When Should Baby’s Hair Be Cut For The First Time?

Many parents wonder when it’s time to cut their baby’s hair for the first time. In reality, it is an individual issue that affects each child differently, based on his characteristics. In any case, it will be a decision that will be up to his parents.

The decision to cut the baby’s hair for the first time  depends mainly on an agreement between the parents. It has nothing to do with medical or aesthetic issues. Contrary to popular belief, hair does not grow back stronger after it has been cut.

In general, babies are born with a certain amount of hair. In some it is abundant, while in others it is barely seen. This difference is due to the genetic condition of the baby. However, it does not constitute a guarantee to avoid baldness in the future.

Just like her nails and the rest of her hair, baby’s hair is brittle. For this reason, they will tend to fall during the first days of life, especially on the side of the head that is supported: the back.

When is the right time to cut baby’s hair?

There is no set time to cut your baby’s hair. The decision will depend on the parents, their wishes and their common sense. An important consideration to make before making this decision comes from knowing that a baby regulates its body temperature through the head. It must therefore be taken into account that a premature cut could expose it to the cold.

Another important consideration is recognizing all the changes a baby goes through after birth. She is just starting to get used to living outside the womb and being exposed to a large number of stimuli. It is for this reason that some specialists recommend  waiting one to two months before making the first cut.

A good reason for postponing hair cutting is that  babies start supporting their heads from three months on. In this way the operation becomes easier, because at 5 or 6 months they already sit alone.

How should you cut your baby’s hair?

There are those who prefer to cut their baby’s hair at home. Some parents entrust this task to children’s hairdressers. Either way, it’s just a matter of equalizing a few points – a pair of rounded-tipped scissors will do just fine.

Another way to cut your baby’s hair is to use a hair clipper. The combs allow you to select the size to which we want to shorten the hair. When using this machine, we must not put pressure on the baby’s head or be in too much of a hurry.

The best time to cut your baby’s hair is when he is quiet, perhaps because he has finished eating or is distracted by a toy. It is not necessary to wet the hair to cut it, since its strands are very thin.

Recommendations for cutting baby’s hair

• Safety first of all. While cutting your baby’s hair is not very risky, there are still some precautions that are important to take. For example, the head must be supported firmly to avoid sudden movements. Also, the first time you may need the help of a third person.
• Another important preventive measure is to avoid leaving the scissors or the hair clipper within reach of the baby. Especially if the child has already achieved a certain range of motion.

• Wait for the best time. Some babies are frightened by the noise of the car or the sight of scissors. Consequently, it is best to wait for the moment when the child is most relaxed. In case of tears or discomfort, it is preferable to postpone the cut to another day.
• Measures to be taken when cutting. Placing a towel around the baby’s neck helps to collect the cut hair. After the cut, it is also possible to bathe the baby, to eliminate any discomfort due to the presence of hair.
• Avoid using razor blades. In no case should razors be used to cut the baby’s hair. The razor blades can be very invasive and cause lacerations in the baby’s scalp.

The cradle cap and the baby’s first cut

The cradle cap is made up of scales that cover the scalp during the first few months of some babies’ life. Although its causes are unknown, we still know that it is harmless. It has a dandruff-like appearance and is yellowish.

While it shouldn’t interfere with the baby’s first cut, sometimes the scab can be very adherent to the skin. For this reason, it  is recommended to consult a specialist in advance. One way to get rid of cradle cap is to scrub your head with its soft-bristled brush.