How to Deal With Cradle Cap
Cradle cap is a skin condition on your baby's scalp, related to dandruff. The dry, flaky or crusty scalp can sometimes frighten a new parent, but is common and normal. Various companies now manufacture treatments for cradle cap, but you can also try your own home remedy.
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Instructions
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Oil your baby's scalp by gently rubbing or massaging baby oil on the scalp before he goes to sleep at night. An alternative to mineral oil is olive oil. Some parents merely leave it on for 20 minutes or so.
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Use a towel on your baby's crib or bed during the treatment to protect sheets and pillowcases, if you're applying it during a nap or at night.
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Brush softly or (for older babies) comb the scalp afterward to help remove the flakes. Or just plop the baby in the bath and wash it out, using a brush if needed during the washing.
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Wash the baby's hair with regular shampoo and warm water to remove the oil and any flakes not caught on the brush or comb. Naturally, the brush and comb need to be rinsed or washed as well.
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Repeat these steps every other night until the baby's flakes have generally disappeared. If the condition reappears, begin the same treatment. Some mothers find that using simple conditioner on a baby's scalp, or making and applying a paste of baking soda and water, can help lift the scales.
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Tips & Warnings
Mustela makes a shampoo that is supposed to be helpful for cradle cap.
Dandruff or tar type shampoos should be used only when the baby is two years old or older.
It is normal to develop some cradle cap on the forehead and sometimes around the eyebrows or eyes.
