How to Put Together a Baby Grooming Kit

When you’re expecting a baby, you already know you’ll need a bunch of big-ticket items like a stroller, crib and car seat (to name a few). But another important item to add to your registry is a baby grooming kit. After all, just like adults, babies’ hair, teeth and nails need attention. But what items go into a grooming kit? Read on for expert tips on what to stock up on, plus our top picks for grooming essentials and the best grooming kits you can buy.

Baby Grooming Essentials You’ll Need

There are several items you’ll want to have on hand for baby’s first year and beyond. Here’s what to look for (and why):

• Baby nail clippers. Many babies are born with long nails, so you’ll need nail clippers to prevent them from scratching you or themselves. Baby nail clippers are extra small and easy to grip, so you can safely cut those teeny tiny fingernails. Some even come with a built-in light, so you can quickly trim those nails while baby sleeps!

• Baby nail files. Po Chang Hsu, MD, a Boston-based doctor, also recommends new parents buy an emery board for infants. “A file is a safe tool for shortening and smoothening the nails, to help prevent baby from scratching themselves early on.”

• Nasal bulb. Surprise—babies don’t know how to blow their noses! In fact, it’s a skill they likely won’t develop until late toddlerhood. Instead, a good nasal aspirator can help remove mucus from baby’s nose and mouth, says Hsu, especially when they get a cold.

• Toothbrush. An infant toothbrush is another baby grooming kit essential. “Once baby’s teeth start to emerge during the third to sixth month, it’s important to brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid tooth decay,” says Hsu.

• Cradle cap brush. Cradle cap is a common skin condition in infancy. According to Hsu, a purpose-built comb will help parents gently remove dry, flakey skin from baby’s scalp.

• Baby hair comb. Picture a baby and you’ll probably think of a little bald head, but the truth is that plenty of newborns arrive with a full head of hair that will need some brushing. A pint-sized baby comb will do the trick.

Buying these products individually can be a good idea if you already own some of the items listed above or want to be more selective about the items you get. “While purchasing the items separately can be more expensive, it gives you more flexibility in terms of what items you want to include in baby’s grooming kit,” Hsu says. Here, we’ve included a list of individual baby grooming essentials you can shop now.

Best Baby Grooming Kits

While you can buy all of the above items separately, a baby grooming kit contains everything you need in one convenient place. It’s also handy to buy a travel grooming kit to keep in the car or in baby’s diaper bag, because you never know when a pesky hangnail will appear! Basic baby grooming kits should include a brush, comb, nail clippers and file. More robust grooming sets typically come with a few additional healthcare items like a nasal bulb, a medication dispenser or even a baby thermometer. Below, we’ve included some of our favorite baby grooming sets to buy right now.

About the expert:

Po Chang Hsu, MD, is a doctor based in Boston, Massachusetts with a focus on pediatrics. He received his medical degree from Tufts University; prior to medical school, Hsu did a master thesis on neuroimaging in schizophrenia patients at Harvard Medical School. He is currently a full-time medical writer and consultant.

Plus, more from The Bump:

How to Build a Baby First Aid Kit

Baby Hair Brushes for Gentle Styling

The Best Baby Nail Clippers for Stress-Free Nail Care