Cradle cap is a very common condition among newborns that is completely harmless to the child. Although, when parents see these scaly, yellow crusty patches on their sweet newborn’s head, it can be alarming. It’s good to know that in most cases it will go away on its own in six to twelve months.
Is this common condition the result of hormone transfer from the mother in the last few weeks of pregnancy, which in turn activates the baby’s oil-producing glands, is it a fungus or yeast related? Although there is no clear indication as to why some babies get cradle cap or actually how it originates. It is clear that it is not a consequence of poor hygiene and is not harmful to the baby.
A baby’s head is so delicate that it’s best to be careful when choosing your method to help clean patches, it’s important to always choose something chemical-free and natural.
If your baby has cradle cap and you want to help get rid of the scaly, yellowish spots, here are some simple and effective tips:
- While you’re bathing your baby, gently wash her head with a mild soap, making sure to rinse off any residue.
- Follow by adding a light natural oil and then carefully massage into the areas of concern; let it act for 15 minutes.
- Use a soft brush or soft face cloth to help loosen stubborn patches, be careful not to overdo it.
- Rinse the oil carefully with a gentle wash.
- Gently pat dry with a soft towel
A natural combination of a gentle cradle cap care product and a non-irritating wash is the key to relieving baby cradle cap. Oils like sweet almond oil, which softens and moisturizes, and apricot kernel oil, which is high in vitamin A and helps with extreme dryness, are ingredients to look for in a cradle cap product. Many common baby shampoos contain sodium laurel sulfate, which can be irritating to sensitive skin, so choose a product that uses milder ingredients like coconut oil to lather.
Parents can take comfort in the fact that, with proper care and time, this very common condition can be treated very effectively with these tips. Knowing which ingredients to look for and which ones to avoid will help speed up the healing process.