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Why brushing your baby’s hair should be part of your daily routine

Why you need to make brushing baby's hair a daily habit

NewFolks
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You make a habit of brushing your hair every day to keep it healthy. But should you brush your baby’s adorable little hair every day as well? Believe it or not, brushing a baby’s hair isn’t solely about detangling. Although your teeny tot may not have much hair yet, it’s still a good idea to incorporate brushing into your routine.

It takes just a few minutes per day, and you’ll notice the benefits long after hair time is over. Yes, there are perks for you and your bundle of joy when it comes to daily hair care. Let’s take a look at the top six reasons you’ll want to start brushing your little one’s precious locks right away.

Baby getting their hair combed
Dusan Petkovic/Shutterstock

Why you should brush your baby’s hair

It’s a bonding experience

Touch is a significant component of bonding with your baby. Brushing your baby’s hair provides valuable touch time between you two that helps with feelings of safety and security.

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We know that skin-to-skin contact within the first hours of birth helps normalize baby’s body temperature, regulate their heart rate, and encourage better breastfeeding. As you continue to interact with your child, this touch provides continued support for your baby’s development.

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Brushing encourages blood flow and a healthy scalp

Soft bristles massage baby’s scalp and help encourage blood flow. The soft bristles brush off loose skin and increase circulation to the follicles. Just like scalp massage in adults, this encourages healthy hair growth. It also reduces dry skin on the scalp.

Brushing regularly reduces your baby’s chances of developing cradle cap, a condition that causes the skin on the scalp to become dry and then flake. Brushing lowers the intensity of an active case of cradle cap by gently helping the skin on the scalp to turn over, reducing irritation on that sensitive head.

It helps build a bedtime routine

A soothing bedtime routine is an effective way to settle babies down at night so they’ll sleep more soundly. Just like a warm bath helps your child calm down at bedtime, brushing your baby’s hair should be a sweet part of the nighttime routine.

A bedtime routine that has calming and repetitive aspects helps your baby learn what to expect from the evening and is soothing to your child. Brushing takes only a few minutes but helps flood the brain with chemicals that relax baby.

Brushing trains your baby for better grooming routines

It’s best to start developing good habits and routines as early as possible. If your baby is used to brushing their hair and continues this habit throughout childhood, you may not have trouble later. While some children develop a dislike for having their hair brushed (it hurts!), you may want to start as soon as possible, even before they actually have hair.

It helps with relaxation

Brushing hair is a soothing activity that helps your baby relax. If your little one has trouble going down for a nap, try brushing their hair gently just before naptime. If your tiny tot is fussy, a quick hair brushing could be just the thing they need to calm down.

It’s also helpful to do it just before your baby eats. Brushing your baby’s hair gently before mealtime could soothe and settle a fussy child down enough to want to eat.

It helps soothe the nervous system

Brushing also helps trigger a nervous system response that relaxes your baby. Relaxed babies sleep better, learn better, and become more focused later in life. This soothing activity will serve them well in the long run.

A parent brushing a baby's hair

Tips for brushing your baby’s hair

How to help make brushing one of your favorite parts of the day

  • Start as early as possible, even if baby doesn’t have hair yet.
  • Soft bristles are key. A gentle-bristle brush protects your baby’s delicate skin and prevents injuries. Never use an adult brush for your baby.
  • Brush in the direction of the hair to reduce any tangles and encourage blood flow. Use a circular motion around the crown of the head. Follow the direction of the hair to prevent discomfort.
  • Brush when your baby’s hair is dry. A dry scalp is less likely to become irritated, and dry hair won’t tear as easily. Allow your baby’s hair to dry naturally and then brush for a few minutes.
  • Use a serum meant for a baby. If frequent scalp issues plague that precious head, use a gentle serum with the soft bristle brush. The brush helps work the serum into your baby’s scalp to moisturize and heal the skin.

Brushing your baby’s hair enhances your bedtime routine and strengthens the bond between you and your little human. The act of brushing your child’s hair not only encourages a healthy scalp and hair growth, but helps you and your little one relax. With a simple act of brushing your baby’s hair, you’ll have a healthy, happy, calm child. And a calmer baby makes for a calmer parent, so everyone benefits from some quality bristle time.

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