Shaving a baby’s head makes the hair grow thicker and stronger
Most of us have heard this statement that shaving a baby’s head makes the hair grow thicker and stronger. In Indian culture shaving baby’s head is considered auspicious and is done in the guidance of a professional person. The rituals are plenty and the occasion is called Mundan ceremony. Usually it is a gathering of family and friends followed by a grand and elaborate meal.
Hair is a precious possession for every individual. Few people are fortunate and have good hair. They take pride in the quality and quantity of hair. Be it a myth or reality, most religions in India practice the ritual of shaving baby’s head prior to the baby being 1 year old.
The mundan is performed on a specific date at an auspicious time. The day and time is decided by a priest based on the time of the birth. Different religions follow different customs and they select pilgrim spots to visit for conducting this ritual. Entire family travel and conduct this ceremony.
Shaving baby’s head –Tradition
Elders and experts strongly advocate that shaving baby’s head is only a tradition and a custom. This practice has nothing to do with hair growth. Hair growth depend on the hair follicle and whatever is done above the scalp will not affect the hair growth. 
People believe that all impurities are cleaned with this ritual. It is a new beginning.However, when the hair is cut and new hair starts growing, the hair looks thick and healthy due to uniform growth
When to shave baby’s head
Even though some religions practice cutting hair on when the baby is nine days old. The only caution is that the baby’s head is soft and any turn or unpredictable moment can result in serious injuries. It’ll be better if the shaving is done when the head has hardened and the baby can be managed. The other caution is that the soft spothas to be gently dealt with under the supervision of elders and professionals.
Tips to follow while Shaving baby’s head
- Go thru’ the list of tips to be followed while shaving baby’s head. This will avoid any unforeseen accidents and worries.
- Preferably conduct the shaving of baby’s head in the day time. Baby is less cranky and there will be sufficient light too.
- Keep baby comfortable and for sure distracted with the items of his choice, colorful images , music of the baby’s liking.Understand how to soothe your crying baby.
- Use a baby soap to lather the head prior to the shaving process.
- Keep cleaning the razor using disinfectant diluted in warm water. Also keep rinsing the baby’s head too with warm water.
- Keep the baby engaged with conversation. Ensure baby is busy such that the professional person conducting the job can complete the tasks uninterrupted. Feed baby prior to starting the shaving job.
- After the shaving of head is done, give your child a good bath with lukewarm water so that all the hair fallen over the body gets washed off.
- Apply disinfectant and after that moisturizer on your baby’s head. This will prevent drying and itching of the scalp. In Indian tradition a mixture of sandalwood (chandan) and turmeric powder (haldi) is applied. Chandan gives cooling effect and turmeric is popular for its antiseptic properties.
- Ensure the barber’s tools for shaving baby’s head are all sterilized and in good condition. Applicable if you are visiting a holy place to perform the ceremony.
Shaving the baby’s head is not a bid deal but then you need to conduct this task safely and in the guidance of elders and professionals only. Further read: How should I treat the scaly flakes on my babies head?
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