How to Wash an Infant's Hair
Most babies do not like to have their hair washed. Well, who wants to be doused with water, which then runs into your eyes, ears, nose and mouth. Below are a few steps to make washing your infant's hair more comfortable for both you and baby.
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Instructions
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Make sure baby is comfortable. Lay a fluffy towel on the area you will use to wash baby's hair.
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Run the water until it is warm. Make sure the water is not "hot," as babies can be easily scalded.
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Wrap a small towel loosely around the baby's neck to keep water from running down onto his clothes or diaper.
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With your forearm, hold the baby face up and close to your body. Be sure to upport the child's neck.
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Wet your baby's hair with a washcloth, your hand or a soft, plastic pitcher. Sinks that have built-in sprayers also come in handy.
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Use a mild shampoo made especially for babies. You only need to use an amount the size of a dime. Squeeze the shampoo into your free hand and gently rub into the baby's hair and scalp. Be sure to clean the soft spot on the baby's head too, but be extra careful around this sensitive area.
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Rinse the hair thoroughly with warm water. Again, you can use a washcloth, your hand or a pitcher. Keep a dry washcloth close by in case water enters the infant's eyes. Gently towel-dry they baby's hair and use a comb or soft bristled brush to remove any tangles.
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Tips & Warnings
Babies only need their hair washed on an "as needed" basis, not every day.
If your baby does not have any hair, you still should clean his scalp, but a shampoo is usually unnecessary.
Giving the baby a toy to play with while shampooing will help keep the infant occupied.
Always use a shampoo with a balanced pH factor of between 4.5 to 6. Most shampoos list the pH balance on the label.
