Your baby has cradle cap? Don’t worry, you’re not alone.
Cradle cap is an incredibly common concern that affects newborns, and might look a little concerning at first.
I still remember the first time I noticed it on my baby’s head. We were out for a walk the day he turned one month old. The sun finally hit his scalp and all I could see was a layer of flakes I had never noticed indoors. I had no clue what it was. Initially I tried picking it with my fingers (very wrong move, never do this).
I was so concerned it might be hurting him, itching him or making him feel uncomfortable.
But no, none of that was actually true. After reading a lot of online new mom forums and going to his paediatrician, I actually became very relieved when I realised that cradle cap was super easy to deal with.
So if your little one has cradle cap and you’re wondering how to get rid of it, don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. In this article we’ll dive into what causes cradle cap and 4 simple steps (and effective products) you need to get rid of it.
What causes cradle cap?
Cradle cap happens when a baby’s scalp produces too much oil, trapping dead skin cells and creating those scaly patches. It’s not caused by poor hygiene, and it’s not contagious—just one of those things babies go through.
How long does cradle cap last?
Most cases clear up within a few weeks. Some babies have it for longer, but it usually disappears on its own. However, if it seems severe, spreads, or doesn’t improve with basic care, it’s worth checking in with your pediatrician.
The 4-Step Routine to Get Rid of Cradle Cap
There are 4 simple steps you can use to get rid of cradle cap flakes on your little one’s head.
The goal of every step is to gently soften and eventually remove the flakes.
1. Apply Oil or Moisturizer and Leave It On
In the first step what you want to do is soften the flakes. You can use any natural oil—coconut oil, olive oil, even your baby’s usual hair moisturizer. I used this all natural coconut oil because it’s a brand I trust that I had it in the house, and it smells amazing. You just need to apply a little to your baby’s scalp and let it sit for at least 10-15 minutes. Some people leave it overnight, but I found that two hours before bath time was enough.
2. Comb or Brush to Loosen the Scales
Once the oil has done its job, take a soft baby brush or fine-tooth comb and gently brush in circular motions. There are some brushes made specifically for this . I love them because they are softer and help minimise potential hair loss that comes with using the wrong brush on your baby’s hair.
Once you start combing or brushing the scalp, the flakes should start lifting right off. If your baby has a lot of hair, a comb works better, but if they have that adorable peach fuzz, a brush will do just fine. My baby actually loved this part—it was like a mini head massage!
3. Wash with a Mild Shampoo or Head-to-Toe Wash
Now it’s time to wash away any leftover oil and flakes. Use a gentle, fragrance-free baby shampoo or a mild head-to-toe body wash. Lather up, rinse well, and pat the scalp dry.
For this step I always use a fragrance-free shampoo called mustela cradle cap shampoo because my baby has sensitive skin and this foam shampoo is non drying.
4. Apply a Good Scalp Cream
To keep the scalp nourished and prevent dryness, finish up with a baby-safe scalp cream. The Kokoso Scalp Cream or mustela cradle cap cream are great options because they’re lightweight and absorb quickly. I noticed that when I used a scalp cream consistently, the flakes didn’t come back at all. Please ensure you do a patch test before applying any scalp cream. Especially if your baby has sensitive skin or eczema.
Repeat these four steps everyday and you’ll get great results in as little as two days. Do it with as much patience as you can until all the flakes are off.
Don’t aim to get all of the flakes out in one day. Impatient me tried doing this and ended up pulling off some of my baby’s hair.
Take it easy and be very gentle so you can get the best results.
Remember the only person bothered about the cradle cap is usually the parent who keeps on looking at it. Most babies are fine and not bothered at all.
Final Thoughts
Cradle cap is one of those things that looks worse than it actually is. It doesn’t bother babies at all (just us parents who stare at their scalps way too much). With a little patience and consistency, those flakes will be gone before you know it.
Tried this routine? Let me know how it worked for you!
