First Haircut may be an intimidating endeavor and you may try to delay it as long as possible. However, at some point baby locks will get too long and you will just have to deal with it.
It is best to get the first baby haircut when your baby is able to sit up, ideally unassisted. Here are a few things to consider.
TIMING
When it comes to haircuts, timing is everything. Make sure your baby is well-rested (go after a nap or well before), well-fed (go after a meal or well before), and in an overall good mood. You may even want to get the haircut after some play time, so he will want to sit down and relax.
Day of the week is also important. If you are going to a kid hair salon, try to go on a weekday and later in the afternoon – they tend to be less busy after lunch.
LOCATION
You can cut the hair yourself (especially with a younger baby when you may not trust him to be safe at the salon). Just make sure you work on sections at a time and pull them away from the face. Some assistance may be required – someone may need to hold his head or entertain him.
Or, you can go to many of the hair salons designed specifically for kids. They are bright and cheerful, typically with fun chairs (in the shape of police cars, fire trucks, princess sleighs, etc.), small TVs showing cartoons such as Sesame street, various kid hair products and accessories and – most importantly – trained and patient kid stylists.
These places are clean, fun, and ready to deal with wiggling kids. Some of the popular chains around the country include: Snip-its and Cool Cuts 4 Kids
There are also some local salons in your area. Just do a quick web search. Cookie magazine has a nice directory of hair salons in a few big cities
ENTERTAINMENT
If you have a child, you know by now that you need to be the master entertainer coming up with one trick after another at the spur of the moment.
When you take your baby for a haircut, bring in a few books (consider even finding a book about a haircut, a few favorite toys and a new interesting one. Many salons will be showing cartoons on small TVs in front of the chair and your stylist will likely have a few other distractions. You are most likely to be in need of extra materials with a toddler. Unlike a baby who may be curious about the new process and not object much, a more independent toddler is likely to put up a small fight when someone approaches his head, so be prepared with as many distractions as you can.
APPROACH
Whether you are doing it yourself or taking your baby to a stylist, start at the most noticeable areas, in case you have to stop early. These areas are: sides (above the ears), bangs and longer hair behind the neck.
If you talk to your baby through the haircut, it may go easier. You may even want to bring your baby by a barber shop before you go for an actual haircut, so he gets an idea about what happens there. Better yet, have him watch someone he knows (such as grandpa) get a haircut. Toddlers are especially moved by example.
REWARD
A little reward may go a long way in establishing a liking for grooming. Sounds formal but it’s a fact. Promise to take your son or daughter to a favorite pizza or ice-cream shop or a zoo or science museum and a haircut will look like a step towards this reward.
Of course, every child is different and you don’t have to have a reward. If you choose one, do what your baby likes best. We all know what a happy baby looks like… Someone with great hair!
