The first moment you lay eyes on your newborn baby is indescribable and for most parents, you literally feel like your heart might burst from an explosion of love. Of course, you’ll also think your baby is the most beautiful there ever was (and most respectful friends and family members will obligingly agree).
But then...the flakes appear. And, your perfect little darling looks like she has bad dandruff. A classic case of cradle cap.
According to WebMD, “cradle cap is an oily, yellow scaling or crusting on a baby's scalp. It is common in babies...is not a part of any illness and does not imply that a baby is not being well cared for. Cradle cap is not harmful to your baby and usually goes away by a baby's first birthday.”
Luckily, cradle cap is extremely easy to safely treat at home. Here’s how:
Step 1: About a half hour before tubby time, rub your baby’s scalp with a plant-based body oil. Massage gently and let the oils soak in and loosen the skin cells for about 20 minutes.
Step 2: Gently scrub your baby’s scalp with a soft-bristle baby brush to loosen and remove the scales. You can also use a fine-tooth baby comb to work the scales out of your baby’s hair. Keep a clean towel and bowl of warm, soapy water nearby to wipe and rinse the comb or brush as needed. Follow with a baby conditioner for added moisture.
Step 3: Bathe your baby as usual, washing the oil away using a gentle, non-toxic baby wash.
Voila! No more flakes distracting from the delicate beauty of your little darling!
Do you have any natural tips for treating cradle cap?
This information is solely for informational purposes. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. Before undertaking any course of treatment, you should seek the advice of your physician or other health care provider.
We aim to provide you with the most honest and credible information possible. This article was reviewed for accuracy by The Honest Team and its internal technical experts.
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