Cradle Cap: Causes and Treatments

If you’ve noticed soft flakes or yellowish patches on your baby’s scalp, you are in very good company. Cradle cap is one of the most common newborn skin conditions, and while it may look surprising at first, it is almost always harmless. 

Many parents wonder what causes cradle cap, how to treat it safely, how to prevent future outbreaks, and when it may be helpful to involve a healthcare provider. The comforting news is that cradle cap is manageable, temporary, and not something your baby typically feels.

What Is Cradle Cap?

Cradle cap, or infant seborrheic dermatitis, is a harmless, non-itchy condition that causes flaky or scaly patches on your baby’s scalp. It may appear:

• Yellow or white in color
• Slightly greasy or waxy
• Mildly red around the edges
• Adhered to the skin, rather than loose flakes

While it can sometimes appear on the eyebrows, eyelids, ears, or around the nose, it most commonly remains on the scalp. Even though it may look uncomfortable, babies rarely notice it at all.

Why Does Cradle Cap Occur?

Although we don’t know the exact cause, there are a few widely accepted explanations:

• Natural newborn oil production: A baby’s oil glands may still be influenced by parental hormones after birth.
• Skin yeast (Malassezia): This common yeast thrives in oil-rich areas and can contribute to scale buildup.
• Normal skin adjustment: Newborn skin is learning to regulate itself outside the womb, and cradle cap is part of that process for many little ones.

Cradle cap is not caused by anything you did or didn’t do. It’s simply a very normal part of some babies’ early months.

Diagnosis

Cradle cap is diagnosed visually, often by parents, pediatricians, or newborn care professionals who are familiar with infant skin patterns. It is usually easy to identify based on appearance alone.

Signs that point to cradle cap include:

• Stuck-on scales or flakes
• Greasy or waxy patches
• Minimal redness
• A lack of itching or discomfort

If the area looks irritated, oozing, or seems to bother your baby, that may indicate something different and may require a call to your pediatrician. 

Is it Cradle Cap or Another Skin Condition? 

Newborn skin can be sensitive and several conditions may look similar. Cradle cap is one of many skin conditions like stork bites or baby acne that can look concerning but is actually harmless.  Here’s how cradle cap compares to a few others:

Eczema

• Dry, red, and itchy
• Can appear anywhere on the body
• Often causes rubbing or discomfort

Dandruff

• Dry, flaky skin
• Common in older infants or toddlers
• Typically not greasy or thick

Psoriasis (very rare in babies)

• Red patches with thicker scaling
• May spread beyond the scalp

Infection

• Yellow crusting
• Oozing or odor
• Baby may seem uncomfortable

If the skin appears irritated or worsens, it’s a good idea to reach out to your pediatrician for guidance.

Caring for Cradle Cap: Gentle, Effective Treatments

Cradle cap often resolves naturally within a few weeks or months. Still, simple care at home can support the healing process.

Supportive Treatment at Home

• Wash with a gentle, fragrance-free shampoo:
  A mild wash every few days can help soften and lift flakes.
• Use a soft baby brush:
  After a bath, gently loosen flakes with a soft bristle brush. Avoid scraping or picking.
• Soften scales with a light oil:
  A small amount of coconut oil, mineral oil, or a baby-safe moisturizer can soften the flakes.
  Wash the scalp afterward to avoid buildup.

What to Avoid

• Heavy oils that are hard to remove
• Adult dandruff shampoos (unless a doctor recommends them)
• Picking, peeling, or forcefully removing flakes

A gentle approach is truly best, your baby’s skin is doing exactly what it needs to do.

When to Reach Out to Your Pediatrician

It’s always okay to ask for support. Contact your pediatrician if:

• The cradle cap spreads rapidly
• The skin looks very red or irritated
• There is oozing, cracking, or odor
• Your baby seems uncomfortable or sensitive
• It doesn’t begin improving within a few weeks of gentle care

Most cases resolve smoothly, but your pediatrician can offer guidance when needed.

How a Newborn Care Specialist Can Help

Newborn skin can feel mysterious, especially in the early days. A Newborn Care Specialist brings calm, experienced support directly into your home. They are someone who has seen many babies with cradle cap and knows how to gently care for their delicate skin.

A specialist can help you:

• Identify cradle cap early
• Create a simple, safe care routine
• Select baby-friendly products
• Support bath time and scalp care
• Feel confident in what’s normal and what’s not

Welcoming a baby home comes with so many joys and so many questions. You don’t have to navigate them alone. We’re here to support you from your first days together through every small and meaningful moment.

Cradle Cap FAQ