Why one mom keeps NYDA Head Lice Treatment in her medicine cabinet

Head lice is a common issue that can affect anyone, but kids seem to be a magnet for it. When I taught kindergarten, head lice popped up in the classroom (and school) throughout the school year, though it was more prevalent in the fall and spring. I will never forget my first teaching experience: There was a huge outbreak of lice and I didn't trust the fact that I did not have it (despite being checked twice by the school nurse). I rushed out to the pharmacy and got a traditional shampoo used to treat lice—was that ever a mistake! Not only did I not have to put myself through that stress, I exposed myself to unnecessary chemicals and toxins.

While there are many forms of lice treatment, I would strongly encourage you to do your research, as some are more safe and effective than others. I now keep a NYDA Head Lice Treatment kit and comb in my medicine cabinet so that I am prepared if our family ever gets the dreaded school phone call.

NYDA is a pesticide-free product that contains no neurotoxic chemicals. It penetrates into the lice, larvae and the eggs' breathing system, replacing air and killing the lice and nits. You spray it on dry hair, paying special attention to the roots, and massage it in until hair is completely wet. After the treatment has been on the hair for 30 minutes, it's time to comb the dead lice and nits out. A comb is supplied with the NYDA solution, but NYDA also makes a specially designed ergonomic metal comb that can be purchased separately. (I've used the NYDA comb on myself to see what it feels like, as that has always been a concern of mine; even on dry hair, the comb slides right through your hair with ease.) Once you've finished combing, you leave the treatment in the hair for eight hours before washing with your usual shampoo.

One last thing to keep in mind: While some school boards have put their current head lice policy under review, many schools continue to have a strict "no nits" policy in place. Be sure to check your school board's policy so that you're familiar with the procedures that will be put in place if your child comes home with lice.

Andrea Gobatto lives in the GTA with her hubby and two children (a daughter born in 2005 and a son born in 2008). Her hobbies include photography and baking. She is the founder of Multi-Testing Mommy (a blog sharing information with Canadian Moms) and Digital Girl Consulting (providing support, education, training and management services to small businesses who are seeking a more engaged audience on social media, blogs etc.).

NYDA Head Lice Treatment is a Today’s Parent Approved 2016 winner. Your kid’s hair has been infiltrated by those most dreaded of creepy-crawlies. Your weapon of choice in this battle is NYDA’s neurotoxic-chemical-free lice treatment. Its formula penetrates lice, larvae and even eggs’ breathing systems, smothering the bugs and eggs in less than a minute. It comes in a handy, easy-to-apply pump spray—so you can blast those bugs goodbye! $34, shoppersdrugmart.ca

See all of the 2016 Today’s Parent Approved winning products