How2 Care for Your Baby's Hair

Most babies and small children hate having their hair washed. This just makes it all the more difficult in cajoling them to get their hair washed and to keep it that way.

• It's a myth that shaving a baby's head will cause the hair to grow back thicker and fuller than before. However, there is no evidence that hair grows faster or thicker from shaving. It merely appears to grow faster.
• An infant's hair is very delicate and soft as cotton. Be extremely gentle with newborn's hair especially their soft spot on the top of their head or fontanelles.
• Coconut hair oil is a good conditioner for the hair and prevents hair from drying out and tangling.
• You can also use it to gently massage their scalp and hair before bath. But please be very careful to avoid applying pressure on the soft spot.
• Gently comb through your baby's hair to remove any tangles before shampooing.
• There is no need to wash every day. Simply wash your child's hair on an as needed basis, or every few days.
• Use specially made baby shampoos that promise not to cause irritation if the soap comes in contact with your baby's eyes. These products are also free of sulphates that are in most adult shampoos. However, it is also important to consider that baby shampoos tend to have a higher pH-balance, which may lead to more tangling of the hair. One option is to use baby shampoos when your child is very young and has short hair and then switch to very mild shampoos as your child ages and develops longer hair.
• Occasionally, your child may have "cradle cap" which is usually harmless and clears on its own in due course. You might start with a mild, non medicated baby shampoo. Brushing your baby's scalp with a soft brush, like a toothbrush, can help loosen scales or flakes. But be gentle when massaging or brushing your baby's scalp - a break in the skin makes it vulnerable to infection. If a non medicated shampoo doesn't work, talk to your doctor about switching to a shampoo that contains tar. Or your doctor may recommend a prescription shampoo that contains 2% ketoconazole.
• While washing your child's hair, it's easiest to gently recline your infant backwards while holding them in the bath. You can then shampoo and rise their hair.
• It's a good idea to have a second person on hand to help during bathing time.
• Hold them confidently and securely in the bath and speak in a comforting tone of voice to help put your child at ease. They can see and sense your anxiety so be confident and reassuring.