Infants and adults exhibit significant differences in their scalp and do not have the same shampoo requirements. Using products suitable for your baby is essential and particularly helps to prevent the onset of cradle cap. But how does one choose a shampoo for an infant?
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Which shampoo should be used for an infant?
Summary
- Washing your baby's hair: an essential practice
- Which shampoo should be used to clean a newborn's hair?
- How often should a baby's hair be washed?
- Sources
Published February 23, 2024,
updated on March 4, 2024,
by
Pauline, Head of Scientific Communication
—
5 min read
Washing your baby's hair: an essential practice.
Even if your baby only has a fine down on their head, it is important to use a shampoo as soon as you return home. Indeed, this care not only helps to remove impurities present on your child's scalp but also aids in preventing cradle cap. This condition is characterised by crusty, slightly greasy patches, ranging in colour from white to yellow, and may be surrounded by redness. Although superficial, cradle cap can sometimes cause feelings of discomfort and itching. However, it should not be scratched, as this risks injuring the scalp and causing it to bleed, which could subsequently lead to skin irritation and infection.
While it is challenging to prevent baby cradle cap, dermatologists agree that paying close attention to the infant's hygiene is paramount. The use of a suitable shampoo is among the measures to be taken to limit the risk of cradle cap occurrence.
Please note : Baby cradle cap is harmless and usually disappears on its own within a few days. However, if you notice that it persists for two weeks, oozes or bleeds, the skin around it appears swollen, or your child seems overly bothered by itching, it is advisable to consult a paediatrician or your general practitioner.
Which shampoo should be used to clean a newborn's hair?
To care for your baby during bath time, it is important to use gentle products, suitable for the delicacy of their skin and scalp. Here are some tips to combine hygiene and protection when it comes to baby shampoo.
Use a product formulated for babies.
A very gentle and hypoallergenic shampoo is recommended to provide a pleasant and effective wash for your child. These formulas are designed to minimise the risk of allergies. This is particularly important for infants whose scalp and skin overall are delicate and highly permeable. Their epidermis, approximately 20% thinner than that of adults, absorbs bacteria, pollution particles, and also allergens contained in certain cosmetic products more easily.
Check the list of ingredients.
Some active ingredients found in shampoos and other care products are not suitable for a baby's scalp. For greater safety and peace of mind, we recommend checking the INCI list of shampoos before choosing one. Among the elements to avoid for babies, we can notably mention the allergens, the fragrance agents, the irritating sulfated surfactants (sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium dodecyl sulfate...), the oils essential (bergamot, lemon, bay laurel, palmarosa, verbena...) and the alcohols (isopropyl alcohol, polyvinyl alcohol...).
Invest in a shampoo with a neutral pH.
To best respect the protective barrier of your baby's scalp, we recommend you prioritise shampoos with a neutral Hydrogen potential (pH).
Choosing a baby shampoo for body and hair.
If you wish, you can certainly choose a baby shampoo for body and hair that will allow you to save money without compromising hygiene for your child. As with a regular shampoo, we recommend that you pay close attention to the INCI list of the product and choose a care product formulated for infants.
How often should a baby's hair be washed?
While it is crucial to carry out a daily cleanse for your baby, washing their hair every day is not advised and may weaken it and dry out their scalp. Indeed, babies have a naturally vulnerable skin that is prone to irritations and dryness. To avoid further weakening their skin barrier, it is recommended to shampoo their hair two to three times a week. The ideal and most convenient time to do this is during their bath.
Sources
DARMSTADT G. L. & al. Neonatal skin care. Pediatric Clinics of North America (2000).
HACHEM J. P. & al. Infant epidermal skin physiology: adaptation after birth. British Journal of Dermatology (2012).
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