How To Choose A Shampoo For Your Little One

No matter how experienced you are as a parent, bathing your toddler is not one of the things that you will ever find easy. Every baby has their own way of responding to water, soap, and shampoo. Some will love it while others will howl their lungs out, scaring the daylights out of you.

When the infant is just a few weeks old, you can start by gently washing their hair using a small amount of mild baby shampoo. It is always better to hold a washcloth across the baby’s forehead so that the water doesn’t enter their eyes. Since you will be using a shampoo regularly while bathing your baby, you should be aware of a few things before you choose one.

Know your baby’s skin 

More often than not, babies have supple and healthy skin, but there may be some instances when the baby has dry skin. If it’s the latter, then you must opt for a shampoo that has moisturizing properties.

The right shampoo

Several shampoos claim that they have naturally-derived ingredients to ensure that the baby is not exposed to chemicals that could be harmful to their sensitive skin. Always read the label to double-check such claims.

Ideally, a shampoo should be gentle and mild and not affect the baby’s eyes while bathing. At the same time, it should leave the baby’s hair soft and shiny. So, go for a mild shampoo that is an effective cleanser and does not make your baby’s skin dry.

It should also be free of dyes, artificial fragrance, parabens and sulphates. The shampoo should not induce tears. Also, don't go for a shampoo just because it produces a lot of foam—it is no indicator of performance.

There are many two-in-one products that double up as baby wash and shampoo. These are generally mild and you can use them as well.