6 Tips on How To Bathe a Baby With Cradle Cap
6 Tips on How To Bathe a Baby With Cradle Cap
If your little one suffers from cradle cap or a flaky scalp, it can be quite frustrating finding the right products and routine to care for their delicate little head. Here are some tips for caring for a little one with cradle cap during their bath or shower routine.
1. Stick with lukewarm water
This one is also important if your little one is prone to eczema or dry skin. Using warmer water can cause further irritation and dryness, so try to stick to lukewarm baths or showers in their bathing routine.
2. Use a gentle, tear-free shampoo
After wetting your little one’s scalp with lukewarm water, use a small amount of gentle baby shampoo like Itchy Baby Co. Natural Shampoo & Body Wash. Using a shampoo with gentle ingredients can help to wash away any flakes that have lifted off the scalp, while minimising the chance of irritation. Our fragrance-free baby Shampoo & Body Wash is formulated with a unique blend of naturally sourced ingredients like aloe vera, coconut and emu apple that provide a nourishing, calming & tear-free experience. Choosing a tear-free shampoo that doesn’t sting your baby’s eyes is also important – we want to make bath time as relaxing and nurturing as we can!
Of course, if your little one has been prescribed a specific shampoo for their cradle cap or flaky scalp, it’s best to follow your doctor’s recommendation.
3. Use a soft brush to remove any loose scales
Throughout the process of helping your little one’s cradle cap, you may wish to use a soft brush to gently massage their scalp during bath time to remove any loose scales that lift away. It’s important to use a clean, soft brush and avoid picking or scraping away any scales (this can irritate or damage their delicate skin).
4. Rinse rinse rinse!
Be sure to rinse well to avoid any shampoo residue build up, which could cause irritation.
5. Gently pat dry
Use a clean, soft cloth or towel to gently pat your baby’s scalp dry. Using a patting motion is a good idea when dealing with extra sensitive baby skin – and it can be helpful for maintaining skin hydration, too. This motion allows you to pat water moisture into the skin (while absorbing any excess), whereas using a rubbing motion can take hydration away from the scalp and skin.
6. Apply a natural scalp oil while their scalp is still damp
Straight after bath time while their scalp is clean and still damp, apply some oil like our Natural Scalp Oil and massage in gently, being particularly careful around their soft spot. We recommend applying soon after showering while the scalp is still damp and moist where possible, as this is when their pores are more open and can absorb the most goodness from the oil. Our Natural Scalp Oil contains a unique blend of coconut oil, sunflower oil, oatmeal and calendula to help nurture flaky scalps and cradle cap.
How often should you wash a baby’s hair when they have cradle cap?
According to HealthyChildren.org, it can be helpful to shampoo a baby’s hair every second day when they have cradle cap. A gentle daily bath is wonderful way to help your little one relax, and it can help wash away triggers if they have sensitive or eczema-prone skin. If your baby has any specific skin conditions or concerns, it’s always best to follow your medical professional’s advice for how frequently you should bathe them or wash their hair.
We hope this blog helps you create a loving bath routine for your little one’s delicate scalp! This blog post was brought to you by the Itchy Baby Co. team x
Disclaimer: Information provided is of a general nature only, and you should always consult your medical professional.