You don't need to shampoo your baby's hair daily - 2-3 times per week is usually enough! For newborns, even alternate-day shampooing with plain water works fine. Choose a gentle, tear-free baby shampoo (like Johnson's Baby, Himalaya, or Sebamed), use just a small coin-sized amount, and rinse thoroughly. Over-washing can strip natural oils and cause dryness. Your baby's hair care routine can be stress-free with the right approach.
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Babies have much more delicate scalps than adults. Here's what makes baby hair care unique:
Good news: You can be relaxed about baby hair washing. Less is often more when it comes to infant hair care!
Frequency: Alternate days with shampoo; plain water rinse on other days
Special note for malish (massage): If you're following the Indian tradition of daily oil massage (tel malish), you may need to shampoo more frequently to remove excess oil. Still, every alternate day is sufficient.
Frequency: 2-3 times per week
Frequency: 2-3 times per week, or as needed
| Brand | Type | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| **Johnson's Baby Shampoo** | Tear-free, mild | Everyday use, budget-friendly |
| **Himalaya Baby Shampoo** | Herbal, mild | Parents preferring natural ingredients |
| **Sebamed Baby Shampoo** | pH 5.5, dermatologist-recommended | Sensitive skin, eczema-prone babies |
| **Mamaearth Baby Shampoo** | Natural, toxin-free | Organic preference |
| **Chicco No Tears Shampoo** | Gentle, imported | Premium choice |
| **Dabur Baby Shampoo** | Ayurvedic | Traditional preference |
| **Cetaphil Baby Wash** | Soap-free, gentle | Very sensitive skin |
Budget tip: Basic tear-free shampoos work perfectly well. Expensive doesn't always mean better for babies!
Gather everything within arm's reach:
Safety first: NEVER leave baby unattended in or near water, even for a second.
Make it comfortable:
Reduce fear:
Distraction techniques:
Cradle cap (yellowish, scaly patches on scalp) is very common and harmless:
When to see doctor: If cradle cap spreads beyond scalp, becomes red/inflamed, or doesn't improve after 2 weeks of home care.
Consult your pediatrician if you notice:
Expert Insight: As Dr. Sumitra says, 'Fed is best. Formula is a completely valid choice and provides excellent nutrition.'
A: It's best to avoid adult shampoo as it's too harsh and can sting baby's eyes. In an emergency, you can wash with plain water or use a tiny amount of mild baby soap. Buy baby shampoo as soon as possible - even basic brands like Johnson's are gentle enough.
A: In Indian tradition (tel malish), oil is applied before bath and washed off with shampoo. This is perfectly fine! You can also apply a tiny amount of light oil (like coconut or almond) after bath if baby's scalp seems dry. Don't overdo it - a few drops are enough.
A: Haan, it's more about cleaning the scalp than the hair. Even babies with very little hair (ganja) benefit from gentle scalp cleaning 2-3 times a week. Use very little shampoo and focus on keeping the scalp healthy.
A: This is very common! Try these:
A: Yes, coconut oil (nariyal tel) is safe and commonly used in Indian households. Apply a small amount - you don't need to drench the scalp. If you apply oil daily, shampoo every 2-3 days to prevent buildup. Watch for any signs of irritation - some babies may be sensitive to certain oils.
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This article was reviewed by a pediatrician. Last updated: January 2025
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