Approved by the What’s Up Moms Medical Advisory Board
Ever tried to guess a baby’s age and been ridiculously off target? It’s probably because one particular feature threw you off the scent: HAIR. Nine-month-olds are a case in point – some are still The Rock-level bald (which makes ‘em look like such babies) and others are downright shaggy (which makes ‘em look like hipster baristas). If your little one’s locks are hanging in their eyes, making them sweaty, or morphing into a mean mullet machine, it may be time for baby’s first haircut.
If you’re going the DIY route, demonstrate on yourself first, then get baby in a highchair or on someone’s lap and snip away. Nope, baby’s never going to sit still – just go for it.
Kid-specific salons can be pricey but have bells and whistles like videos, bubbles (!), and fun airplane or car-shaped seats — particularly big with the toddler set. Other advantages: 1) the stylists are quick as lightning, and 2) however the cut turns out, your husband can’t blame you.
Bring along a doll who can “go first.” And keep in mind, while some babies are mesmerized by their reflection in the mirror, others won’t love watching scissors fly around their face so may be calmer if you turn the chair away. Pay attention to what the stylist is doing so you can do the maintenance cuts. And if your kid screams the entire time, don’t even sweat it – these places have seen it all. Oh and save a lock of hair! Slightly creepy, yes, but a major nostalgia item.
Your baby’s daily hair care routine is still pretty simple. No need to shampoo more than once or twice a week (until food starts getting smeared up in there, anyway). Shampoo should be fragrance-free and hypoallergenic, and unless baby’s hair is super thick, you can rinse the suds with a wet washcloth if they hate water being poured on their head. If there’s any stubborn cradle cap, take to the scalp with a touch of olive oil and a soft brush or toothbrush (You’ll need to rinse a lot to get the oil out, though – unless baby wants the Danny Zuko look). Comb out damp hair with a wide-tooth comb, and baby’s good to go.
And if babe’s still got a bald little dome, be sure to keep her in a hat outdoors to protect the delicate skin on her head. And enjoy that sweet baby look while it lasts.
