How to Wash Your Baby’s Hair (Without Getting Shampoo in Their Eyes)

Bath time can be one of the most adorable and entertaining parts of your baby’s routine. There’s nothing quite like seeing your little one splashing around, making bubbles, and enjoying the warm water. But let’s get real—getting shampoo in their eyes can quickly turn those giggles into tears.

We’re here to help! Our guide is designed to help you master the art of confidently washing your baby’s hair. We’ll cover everything from the best ways to hold and position your squish to practical techniques for rinsing without the risk of shampoo getting in their eyes. Whether you’re a new parent still finding your rhythm or looking for ways to make bathtime smoother, we’ve got you covered.

Before we dive in, two quick things that make everything easier:

1. your baby never needs a “perfect” hair wash—just a gentle one, and . . .
2. you don’t need to wash baby hair daily. Most of the stress comes from trying to do too much, too fast, with a slippery little human.

Also: never leave your baby unattended in the bath, even for a second. If you forgot something, wrap baby in a towel and bring them with you.

When the Soap Gets in Your Eyes

Every parent has been there: You’re trying to give your baby a calm and soothing bath, and suddenly—BAM. Maybe your little one starts squirming, rubbing their eyes, or flat-out shrieks. Getting shampoo in your baby’s eyes is awful. You’ll notice:

• The Squirm Fest: Babies will squirm and wiggle, trying to escape the terrible, stinging sensation of shampoo in their eyes.

• The Waterworks: The sting of the soap will cause immediate tears and serious distress. Goodbye, relaxing, spa-like bathtime.

• The Rubdown: Babies have a natural instinct to rub their eyes when something irritates them. Unfortunately, this often means spreading soap around, worsening the irritation.

A quick soap-in-eyes moment feels dramatic, but it’s usually a short-lived problem once you rinse. Your baby isn’t being “extra.” Their eyes sting, they’re startled, and they don’t understand what happened.

If soap gets in their eyes: stay calm, rinse with clean lukewarm water right away, and keep your voice steady. Your baby will borrow your calm.

How to Wash Your Baby’s Hair (Without Getting Shampoo in Their Eyes)

Before you even think about getting your little one in the tub, get all your bathtime essentials within arm’s reach. Once you start bathing your baby, you won’t want to leave them unattended even for a second. 

Bathtime safety setup (quick and worth it): Put a non-slip mat under the baby tub if it sits inside the big tub, keep your phone out of reach (you won’t need it), and make sure your towel is already open and ready like a little baby burrito station.

Infant Bath Tub (For Newborns and Infants)

While you can bathe a newborn without a baby tub or support (bathing with your infant in the bathtub or using a sink are two options), tubs designed for babies make bathing and hair-washing way easier.

One other thing to keep in mind is your postpartum recovery. A standalone basin tub that can be used on an elevated surface or a sink insert is much gentler on your body, especially if you’ve had a C-section and bending over is painful.

Extra tip: if you’re using the sink, clear it completely first (no dishes, no sharp stuff), and keep the faucet out of your baby’s kicking range. Some babies have surprisingly strong legs.

Tear-Free Baby Shampoo

In a perfect world, bathtime would never involve tears. Until then, your BFF is a gentle, tear-free shampoo specifically designed for babies. Even if a little soapy water trickles down your baby’s face, this type of shampoo is milder and less likely to sting and irritate tiny peepers.

“Tear-free” still doesn’t mean “feels amazing in eyes.” It usually means “less irritating,” not “zero sting.” Using a tiny amount of shampoo and rinsing well matters more than the label.

Super Soft Washcloth or Sponge

A super-soft washcloth or sponge is perfect for gently washing your baby’s hair without getting that little noggin soaking wet first. Soak your washcloth, ring it out, add shampoo, and work it into a lather. We always prefer using baby-sized washcloths for newborns and infants. Typical washcloths are big and thick, making it harder to control where soapy water drips and trickles.

Rinse Cup

If you have mega anxiety about shampooing your slippery baby, a rinse cup can help ease your worries. Designed with a flexible silicone edge, rinse cups sit flush against your baby’s forehead, forming a “seal” that prevents water from getting all over their face. They also make controlling how quickly or slowly you pour much more manageable.

No rinse cup? Your hand works too. Place the side of your hand gently across the top of their forehead like a little water break, then pour slowly so water runs down the back and sides instead of straight into their eyes.

Bath Toys to Keep the Baby Distracted

Bath time can be a lot more fun (and less stressful) with a few engaging toys. Rubber duckies, floating boats, or even measuring cups swiped from your kitchen can keep your little one entertained and distracted while you wash their hair.

If your baby is still tiny and not into “toys” yet, a clean washcloth they can grab, a soft silicone teether, or a cup they can watch you pour can be plenty. The goal is a calm focus point.

Hooded Towel for Drying

A cozy hooded towel is perfect for wrapping your baby up right after their bath. The hood helps keep their head warm and dry—especially important for newborns who can’t yet regulate their temperature and lose body heat quickly.

Have the towel open before you start and position it within arm’s reach. The fastest way to turn a happy bath into a screaming bath is the cold-air moment right after you lift baby out.

Baby Brush, Comb, or Detangler

A soft-bristled baby brush or a comb is essential for gently detangling and styling your baby’s hair after washing. These tools are designed to be gentle on sensitive scalps and fine hair. A baby-safe detangler can make brushing easier and prevent knots for babies with more hair or curly locks.

If your baby has curly hair, go slow and gentle. Hair care can turn into a sensory event quickly—especially when they’re already tired from the bath.

The Best Shampooing Techniques

We promise that a few simple and effective shampooing moves will make bathtimes tear-free! Here’s how to keep your baby’s hair clean and happy.

• Find the Perfect Spot for Your Tub. If you’re bathing a newborn or young baby, using a sink-insert tub or standalone tub with an infant sling on your countertop will save your back and make washing your newborn’s hair a breeze. Eliminating the need to hunch over a floor tub while in postpartum recovery? Yes, please.
• Just Add Water. Add just a few inches—your baby won’t be totally submerged—of warm water (about 100°F). Double-check the temperature with your wrist or elbow to make sure it’s not too hot or cold.
• Position Your Baby. If you’re scub-a-dubbing in an infant tub, a washcloth behind your baby can help prevent them from slipping down. If you’re shampooing an older baby who’s sitting independently, plop them onto a non-skid mat to keep them from sliding around.
• Wet Their Hair and Shampoo (Young Babies). We like the washcloth method for young babies still reclining in infant bathtubs: Wet a washcloth with warm water, ring it out, and apply a small amount of baby shampoo. Gently rub the washcloth over your baby’s scalp, focusing on their hair and avoiding their face. Rinse your cloth and use it to squeeze clean water over your baby’s head carefully, and repeat until the shampoo is gone. If you’re still nervous about getting soap in their eyes, fold a baby washcloth and place it on their forehead to create a barrier.
• Wet Their Hair and Shampoo (Older Babies): The rinse cup is the way to go for older babies sitting independently and having graduated to the big tub. Fill it with water and gently pour it over your baby’s head, aiming towards the back to keep the water away from their face. (You can also shield their forehead with your hands if they’re especially squirmy). Add a small amount of tear-free shampoo to their head, lather, and rinse again. Remind them to look at the ceiling when you’re rinsing!

A few technique upgrades that reduce eye-soap incidents fast:

• Use less shampoo than you think you need. A tiny dab goes a long way on baby hair.
• Rinse from back to front, not front to back. Pour water at the crown/back of the head and let it run away from the face.
• Slow pours beat fast pours. A gentle trickle gives you time to redirect if baby turns their head.
• Anchor your baby with a “safety hand.” One hand supports baby (neck/upper back for little ones). The other hand does the washing/rinsing. Set up your tools so you never need two hands at once.

When bath time is over, wrap your nugget in a soft, hooded towel. The hood helps keep their noggin warm and dry, as babies can lose heat quickly through their heads. Use a gentle patting motion (rather than rubbing) to dry your little one’s hair. Rubbing can create tangles—yikes! Patting ensures that you soak up the moisture without causing any discomfort.

Post-Bath Haircare

While many babies don’t need additional hair products, there are situations where a little extra TLC can be beneficial:

• Oil or Moisturizer: If your baby has a flaky scalp or eczema, a small amount of oil or a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer can help. Apply a tiny bit to your hands, rub them together, and gently massage it into your baby’s scalp. This can help keep their scalp hydrated and prevent dryness. And if your little one has eczema, it can help loosen flakes.
• Detangling Spray: For babies with longer or curly hair, a baby-safe detangling spray can make brushing easier and prevent knots. Choose a product that is gentle, hypoallergenic, and specifically formulated for babies. Spray a small amount onto the hair and gently brush through to ensure it’s evenly distributed. (Curly girl editorial moment: Wet Brushes are a lifesaver.)

For newborns and infants, use a soft-bristled brush and gently brush through your baby’s hair, starting from the scalp and moving outwards. Brushing can help stimulate the scalp and promote healthy hair growth. Plus, it’s a great way to bond with your little one and provide them with some additional relaxation.

If your baby runs cold easily, you can keep the bathroom warm, shut the door during the bath, and dry their head first. 

Is There Dry Shampoo for Babies?

Yes, dry shampoo for babies is a thing. Designed specifically for those times when a full bath isn’t in the cards, baby dry shampoo is gentle, tear-free, and super easy to use. Just sprinkle or spray a little on your baby’s hair, massage it in, and voilà—fresh, clean hair without the fuss of water. It’s perfect for busy days or quick clean-ups when friends or family drop by unexpectedly.

Important caveat: baby dry shampoo can be handy, but it’s not a must-have and it’s not a daily solution. Powders and sprays can be irritating (or worse) if inhaled or used too close to baby’s face. If you use one, apply sparingly, keep it away from eyes/nose/mouth, and stop using it if you notice irritation. A warm washcloth wipe-down often does the job just as well.

Baby Haircare FAQs

Q: How often should you wash your baby’s hair?

A: For newborns and young infants, washing their hair 1-2 times a week is almost always sufficient. As they get older and more active, you can increase this to 2-3 times a week or as needed, especially if they get sweaty or dirty.

Q: What kind of shampoo should you use for your baby?

A: Look for a gentle, tear-free baby shampoo specifically formulated for their delicate skin and eyes. Avoid shampoos with harsh chemicals, strong fragrances, or potential allergens.

Q: What should you do if soap does get in your baby’s eyes?

A: If soap gets in your baby’s eyes, rinse them immediately with clean, lukewarm water. Use a soft, wet cloth to wipe away any soap residue gently. Give your little one plenty of TLC and remain calm to help them settle down.

Q: Can you wash your baby’s hair in the sink instead of the tub?

A: Absolutely! Washing your baby’s hair in the sink can be a great alternative, especially for newborns and young infants (or if you’ve had a C-section). Just make sure the water temperature is comfortable and all your supplies are within reach.

Q: How can you make sure the bath water is the right temperature?

A: Aim for a bath water temperature around 100°F—just about your baby’s body temperature. You can test the water with your elbow or a bath thermometer to ensure it’s neither too hot nor too cold.

Q: Can you use conditioner on your baby’s hair?

A: For most babies, conditioner isn’t necessary—their hair is usually fine, soft, and manageable. However, if your baby has particularly dry or curly hair, you can use a small amount of a gentle, baby-safe conditioner. Be sure to rinse it out thoroughly.

Q: What should you do if your baby has cradle cap?

A: Cradle cap is super common and usually harmless. To help loosen the flakes, try gently massaging your baby’s scalp with coconut or olive oil before shampooing. Use a gentle, tear-free shampoo, and brush thoroughly after toweling off.

You can try over-the-counter treatments if gentle washing and brushing aren’t enough to clear up your little one’s skin. Special shampoos are available that are formulated with pyrithione zinc to help with cradle cap. Follow the instructions and avoid getting the shampoo in your baby’s eyes.

Q: What’s the easiest way to hold a newborn for hair washing?

A: Support the head and neck with one hand, keep baby’s body stable in a reclined infant tub or sling, and use a damp washcloth to control water. If you’re in the big tub, you can cradle baby’s head in the crook of your arm and keep their head slightly elevated so water runs backward, not toward the face.

Q: What’s the easiest way to hold a newborn for hair washing?

A: Support the head and neck with one hand, keep baby’s body stable in a reclined infant tub or sling, and use a damp washcloth to control water. If you’re in the big tub, you can cradle baby’s head in the crook of your arm and keep their head slightly elevated so water runs backward, not toward the face.

Q: What’s the #1 mistake that leads to shampoo in baby’s eyes?

A: Too much shampoo + rinsing toward the face. Use less product and rinse from the back of the head so water runs away from the eyes.

Finding What’s Right for You

Albee Baby is the oldest family-owned specialty baby shop in the US. We pride ourselves on providing our customers with the best assortment of baby products anywhere, at fair prices, always. We’re committed to being an inclusive resource for parents and hope you feel empowered to find the right baby gear for your family. Still have questions? Feel free to contact our baby gear experts at 877.692.5233 or [email protected].