People warn us about a lot of things when they see that you’re pregnant or when your newborn baby is swaddled in your arms. You’ve probably heard the same warnings over and over again –  “enjoy your sleep while you can get it,” “take naps when the baby naps,” and the warnings that the terrible twos are nothing compared to the horrible 3’s.

But there are many things that they never tell you about cradle cap when you’re first bringing home your new little bundle of joy. It seems like there are lots of things they don’t warn you about.

Most often, it begins when they are between two and six weeks old. And most common in babies under three months. 

The first time you notice the yellow flakes, it’s certainly a bit concerning. You attempt to scratch off the crust with your fingernails gently, and you pass it off as buildup from baby shampoo or just some dry skin, so you add some moisturizer and go about your day.

Only to find that it comes back again the very next day and the day after that. Your mind, of course, goes directly to being concerned. You read the internet and fear that it’s a rash or that it could be eczema and have to do with their diet or give you a reason to try dairy free formula.

Not understanding what this is can be scary, but rest assured that cradle cap is neither painful nor is it itchy to your newborn. In fact, your baby has no idea at all that it’s there. 

That’s great news. But while it’s not affecting the way they feel, you’ll want to get control over those scaly patches of yellow crusts on the scalp because it can quickly become out of control.

But first, let’s take a look at what causes cradle cap in the first place. 

While they aren’t 100% certain of the exact cause, it’s believed to be the result of hormones that were passed through the placenta just before birth. These hormones cause overactive oil glands. As your baby’s dead skin cells fall off, which is normal, the excessive oil that their little bodies are producing is trapping the dead skin, and it’s forming the crust on the scalp.

Most often, cradle cap is confined to their head, but there are some instances where you’ll notice it on their eyebrows as well. 

While this is something that will eventually go away on its own, there are some things that you can do to help speed the process up a bit.

Follow these simple steps, and you’ll begin to see a difference in just a few days,

1. Apply oil to the scalp

Baby oil is going to be the best option. However, mineral oil and coconut oil are good options as well. Begin by massaging just a few drops of baby oil on your baby’s scalp 15 minutes before bath time. This will help to soften the scales. 

You should avoid using olive oil or anything containing essential oils on your baby. 

2. Shampoo regularly

You’ll want to use a really good baby shampoo such as organic baby shampoo. It has no fragrance and is gentle enough to be used daily. By shampooing your baby’s scalp daily will not only treat the cradle cap, but you’ll also be preventing it by reducing the oils. 

3. Brush your baby’s scalp

About 30 minutes after the bath, you’ll want to take time to remove the build-up. It’s going to be extremely tempting to pick at it, but do not do that. It will make the condition worse. 

You’ll want to gently brush your baby’s scalp with a baby brush or comb. Take your time doing this and enjoy talking to your baby.

From the moment we bring them home, the worrying begins. We watch them as they sleep to make sure they are breathing. We fear they’re not getting enough breast milk or drinking enough formula, and we worry they aren’t hitting their milestones on time. 

We worry because we love them. It’s our job as their parent to protect them and teach them how to brush their teeth to prevent cavities, how to ride a bike, how to respect people, and be kind. The list of things goes on and on. 

You’re doing great, Mom! There’s nothing better in life than being a parent and watching our babies grow into beautiful people.