When Should A Baby’s Hair Be Cut For The First Time?
The decision to cut the baby’s hair for the first time responds mainly to an agreement of the parents. It has nothing to do with a medical or aesthetic issue; Contrary to popular belief, hair does not grow stronger after cutting.
Babies are usually born with a certain amount of hair. In some it is abundant, while in others it is hardly seen. This difference is due to the baby’s genetic condition; however, it is not a guarantee to avoid baldness in the future.
Like the rest of your skin and nails, your baby’s hair is fragile. For this reason, in the first days of life it will tend to fall; especially in the back of his head, where he usually supports it.
What is the right time to cut the baby’s hair?
There is no set time to cut the baby’s hair. The decision will depend on the parents, their wishes and common sense. An important consideration before deciding is to know that a baby levels its body temperature through the head; keep in mind that a premature cut may expose it to the cold.
Another important consideration is to recognize all the changes that a baby undergoes at birth. She is just getting used to living outside the womb, given the exposure of so many stimuli. That is why some specialists recommend waiting one to two months for the first cut.
A good reason to put off the haircut is that from three months they begin to support their head. In this way, the process becomes easier, as after 5 or 6 months they already feel on their own.
How should the baby’s hair be cut?
There are those who prefer to cut their baby’s hair at home. Other parents leave this work to specialists in children’s hairdressers. The truth is, if it’s just about matching a few tips, a blunt-tipped scissors will do the trick.
Another way to cut your baby’s hair is with a hair clipper. Combs allow you to select the amount of hair you want to trim. When used, do not put pressure on the child’s head or use too much pressure.
The best time to cut your baby’s hair is when he is calm, either because he has finished his meal or is distracted by a toy. It is not necessary to wet the hair for a cut, as its strands are very fine.
Recommendations for cutting baby’s hair
- Safety first. Although cutting the baby’s hair does not pose great risks, some safety measures are important. For example, the head must be held firmly to avoid sudden movements; the help of a third person may be necessary the first time.
- It should also be avoided not to leave the scissors or the cutting machine close to the baby. Especially if the child already has some mobility.
- Wait for the right moment. Some babies feel distressed by the sound of the machine or the presence of the scissors; it is better to wait for the moment when you are most relaxed. In case of crying or discomfort, it is preferable to postpone the cut for another day.
- Measurements during cutting. Wrapping a towel around the baby’s neck helps retain the cut hair. You can also bathe the baby after the cut to eliminate any discomfort to the hairs.
- Avoid using blades. Under no circumstances should razors be used to cut the baby’s hair. The blades can be very invasive and cause lacerations to the child’s hair.
About cradle cap and baby’s first cut
Cradle cap is a scale that appears on the scalp during the first months of life in some babies. Although its causes are unknown, it is known to be completely harmless; It has a dandruff-like appearance and is yellowish in color.
Although it should not affect the baby’s first cut, sometimes the scab can be very attached to the skin. For this reason, it is recommended to consult a specialist beforehand. One way to remove cradle cap is to scrub your head with your soft bristle brush.
