Thread: Help me choose a razor for a special shave

My wife and I are eagerly awaiting the arrival of our baby daughter in December. As any parent will realise both parents have to come to a compromise over the expectations of each parent. To smack or not to smack, TV or no TV, breast or bottle. But when each parent comes from a different culture even greater compromises have to be made. My wife is Thai/Chinese and has made compromises like agreeing that a baby shouldn't be a passenger on a motorcycle; in a car a baby should be in a baby seat, not on the mothers lap; and a child should have a set bed time and not go to bed when they are tired of watching late night TV (all these things are common for Thai children)

One thing I have agreed to compromise on is a Chinese ritual that my wife thinks is very important. In Thai/Chinese culture a baby of just a few days old has its head shaved by the maternal grand mother. This is something I have agreed to. Here is where I need your help. If you had to shave the head of a week old child, what would you use?

A straight razor is out of the question. I might be able to accomplish it, but what would be an annoying nick on my face would be disasterous on a baby's head. Also it is my mother in-law who will be doing the shaving.

So the question is, DE or cartridge razor? If DE, what blade/razor combination?

Thanks for your help,

Cheers,
Nathan

Electric razor or clipper -- it has the least potential for damage !

Charles

I know in Burma ( Myanmar) this is done with a DE. Seems a tad more ceremonial than a cartridge, but with safety paramount in your case a cartridge might be the most forgiving. Congratulations btw!

What kind of shaving skills does your mother-in-law have? Does she happen to shave with a DE or straight? The answer to that question might point the way to what she is most comfortable with.

If I had to shave the child my answer would be different that your Mother in Law. I would suggest she use the safest razor around. A DE would be my first choice w/ maybe persona or Derby blades. The second choice would be a Schick Injector. Then again, since it is your in law and a child we are talking about maybe just a cartridge. I really wouldn't suggest a straight razor. I don't know your in law's skill level but I would keep the risk to a minimum here. Good luck.

i would suggest nair...... but that would probably irritate the babys skin.... *(this is a joke)....


truthfully....... let mother in law do it as she sees best.... i am quite sure she will do it in a way to NOT harm the baby.....

Personally, I believe you or anyone for that matter, should choose the absolute saftest route possible!!!!!!!

google how many "accidental baby beheadings during ritualistic head shaving" were there in thailand over the last few hundred years....


probably wouldn't wanna click that "i feel lucky" button on that one though....


just sayin....

I would just use a clipper.

I tend to agree to let you MIL choose the shaving method, but that's just my viewpoint.

Other assorted thoughts:

To smak or not to smack: Not
Breast or bottle: Breast (for the baby too)
TV or not TV: Some TV

Again, that's just my take, and you must know I've been a very indulgent father, such indulgence mostly fueled by a even tempered and well behaved kid.

Congratulations, btw, and best of luck with the fire shaving ceremony.

Best,


Marcos

Originally Posted by ndw76

My wife and I are eagerly awaiting the arrival of our baby daughter in December. As any parent will realise both parents have to come to a compromise over the expectations of each parent. To smack or not to smack, TV or no TV, breast or bottle. But when each parent comes from a different culture even greater compromises have to be made. My wife is Thai/Chinese and has made compromises like agreeing that a baby shouldn't be a passenger on a motorcycle; in a car a baby should be in a baby seat, not on the mothers lap; and a child should have a set bed time and not go to bed when they are tired of watching late night TV (all these things are common for Thai children)

One thing I have agreed to compromise on is a Chinese ritual that my wife thinks is very important. In Thai/Chinese culture a baby of just a few days old has its head shaved by the maternal grand mother. This is something I have agreed to. Here is where I need your help. If you had to shave the head of a week old child, what would you use?

A straight razor is out of the question. I might be able to accomplish it, but what would be an annoying nick on my face would be disasterous on a baby's head. Also it is my mother in-law who will be doing the shaving.

So the question is, DE or cartridge razor? If DE, what blade/razor combination?

Thanks for your help,

Cheers,
Nathan