As a baby-care brand, we know bath time is about comfort, safety, and a tiny bit of calm for sleep-deprived parents. Here’s a clear, evidence-backed guide on what to wash your newborn’s hair with, why it matters, and how Indimums Natural Baby Shampoo fits into a gentle newborn hair-care routine.
Quick answer
Use a tear-free, pH-balanced, mild baby shampoo no more than once or twice a week for a newborn’s hair. For flaky scalp (cradle cap), a gentle herbal shampoo with mild cleansing + moisturizing ingredients can help — combined with soft mechanical removal and oils. This approach protects the scalp’s natural oils and avoids irritation.
Why Gentle Hair Care for Newborns Matters
Delicate Scalp, Immature Barrier
A newborn’s scalp is much more sensitive than an adult’s. Over-washing or using harsh cleansers can strip the natural oils their scalp produces, leading to dryness, irritation, or more stubborn conditions like cradle cap.
What the Experts Recommend
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According to the Indian Academy of Pediatrics, baby shampoos should be fragrance-free, non-irritating to the eyes, and hair wash can typically be once or twice a week in newborns.
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For cradle cap, the Mayo Clinic advises gently rubbing the scalp, using a mild baby shampoo, then softening the scales with a small, soft-bristled brush.
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Dermatologists also recommend using a fragrance-free or specially formulated shampoo if cradle cap persists, and massaging gently during wash to help loosen flakes.
How Often Should You Wash a Newborn’s Hair?
Based on expert guidance and research:
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Newborns (0–3 months): Once or twice a week is typically sufficient.
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If cradle cap is present: Some experts suggest more frequent washing (even daily), especially during flare-ups, to soften and lift the scales.
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Maintenance after cradle cap clears: You may reduce frequency again to 2–3 times a week to prevent buildup.
If you’ve wondered “Can I wash my baby’s hair every day?”, check out our in-depth post: Can I wash my baby’s hair everyday?— we discuss when daily washing is okay (or not), signs that your baby needs more or less frequent shampooing, and how to protect their skin barrier
What to Look for in a Newborn Shampoo (And Why It Matters)
When choosing a shampoo for your baby, especially a newborn, here are key criteria:
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Tear-free and pH-balanced: Prevents eye irritation and supports scalp health.
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Mild, plant-based surfactants: Avoids harsh detergents; reduces risk of skin irritation.
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No synthetic fragrances or parabens: Minimizes allergenic risk.
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Herbal ingredients that soothe and nourish: For example, botanicals with traditional use like Reetha (Soapnut) and shikakai.
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Low-lather / easy to rinse: Helps remove residue without over-stripping, especially when using minimal shampoo.
Why Indimums Natural Baby Shampoo Is a Thoughtful Choice
Let’s talk about how Indimums Natural Baby Shampoo meets all these needs.
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Herbal base: Our formulation uses Reetha (Soapnut) and Shikakai, both traditional botanicals for gentle cleansing.
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Nourishing oils: We blend flaxseed oil (rich in omega-3) and almond oil, which help moisturize and strengthen a baby’s scalp.
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Soothing & antimicrobial support: Neem leaf extract is included to promote scalp health.
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Mild surfactant: We use decyl glucoside, a plant-based, corn-derived surfactant that is gentle and non-irritant.
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Clean preservatives & fragrance: We use food-grade potassium sorbate for preserving, and patchouli essential oil for a light, natural scent — no synthetic perfumes.
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Hypoallergenic & pH-balanced: Specifically designed to maintain scalp pH and minimize itch or irritation.
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Low foaming: Because we skip foam-boosting chemicals, lather is gentle — but effective.
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Safety advice: We strongly recommend a patch test before first use to check for sensitivity
How to Use Indimums Shampoo for Newborns (Safe Hair-Wash Routine)
Here’s a simple, newborn-friendly routine:
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Prepare for bath time: Use lukewarm water and ensure the room is warm.
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Pre-soften (if needed): If your baby has flaky scalp (cradle cap), you can apply a few drops of a gentle natural oil just before the bath, let it sit for a few minutes to soften scales.
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Apply shampoo: Take a small amount of Indimums Natural Baby Shampoo, lather it gently in your palm, and softly massage into your baby’s wet scalp.
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Loosen flakes gently: Use your fingers or a soft-bristled baby brush to gently coax off scaling (cradle cap), without rubbing too hard.
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Rinse thoroughly: Use lukewarm water, ensure all shampoo is rinsed out.
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Dry with care: Pat the scalp gently with a soft towel — avoid rubbing vigorously.
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Repeat regularly: Follow a 1–2 times a week shampooing schedule for general care, or more often during cradle cap flare-ups, then scale back once things calm
FAQs
Q1: What is the safest shampoo for newborns?
A: The safest shampoos are those that are tear-free, pH-balanced, and made with mild, plant-based ingredients. Our Indimums Natural Baby Shampoo, with Reetha, shikakai, flaxseed oil, and neem, checks all these boxes. Because it’s low-lather and gentle, it cleans without irritating delicate skin.
Q2: Can I use regular shampoo on my newborn?
A: It’s not recommended. Regular adult shampoos often contain strong surfactants, synthetic fragrances, and pH levels that may irritate a baby’s scalp. Instead, use a mild baby shampoo — like ours — for safer, gentler cleansing.
Q3: How to wash a newborn’s hair safely?
A: Use lukewarm water, apply a small amount of Indimums Natural Baby Shampoo, massage gently, rinse thoroughly, then softly pat dry. If your baby has flaky scalp, you can pre-soften with a few drops of oil and gently brush before rinsing.
Q4: How often should I shampoo my newborn’s hair?
A: As per pediatric & dermatology recommendations, 1–2 times per week is usually enough for a newborn, unless you’re managing cradle cap, in which case you may shampoo more frequently temporarily.
Q5: Is herbal shampoo safe for newborns?
A: Yes — herbal shampoos can be very safe if formulated properly. Our shampoo uses botanicals like Reetha and shikakai but is preserved safely, pH-balanced, and has been designed to avoid synthetic irritants. Clinical studies show that well-formulated natural baby products are generally well tolerated.
