5 Brilliant Ways to Amuse Your Toddler During Their First Haircut

We all know ourselves just how much better we feel when we’ve had a haircut. In fact, a good haircut or style change can sometimes be just what we need to get out of that classic ‘Mummy Rut’. Well, guess what… it feels exactly the same for our kids! OK, maybe not exactly the same, but even a tiny trim can be enough to give kids a bit of a boost, and add a touch of excitement to their day (not to mention we’re less likely to be pulling our own hair out trying to untangle knots and pick dried snot out of the ends!).

But we’re going to be honest here… that very first haircut isn’t always easy, especially if you’ve got very active kids who can’t think of anything worse than sitting still (which is most kids!) It is, however, an important milestone, so the more enjoyable and less stressful we can make it for both us and for our toddlers the better. Here are 5 great ways to amuse your toddler and make haircuts fun and exciting:

1. Play a Game

Your toddler might love playing board games at home, but the problem with these types of games is that it’s hard to play them without a large flat surface. Instead, while your toddler is in the chair, try suggesting some new types of games that need no equipment to play. Good ones to play during a haircut are the A-Z game which is perfect for children who are just learning about letters, or the colour game which is better for younger children who aren’t quite as confident with their ABCs. Here’s how to play:

A-Z Game:

Start with A and encourage your child to think of a word that begins with that letter. See if you can make it all the way through the alphabet. It’s best to keep the game pretty open, rather than restricted to items that are around your child, as you want to keep them as still as possible, not looking all around! 

Colour Game:

This game is quite similar to I Spy, except your toddler won’t need to move their head to look around the room. Instead, say ‘I’m thinking of something that’s … orange’ and see if your child can guess what you’re thinking of. Next, see if your toddler can think of any more items that are the same colour.

2. Blow bubbles

A pot of bubbles may be small, but it’s a pretty mighty weapon against haircut boredom! Pack a pot of bubbles in your bag and check with the hairdresser that it’s OK to use them inside the salon. If so, dip the wand and hold it up to your child’s mouth as they are having their hair cut, allowing them to blow their own bubbles without having to move their head. If the chair is positioned in front of a mirror, your toddler will be able to see the bubbles that they’re blowing and will forget all about having a haircut! 

3. Read a Book

For kids that love stories, taking a book to the salon is an excellent idea. Ideally, bring a favourite book that your child knows well, rather than something new. If your toddler is familiar with the story they are more likely to want to listen and join in. If you can safely sit next to your toddler without getting in the stylist’s way, try to sit where you can share the book so that your child can see the pages, enjoy the pictures, and follow along with the story. If they’re engaged, they’re less likely to move and fidget. 

4. Play Hairdresser

Did you know that there are some amazing toy barber sets and hairdressing sets available for kids? They’re usually made from brightly coloured plastic so if you’re more of a wooden toy family you may not be particularly enthused about them, but they can be a lifesaver when it comes to that first haircut! The sets usually come with a brush, comb, shaver, and bottle, and if you pack a small toy with long hair your toddler can copy the actions of the stylist, giving their doll or action figure they’re own makeover. 

5. Play a Video

As parents, we all want to limit how much our toddlers watch TV or play games on phones or tablets, and each and every one of us will have our own rules regarding screen time. However, if you’ve tried some of the above tips and you’re still feeling a bit of mummy stress coming on, don’t feel bad for doing whatever you need to do to survive! In all honesty, a smartphone playing a video is one of the best ways to keep children quiet and still, and that’s the most important thing when they’re getting a haircut.

Make it Easy on Yourself

Having an action plan for amusement and entertainment is important, but so is choosing the right salon and the right hairdresser or stylist. Ask around. There are some dedicated children’s salons around, but there’s no need to use them if you don’t want to. The most important thing is to find a stylist who’s good with kids and quick to cut a little trim shouldn’t take more than 5-10 minutes if it’s done right! 

Bio:

Sarah Pelham is the Beauty & Wellness Expert for Bookwell.com.au, an online platform for instant bookings for hair, nails, beauty & massage appointments. For nearly four years Sarah has worked closely with hundreds of salon owners within the beauty and wellness industries. She has her finger on the pulse of new trends in this growing market.