Need to get that beautiful baby hair under control? Find out how I picked the best baby hairbrush for newborns to toddlers!
We all know that many babies are born with a head full of hair. Others slowly grow in their luxurious locks over the first year or two. Either way, that baby is going to need a hairbrush! Baby hair is super fine, so you need a gentle infant brush (and maybe a baby comb) that will get their hair under control, without causing hair breakage or scalp pain.
Best Baby Hairbrushes
Natemia Wooden Baby Hair Brush has soft bristles made from goat hair, while the Crave Naturals Glide Thru Detangling Brush has soft silicone bristles.
Wooden Baby Hair Brush by Natemia
There are hundreds of baby hair brushes on the market today, but my top pick is the Natemia Quality Wooden Hair Brush for Babies and Toddlers. If you are looking for a new brush for your child, keep reading to find out how I picked the best baby hairbrush available.
Why is this the best?
I spent a lot of time trying to figure out which brush I wanted to use for my baby. He was born with a head full of red hair, and very sensitive skin. I knew that I would need something both gentle and effective for his hair, and I wanted to make sure to buy the right product the first time.
The Natemia Baby and Toddler Hair Brush is the best available for many reasons, but, overall, it simply gets the job done without leaving even the tiniest of scratches on your baby’s sensitive scalp.
But why is this one the best when there are literally hundreds of baby brushes available? Because it is affordable, durable, gentle, and safe.
Affordable Price
While most baby brushes aren’t exactly going to break your budget, there are many in the higher range. But I found no reason to spend more on a brush when a less expensive version can get the job done.
This baby hairbrush costs less than a few cups of coffee, and it will last years with proper care. Money well spent, in my opinion!
Durable for Daily Grooming
This baby hairbrush has a solid wood handle that looks more sturdy than a typical plastic hairbrush. It won’t crack when you drop it, or if your toddler inevitably throws it across the room.
The natural goat hair bristles are long-lasting and won’t bend or break easily as a plastic brush might do. This brush can withstand a teething baby as well if that gives you an idea of how strong it is.
Gentle and Natural Goat Hair
The Natemia brush is extremely gentle. You can run the bristles over your wrist and feel how soft the entire length is. Since newborns and infants typically have extremely sensitive skin, you need a soft brush to keep their skin from being hurt or irritated.
This natural goat hair brush is gentle enough to use from day one. When your baby first comes home from the hospital, you will want to give them a bath. This brush is gentle enough for that very first hair wash. Also, your baby will probably love the massaging feeling of the soft bristles!
Safe Size and Construction
Baby items need to be safe. This brush is safe for the tiniest baby. It is also big enough that it is safe for toddler use, with no small parts that can be removable choking hazards.
The bristles are planted firmly into the wooden handle, and there are no plastic pieces to worry about. You can relax knowing that this is a safe product for your precious family.
Cute Packaging
One of the problems with most baby brushes available is that they come in a typical plastic package. However, this is not only the best baby hairbrush, but it comes in the cutest packaging! Since it is shipped in an adorable printed box, it is a great item to add to your registry.
Friends and family always want to buy cute items, so they will be more tempted to buy this adorable brush for you and your little one.
Possible Drawbacks
I really love this item, and I think it is the best baby hairbrush on the market. I found no issues with it whatsoever, and I think it is a wonderful deal.
The only possible drawback is that vegetarians and vegans may not want to use this brush since the bristles are made of natural goat hair. Otherwise, I see no issues with this brush overall!
Crave Naturals Glide Thru Detangling Brush
Features
If your baby gets bad tangles or epic bed-head, then this is the brush for you! Loved by adults, kids, and babies alike, the unique Crave Naturals Glide Thru Detangling Brush is the first and best of its kind.
The soft silicone bristles work by separating and detangling the hair strands, versus just ripping through the tangled hairs as a hard hairbrush does. That means that it works effectively and gently on little heads for a no-fuss styling experience.
You can use this on wet or dry hair, and it’ll work for virtually every hair type, from thin to coily.
Drawbacks
Aside from having a larger size and a slightly larger price tag than some of the smaller options on this list, there is nothing bad about this brush! It’s a great choice to grow with baby.
Nursery Necessities Baby Brush Set
Features
The Nursery Necessities Baby Brush eco-friendly hairbrush set is also budget-friendly. I love that the bristles do not shed and that it is suitable for babies, toddlers, and young children.
In this set, you receive two bristle brush options: a brush with soft bristles to soothe your baby and a second brush made of wood bristles that offer a bit of a head massage for your little one. They also include a small travel pouch which is convenient.
The two types of brushes mean that this is a versatile set for most hair types.
Drawback
Some parents noticed a chemical smell with this set that may bother some families. It may be remedied with washing.
Best Baby Combs
The Disney Minnie Mouse Brush & Comb Set and the Safety 1st Easy Grip Brush and Comb are two piece sets with a baby brush and comb combination, whereas the OCCObaby 3-Piece Wooden Baby Hair Brush and Comb Set set includes a comb and two brushes.
OCCObaby 3 Piece Wooden Baby Hair Brush and Comb Set
Features
This OCCObaby 3 Piece Wooden Baby Hair Brush and Comb Set has 3 different brush and comb options to help keep your baby’s head and hair healthy.
The first brush has thick goat hair bristles and is designed to smooth the baby’s hair and help distribute the natural hair oils away from the scalp. And did I mention that it’s incredibly soft?
For older kids and adults you’ll find many boar bristle brushes, but for infants and toddlers, the bristles on these brushes are better suited to their hair.
The second brush has wooden bristles that work wonders for detangling longer hair. As an added bonus, the massage effect of the solid wooden bristles is calming to baby and increases blood flow to the scalp, which can stimulate hair growth.
The last piece is a wooden baby comb that helps in getting out tiny tangles. It is also the best at getting neater hairstyles, like up-dos or parts.
The best part of all of these baby brushes is that they are made from natural materials and are 100% hypoallergenic. The wood is all-natural beech wood, the goat hair is natural, and they don’t use any glues or VOCs to hold it all together.
Drawbacks
The bristles on the brush do shed, so if your baby has dark hair, you might find light-colored strays stuck in there from time to time.
While designed to help treat and prevent cradle cap, the soft brush might not be the best brush for cradle cap. Think of it more as a gentle smoother rather than an aggressive exfoliator.
Disney Baby Minnie Hair Brush and Wide Tooth Comb Set
Features
If you were blessed with a baby girl with flowing locks, then grab this Minnie Mouse Hair Brush and Comb Set. It not only has a cute design, but it actually works really well for keeping baby fine hair in place.
The Minnie Mouse brush has super-soft bristles that are perfect for smoothing the surface of the hair. You won’t get a deep detangle from the brush, but it will tame flyaway hairs and give your baby’s head of hair a soft and shiny look.
The comb is nothing too special. It has two different teeth widths on either side of the easy-grip center. It works really well on many types of hair because of the two different bristles.
The big perk of this set is that it’ll grow up with your child. It makes the perfect toy for 2 or 3-year-old girls, and it’s a great way to get your daughter to tackle her own hairstyle as she gets older.
Drawbacks
Because of the softness of the brush, some parents noticed that their baby’s hair can get a little static-y if no product is being used.
Also, be aware that this is a very small set, which is great for babies, but not as great for toddlers.
Safety 1st Easy Grip Brush and Comb
Features
This Safety 1st Easy Grip Brush and Comb is a very solid, budget buy that is functional at a low price.
It is a hairbrush and comb set that comes in lavender, and pink (raspberry). The bristles are soft, the brush handle is big enough for an easy grip and the teeth on the comb are wide-gapped.
The two ends of the comb have different teeth density so you have options depending on the thickness of the hair and how difficult it is to get a comb through.
Drawbacks
Other than the low price and the nice colors there is nothing particularly compelling about this set. On the other hand, there aren’t any significant drawbacks either.
Best Hairbrushes and Combs for Cradle Cap
The Safety 1st Cradle Cap Brush and Comb is a very economical option for a comb and brush specifically for cradle cap; while the Chibello 4 Piece Wooden Baby Hair Brush and Comb Set is a bit pricier but includes brushes for normal hair care as well as a brush that is helpful for cradle cap.
FridaBaby DermaFrida the FlakeFixer
DermaFrida the FlakeFixer is a baby hairbrush from FridaBaby that specifically helps with cradle cap. A 3-step cradle cap system that includes a sponge, brush, comb, plus storage stand, helps to alleviate baby’s cradle cap without causing discomfort.
Features
The three steps FridaBaby takes to help cradle cap are 1) Lather, 2) Loosen, and 3) Lift.
With the foam sponge, you’ll lather shampoo or oil onto baby’s head. Then you’ll grab the bristle brush to make gentle circular motions on top of baby’s head. This helps loosen up the cradle cap. Finally, the fine-toothed comb will grab the loosened flakes and pull them out of your baby’s hair — all without fuss.
This 5-star product offers everything you need at a super reasonable price.
Drawbacks
Literally, none!
Chibello 4 Piece Wooden Baby Hair Brush and Comb Set
If you have a baby or toddler with quick-growing hair, you might need a brush that has longer, stronger bristles. The Chibello 4 Piece Wooden Baby Hair Brush and Comb Set will get the job done.
Features
This baby brush set has four components to get through each stage of hair growth. You get a soft, natural hairbrush, a wooden comb for stubborn tangles, that wooden brush with the solid bristles that we mentioned, and a silicone brush, which works great for baby fine hair, massaging the scalp, and as a brush for cradle cap.
While many children will not need an infant brush for long hair until they are three or four years old, some babies will need the hard bristle style of a hairbrush to help detangle by six months old! If that is the case, you might as well invest in a set that has every type of brush available.
Drawbacks
Although this is one of the best baby hairbrush sets you can buy, it is a bit more expensive than the others on the list.
It is sold only as a set, so you can’t just buy the part made for longer toddler hair. Many children will be fine using a regular baby brush for a few years. You might be able to skip this step altogether, making this an unnecessary purchase.
You can also skip fancy hair products and just use the best lotion for babies on your kiddo’s hair and scalp!
Safety 1st Cradle Cap Brush and Comb
Most babies will end up with cradle cap at some point during their first year. While it usually clears up easily on its own, if your baby has a more severe case, you might have to take a different route.
While a typical wood or plastic baby brush may help a bit with the scalp, the Safety 1st Cradle Cap Brush and Comb is the best baby brush available for cradle cap since it is made specifically to help combat the condition.
Features
This well-sized baby comb and brush combo fit easily into the palm of your hand. You are easily able to control the angle of the baby scalp brush and comb, to keep it from hitting sensitive areas.
After using the rubber bristles to loosen the cradle cap, you turn the brush on its side. There are extremely fine-toothed baby comb features that will help remove every last bit of scales from your baby’s head.
It is safe, gentle, and effective, and the low cost makes it even more enticing.
Drawbacks
If your baby does not have cradle cap, this brush is probably too technical for everyday use. Not exactly a drawback, but I wanted to mention that you only need this if you have a tough case of cradle cap to take care of!
Don’t forget the baby shampoo for cradle cap!
Comparing the Best Baby Hairbrushes
The table below compares only the recommended products on this page. A low or high Price means it is low or high compared to the other products listed. The Popularity Score reflects how often readers click on and buy the product. The Quality Score is our assessment of the overall performance and satisfaction with the product compared to others in the table.
| Chibello 4 Piece Wooden Baby Hair Brush and Comb Set | 5.9 | 9.4 | 18.97 |
| OCCObaby 3 Piece Wooden Baby Hair Brush and Comb Set | 3.9 | 9.4 | 18.96 |
| FridaBaby DermaFrida the FlakeFixer | 9.9 | 9.6 | 14.44 |
| Wooden Baby Hair Brush by Natemia | 8.9 | 9.4 | 13.95 |
| Crave Naturals Glide Thru Detangling Brush | 9.9 | 8.8 | 11.99 |
| Safety 1st Easy Grip Brush and Comb | 9.0 | 9.6 | 5.49 |
| Disney Baby Minnie Hair Brush and Wide Tooth Comb Set | 9.8 | 9.4 | 4.49 |
| Safety 1st Cradle Cap Brush and Comb | 9.5 | 9.0 | 4.19 |
| Nursery Necessities Baby Brush Set | - | 8.6 | - |
General Criteria
When I was trying to pick my favorite of the best baby hair brushes available, I generally tried to follow these criteria.
- Gentle enough for a newborn baby.
- Safe for all ages.
- Durable enough to last years.
- Affordable
- Cute and ergonomic design.
When looking for a baby hairbrush, I really wanted something that would last a long time. I don’t want to have to replace a hairbrush every few months, so durability was a big deal for me.
Also, above all, the brush needed to be gentle and safe for a baby with sensitive skin. So many little ones have skin that is easily scratched or reddened. I don’t want hair brushing time to be painful in any way!
In the end, I do want a cute design. I love that the best baby hairbrush that I found is made of wood and comes in a cute package. I would definitely give this as a gift at a baby shower!
Don’t forget the baby hair products after a good hair brushing!
FAQs about Baby Hairbrushes
How often should you brush a baby’s hair?
Your baby’s head will be more sensitive than your own. Unless your infant has longer hair that is easily matted or tangled, it should be enough to brush his or her hair after bath time, which should take place every two to three days (clean with wipes and washcloths, as needed, in between baths).
If brushing or combing the scalp seems to be making your child uncomfortable, try a different brush or comb, or wash the head with a cloth, and then comb, beginning just away from the scalp.
For an older baby, you should be able to brush a little more often, at least daily if needed.
Should you wash the baby’s hair every day?
No, not unless your baby has cradle cap. It is recommended that all babies be bathed every two to three days, and when they are bathed, their hair shouldn’t be washed. Otherwise, it should be washed if it appears to be dirty. Frequent bathing can create dryer skin. If your baby has cradle cap, on the other hand, your doctor may prescribe daily washing.
Can you brush cradle cap?
Yes, brushing is recommended. You’ll need a gentle brush. There are some brushes made especially for use with cradle cap. ExperiencedMommy recommends Safety 1st Cradle Cap Brush and Comb.
Routine care recommended for cradle cap is: wash, brush, and lubricate daily.
Does brushing baby’s hair make it grow?
No. Brushing is said to stimulate circulation in the scalp and therefore promotes healthy hair growth. But what if there is no growth to promote? Each baby’s hair growth comes in at different ages.
No amount of brushing will cause the hair to grow before it is ready. If you have a desire to brush your baby’s bald head, feel free. Just don’t overdo it, and don’t be offended if the practice doesn’t produce hair.
Is coconut oil good for baby’s hair?
Coconut oil can be good for your baby’s scalp. It is often recommended, in fact, for treatment of cradle cap. The procedure involves massaging the scalp with the oil and then washing it out.
Some may also use a little bit of oil to smooth baby’s hair for a natural grooming product.
As with any substance, you plan to feed or apply to your baby, it is a good idea to check with your pediatrician.
Does cradle cap make hair fall out?
Only very rarely, and, if so, the hair should grow back after the cradle cap goes away.
