Hair and scalp care

Some babies arrive in the world with a shock of hair, while others can be virtually bald for months. You’ll usually find that the hair your baby is born with has little relation to the hair they’ll have in toddlerhood, and as an adult.

It’s important to get your baby used to gentle hair washing as part of their bathing regime, and making it a pleasant and unthreatening experience.

Hair washing

Experts recommend washing your baby’s hair once every few days in her main bath (for daily washing, a sponge bath is best for your newborn) with the bath water, and then once or twice a week with baby shampoo from 12 weeks onwards. Try to make sure that you don’t splash your baby’s face with water, as this can distress them and put them off hair washing for a long time. Using a tiny amount of shampoo and rinsing with a soft washcloth, as opposed to pouring water over their head, will help to minimize splash risks. Watch gurgle's video, washing your baby's hair, for further advice.

Cradle cap – what is it?

Some babies develop a condition known as ‘cradle cap’, which is characterized by scaly patches that form on the scalp. This is completely harmless and causes your baby no discomfort, although it can appear unsightly. There are special shampoos available that can help clear up cradle cap (ask your pharmacist for advice); alternately, gently rub a little olive oil into your baby’s scalp for 20 minutes or so to loosen the scales, and then shampoo them off. Avoid picking off the scales, as this can cause an infection. To find out more, read gurgle's article on cradle cap.

The information on this feature is intended for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your health, the health of your child or the health of someone you know, please consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional.