Benable — create shareable lists of things you recommend!
E.g., products you love, local businesses, travel recs - you can add anything to a Benable list!
hair washing, haircuts + nail trims without the meltdown
15
items every pick here comes from pediatric occupational therapy handouts (nhs ot teams) and a pediatric ot's nail trimming advice. the ideas are simple: keep water off the face, let them see what's happening, show how long it will take, and add deep pressu...
nhs ot hair washing handouts suggest rinsing with a cup or jug instead of tipping the head back under the tap. this one has a soft rim that sits on the forehead so the water runs back, not into the eyes. listed for 6+ months, $5.99 when i checked.
Munchkin Shampoo Rinser
two nhs ot bathing handouts say it's okay to let kids wear swim goggles or a mask for hair washing, so shampoo and water can't reach their eyes. these have a soft frame, anti-fog lenses and an adjustable strap. sized for ages 3-6, so size up for bigg...
Speedo Kids' Glide Swim Goggles (ages 3-6)
nhs ot handouts suggest fragrance-free or tear-free products, and fewer steps (a 2-in-1). the listing says fragrance-free and tear-free, and it's shampoo + body wash in one bottle. honest heads up: one review says it still stung their toddler's eyes,...
Pipette Baby Shampoo + Wash, Fragrance Free
nhs ot hair care handouts suggest a leave-in conditioner or detangling spray so brushing pulls less on a touchy scalp. the listing says fragrance-free (scent: unscented) and tear-free. small 4 oz bottle, $6.99 when i checked.
Honest Company Sensitive Conditioning Detangler, Fragrance Free
two nhs pediatric ot hair care handouts name the tangle teezer for kids who hate brushing. flexible two-length teeth, works on wet or dry hair, and this is the compact mini. the target q&a says it's not recommended for tight curls.
Tangle Teezer Mini Ultimate Detangler Hair Brush
three nhs ot handouts suggest earplugs for hair washing, if your child will tolerate them: they keep water out of the ears and turn the bathroom noise down. the listing says these soft silicone putty plugs are waterproof with a 22 db noise reduction ...
up&up Kids' Silicone Putty Earplugs, 6 Pair
nhs ot handouts suggest a handheld shower spray for kids who hate lying back, and trying different spray settings. this one has 6 settings, an 8 ft hose and a pause button in the handle that drops the water to a trickle (waterpik says it can't fully ...
Waterpik Easy Reach+ Handheld Shower Head with Pause + 8 ft Hose
nhs ot handouts suggest keeping a dry towel ready for the face, pressing hair dry instead of rubbing, and letting kids choose their towel (some like soft, some like heavier). this one is 100% cotton velour, and the hood keeps their head covered until...
Pillowfort Lion Kids' Hooded Towel, Cotton Velour
the nhs ot haircut, nail cutting and bathing handouts all suggest a visual timer so your kid can see how much is left. this one runs silent (alarm is optional), maxes out at 20 minutes, has a pause button and a carry handle so it can come to the barb...
Time Timer PLUS 20 Minute Visual Timer with Handle (silent)
the nhs ot haircut and nail cutting handouts both suggest a weighted lap pad for deep pressure during the cut. this one is 5 lb, 21 x 19 in, with handles so it can travel to the barber. listed for ages 5+. heads up: only 2 reviews on target so far (o...
Bouncy Bands Portable Weighted Lap Pad, 5 lb
a pediatric ot writing for autism parenting magazine suggests starting with filing only, and a clinikids nail post suggests an electric file if the clipper sound is the problem. this buffs nails down instead of clipping. noise flag: the listing says ...
Frida Baby Electric Nail Buffer Kit
the nhs ot nail cutting handout suggests squishing thera-putty or play dough before a nail trim, as heavy work for the hands. this is a 4 oz tub of therapy putty. putty comes in different resistance levels by color, and i couldn't confirm which one t...
McKesson Therapy Putty 4 oz
nhs ot handouts and a clinikids post both suggest a social story or visuals before the hard part. this picture book is from the ready eddie go! series (jessica kingsley publishers), made for young autistic kids. eddie learns what to expect at the hai...
Ready Eddie Go! New Haircut
the nhs ot haircut and nail cutting handouts both suggest a fidget (or a favorite stuffed animal) to keep hands busy in the chair. this is a soft, fuzzy squeeze ball that fits in a palm. about 4.5 stars from almost 600 target reviews, $5.99 when i ch...
NeeDoh Fuzz Ball Squeeze Fidget (colors vary)
three nhs ot handouts suggest a bath visor so water and suds stay off the face. this soft cap sits against the forehead with an adjustable strap, and the brim sends water away from the face. listed for 6+ months. only 8 reviews so far (4.4 stars), ab...
Nuby Shampoo Cap (bath visor)