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Caring for baby's hair can be a mystery. Should you shampoo every day?

Caring for baby's hair can be a mystery. Should you shampoo every day? Is it OK to use a little mousse to tame those curls? Follow this advice from Patricia Treadwell, M.D., professor of pediatrics at Indiana University School of Medicine:

Choose baby-safe products "Babies absorb things through their skin, so the fewer ingredients you put on their skin and scalp, the better," Treadwell says. Watch out for alcohol and propylene glycol; they can be irritating to infants. And don't use adult styling gel, mousse or hairspray.

Don't over-shampoo Your baby's fine hair doesn't need daily washing. Twice a week is plenty. If she throws a fit at shampoo time, just give hair a quick swipe with a wet washcloth.

Banish cradle cap To remove the yellowish, scaly patches, massage in a bit of baby oil, leave on for half an hour, then shampoo. Be gentle, Treadwell advises. Scraping at the scales with a comb can backfire and make the condition worse.

Detangle with care It's fine to use a detangling spray made for children, Treadwell says. Choose a product with the least number of ingredients, and comb it through gently.


Gentle Baby Hair Care Aveeno Baby Wash & Shampoo, $5, at www.aveeno.com.
Burt's Bees Baby Bee Shampoo Bar, $6, at burtsbees.com.
Johnson's Buddies No More Tangles Easy-Comb Spray, $3, at johnsonsbaby.com.
Kiehl's Baby Gentle Foaming Hair and Body Wash, $19, at www.kiehls.com.
ZenMomma Baby Cakes Baby Shampoo, $11, at zenmomma.com.