Baby to Toddler

Although lice is most common in preschool and school-age kids, smaller children can get it too, often from daycare or infected older siblings. When infestation does occur, it can be hard to treat since this age group isn't known for their ability to sit still, and some treatments are not appropriate for children under 3. If you suspect your baby or toddler has lice, talk to you doctor about the most age-appropriate way to deal with it.

Preschool to Grade School

Lice often first strikes during the school years – think of it as a big kid rite of passage.  Since you’re likely to still be washing and combing your young child’s hair anyway, it’s a good idea to always be on the lookout for nits or lice in the hair behind the ears and at the nape of the neck. “If parents do that once a week, they are more likely to pick up an infestation early when it would be easier to deal with,” says Dr. Frankowski.