How to Shampoo Newborn’s Hair

1. For the first bath, rinse your newborn's hair. Because a newborn's hair and skin are so delicate and sensitive, you don't need to use shampoo or cleansers. Pour a little plain water over your newborn's scalp for their first bath. With a soft towel, pat the newborn's scalp dry.
2. After one month, switch to a gentle baby shampoo. Purchase a shampoo designed specifically for use on newborn hair. Look for a gentle cleanser with a neutral pH level and no dyes or fragrances.
3. Fill a basin halfway with warm water. Fill a clean sink or basin with warm water to wash only your newborn's hair. The water temperature should be between 98°F (37°C) and 100°F (38°C). You can use a thermometer or dip your elbow into the water to check the temperature. The water should be warm enough to be comfortable.
4. Hold your baby's head over the water. Cradle the baby in the crook of your arm, directly over the basin of water or sink. Use your other hand to wash your hair.
5. Massage the baby's scalp with water. Dip a clean hand into the water, or a clean cloth into the water. Gently rub the newborn's scalp with your fingers or a cloth. If you want to use shampoo, apply a few drops to the baby's scalp before massaging it.
6. If necessary, rinse the shampoo from the hair. If you used shampoo on the baby's hair, wet a clean cloth and wipe the soapy hair with it. Continue to rinse and wring out the cloth until all of the soap has been removed. You can also gently rinse the soap from the baby's scalp with water. Hold your hand over the baby's brow to keep the soapy water from getting into their eyes.
7. Use a soft towel to pat dry the baby's hair. Scrubbing or pulling the towel across the baby's scalp is not recommended. Instead, blot or dab the hair dry with a towel. Consider using a microfiber towel that is extremely soft.