Cradle cap in babies: causes, symptoms and treatments

Cradle cap is very common in newborn babies and so to help you understand what it is and what you can do to manage it, we’ve teamed up with the experts at JOHNSON’S® to provide you with lots of tips and advice…

What is cradle cap?

Cradle cap is also known as seborrhoeic dermatitis, which is the name given to yellowish scaly patches that can sometimes appear on a baby’s scalp. Sometimes other areas can be affected too, including; the eyebrows, behind the ears, around the nose, and even the armpits and nappy area.

What are the signs and symptoms of cradle cap?

The typical signs of your baby having cradle cap are:

Although cradle cap symptoms are harmless and won’t cause your baby any distress, it can look unsightly. Small areas of the waxy ‘crust’ may dry and flake off, sometimes leaving behind a red inflamed area.

Occasionally a small amount of hair comes away with the flakes, but this isn’t anything to worry about as it will soon grow back. You should never be tempted to scratch or pick at the crust because this could lead to infection.

What causes cradle cap?

The cause of cradle cap isn’t really known, although it could possibly be linked to hormonal changes which affect the oil-producing glands in your baby’s skin.

When does cradle cap occur?

If your baby is going to get cradle cap it most commonly occurs from around four or five weeks through to one year.

Colief Baby Scalp Oil has been formulated to gently moisturise your baby’s skin and scalp. This fast-absorbing oil helps to soften and clear cradle cap flakes.

We love that Colief Baby Scalp Oil is made with naturally derived, plant-based ingredients, such as chamomile, rosehip oil, and Vitamin E. This nourishing oil is gentle enough to use on babies from birth from your baby’s full-term date.

2. Johnson's Baby Cotton Touch Hair and Scalp Oil

Johnson’s Cotton Touch Hair and Scalp Oil is a popular choice of cradle cap treatment and is designed specifically for delicate newborn skin. The fast-absorbing oil helps to loosen flakes of cradle cap while also protecting your baby’s skin by keeping it smooth and soft.

This hair and scalp oil for babies is free from dyes, phthalates, parabens, and dyes and has been formulated to reduce the risk of allergies. We love that this hair and scalp oil has been paediatrician and dermatologist-tested.

5. Healpsorin Baby Eczema & Cradle Cap Emulsion Treatment

The Kokoso Baby Happy Scalp Cream is a natural treatment for cradle cap and provides soothing relief for babies with itchy scalps. The cream is designed to improve the health of the scalp by strengthening peeling skin, reducing oil production, and hydrating dry skin.

We love that this un-fragranced cradle cap cream is packed with 98% naturally derived ingredients. The natural ingredients include organic coconut oil, celery seed extract, and organic aloe vera.

7. Healpsorin Soothing Baby Oil Gel - Cradle Cap Treatment

This intensive oil gel absorbs quickly into the skin to provide soothing relief from cradle cap and seborrheic dermatitis. The oil gel is formulated to loosen dry, flaky skin, while also improving the skin’s ability to hold moisture.

We love that this product is free from steroids, parabens, and artificial fragrances and contains skin-loving ingredients including squalene and sweet almond oil.

8. Bee Nature Organic Baby Shampoo

This cradle cap treatment shampoo from Bee Nature is packed with natural ingredients that help to breakdown cradle cap and remove it, while also nourishing the scalp. This Honey Mousse shampoo is made from 99% natural ingredients, including organic medical honey, jojoba oil, coconut oil, and raspberry extract.

We love that this shampoo is ph.-neutral and soap-free to make it extra gentle on your baby’s skin.

9. Safety 1st Cradle Cap Brush and Comb

This easy-to-use brush provides a 2-in-1 treatment for cradle cap. Simply slide the brush onto your hands, and use the rubber bristles to gently remove the flakes. Afterwards, use the fine-tooth comb to gently remove the loose flakes from your baby’s hair and scalp.

This cradle cap brush and comb has been tested for both safety and durability.