Some mothers find it challenging to wash their baby’s hair, often resulting in the baby moving around or crying during the process. Why does it seem so difficult? Let’s explore the reasons behind it.

Firstly, it’s essential to consider whether you’re washing your baby’s hair in the right way. The posture you use may not be comfortable for the baby, leading to resistance. So, what posture should you adopt to make hair washing more manageable? Additionally, apart from the washing posture, there are four crucial points to consider. Let’s delve into them.

Correct Posture: Hold and Wash

Babies typically don’t remain still while having their hair washed. The proper method involves the mother holding and washing the baby’s hair. Here are specific techniques:

1. The mother sits on a low stool and places the baby on her legs, facing each other. Then, the mother holds the baby’s head with one hand.
2. Position a basin between the mother’s legs. Wrap the baby in a large bath towel, supporting the baby’s neck with the left hand while using the fingers to hold the head. The thumb and middle finger should gently cover the baby’s ears, ensuring no water enters them. If the mother’s hands are small, cotton can be inserted into the baby’s external ear canal to prevent water from entering.
3. The mother’s left arm should securely hold the baby’s waist. If necessary, the baby’s head can be placed on the right side, allowing the left hand to be used for support. This positioning keeps the baby relatively stable, preventing movement during the hair wash.

4 main points of washing your baby’s hair

1. Shampoo Selection: Choose baby-specific shampoo to avoid damaging the scalp’s natural oils. Adult shampoos are often too alkaline, leading to dryness, itching, and yellowing of the hair.
2. Frequency: During summer, washing your baby’s hair once every 1-2 days is suitable, while in winter and spring, washing 3-4 times a week is sufficient. Adapt shampooing frequency based on your baby’s emotional condition, avoiding excessive use (no more than 3 times a week).
3. Water Temperature and Pressure: Maintain shampoo water temperature between 37-38 °C. In winter, it can be slightly warmer by 3-5 °C. Adjust the nozzle to prevent strong water pressure, which may scare the baby. Gentle washing actions are crucial to prevent skin damage.
4. Emotional Support: Babies may fear hair washing due to insecurity. Provide emotional comfort by keeping the baby close to your chest, ensuring gentle contact with the upper body. While washing, reassure the baby with comforting words like “You’re doing great, baby!” This helps alleviate fear and establishes a sense of security, gradually reducing crying during hair washes.

Baby Shampoo Accessories:

1. Shampoo Hat: A “baby shampoo cap” resembles a straw hat with a hollowed-out top, designed for infants and toddlers. It effectively shields the baby’s eyes, ears, and nose from shampoo and water droplets, easing the mother’s worries during hair washing. Adjust the cap’s gear at the back to fit the baby’s head circumference, ensuring a snug yet comfortable fit. Hold the hat close to the ear to allow hair to protrude. If needed, gently stretch the cap for optimal comfort.
   
   Walnut Tree Infant Love Baby Essential Shower Cap Hat | Baby Bath Head Cap Visor for Washing Hair - USA Pediatricians Recommended Shower Protection (11 MONTHS OLD+ RECOMMENDED)
2. Small Mirror: Prepare a small mirror while washing your baby’s hair. After shampooing, let the baby hold the mirror and explore the various interesting hairstyles created with foam. This interactive game adds fun to the hair-washing routine, making it an enjoyable experience for the baby.

For new mothers, washing their baby’s hair can be a daunting task. However, with the above summary of essential hair-washing techniques and recommended accessories, mothers can feel more at ease. Over time, babies may even come to enjoy hair-washing, making the experience smoother for both mother and child.