As a new parent, you probably have tons of questions, which is perfectly normal. One of the things you will need to know is the proper way of washing and caring for your baby’s hair. Probably the most important thing to keep in mind is that a baby’s head is very soft and fragile. Therefore, you would not shampoo, comb, or brush his or her hair the same way in which you would your own. Now, that does not mean you should be afraid to care for your baby’s hair either, just understand the proper methods of care.
One of the common problems with a newborn baby is a condition known as Cradle Cap. When the fetus is about six months old and still in the womb, hair follicles and oil glands are formed. In fact, research shows that many unborn babies at this age have very fine hair, which can sometimes be detected on the newer sonograms. However, some babies are born without any hair whereas some have so much hair they almost need an immediate haircut.
While you want to be gentle with your baby’s head and hair, you should not be afraid. Depending on the amount of hair your baby has, shampoo may or may not be needed. In fact, some new parents believe they must bathe and shampoo the baby daily but in truth, it would be better to bathe and shampoo just two, possibly three times a week. After all, a baby does not get dirty the same way as toddlers or adults.
When you shampoo your baby’s hair, take great care not to apply any pressure to the soft spot, which is on the top of the head, in the center, and slightly to the front (the hospital staff will teach you about this). Until the baby is about two years old, he, or she will have a relative sensitive head. For this reason, when you do wash your child’s hair, work slowly and gently, taking care not to apply too much pressure or tangling the hair in the process, which is a common problem, especially when it comes to the babies with excessive hair.
In fact, if you have a baby with tons of hair, you might invest in a baby detangle product, which is usually sprayed directly on the hair, helping it wash and comb better. Of course, if you use such a product, make sure your baby’s eyes are protected. As far as shampoo, you should stick with reputable products formulated specifically for babies. For this, you could purchase a name brand or even buy an organic product, which means 100% natural. Regardless of what you choose, look for products with a pH level between 4.5 and 6.
As mentioned, some babies will experience a condition called Cradle Cap. In this case, the baby would develop excessive scales on the scalp within the first two to three months of life, which can become red and irritated. Sometimes, the scales have an oily and yellow appearance, although they may simply look like pink patches. Usually, Cradle Cap will heal on its own. However, you can also use a gentle shampoo and comb or soft-bristled brush to remove the scales.