Babies can be really fragile, and many new parents find it daunting to do so many things for their delicate, little being. Worry, fret, and confusion rule many a parent’s home. Bathing a baby can be especially intimidating, and washing the baby’s hair is particularly a frightening experience.
In this post, we have compiled some basics of washing the baby’s hair. Hair on your baby’s head is generally due to genetics and maternal hormones. Some babies are born shining bald while others have thick locks flowing all over.
In This Article
- My Baby Is Born Bald, Should I Still Wash?
- Newborn Baby Hair Wash
- How Often Should I Wash My Baby’s Hair?
- When Should I Start With Shampoo For Washing My Baby’s Hair?
- Why Does My Baby Hate Hair Wash! What Should I Do?
- How Can I Ease Washing My Baby’s Hair?
My Baby Is Born Bald, Should I Still Wash?
Whatever way your baby is born, you need to clean and wash his mane and scalp. Born bald does not mean he does not need care for his scalp! You can support your baby’s head and shoulders with one hand.
Now you can clean the baby with the other. Use this hand to pour nice and warm water from the rinsing cup. Ensure that you keep the head tilted back slightly. This way water will not go into the baby’s eyes.
Newborn Baby Hair Wash
For newborn babies, you can use a sponge and just plain, warm water. Pat the wet and warm sponge onto the baby’s scalp gently, while holding the baby so as to support his shoulders. Keep the head tilted slightly. This way the baby will not be moved much and the hair will be sufficiently cleaned.
Many parents avoid touching the soft spots of the baby, but you need to clean those areas as well. Be assured that the soft spots actually have a thick membrane that protects them and gently cleaning them will cause no harm to the baby. Find out about oiling a baby’s hair here.
How Often Should I Wash My Baby’s Hair?
You do not really have to stick to a routine, but washing daily or on alternate days may dry your baby’s scalp robbing it of essential oils. You can use a wet sponge daily to gently clean the hair, but washing the hair should be on a ‘need-based routine’. Weather, travel, sickness, etc., can be considered when you decide to wash the baby’s hair.
When Should I Start With Shampoo For Washing My Baby’s Hair?
A newborn does not need to be washed with soaps and shampoos, and an appropriate time to introduce shampoo would be about 5-6 weeks. Always remember to go for baby shampoos that are unscented, unflavored, and free from chemicals. Opt for a gentle and mild shampoo that is pH balanced and falls in between the 4.5–6 PH range to avoid excessive tangling. Find out everything about combing a baby’s hair here.
Why Does My Baby Hate Hair Wash! What Should I Do?
Many babies show a deep resistance to that shampoo bottle and a rinse cup. The moment that they see you rooting for the head, they start screaming and crying and it generally takes some good time to make them calm again. This behavior can put parents in a distressing situation when they become start feeling bad for causing discomfort to their little bundle of joy.
This feeling of resistance could be because of the following reasons:
- The baby simply doesn’t like to get her hair washed
- The baby is scared of water – many babies become cranky at the sight of water
- Has had shampoo in his eyes and that memory still clings – the same gets revived on seeing the shampoo bottle
- Doesn’t like the position he has to be in for the hair wash.
How Can I Ease Washing My Baby’s Hair?
As a matter of fact, many parents use some simple tricks to make the process of washing hair a bit tolerating, if not enjoyable. Here are some tips to ease the task of washing a baby’s hair.
1. Make It Minimal
Hair washing doesn’t need to be a daily activity- you could do that once or twice a week too. This way the baby will get some time to cover up any bad experiences
2. Experiment With Rinsing Off
Some toddlers get scared when water runs over them, head to face. See if he enjoys a shower or a rinse cup, and how much water pressure can he comfortably handle.
3. Check The Pressure
Trickle drops or a gush of water- figure out what is more comfortable for the baby. You could also take a small amount of the shampoo in your hands rather than trickling it on the baby’s head – the sensation may be fearful for the little ones.
4. Position Check
Sometimes leaning back leaves the toddlers frightened as they cannot see where they are going. In that case, you will have to work on a forward position, consider using goggles or placing a dry towel over the face in this position.
5. Consider The Shampoo
Use baby care shampoo that is a no-tear one and is mildly scented. Never use your own shampoo to wash the baby’s hair as it may be harsh on the little one. Always use the best baby shampoo for your baby.
6. Go Gaming
Make the bathing process a game for the toddler, where he enjoys splashing water and rubbing himself. Join in the fun too, so that he gains confidence and shrugs off his fears.
7. Role Play
Dolly needs a hair wash? Make your child wash the doll’s or another toy’s hair and then role-play the same steps.
8. Consider Protection
If your toddler allows, place earplugs so that water doesn’t enter the ears and also hold the noise of gushing water.
9. Massage The Head
If you do this, you will have to maintain a routine and not just massage when the hair is to be washed. This will open up your child to the idea of touch and feel of the head.
Lastly, a warm cuddle in lots of towels and some kisses work up the magic. Toddlers love all the love that their parents shower on them. Simple, yet effective tips to make hair washing an easier task for parents as well as toddlers!
