How to Wash Newborn Baby Hair

At FirstCry Parenting, our aim is to give you the most elevant, accurate and up to date information.

Every article that we publish, confirms to stringent guidelines & involves several levels of reviews, both from our Editorial team & Experts. We welcome your suggestions in making this platform more useful for all our users. Write in to us at parenting.care@firstcry.com

• How Often Should You Wash Your Baby's Hair?
• Tips to Wash Baby's Hair
• What About Sparse Hair and Thick Tangled Hair?
• What If the Baby Does Not Like Getting His Hair Washed?
• What Products Should You Use to Wash Your Baby's Hair?
• Tips to Make the Process of Washing Baby Hair a Little Easier
• FAQs

Last Updated on August 9, 2020

Now that you are a parent to a newborn, you're likely to have tons of questions regarding raising your little one and taking care of him the right way. One of the questions that you will have as you start taking care of your baby and settle in your new routine with him will be concerning washing his hair. Of course, you want to keep your baby tidy and clean, and you're likely to ask, "How to wash a newborn's hair in a safe manner?" Well, we have the answer for you. In this article, we will tell you how to wash baby hair, how often to wash the newborn's hair, and more.

How Often Should You Wash Your Baby's Hair?

Similar to giving a bath to your baby, washing his hair should not require any specific routine. Washing it too frequently can remove the necessary oils that the scalp needs to remain healthy. At times, simply using a sponge dipped in water to clean it up should suffice. If the weather is sticky or you have travelled around quite a bit with your child, then washing the hair might be a good idea.

Tips to Wash Baby's Hair

One of the major things mothers worry about is how to wash baby's hair. For that, here's how you should give your baby a bath, and wash his hair in the right manner.

• Firstly, ensure that the bathroom is clean and comfortable. The temperature should be warm and everything that you need to give him a bath and to wash his hair should be next to you. At no point should you leave the baby alone.
• Wet his hair, then take some shampoo on your palm, rub it between your palms, and apply it on his head, making sure it reaches the scalp. If your kid starts pushing your hand around, give him his favourite bath toy or start singing a song along and make it seem like a friendly activity.
• To prevent the water from entering the eyes, a simple way is to let gravity do the job. Use your arms to slightly lean your baby back so that water will drip from the back and won't reach his face.
• Be gentle while you wash his hair as your baby's head and scalp will be soft and tender. Using a simple sponge can do the trick. Wet his hair first, then run a soapy sponge gently on his head in a rhythm that goes with the song you are humming. It will clean his hair and scalp and will keep your little one smiling as well.
• There would be soft spots on the top of the head and care needs to be taken to not press on them too hard.
• Do not keep the baby wet for too long. Once it has been cleaned, quickly rinse and then dry using a towel. This will prevent him from catching a cold.

What About Sparse Hair and Thick Tangled Hair?

Washing a baby's hair can be a difficult business. However, sometimes the hair has its own mind and comes with a whole new challenge making washing even more difficult.

1. Sparse Hair

• Washing your child's hair when there is barely any could make you worry about him. However, it is totally fine since many kids have good hair growth at a later stage in life.
• For such kids, washing their hair once a week is more than enough. Less hair does not mean that you need not wash it. The scalp requires attention and should be kept clean.
• At the same time, the oil that's secreted on the scalp is necessary for its healthy well-being. Therefore, washing it frequently is a strict no-no.

2. Thick Tangled Hair

• If your child has thick or curly hair and keep getting tangled, you can use a hair conditioner to prevent it from getting tangled.
• In such cases, the use of shampoo is not necessary for every single wash. Water followed by some conditioner is good enough to do the job.
• While using a conditioner that is sprayed, make sure it reaches the ends and especially at the areas where the knots are higher.

What If the Baby Does Not Like Getting His Hair Washed?

Your baby may not like getting his hair washed if he has had a scary incident associated with bathing or if the shampoo has entered his eyes and caused a burning sensation. He may throw tantrums and cry, but you can make it a fun-filled activity for him so that he starts enjoying it.

What Products Should You Use to Wash Your Baby's Hair?

Make use of a shampoo that is baby-friendly and helps moisturize the scalp too. Never use a shampoo meant for adults. Opt for a shampoo that has a pH value ranging from 4.5 to 6.

Tips to Make the Process of Washing Baby Hair a Little Easier

Many babies don't like it when someone washes their hair. Yes, babies are extremely fussy, but that does not mean you should listen to his cries all the times. His well-being should be your major concern. So, if your baby cries while you try to wash his hair, there are a few tips you can try that will make the entire process of washing your baby's hair easier:

• Keep the bath short and quick.
• Go for a no-tears shampoo that smells good.
• Use a sponge to clean the hair.
• Do not make the baby lean without support.
• Gently massage the head when you wash. This may calm him.

FAQs

1. When Should I Start Using Shampoo to Wash My Baby's Hair?

Newborn babies do not require shampoos for washing their hair. Introduce shampoos only after your baby is around 2 months old or so.

2. What If My Baby is Bald?

Hormones or hereditary conditions can cause your baby to be bald. Nevertheless, the scalp still needs to be cared for. Wash it once a week with less water since there's no hair to hold the water. Make sure his eyes are protected at all times.

Bathing a newborn baby becomes an activity that gets challenging over time. When washing a newborn baby's hair for the first time, it is necessary to note that shampoos should not be used up until 6-8 weeks after the baby's delivery. A clean scalp and healthy hair are not difficult to attain and you, too, will learn to adjust to your baby's tendencies.

Also Read:Baby Hair Growth Tips

How to Wash Newborn Baby Hair

Source: https://parenting.firstcry.com/articles/how-to-wash-your-babys-hair-tips-and-more/

Share this post