Most parents are aware of the basic needs of babies and toddlers, such as healthy foods and sleep routines, but hair care is often overlooked in many parenting books and blogs despite its many benefits. Even if your baby isn’t born with a full head of hair, there are many benefits to a gentle hair care routine starting in the early weeks.
What are the benefits of hair care for babies and toddlers?
While neatness is one factor of hair care in little ones, it’s not the most important early on. By cleaning your baby or toddler’s hair with an all-natural product, and using a gentle brush, you’re also:
✔️ Maintaining a healthy scalp that reduces the risk of cradle cap and flaky skin.
✔️ Supporting good hygiene and preventing any scalp infections.
✔️ Stimulating hair growth by stimulating blood flow to the scalp.
✔️ Stimulating the nervous system which some believe supports baby’s brain development.
✔️ Providing a sense of comfort as the brushing technique is like a gentle massage.
✔️ Caring for the child’s hair by preventing uncomfortable tangles.
✔️ Bonding with your child while establishing a healthy hair care routine.
Tips for managing different hair types in babies and toddlers
Thick or thin, straight or curly (and even those bald cuties!), it doesn’t matter what type of hair your baby or toddler has, there is a brush or comb to match your needs. Here are some tips on how to manage the different hair types to avoid any stress and ensure this is a great bonding time for you and your child.
1. Caring for bald cuties
You can start using a gentle brush even for babies with no hair, just a little hair, or very short hair. Doing so will help stimulate the scalp and create a routine for the future
2. Caring for cradle cap
Cradle cap is normal and generally not a medical concern, there are some options if you would like to remove it. Dry brushing regularly can help clear the scalp, as well as using oil and a gentle exfoliator at bathtime to gently scrub the flakes away..
3. Caring for curly hair
If your child has beautiful curly hair, then you should consider investing in a wide-tooth comb to gently detangle the hair when it’s wet. You can apply an all-natural, leave-in conditioner or a light oil to moisturise the hair, making it easier to comb. If you do have to brush your child’s hair when it’s dry, rather use a spray bottle with water to prevent the hair from frizzing.
4. Caring for straight hair
For straight hair, it’s best to use a soft brush with natural bristles and start by brushing from the bottom, working your way up to avoid tangles. You might want to avoid overwashing straight hair as this can strip the natural oils and lead to dryness and hair breakage.
5. Caring for thick hair
You need to keep thick hair hydrated with a moisturising shampoo and conditioner. Again, a wide-tooth comb is your best option for thick, coarse hair and it’s best to detangle the hair when it’s wet with conditioner. This makes it quicker to detangle and minimises breakage.
6. Caring for fine hair
Babies and toddlers with fine hair require a gentle shampoo formulation and a soft brush with natural bristles to avoid damaging the delicate strands.
The best hair care routine for babies
Every family’s routine will differ, but working your baby’s hair care routine into their bedtime routine will create a calming environment. You can start by brushing your baby’s hair with a soft brush with natural bristles to remove tangles and relax them. If your baby enjoys it, then gently massage their scalp to promote better sleep. This makes hair care a relaxing and enjoyable experience for both of you.
As baby grows into a toddler, you may want to transition to a brush with slightly firmer (but still gentle) bristles in order to detangle and care for their new head of hair. Your toddler may also want to brush their own hair (or even yours) and this is a lovely way for your child to build independence and begin learning daily hygiene habits.
It’s important to use a brush with natural bristles as these are
✔️ More gentle on the scalp especially for sensitive babies.
✔️ Better at distributing natural oils evenly.
✔️ Better at reducing static and minimising frizz.
Little Weasel has the perfect range of combs and brushes designed for little ones, created using all-natural products.
✔️ The ultra-soft Beech Baby Hairbrush is made from 100% goat's wool bristles and sturdy, eco-friendly beech wood.
✔️ Make bath time better with Little Weasel’s Tiny Bather Brushes. These flexible silicone brushes wash baby's scalp to remove cradle cap and dry, flaky skin while massaging the head.
✔️ For the toddlers there’s the Kids' Mixed Bristle Brush to tame those lovely locks, or the Kids Detangler Brush to prevent tears when detangling those stubborn knots.
Shop for these and more at Little Weasel today!
