We were in Dischem recently, with Zee happily pulling the little wheeled basket around, and daddy close by reminding her to be alert and not run over anyone’s toes. We were in the baby aisle, and I think it was the first time I noticed that the only other moms and dads there were those with tiny crying or sleeping babies.

I’m not sure what the “correct” age to move your little one over to adult/family body wash/soap/lotion/shampoo is. I mean, up until a few months ago I still used Johnson’s top-to-toe as her body wash – that’s what they used at the hospital for her first bath… ok so I got a little attached to that one, but I figure if it gets her all clean and fresh, and doesn’t irritate that delicate skin, it’s a keeper.

I know that Zee has grown. I see proof of this in her height, her intelligence, her sense of humour so much like my own. In so many ways though, she’s still so baby. The way she still loves curling up on me for cuddles at random times; how she wraps herself around daddy’s leg and asks him to stay home and not go to work (he has to walk like this all the way to the door). Maybe that’s why I try holding on to the babyness in all kinds of ways, even in my vehement refusal to say goodbye to the baby aisle.

I have made progress though. No, really. Just look at the product Zee is reviewing today. I know it says Baby on the front, but at back it describes it as being a wash for toddlers. See, progress. 😉

Here’s what the brand says about Johnson’s Baby Gentle Protect Bath bodywash

Washes away up to 99.9% of dirt and germs while being mild on your toddler’s delicate skin.

We love toddlers. We also understand that as they start to explore the world around them, you’ll want to keep them clean and protected from dirt and germs.

NEW JOHNSON’S® Gentle Protect™ Bath is specially developed to effectively wash away dirt and germs, while being gentle to your toddler’s delicate skin. Our unique No More Tears® formula is enriched with a combination of natural ingredients including honey and extracts of rooibos & green tea.

Ideal for everyday use, Hypoallergenic (formulated to minimise the risk of allergy) and Soap free. 

What Zee said about Johnson’s Baby Gentle Protect Bath bodywash:

What do you think of the bottle?

I like the print on the bottle, because it’s a honeycomb (I didn’t even realize that she would identify that), and I like the shade of blue because it matches my Donald Duck bath toy! 

How does it smell?

It smells like honey and flowers. I love the smell!

How does it feel on  your skin?

It feels soothing (seriously, where do the words come from?) and soft, like flowers gently tickling my skin, you know like when I pick a flower and tickle you with it. 

How does your skin feel after bathtime?

My skin feels moisturised and soft. Ooh, and I smell nice! (Sniffing her forearm to see if she still smells like honey)

Would you like to tell your friends about your new honey body wash?

Yes I will. You know who’ll like it? Breanna. I’m going  to tell her next time at ballet. Oh, and Kganya too. Actually I’ll just tell aunt Jules because Kganya’s still a baby. 

So Johnson’s Baby Gentle Protect Bath gets a big smiley face from Zee. 😀

Mom verdict: I’m not crazy about the honey sweet smell, but I’m not the one being bathed in it, so that really isn’t an issue. I am impressed with the lovely lather you get from squeezing just a little of the wash onto her facecloth. It leaves my little person squeaky clean, whilst being kind to her skin, so a smiley face from me too.

You can find it at Dischem and Clicks, and it retails between R64 and R67 for the 500ml bottle.