A newborn's first haircut typically consists of a quick trim to a few strands. As babies grow and become babies, however, hair also tends to get longer. There are several reasons why parents choose to cut a small child's hair themselves, such as fear of the child's reaction to the hairdresser, financial reasons or sheer convenience. The next steps will help you when it's time to cut your baby's hair.
Steps
Step 1. Organize the cut at a time when the baby looks happy and is fine
- Do not try to cut your child's hair if he is tired, hungry or not feeling well.
- Avoid cutting your baby's hair before an important event. Start popping them a couple of weeks early so you don't feel pressured. Your nervousness may be passing on to your child.
Step 2. Practice the day before
Exercise without actually cutting your hair to prepare your baby for what lies ahead. You could pretend and mimic the movement of a haircut, so your child knows what to expect
Step 3. Offer him plenty of distractions during the cut
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Prepare some of the child's favorite activities so that he can play with them; be careful, however, to choose games that do not require too much movement.
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Use a TV show or his favorite DVD to distract him.
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Keep several items close at hand to give your baby to distract him. Objects that you generally don't allow him to touch work very well to attract his attention, such as jewelry, an older brother's or sister's toys, or something new.
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Offer him his favorite snack while cutting. A couple of crackers or chips will keep him busy for some time, but preventing cut hair from getting on food can be challenging.
Cut a Toddler's Hair Step 3Bullet4 - If possible, get someone to help distract the child.
Step 4. Tie the baby in the high chair
A high chair with a low back is the best solution, as it will allow you to reach all sides of the hair from different angles
Step 5. Use specially designed scissors to cut your hair
- Do not use household scissors, as they may be worn and will not allow you to get a clean cut. They could also pull out the baby's hair.
- You can find hair cutting scissors in the supermarket, but also in the pharmacy.
- Use these scissors only to cut your hair to keep it sharp.
Step 6. Prepare the area and baby for the cut
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Place a towel or newspaper on the floor to catch fallen hair.
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Wrap a towel or sheets around the baby's shoulders so that their hair does not fall over them.
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Use a sprayer to gently moisten the strands of hair. Try not to spray the whole head, you may annoy the baby.
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Step 7. Trim the baby's hair
- Use a thin comb to comb your hair. Then divide a section and secure it with your fingers at the desired length. Cut above the finger line. Repeat for each strand, keeping the length unchanged.
- Work in parts. If the baby gets impatient, you can take a break and start over with the rest of the hair later.
Step 8. Praise and compliment him
Tell your child how good he was and praise him for sitting without moving
Advice
- Start from the front. The child will be more patient and willing to sit still at the start of the cut.
- Have the child observe someone else having their hair cut beforehand, such as another family member, so that he or she gets acquainted with the process and does not frighten him.
- Trim your hair regularly. Quick snacks will get your child used to getting their hair cut, without having to undergo particularly long sessions.
