From Skincare to Sick Days: The Wellness Products Every Family Needs

This multiuse balm from Pipette can be used all over skin, including for drool rashes on the face, during diaper changes, and on scratches and scrapes. It’s designed to both hydrate and protect skin with squalene (a moisturizer derived from sugarcane), sunflower seed wax, and shea butter.

TEST RESULTS: Our chemist described it as a “dense yet lightweight formula that feels protective, but not greasy or tacky.” Parents agreed that it felt "more lightweight and not as oily” compared with petroleum jelly–based formulas. “I like that this balm rubbed in really easy, and it seemed to work very well at helping my baby’s dry skin,” said a parent. “This balm cleared it up better than others we have tried.”

Designed for allover use and a variety of needs from irritation in skin creases to itchy and dry spots, Proudly’s cream uses mango butter, jojoba oil, and calendula flower in its ingredients to moisturize and relieve skin. It’s also specifically formulated for melanated skin, making it especially suitable for a wide range of skin tones and ethnicities.

TEST RESULTS: Parents loved using it on their entire families, from babies and toddlers to kids and adults. “It absorbs surprisingly quickly and left their skin feeling moisturized,” said one mom, who added, “A little goes a long way.” Another described it as having a “great consistency,“ saying, “It’s not super greasy, but it’s also not clumpy,” and GH’s chemist praised its “all botanical” formula.

A face cream that promotes age-appropriate skincare for children, Aveeno’s formula contains oat and vitamins E and B5 to hydrate and protect skin. It’s designed for daily use on children ages 3 years and older.

TEST RESULTS: Our parent testers unanimously gave it perfect scores, highlighting its easy application and how soft it left skin. “It has a nice light texture,” one mom said, while another praised the fact that it “doesn't leave any residue.” A third told us, “The cream spreads easily and absorbs very quickly. It felt light on the skin and had no oiliness or caking to it. It kept my kids’ skin moisturized, even on days they were outside in wind and sun.”

For babies and toddlers, this Dabble & Dollop lotion is made with minimal ingredients, including jojoba and beta glucan for delicate skin. You need only a pea-size amount to apply it all over. The formula is lightweight and designed for daily use.

TEST RESULTS: Parents said they loved applying it after baths and that the effects were noticeable. “I like how silky my son’s skin feels after only a few days of applying it,” one told us. “Also, a little bit of this lotion does go a long way.” Another called it “super lightweight and hydrating compared to others that are greasy,” adding that it “smells great and doesn’t cause irritation” and that it had “super cute” packaging.

This creamy ointment from Tubby Todd Bath Co. contains ingredients such as colloidal oatmeal, jojoba esters, and camellia leaf extract to help soothe eczema, rashes, and dry skin. It is gentle enough to use on babies but versatile enough for the whole family.

TEST RESULTS: It received perfect ratings from all testers. “Wow, it really does work,” one mom said. “It is so thick and absorbs well, and even a small amount makes a tremendous difference. As someone who has children with very sensitive skin, this is really the only lotion that works.” Another said, “It works like a dream,” and a third called it a “new favorite” and said it made “eczema spots disappear.”

A lightweight, nongreasy, and fragrance-free formula to apply before bedtime, Bliss Baby’s oil is a blend of five seed oils and vitamin E that both hydrates and protects delicate skin. Use it during baby massages for a calming experience.

TEST RESULTS: Parents confirmed that it was “not at all greasy,” with one saying, “It absorbed quickly and moisturized well without leaving a greasy or sticky feeling afterward. It didn’t transfer onto the sheets or leave oily marks, which made it easy and practical to use regularly.” Another told us, “I love how hydrating, soothing, and gentle it is. My baby has incredibly sensitive and eczema-prone skin, and this did not irritate it.”

This hypochlorus acid (HOCl) spray from Magic Molecule has been going viral online for a good reason. Perfect for the entire family (from age 1 month up), it helps soothe skin issues of all kinds, including rashes, scrapes, bug bites, and other irritations.

TEST RESULTS: As the name implies, testers found that it worked like magic. “This stuff is absolutely amazing,” one mom said. “I’ve never had a product that works like this, this well, especially with diaper rash. It could clear up red and irritated spots in 12 hours. I am a purchaser for life!” The GH Beauty & Personal Care Lab director confirmed that HOCl “has legitimate scientific backing in antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.”

For kids showing an interest in beauty products but not yet ready for makeup, Rini’s face and body crayons are an age-appropriate alternative that feels more sophisticated than traditional face paint. They’re made with sunflower wax, so they feel gentle and go on smoothly.

TEST RESULTS: The director of our Beauty Lab called these “nicely pigmented” and said they glided on smoothly, adding that they were a good “makeup alternative.” Parents said the colors were not only fun but easy to remove. “They draw on well and are easy to remove in the bath, which is a parent’s dream,” said one. “We have face paints that are gloppy, and this is not gloppy at all.”

Combining a lightweight lotion with mineral sunscreen, Aveeno Baby’s moisturizer hydrates skin while protecting against UV rays. It’s enriched with oat flour, making it especially useful for sensitive and irritated skin.

TEST RESULTS: Parents described it as feeling silky and easily absorbing into skin. “It was gentle on my daughter, who has had issues with eczema, and left her skin feeling smooth,” one said. They also liked the compact size; it came in handy to reapply with unexpected sun exposure. A GH chemist highlighted that it is formulated with glycerin and dimethicone, making it both hydrating and protective, and that its packaging dispenses small amounts for less mess.

Combining a zinc oxide formula with the convenience of a pocket-size stick, Blue Lizard’s sunscreen provides SPF 50 protection that can easily be applied (and reapplied) anywhere. It’s especially designed for babies 6 months and up, toddlers, and young kids.

TEST RESULTS: Parents especially loved it for travel and for keeping in the stroller caddy so that it was easily accessible when they were out. “It applies easily on the skin,” said one. “I don’t mind the white tint because it allows me to better see the areas we’ve covered.” Another highlighted how mess-free it was: “The applicator is the best part—what a breeze for parents. It was so easy to apply!”

This baby sunscreen from Pipette checks off the boxes for the best protection: SPF 50, broad-spectrum protection, and a lotion formula to provide an even, uniform coating. It has zinc oxide as its active ingredient and contains squalene to give it a moisturizing effect.

TEST RESULTS: It was well loved by our chemists and parent testers alike. In fact, our Beauty & Personal Care Lab experts said it had especially good spreadability for a sunscreen with SPF 50 and a mineral formula and that it didn’t require too much rubbing. A parent tester said, “It totally did the job. It went on smoothly. My children never complained about it being too greasy, which they have with other sunscreens.”

Offering broad-spectrum protection with zinc oxide, Blue Lizard’s sunscreen is designed to be easy to apply and dry clear. To use it, shake well, spray four to six inches from skin, and rub in. Make sure to leave ample time for it to dry.

TEST RESULTS: Parents said it was convenient for kids who lacked patience with the process of putting on lotion sunscreen and highlighted its protection. “My son plays sports outside and sweats a lot, and this actually stays put and keeps him from burning,” said one. They also said it didn’t leave skin greasy or irritated “It works well and was suitable for sensitive skin. It did not aggravate eczema,” one told us.

Not only does this Ordo toothbrush give kids their beloved Squishmallows in a new form, but it also uses sonic power to clean teeth well. It has soft bristles for sensitive gums and braces, and it’s travel-friendly thanks to its secure cap. Vibrations and lights on the side let kids know how far along they are in their two-minute brushing.

TEST RESULTS: Parents praised the combination of fun and function. “I thought it was well designed with many thoughtful components,” one said. Another told us that with it, “I could trust my 5-year-old to brush well more independently” and added, “It has a nice grip for little hands. My son was super excited to brush his teeth.”

With a round brush head that gets into hard-to-reach spaces, Oral-B’s Stitch-themed toothbrush is part of its premium iO line, meaning it has a pressure sensor that reduces the speed if kids press too hard on their gums. It has three levels and a quiet sound, making it easier to transition nervous kids to an electric toothbrush.

TEST RESULTS: Testers agreed that they liked it better than other electric toothbrushes they had tried. “We’ve tried many types of electric ones, but after years of trying, she actually uses this,” said one mom. “She can brush her teeth on her own, and the built-in timer lets her know exactly how long to brush for.”

A toothbrush for ages 2 and up, this Tom’s of Maine pick has extra-soft bristles with multiple heights to help reach between teeth. It also has a thumb rest to make it more comfortable for kids as they’re learning to brush on their own. Plus, the handle is made entirely from recycled plastic.

TEST RESULTS: It won over parents and their kids. In fact, they couldn’t think of a single negative thing to say about it. “My son is really happy with this,” a tester said. “It fits right in with the other healthy choices he’s been making lately.” Another highlighted the fact that it was “perfect for kids’ hands” and had “sturdy bristles.”

Kids’ flossers make good dental hygiene easier, but they create a lot of waste. This version from Cocolab is a reusable flosser you can refill with fresh floss on a daily basis. It’s sized for parents to hold and use in the mouths of kids ages 5 and younger. Plus, the starter set comes with a cake-flavored floss.

TEST RESULTS: It was easy to use in lab tests, and parents agreed. “I like that this tool is small,” said one mom. “The packaging is enticing for young children and even includes stickers.” The director of GH’s Beauty & Personal Care Lab called it “brilliant” and “clever” and said, “I would give this a 5 for ease of use.”

With a mild, gentle formula and a soft lather, Dabble & Dollop’s baby wash can be used from head to toe. It includes ingredients often found in skincare, like jojoba and beta glucan, to help hydrate and support skin.

TEST RESULTS: Parents said they liked it better than other baby washes they had tried, noting that it cleaned up food messes well, left hair feeling shiny, and worked on sensitive skin. “This exceeded my expectations to the point that I will be using it moving forward!” one mom raved. “It is very easy to rinse out, yet it still cleans her hair better than any previous washes I’ve tried.”

Evereden’s cleanser makes bathing more fun thanks to its fluffy, cloudlike lather. Great for kids and teens, it comes in two scents—Coconut Splash and Juicy Citrus—and sprays out of the bottle like shaving cream.

TEST RESULTS: “It lathers well and has a pleasant scent without being overwhelming,” said a mom. “It made my daughter more interactive with the bath and washing herself for a change!” Another mom said, “My 10-year-old likes the feel of the foam and enjoys using the spray bottle. I was afraid that it would run out quickly, since my kid loves spraying the foam, but it’s actually lasted a good long time.”

Kids will no longer fight bath time thanks to this extra-fun gummy-bear-scented bubble bath solution. Designed to create foamy bubbles, it even includes a bubble wand so kids can play. Aloe vera and vitamin E in the formula help keep skin soft while cleaning.

TEST RESULTS: The bubble wand was a hit with kids, and families were excited to put it to use. “My kids loved it. Bath time has always been fun in our house, but this took it to a whole new level,” one mom said, adding that she loved the scent. Parents also said it produced good bubbles.

Made of 100% organic cotton, these terry washcloths from Butterblu are both soft and absorbent. The pack of 10 is a great value and features a rainbow of fun yet subtle colors.

TEST RESULTS: Parents agreed that these were “much better” than other washcloth brands they had tried. “They are thick and premium,” said one mom. “They really feel high-quality. They absorb the water well during the bath and make a good lather.” Another said, “I like the size. They’re not too small like other baby washcloths, and they fold well. They also wash well while still being soft on baby skin.” A third commented that the cloths remained “very soft even after multiple washes.”

Portable and quiet, this child-size nebulizer from Frida is a game changer for families dealing with upper respiratory infections such as colds, the flu, and bronchitis. It dispenses liquid medication in aerosol form without the bulkiness and loud noises of traditional nebulizers.

TEST RESULTS: “I loved how easy it was to set up and use,” one parent told us. “It also seems like the perfect size for little kids’ faces.” Another said, “My daughter has a fear of regular nebulizers because of the sound, but she was fine with this!” Plus, our chemist highlighted that it worked effectively to produce a fine mist, adding that she wished she’d had this product when her own daughter was younger.

This aromatherapy set from Oilogic helps you turn your shower into a cough-relief center. You apply the spray (which contains eucalyptus oil) to the shower walls, then place a shower steamer on the floor. As it dissolves, it emits vapor for babies to breathe in to help open airways.

TEST RESULTS: GH’s Beauty & Personal Care Lab pros said the eucalyptus scent was noticeable but not overpowering. “It eased breathing and created a calming atmosphere,” noted one of our chemists. “The steamer dissolved quickly, leaving no residue behind.” She recommends placing the steamer away from the shower’s direct stream and reapplying the spray to the walls as needed during shower sessions.

Kid-friendly in both design and function, this 3-in-1 digital thermometer from Playhouse MD takes temperatures in the ear, on the forehead, and even in bottles. The infrared readings make it contact-free, and a color-coded screen indicates when there’s a fever.

TEST RESULTS: Parents loved the giraffe theme. “The playful design makes it look like a toy, so our son actually enjoys getting his temperature read,” said one. “That small fact makes our lives easier when he's sick and fussy.” Another told us, “This made taking his temperature a less stressful experience.” Our chemists highlighted the fact that it was easy to set up, use, and keep a good grip on.

Philips Avent’s pacifier stands out for its orthodontic design and a flexible shield that’s gentle against baby faces, making it ideal for those with sensitive skin. It comes with a carrying case.

TEST RESULTS: It had a good acceptance rate with our testers. One told us, “My son has always been particular about pacifiers. We have tried over 20 different kinds. He took this one right away and loves it. I was honestly surprised.” Another said, “I love these pacifiers. My baby can hold them himself. They are very soft and easy to clean. Most of all, I love that they keep my baby happy!”

A multivitamin both parents and kids can feel good about, Olly offers gummy worms packed with vitamins A, C, D, E, B vitamins, and zinc. It has a fruity taste with low sugar, and it's made without synthetic colors or flavors.

TEST RESULTS: GH’s registered dietitian called it “the perfect balance of fun and functional,” adding that it had a “nice taste and nutrient profile as well.” She also appreciated its NSF certification, meaning it is subjected to stringent third-party testing for heavy metals. It’s the vitamin some of our experts give their own kids.

These berry-shaped and berry-flavored gummy vitamins from Biostime contain essential vitamins and minerals along with probiotics for digestive support and lutein for eye health. Unlike most gummies, they have no added sugar. Plus, they are made with no artificial colors or flavors.

TEST RESULTS: The director of our Nutrition Lab found the no-added-sugar aspect to be their most unique selling point, saying that these tasted good and her own daughter was getting used to them with no issues. She also highlighted the strong quality-control standards implemented by the brand.

With elderberry, zinc, and vitamins C and D3, these Zarbee’s gummies help support children's immune systems. They have a cute bee shape, a springy texture, and a berry flavor, plus there’s no sugar coating on the outside.

TEST RESULTS: Highlighting the fact that these nutrients support healthy immune systems in kids, our registered dietitian appreciated the brand’s transparency through its not partaking in misleading marketing around immunity. She added that elderberry “has evidence supporting immune-related benefits.” Plus, she confirmed that the bites tasted great even though they had no sugar coating.

A daily priobiotic drop from Kendamil, this supplement supports digestive and immune health in babies. The drops are flavorless and easy to use with the pipette dropper. You can put them directly in a baby’s mouth or mix them into breast milk or formula.

TEST RESULTS: “I like that it contains specific bacteria strains and no fillers like artificial colors or maltodextrin,” said GH’s registered dietitian. She called it high-quality and said the ingredient profile was “straightforward,” also noting that the dropper was easy to use.