How to Kill Lice on an Infant

Head lice is an infestation of the human head louse that can cause itching and much frustration. The lice feed off human blood and the eggs, or nits, are very small and hard to find. The eggs attach to the root of the hair with a strong substance that does not respond to washing and brushing. Although it is quite rare to find lice on an infant's head, as they don't usually have too much hair yet, it is still possible. Normally the cure for lice would be medicated shampoo but as it is not safe in children younger than 2 years, the safest treatment is to follow these suggestions.

Things You'll Need

• Nit comb
• Latex gloves (optional)
• Magnifying glass/reading glasses (optional)
• Soapy water

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Instructions

• 1

  The National Pediculosis Association Inc. (NPA) recommends removing an infant's lice manually, as all other treatments involve insecticides and other chemicals unsafe for the very young. You may want to use latex gloves, but it is not necessary if you thoroughly wash your hands afterward.

• 2

  Find a bright, well-lit area to carefully examine her scalp for lice or nits. If the weather permits, daylight is probably the best way to spot them.

• 3

  Try using a magnifying glass or nonprescription reading glasses to help you see the lice.

• 4

  If your infant has a lot of hair, part it into different sections. Wet it slightly with water so that you can spot the lice or nits easier.

• 5

  Use a nit comb, such as the "LiceMeister" as recommended by the NPA, and carefully comb the baby's hair, section by section. If you are unsure how to tell the nits from cradle cap, as they are so similar, keep brushing through; the nits will not brush out immediately the way cradle cap will. Make sure you rinse the comb in soapy water to remove any nits or lice you find.

• 6

  Keep using the nit comb every couple of days for at least three weeks until you are sure that all the lice and nits have been removed.