How to Choose Shampoo for Your Baby

With so many brands and product types, it's difficult to know which shampoo is best. The following steps will help you make the right choice for your baby.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Baby Blankets
• Infant Grooming Sets
• Baby Shampoo
• Safety Bathers

1. Consult your doctor or midwife about grooming products. He or she probably has a lot of experience with little ones and will be able to advise you, and maybe give you some samples.
2. Buy gentle shampoos made for baby. Look for "tear free" and "gentle enough for baby" on the labels.
3. Stick with trusted brand names. For the first few weeks of life you probably don't even need shampoo and will only need to use it two to three times a week on older infants. Try the proven brands in small quantities first before venturing off into trendy or store brands.
4. Try herbal or natural shampoos. Make sure the brand is intended for use with infants and small children before using it. Start with a very small amount to decrease intensity of an allergic reaction if your child should have one.

Tips & Warnings

• Buy shampoos with character tops to use as a distraction while washing your child's hair.
• Be gentle, but don't avoid the fontanel - the soft spot. Your baby's head is protected by a thick membrane and washing the hair in that area will not harm your child.
• There are natural products made to help reduce cradle cap.
• Avoid using adult shampoo on your baby's gentle hair and skin.