There are a handful of things that every parent has to go through with her baby that is unpleasant, yet necessary. First haircuts are on that list right below vaccinations and teething. Sooner or later, you’re going to have to take your little mister or miss to a barber or hair salon and tame those cute curls. 
Don’t panic, you’ll both make it through this monumental haircut, and with some careful preparation, you’ll be enjoying your baby’s new look with minimal resistance.
Here are a few tips to make your first haircut (and the next several) less stressful for everyone involved:
You go first- Take your little one to watch you have your haircut. Make sure that you have an extra pair of hands with you, because you’ll be in the chair and won’t be able to baby-chase. The important thing is that your little man sees that you are okay with the process and that you trust the person cutting your hair.
Take pictures- Take before and after photos, not only for your scrapbook, but so that you can show him the cause and effect aspect of the experience. Make a big deal out of it. If you have a digital camera, you can immediately show him how he looked before his “big boy” haircut and after.
Dress down- Have her wear play clothes. Babies are naturally squirmy and there is more of a chance that hair will wiggle under the cape. If you’re planning on going somewhere after his trim is over, bring an extra outfit. Hair can be sharp and poke his delicate skin if it’s stuck in his clothes.
Call ahead- Whether you’ve made an appointment or you are going to a walk-in salon, call them 20 minutes ahead of time to see how long the wait will be. The less time you spend waiting for your son’s turn, the better. You don’t want him to be irritated about the wait before he even gets in the chair.
Avoid nap time- Don’t take your little one to the salon during his normal nap time. Some parents think that this technique is a good idea, because their babies may be more passive if they are sleepy. Wrong-o. It just invites cranky to the party.
Bring some toys- Don’t rely on the salon to have toys or books for your child’s entertainment. Bring things that won’t be messy and you know he’ll like. Try to avoid items that are made of fabric as they may collect hair.
Be her booster- If you have a nervous baby (like mine), have her sit on your lap. You’ll need to wear a cape, too, but if he’s more comfortable in your arms during new experiences, this is not the time to take a chance.
Uncover his hands- After his cape is on, let him put his hands out. It will help him feel more in control of his situation. Give him a toy for each hand.
Talk it through- As the haircut progresses, explain what’s happening step by step. Try to keep it light and airy, making it sound fun and completely normal.
Choose your words wisely- If your munchkin is a mover and shaker, which is usually the case, avoid telling him something that might frighten him like, for instance, that he could get his ear cut off. You don’t want this to be traumatic. Instead, tell him that it will take longer if he’s not still, or that his hair could turn out silly looking.
Keep your cool- When it comes time for the clippers, he may get nervous, most kids do. Laugh about how they buzz like a bee and happily warn him that they may tickle. If he’s still uncertain, stay calm. Continue to talk to him gently and cheerfully, even if he cries. Hold his hand or pat his knee for reassurance.
Hug and praise him- Positive reinforcement goes a long way. Tell him how good he looks and how proud you are of him, even if the haircut could have gone smoother. He’ll associate haircuts with loving warm-fuzzies and make him feel like a real “big boy”.
Getting through the first haircut can be nerve-racking for both of you, and, sometimes, even the stylist. If you stay calm and positive, he’ll tune into your mood and it will ease some of his anxiety. Once you get through the first haircut, you’ll feel more confident. Even if it doesn’t go off without a minor hitch or two, you’ll know what to expect on your next visit, and can adjust your preparations accordingly. After a couple cuts, he’ll be a pro, too and it’ll soon be just another errand.
Image Source: flickr.com/photos/79493961@N00/4331735550
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