"A mother is she who can take the place of all others but whose place no one else can take." -- Cardinal Mermillod

Cradle cap (or "infantile seborrhoeic dermatitis" if you really want to impress your friends) is a common skin condition among newborn babies.

It is caused when oil-producing glands become hyperactive due to hormonal fluctuations. This extra oil traps dead skin cells, not allowing them to flake off like they normally would. When the cells build up, they appear as yellowish, scaly patches attached to the skin.

Cradle cap is most often found on the scalp of newborns, but can also appear on eyebrows or other parts of the body.

As long as the cradle cap scales do not become excessively red or inflamed, a treatment is not a necessity. It is not contagious or painful, but it can be unsightly (my newborn babies' hair was never thick enough to hide it). You may want to consider a home cradle cap treatment.

It may surprise you that oil is the treatment of choice since oil is part of the problem. (We are talking about olive oil, coconut oil, or vegetable oil.) This is the best way to soften the scales enough so that they can be removed.

At least 15 minutes before you are going to bathe your newborn, apply a small amount of oil (see the types above) to the affected area. (See Bathing Newborn Babies for ideas on how to make bathtime go smoothly.)

Allow the oil to soak while you prepare your baby's bath. When at least 15 minutes have passed, thoroughly wash your baby's hair with a gentle baby wash and a good baby brush (something with bristles that can massage, but not scratch your baby's delicate skin). Use gentle, but firm, circular motions to massage your baby's scalp, paying special attention to the scaly areas. Be especially careful of your baby's soft spot on the top of her head. Wash and rinse the area well.

Repeat this 2-3 times a week until the scales are gone.

If this cradle cap treatment does not seem to remedy the problem, I have heard great things about a natural product called CradleClear. Get more info on CradleClear to soothe itchy and irritated skin, moisturize and encourage natural healing.

Once the cradle cap is removed, it is good to keep ahead of its return. The worst of cradle cap is usually over by the time your baby reaches 4 months. Continue massaging with the brush whenever you wash your baby's hair. This will help remove dead skin cells and oil before they have a chance to accumulate.

If your baby develops cradle cap in the diaper area, or if any areas become red, oozing, or inflamed...please consult your pediatrician.

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See Related Articles

What Are the Baby Bathtime Essentials?

Steps for Bathing Newborn Babies

How to Determine a Baby Temperature

Newborn Constipation Troubles

Happy Healthy Newborns

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