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Parenting

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Original poster

best way to wash toddler's hair?

16 replies

vannah · 29/03/2008 20:45

Ive never really known an easy way. DH and I have always taken DS out of bath and lean him over and wash his hair. But he is getting a bit heavy for that now.

He is 2.5 and quite frightened of the shower going on his head.

An easy way? Do you just tell them to close their eyes and then go for it?

thanks

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bellavita · 29/03/2008 20:49

I used to fold a flannel up and put it across their forehead, they would then tip their head back for the water bit, using a beaker to pour the water over gently.

The flannel mopped up most of the water.

TurkeyLurkey · 29/03/2008 20:51

I'm not sure if there are any fancy gadgets you can get to stop the soap getting in their eyes, but I found the easiest thing to do was make DH get in the bath with them and wash their hair, rinsing it with jugs of fresh water from the bath tap. I'd give mine a sponge to hold over their eyes to stop the soap getting in. I just used to get it over with in about 30 seconds.

dizzydixies · 29/03/2008 20:51

as quickly as possible sorry!
or get him to lie back and 'float' in the water so you can rinse it
agree with flannel on forehead
stick something on ceiling (Sticker etc) for him to look up at when rinsing it out

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LyraSilvertongue · 29/03/2008 20:51

I do DSs' in the bath and use a small jug to rinse with their heads tipped back.
Don't use the shower head if he's scared.

gigglewitch · 29/03/2008 20:54

my DS1 has always hated it, he is 7 now. we go armed with halos n' horns shampoo (which doesn't have anything they're allergic to in it, and he says it doesn't sting or make too many bubbles) and a mirror, toy spider and spare towel. He does most of the shampooing bit himself, then laughs at his spiky hair in the mirror, then the spider goes on to the shower rail and he looks at it whilst we pour clean water over his hair (which fortunately is reasonably short), towel at the ready on the side of the bath in case any goes in his ears or eyes, as he hates both of these. At last we have it sussed
The same approach also works on DD who is 2.4, she doesn't mind water on her face but is a bit stressed by the hair-washing thing.

PotPourri · 29/03/2008 20:55

A jug, get him to close his eyes - make it a game, call it a waterfall, call it a jug hat, pretend it is a raincloud opening on his head etc. And teach him to hold a flannel over his eyes during and after to stop it nipping. I think you need to teach him the skills that you use to wash your hair - i.e close your eyes and don't breath in, and tip head back etc.

Don't use the shower if he is scared, you could ruin the whole bath experience!!

Original poster

vannah · 29/03/2008 20:59

what great ideas - thankyou
will try the flannel, something to look at and halos n horns shampoo
love the waterfall!

OP posts:

Botbot · 29/03/2008 20:59

Remember those big yellow polystyrene shampoo shields Mothercare used to sell years ago? I just checked their website and they don't seem to do them any more. I had one throughout my childhood and it really did the job.

Waswondering · 29/03/2008 21:00

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

LyraSilvertongue · 29/03/2008 21:01

Botbot I had one of those too. The closest I could get for my DC was an inflatable one which didn't really do the job.

nobodysfool · 29/03/2008 21:07

This is supposed to be really good.

www.betterlifehealthcare.com/view_product.php?prodID=5346

My ds used to srean blue murder when having his hair washed bit i just got on with it through gritted teeth.
I found that a flannel was better to wet his hair for the shampoo then rinse it with the flannel(or a sponge would work better).I can put my hand around his forehead so form a seal then rinse,rinse,rinse with the flannel.He really doesn't mind it being done this way.

nobodysfool · 29/03/2008 21:17

Do you mean these botbot?

www.safetots.co.uk/69.htm?source=webgains&siteid=35336

Botbot · 29/03/2008 21:34

They were bigger than that, and more halo-like. Like a wide-brimmed straw hat plonked on the top of your head, but made of polystyrene and bright yellow. And they were quite good to take bites out of too (which is probably why they don't sell them any more).

staryeyed · 29/03/2008 21:49

We brought a bright yellow one from ebay was excellent but after about 6 months of use it started leaking and we have never been able to find the same again and every other has leaked. Its a nightmare washing Ds hair now.

LyraSilvertongue · 29/03/2008 21:50

Yes, they were round and kind of crinkly textured. And thicker.

mum2twogorgeousboys · 03/04/2008 21:06

Has anyone tried goggles? Guess it depends if your children have worn them before for swimming but my sons will happily have showers with water and soap pouring down their faces if they have their goggles on!

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