The Mom I Want to Be

 

Ages: 9 months and up

Forget “Lather. Rinse. Repeat.” As every parent of a shampoo-phobe knows, it’s hard enough just to get a few suds into — and then back out of — that little tangle of hair. Make washing more fun and ease your child’s fears with one or more of these tried-and-true techniques.

 

Hello, Dolly! (12 months and up) Let your child shampoo her own baby’s hair (use an already-bedraggled doll or one made specifically for the bath) while you shampoo hers. It’ll both distract her and get her more comfortable with the hair-washing process in general.

 

Get in Gear (12 months and up) What kids hate about shampoo, of course, is that soapy water trickles into their eyes. That’s why child-size goggles, a swim mask, or a snug-fitting visor can take the sting out of the whole experience. (These are easiest to use when kids have short hair.)

 

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall (9 months and up) Putting up an unbreakable, bath-safe mirror lets your tot watch as you give him a unicorn’s horn, a pair of antlers, or even a spiked mohawk, the promise of which is sure to make those shampoo suds infinitely more appealing.

 

Eye Spy (12 months and up) One of the easiest ways to keep soap out of your child’s peepers? Have her look up during the rinse cycle. To ensure her cooperation, place an eye-catching poster on the ceiling and ask her if she sees, say, the dog by the tree. Or blow soap bubbles toward the ceiling for her to look at.

 

Control the Flow (9 months and up) A large plastic funnel or even a small watering can allows you to rinse with more precision — and doubles as a toy.