There are many cradle cap shampoos and creams on the market, but what do you do if you don’t like to use these types of remedies’ and want to take a more natural approach?
We have looked into some of the more natural remedies that you can use to help with cradle cap.
Here are our top 5 home remedies for cradle cap.
Using a Cradle Cap Brush
You can buy specific cradle cap brushes to help with it. When brushing, you need to be sure that you are gentle and don’t pick or pull any of the scabs.
If you didn’t want to invest into a special brush then you can use a new, soft bristled toothbrush instead. This can work out a bit cheaper.
Method to using a brush:
- Keeping regular circular patterns, slowly brush the area and remove any loose flakes.
- Remove the loose flakes from the strands of hair that are stuck.
This method can be done on wet or dry hair, although we recommend doing it on dry hair as it can be difficult to tell when hair is wet if flakes are loose or not.
Keeping the scalp hydrated
Keeping the scalp hydrated is important, it can help with treating cradle cap as well as loosening the flakes and help them removed.
There are several natural oils you can use to hydrate the scalp and they include olive, coconut, jojoba or almond oil. We would recommend not using almond oil just encase of an allergic reaction.
Method to keeping hydrated:
- Get a pea-sized blob of oil
- Massage the oil into your baby’s scalp for around 1 minute being careful around the soft spot if the baby still has one.
- Leave the oil to soak for around 15-20 minutes and then wash out.
Although there’s no research to prove this method is effective, lots of parents have reported that this is the best way to naturally cure cradle cap.
Apple Cider Vinegar
The next remedy on the list is Apple Cider Vinegar. It seems like a weird thing to put on your baby’s scalp and as you can imagine you’ll need to water it down slightly.
Method for using Apple Cider Vinegar:
- Mix two parts ACV with one part water
- Apply to the scalp and let sit for 15 minutes
- Wash off with warm water making sure to avoid the babies eyes
You can do this method 1-2 times per week.
Vaseline
Vaseline is a great tool in helping skin stay moist and hold moisture. It can also help in removing dead skin.
Method for using Vaseline:
- Get a spoonful of Vaseline and apply to the infected areas.
- Leave on overnight
- The next morning, wash away and condition if necessary
Baking Soda
Baking soda might seem like a bit of an excessive substance to put on your baby’s head but it is great at soaking up oil and especially the oil responsible for blocking pores and allowing the scalp to breathe.
Method for using Baking Soda:
- Make a baking soda/water mixture
- Let it sit for 15 minutes
- Wash it off and pick the flakes away
This remedy is slightly more suited to a toddler than a newborn baby.
