Here you will find out what cradle cap is, and a few remedies to help your baby get rid of it!
Does your little baby have cradle cap?
If so, you might be wondering what the treatment is for this strange baby ailment.
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What is Cradle Cap?
This is probably your first question. What the heck is this?
It's actually like baby dandruff. At least that's how my pediatrician eloquently put it.
It will make the skin around your baby's head look patchy, scaly, or even really dry.
How can you get rid of cradle cap?
So...how do you get rid of this awful cradle cap? Well, there are a few things you can try.
1. Comb the cradle cap
Using a baby comb, gently comb away the dry, rough patches from your baby's scalp. This worked amazing for my son, but it did take time!
Any time you are holding your little baby, grab a comb and lightly work on some of the cradle cap.
Using light and gentle strokes, you can usually peel back some of those patches in your baby's head.
2. Wash baby's hair
Another way to help get rid of this unwanted cradle cap is to wash your baby's hair more frequently.
Use baby shampoo and really target those patchy areas on your baby's head. Be gentle though!
Also, to help prevent any future cradle cap, it's a good idea to wash your baby's hair frequently. Ask your pediatrician how often they would recommend.
3. Use a baby-safe cream specially formulated for cradle cap
Mustela has a great cradle cap cream that helps gently moisturize your baby's head while also preventing an excess build-up of oils.
Must Have Products for Cradle Cap
Here are a few recommendations of products that will help get rid of your baby's cradle cap. It's what worked for my son, and I hope it can help your baby too!
You might also want to make sure you have all the baby medicine cabinet must haves for any other ailments baby might encounter.
1. Baby Comb and Baby Brush
The best way to get rid of your baby's cradle cap is with a baby comb and brush. The soft bristles are gently on your baby's head and great for brushing out the flakes.
The comb is essential for slowly peeling away the flakes on your baby's scalp.
3. Baby Oil Gel
Another great product that can help you rid your baby's scalp on that unwanted flakiness is baby oil. Place a small amount on your baby's head before combing can help loosen the flakes.
Cradle Cap Baby FAQ
Cradle cap looks like flaky or sometimes scaly patches on baby's head.
There is no known cause for cradle cap, but the doctors at the Mayo Clinic do believe that it could be caused by overactive glands that produce oil in your skin.
No, think of it like dandruff for baby. It won't cause hair to fall out.
Cradle cap will smell almost oily, but if you notice a foul smell discuss with your pediatrician right away.
As the name suggests, it's most common on the head. It can also be found in the ears, face, neck, and folds of the skin like armpits.
As a first time parent, you might be immediately worried about this nasty cradle cap. In reality, there's really no cause for alarm.
I will warn you, giving your baby a bath will freak you out just a bit! I gave my son a bath and his cradle cap looked awful. I got so worried I used too hot of water, but the water was just fine.
It's just that cradle cap looks STRANGE!
If your baby has cradle cap, remember it's like dandruff for babies. You can gently comb away the rough patches, and wash your baby's hair more frequently to help get rid of it. Most importantly, know that it can happen to any baby so you did nothing wrong!
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Rita says
Did you know that cradle cap is caused by a vitamin and mineral deficiency?
Seek Dr. Joel Wallach ‘s research. He has books describing this and giving you the research that says it could help to address benefits of vitamin B6 and zinc .
Joanna Stephens says
That is good information to know Rita, thanks for sharing!