Four Natural Ways to Help Cradle Cap
Four Natural Ways to Help Cradle Cap
Cradle cap is a common skin condition affecting many babies in their first few months. It presents as flaky, oily, yellowish patches on the scalp, and while it doesn't usually cause any discomfort, many parents choose to treat it as they feel that it doesn't look or feel particularly nice. The good news is that there are natural ways to remove scalp flakiness associated with cradle cap at home, and help your little one's scalp return to that smooth, baby softness!
If your baby's scalp seems itchy or inflamed, this might be a sign of infection or of another condition like eczema, and you should seek treatment advice from a medical professional.
Here are four natural ways that you can help your little one’s cradle cap at home. Remember, always patch-test any new ingredients or products on your child’s skin before using them on a larger area to check for any reactions.
Coconut Oil
One natural remedy that has gained popularity for lifting cradle cap is coconut oil. Coconut oil is known for its moisturising properties, as it contains high amounts of medium-chain fatty acids, such as lauric acid.
To use coconut oil for cradle cap, apply a small amount of cold-pressed virgin coconut oil directly to your baby's scalp after their bath. Gently massage the oil into the affected areas and leave it on overnight. The oil will help to soften and loosen the scales, making them easier to remove. In the morning, you can use a soft brush or a cloth to gently remove any lifted flakiness and then rinse the scalp with warm water and a little bit of gentle baby shampoo. Be sure to avoid using hot water, which can dry out the skin.
Colloidal Oatmeal
Colloidal oatmeal is a natural ingredient made from very finely ground oats that can dissolve in water. Oats have long been known to have a soothing effect on the skin, as they contain natural compounds that can help to reduce inflammation, itchiness, and dryness.
Colloidal oatmeal can be especially helpful for cradle cap due to its moisturising and nourishing properties. It can also soothe dry and itchy scalps.
Itchy Baby Co.'s Natural Oatmeal Bath Soak, Eczema Moisturiser and Natural Scalp Oil all contain oatmeal as a key ingredient to help nourish your baby's scalp. The oatmeal forms a protective barrier on the skin, which helps to lock in moisture and prevent further dryness. This can be especially beneficial for babies with cradle cap, as it can help soften the scales and make them easier to remove.
To use colloidal oatmeal for cradle cap, you can try using Itchy Baby Co's Oatmeal Bath Soak or natural Eczema Moisturiser as directed. For the Scalp Oil, pump a small amount into your hand and massage it gently into your baby's damp scalp until the oil starts to be absorbed. Be sure to use these products consistently for the best results.
Olive Oil
Olive oil is a natural oil high in antioxidants and healthy fatty acids, which can help nourish and moisturise the skin. When applied topically, olive oil can help to soothe and soften dry, flaky skin, making it a popular choice for treating cradle cap.
To use olive oil for cradle cap, warm a small amount in your hands. Next, gently massage the oil into your baby's scalp, focusing on areas where there is dryness or flaking. Be sure to use a gentle touch, as the scalp may be sensitive or tender.
Once the oil has been applied, you can leave it on for about an hour to allow it to penetrate the skin and soften the scales. After an hour has passed, use a soft-bristled brush or comb to remove the scales from your baby's scalp gently. This can help reduce buildup and make it easier to rinse the oil out of the hair.
Finally, rinse your baby's scalp thoroughly with warm water and shampoo as usual to remove any remaining oil. This can help prevent greasiness or buildup on the scalp.
Itchy Baby Co. Natural Scalp Oil
We’ve combined a few of our favourite natural ingredients to create this silky oil blend. It’s packed with the goodness of oat extract, which forms a barrier on the skin to trap hydration and prevent moisture loss. The organic coconut oil reduces flaking, and the added calendula has antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties. Just pump a small amount into your hand and massage directly into your child’s damp scalp until the oil starts to be absorbed.
To remove loose, flaky skin from your baby's hair, consider using a cradle cap brush and comb after moisturising and applying the natural scalp oil. It's important to be gentle and never pick at the flakes, as this can cause the skin to become inflamed or infected. You can leave the oil on overnight and shampoo off the next day if your little one's hair looks oily.
This blog post was brought to you and your family with love from the Itchy Baby Co. team x.
Disclaimer: Information provided is of a general nature only, and you should always consult your medical professional.