What is cradle cap and how can I get rid of it?

Life with a newborn can be nerve-wracking. If your little one develops cradle cap, it’s natural to be concerned. Luckily, cradle cap is both common and usually harmless – you just need to take care of it to help prevent it from getting any worse. We’ll explain what cradle cap looks like, how to get rid of cradle cap and what to do if your baby has it.

Cradle cap is a type of dermatitis which causes flaky, scabby patches on the scalp. It usually occurs in babies between three weeks and 12 months old and it’s common in early infancy.^1,2,3

If your baby has any of the following on their scalp, it could be cradle cap:¹

• crusty, yellowish patches

• flaky skin

• greasy or oily skin

• scaly areas

Cradle cap is most common on the scalp, but some babies get it on their eyebrows, nose or nappy area. Again, this is normal and usually clears up on its own. Cradle cap doesn’t typically cause bleeding, leaking fluid or swelling – these may indicate infection or another skin condition and should be assessed. If your baby has these, you should see a doctor.⁴

The medical cause of cradle cap isn’t actually known. Cradle cap isn’t caused by poor hygiene or anything you’ve done wrong. More recent research suggests it may involve a more complex interaction between oil activity, the skin barrier, immune responses and the microbiome.^1,5,6 The type of dermatitis which causes cradle cap is also found in other areas where there are oil glands, including the eyebrows, nose, ears and in the nappy area.⁴

While cradle cap is harmless, there are ways to help prevent it and also get rid of it...

Cradle cap: what to do

Wash your baby’s hair regularly

Gently wash your baby’s hair with your fingertips and an unperfumed baby shampoo. Rinse, then pat their head dry with a clean towel.⁴ Special cradle cap shampoos are available, but you might not need it unless the cradle cap is persistent or if your midwife or doctor recommends it.

Brush your baby’s scalp

After washing, gently brush your baby’s hair and scalp to loosen the scabs. You could use a regular soft baby brush or a cradle cap brush with soft rubber bristles, or even a clean flannel. Some parents prefer using a fine-tooth comb to gently comb loose flakes out.⁴ Don’t worry if washing or brushing doesn’t remove all the scabs – this just means they aren’t ready to come off yet.

Moisturise your baby’s scalp

You can use an emollient (moisturiser) or coconut oil to help hydrate your baby’s scalp.⁴ Do not use olive oil as it may not be suitable for babies’ skin, and don’t use peanut oil because of the risk of allergies.⁴ Leave for a few hours to soften the skin before gently brushing and rinsing with an unperfumed shampoo.

Cradle cap: what to avoid

Don’t use fragranced shampoo

Avoid using adults' shampoos, fragranced products or soap as they can contain ingredients which are too harsh for a baby’s delicate skin.⁴

Don’t use soap

Soap is drying on newborn skin, which can make cradle cap worse. Use a mild baby shampoo or special cradle cap baby shampoo instead.⁴

Don’t pick it

Never scratch, pick or roughly rub cradle cap as this can increase the risk of infection.⁴ You can try to gently loosen flakes with a soft brush or your fingers, but they’ll only move when they’re ready.

Some research suggests cradle cap can last up to 2 years, while the NHS says it usually resolves on its own within a few months. Parents should seek advice if it hasn't improved after a few weeks of home management. If it persists, speak to your midwife or doctor to discuss further treatment.⁴ It’s not uncommon for it to return in a baby’s first year of life, even after successful cradle cap treatment – so you shouldn’t worry if cradle cap comes back if it’s not causing any problems. However, you should speak to a GP or midwife if your baby’s cradle cap:⁴

• hasn't improved after a few weeks of home treatment

• is all over the body

• is accompanied by swelling, bleeding, fluid or an odour

The bottom line is that cradle cap is generally harmless and, with some care at home, it usually clears up on its own. While your baby might look a bit different, they shouldn’t be in any discomfort – so you can put your mind at rest. Making the most of those quiet naptime moments? Discover our guide to vitamin D for babies and children or learn how to care for your nipples while breastfeeding...

Disclaimer – This article provides informational advice and is not a substitute for medical care. Working with experts for accuracy, we take great care to ensure the information is up-to-date and relevant. However, you should always consult your GP or healthcare professional before using supplements or alternative products, particularly if you have medical conditions or are under supervision.