Our baby is perfect to us from day one.  Their skin is so soft to the touch, their features are beautiful, and their smile is even more sweet.  Although a baby’s skin is usually perfect to begin with, it’s not a guarantee that it will stay that way as a baby.  It is common that babies will get cradle cap.  Although this doesn’t happen to every baby, affecting less than the average, it still happens.

What is the cause of cradle cap?

The cause of cradle cap isn’t for certain.  Although, experts seem to think it has to do with overproduction of oil glands in the baby’s skin.  This is due to a hormonal change in the baby.  Babies can get it on their face, scalp, ears, neck and even their armpits.

Seeing your baby’s skin starting to flake and look scaly is kind of frightening at first, but don’t panic.  Cradle cap can happen and it will go away.  Consider a few of these tips for treatments and start improving their skin today!

The Best Cradle Cap Treatments:

Oil:  Consider rubbing your baby’s head or the affected area with oil.  This can be a baby oil, mineral oil or olive oil.  This will moisturize your baby’s skin wonderfully.  Do this a couple times each day, and even put a little cap on their head to hold the moisture in.

Shampoos:  Try using shampoos made for cradle cap.  It’s best to go organic so that there aren’t any harsh ingredients, fragrances, or chemicals in it. 

Lotions:  Be sure to moisturize your baby’s head with an organic lotion as well.  Once again, being organic, it can be helpful to avoid any chemicals that may cause further irritation.  There are several great ones on the market, be sure to read the description, you may find that some are even made for cradle cap!

Pediatrician:  If your baby has had cradle cap for a week or longer while you’ve considered these tips above, it may be helpful to take your little one to the pediatrician!  You may find that it’s not even cradle cap.  So, if it hasn’t disappeared with these tips in over a week, take your baby in to get it further examined.

Seeing your baby with cradle cap is sad.  It can look pretty terrible, but as a parent you have to remember it’s not really that painful.  It’s more irritating and annoying than painful!  Consider these tips and try to rid your baby of it soon.