What is Cradle Cap?
Cradle Cap (seborrheic dermatitis) is a very common skin condition in newborns, in which the newborn’s oil glands overproduce, causing the scalp and or face to react to the excess sebum secretions.
How Does It look?
Cradle Cap looks like dandruff that has formed around the baby’s hairline, it appears scaly and sometimes red, it can be brown, white, or yellow in color, in some instances, it will affect armpit, neck, diaper area and ears.
What did I do Wrong?
Absolutely nothing, It is quite common for parents to feel as though they have not taken good care of their newborns, some may say to parents, that “your baby is dirty and needs a bath” (this was said to me) don’t listen to them, this is a natural condition and it has nothing to do with your maintenance of the baby, this skin condition can occur on the cleanest of babies! This skin condition will subside once the oil glands have balanced out their production. (This skin condition does not hurt your baby.)
Three ways to Treat it
Cradle Cap can last from 2 weeks – several months.
Purchase a baby brush with very soft bristles, Johnson and Johnson baby shampoo, and Johnson and Johnson baby oil, gently rub some oil onto the baby’s forehead, or hair line and gently move the brush over the area in slow circular motions to brush the flakes away. Wash the baby’s hair with Johnson and Johnson shampoo using a soft, warm cloth.
Rub some oil onto your baby’s forehead or hairline, to moisten and loosen the flaky area, wait awhile; 20 minutes to an hour and then take the soft bristle brush and began to slowly, and gently brush the flakes away. Take two damp cloths, wet one cloth with some warm water and Johnson and Johnson baby shampoo and begin wash that area then take the other cloth and rinse the soap out. You could even just wash all of your baby’s hair with the Johnson and Johnson shampoo.
Very gently rub a small amount of almond or olive oil or Shea or cocoa butter onto the babies’ scalp, let the oil sit for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes use a small baby comb to pick out the loose flakes, do not attempt to pick out stubborn flakes because this may damage the babies scalp. Then rub a small amount of adult shampoo onto babies’ scalp, use a warm damp cloth, and gently rinse the head.
How To prevent It
Even with consistent shampooing, and baby oil, the cradle cap may persist; the only way the cradle cap will subside is when the newborn’s oil glands stop over producing which can take up to seven weeks to seven months. Remember don’t worry your baby is not in distress, and he is not sick.
Many people believe that oil just worsens the cradle cap, but it has worked wonders for my child. Others decide to avoid baby oil (which is mineral oil) and use natural oils such as almond or olive oil, or even Shea butter.
Do not attempt to remove all the cradle cap at once, work slowly and gently in small areas.
Adult shampoos may get into the baby’s eyes and burn; it may also irritate the babies’ tender skin so, it is best to use a no tear formula such as Johnson & Johnson baby shampoo.
Don’t wash your babies’ hair more than 2-3 times a week.
The Baby Oil Does Not Work!
If the cradle cap seems to be spreading and the baby oil or shampooing is not working, your pediatrician may offer you an over the counter medicated shampoo or cortisone cream to use.
