Things to Know About Cradle Cap
Oily or crusty patches on a baby’s head are called cradle caps.
How to Avoid Cradle Cap?
- Irrespective of the climate or season of the place where you live, make sure that you give the baby a head bath every day or at least on alternate days.
- Apply the oil every day after bathing using a mild baby shampoo. Parents may be hesitant about giving a head bath, fearing that the child may catch a cold. But this is a myth.
- Washing their hair every day helps them sleep better.
- Always use a dry towel to dry the baby’s head.
How to treat existing cradle caps?
Follow these steps if your baby already has a cradle cap:
- Start applying oil and take a head bath daily
- Mix 1/2 cup of Savlon (Savlon cap) in 1 cup of warm water and massage gently using cotton and clean the cradle cap by dipping it in Savlon water. Do this gently and for no more than 2 or 3 minutes.
- If your baby is above 6 months and his fontanels have already closed, oil and comb with a soft brush every day. The patch will come out.
- Be sure to change and clean their pillowcases regularly.
The cradle cap is non-contagious and is much like dandruff. This is neither a matter of concern nor a problem. It may itch and look ugly. But good care can absolutely help to get rid of it.