Some babies are born with a full head of hair, while others don’t grow any during their entire first year. Whether your baby has hair or not, it’s important to take care properly of her hair so that it grows in healthily. While you won’t need as many hair care projects for your baby as you will when she becomes a teenager, it’s still essential to have a few things on hand.
Shampoo
Adult shampoos are harsh and can hurt your baby’s eyes. You can easily find children’s shampoos that are special “no tears” formulas. These shampoos don’t have the same sulfates as adult shampoos; they are gentler. Some parents prefer to buy an organic shampoo, like the ones sold by Origins, because they contain even fewer chemicals. This may be necessary if your baby has very sensitive skin, but you may be able to get by with Johnson & Johnson baby shampoo or even the generic version. The lavender-scented versions may help your baby relax for bedtime.
Conditioner
When your baby’s hair is very short, you probably don’t need to condition it. However, as it grows longer, it can get damaged, and you may have to fight with your child to comb out the tangles. A leave-in conditioner made for children, such as the Johnson & Johnson “No More Tangles” line, can help comb her hair without any problems. African American or biracial children may also require conditioner earlier than white or Asian children. Look for products that treat this type of hair, such as “It’s a Curl” or “Curly Q” for kids.
Comb and Brush
You should always use a comb on hair that is wet. A baby’s comb should have small balls on the tips of the comb to protect baby’s head. For fine baby hair, you can use a very fine-toothed comb, but if your baby’s hair is thick or curly, you may want one with wider teeth. You can use a soft brush on dry hair. Soft brushes are also good for babies with no hair, because they can help exfoliate the skin and prevent or heal cradle cap.
Accessories
You may be excited to dress your girl up with pretty bows, barrettes and ribbons, but it might not be time yet. A headband or ponytail may pull on your baby’s fine hair and give her a headache. Try to reserve these for special occasions. If you want to use a barrette, look for ones that are covered in fabric. A fabric-covered barrette will feel more comfortable against her head, and will also help keep it in place.
Photo Credit
- happy baby 4 image by Pat Lalli from Fotolia.com
