gets too big to lay in the tub for me to wash his hair. Once he is washing it on his own in the shower or with me at the kitchen sink then I think we can use regular shampoo.

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