Does my baby have cradle cap and how do I treat the flaky, scaly scalp?

Moms agree cradle cap is common, harmless and not caused by poor hygiene - it usually clears on its own; the advice is to wash less often, avoid leaving oil on the scalp, never pick at it, and gently comb off loose flakes.

Community Answers from Moms(6)

Here's what moms in our community shared based on their own experience.

1. 1

   It's normal and not due to poor hygiene - it's linked to the mother's hormones transferred to the baby. It goes away on its own (one mom's son had it and it cleared by age 6). Use baby shampoo.

2. 2

   It's not fungal. Don't pick at it. Use a soft comb and wash with shampoo. Since it's caused by scalp oils, avoid oil; you can use petroleum jelly/Vaseline instead.

3. 3

   When bathing, the cradle cap becomes wet and you can lightly rub the head with a soft cotton cloth.

4. 4

   Use Spoo baby shampoo (from Tedibar) and don't use oil. Alternatively do a cold-pressed coconut oil massage 15-20 minutes before bath, then wash off with Spoo shampoo - don't leave oil on the hair.

5. 5

   Reduce how often you wet the hair, avoid leaving oil on the scalp, and wash hair only about once or twice a week. When hair is dry, gently comb with a baby-safe comb without touching the scalp so loose bits come off.

6. 6

   Coconut oil applied before bath can help, but wash it off.