Cradle Cap

Of all the things you envisioned while preparing for your baby, you probably didn't imagine dandruff-like flakes covering his or her scalp. But your newborn may indeed have scaly patches on the scalp and eyebrows. It's called cradle cap, and it's perfectly normal. Cradle cap, or seborrheic dermatitis, is a form of eczema that is very common in infants. It usually begins in the first weeks of life and slowly disappears over the next several weeks or months. Most cases of cradle cap clear up by the time your baby is between 8 and 12 months old.

Although it may be tempting to do so, do not try to pick off the patches with your fingernails! The best way to help remove cradle cap crusts is to soften them first by massaging a baby oil, such as JOHNSON'S^® Baby Oil, into baby's hair and scalp. Leave the oil on for a few minutes to help loosen crusty patches. Then clean your baby's scalp with a mild, gentle cleanser, like JOHNSON'S^® HEAD-TO-TOE^® Baby Wash, or if your baby has a lot of hair, you may prefer JOHNSON'S^® Baby Shampoo. Each clinically proven mild NO MORE TEARS^® formula is as gentle to the eyes as pure water. Add a little to a washcloth, and use a gentle, circular motion to remove the flakes and oil from your baby's head. You may also want to use a fine-toothed comb or baby brush to help remove the dislodged flakes. Although cradle cap can be unsightly at times, it's harmless. But if you have any questions, or if cradle cap spreads to other areas of your baby's body beyond his or her scalp or eyebrows, call your pediatrician.

Remember to be extra gentle when massaging or washing around the soft spots on your baby's head, called fontanels.