The struggles of parenting a newborn are all too real—diaper changes, spit-ups, and endless worries. Then you notice scaly patches on your baby’s scalp and think, What now?
If this sounds familiar, you’re far from alone. Cradle cap, or infantile seborrheic dermatitis, is a common condition that affects about 10% of babies under a month old, then peaks around three months, affecting up to 70% of infants [1].
The good news? Cradle cap is usually harmless and clears up on its own by your baby’s first birthday. While the signs of cradle cap may be distressing, understanding its causes and learning simple, natural remedies can help you confidently care for your little one’s delicate skin.
How to recognize cradle cap
Cradle cap is a form of seborrheic dermatitis in infants. Symptoms typically appear as [2]:
- Yellowish, greasy scales that stick to the scalp, often on the crown or front, but can spread across the entire head and on the face.
- Patchy scaling or crusting with white or yellow flakes.
- The skin underneath may appear red or greasy.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, cradle cap patches often look reddish on lighter skin, while on darker skin tones, they may appear darker than the surrounding skin, purple, or even whitish [3]. Thankfully, the cradle cap is not harmful and doesn’t itch [4], so your baby should be able to feed, play, and sleep comfortably. It’s also not contagious, so there’s no need to worry about it spreading to others. Your baby can still attend daycare or enjoy playdates with other little ones!
Beyond the scalp
Can cradle cap spread to other areas? Yes, it can spread to areas with oil glands, including the eyebrows, eyelids, behind the ears, neck folds, armpits, and even the diaper area [3].
How to tell cradle cap apart from other conditions
Many skin conditions share symptoms in common, and telling them apart can be tricky. It may help to look at a side-by-side comparison in the chart below:
To reiterate, here are some of the key differences between cradle cap and other skin issues:
- Cradle cap vs. dry skin: Dry skin appears as flaky patches that can be itchy [5], while cradle cap has yellowish, greasy scales and crusts that typically don’t itch.
- Cradle cap vs. dandruff: Cradle cap involves oil-related skin inflammation in babies, while dandruff is a milder, non-inflammatory variant affecting about 50% of adults [6].
- Cradle cap vs. eczema (atopic dermatitis): Eczema causes red, inflamed patches that are often intensely itchy, unlike cradle cap, which doesn’t itch and is usually confined to the scalp.
Why does cradle cap happen? Exploring potential causes
The exact cause of cradle cap isn’t fully understood, but several factors may contribute. Your baby’s oil glands may produce too much oil (sebum), which can cause skin cells to stick to their scalp instead of shedding naturally [7]. This extra oil may result from hormones passed from mom to baby [8], or other factors like dry air, temperature changes, or harsh skincare products that strip natural oils from the skin.
Other causes may include issues with the skin’s protective barrier, changes in the amount or type of natural skin oils, an overactive immune response, and an imbalance in the skin’s natural bacteria and yeast [9].
The skin microbiome: Your baby’s first line of defense
Your baby’s skin is home to a natural community of bacteria and fungi, known as the skin microbiome. It helps maintain their skin health and supports their immune system.
When this natural balance is disrupted, it can lead to overgrowth of certain microbes like Malassezia (a common yeast) and Staphylococcus aureus (a type of bacteria). This may trigger inflammation and weaken the skin’s protective barrier. Research has found these microbes are more common in areas of cradle cap compared to healthy skin in babies [9].
Yeast and cradle cap: What we know so far
Malassezia, a common yeast (fungus) found on the skin, thrives in oily environments. Around 13–50% of newborns get it on their skin within their first week, likely from their mother’s skin [10].
Its role in cradle cap remains unclear since it has been found in both infants with and without the condition [11]. This suggests that Malassezia may be a typical member of the skin microbiome. Its effects could depend on factors like species, abundance, its interaction with the immune system, or other variables.
Specific strains like Malassezia restricta and M. globosa break down skin oils to release fatty acid byproducts. These byproducts can irritate the skin, causing inflammation and flaking, which may lead to cradle cap [12].
The gut microbiome connection
Recent research has found that the source of many skin issues may also trace back to your gut. This “gut-skin-axis” is a pathway that allows communication between your immune system, gut barrier, and gut microbes. A healthy gut microbiome can help regulate the inflammatory response and prevent skin issues like rashes and eczema [13]–[17]. This connection helps explain why babies with food allergies, which are immune system reactions, often experience skin conditions like eczema [18],[19].
The gut absorbs essential nutrients like vitamins and long-chain and medium-chain fatty acids, which provide energy and support vital functions [20]. When nutrient absorption is compromised, the skin can become dry, flaky, or more prone to irritation. The gut barrier also helps keep unfriendly bacteria from entering your bloodstream, which helps maintain resilient, healthy skin [14],[21].
A balanced gut microbiome, nurtured by the right diet, helps reduce inflammation and supports the skin and immune system. Consider checking your baby’s gut with a Baby Gut Health Test, which can help you identify any imbalances and steps to address them.
Typical cradle cap treatments
Bath time is a great time to care for your baby’s cradle cap. Use a soft cradle cap brush or a warm washcloth in gentle circular motions to remove loosened flakes. Be careful not to press too hard, especially around your baby’s soft spots. Avoid picking at the flakes or using your fingernails, as this can irritate the scalp.
Specialty cradle cap shampoo
There are shampoos specifically designed for cradle cap, meant for use daily or a few times a week. While they are formulated for infants, make sure to check the ingredients list before you use them. Always perform a patch test before using a new product to check for any reactions. Avoid dandruff shampoos containing salicylic acid. According to the Mayo Clinic, they may not be safe for babies [22].
Seek medical advice if you notice:
- Redness, swelling, or oozing on the scalp (possible infection).
- Symptoms spreading to the face, neck folds, or other areas.
- An unpleasant odor from the scalp.
- Discomfort, fussiness, or irritability in your baby.
For severe cases, your doctor may recommend short-term use of low-potency hydrocortisone cream or 2% ketoconazole shampoo [23][24]. These treatments may be effective but can have side effects on delicate baby skin.
Gentle at-home remedies to soothe cradle cap naturally
Here are some natural topical remedies you can try to help manage cradle cap:
- Coconut oil: Apply coconut oil to soften flakes, let it sit, and then gently brush them away [25]. Afterwards, make sure to shampoo, towel dry, and apply a light moisturizer to your baby’s scalp.
- Chamomile tea: Chamomile is valued for its soothing effects. Studies show German chamomile oil can reduce inflammation and allergic reactions in laboratory and animal research [26]. Some people use chamomile tea as a cradle cap remedy. Brew and cool chamomile tea, then use it as a hair rinse to soothe the scalp
- Baking soda: Mix equal parts baking soda and water, apply briefly, then rinse during bath time to loosen scales [25].
- Zinc oxide: Zinc has anti-inflammatory and healing properties that make it useful for soothing irritation. For this reason, zinc oxide paste is often used for diaper rash [27]. Sometimes it is recommended for cradle cap.
- Raw honey: Honey is known for its antimicrobial properties, especially Manuka honey [28]. In one study, adults with seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff treated their skin with raw honey every other day for a month and saw great improvements [29]. To try this for cradle cap, dilute the raw honey and gently rub it into the affected skin, then rinse gently with water. Important note: It is not safe to feed your baby honey before 12 months of age.
As a reminder, your baby’s skin is delicate! Always consult your health practitioner, and if you decide to try a home remedy for your baby’s skin, do a patch test first to check for reactions.
Breastmilk as a cradle cap remedy
While some sites suggest applying breastmilk to cradle cap, no studies confirm its effectiveness or safety for treating it [30]. While more research is needed, it’s harmless and worth a try.
Can you prevent cradle cap? Simple tips for parents
While cradle cap isn’t always avoidable, these simple habits can help keep your baby’s scalp healthy:
- Brush daily: Use a soft brush daily to gently remove buildup and flakes.
- Moisturize regularly: Apply a gentle, baby-safe moisturizer to keep the scalp hydrated and prevent dryness.
- Avoid overwashing: Overwashing can strip natural oils, leading to increased oil production and worsening cradle cap [31]. If your baby’s flakes are very dry, consider using only water at bath time rather than soaps or shampoos.
- Run a humidifier: Add moisture to the air in rooms with heating or AC to protect skin from drying out.
- Check gut health: A baby gut test can identify any imbalances in your baby’s microbiome that may affect skin health.
- Support a balanced microbiome: Support your baby’s gut microbiome by breastfeeding, if possible. Then introduce a gut-friendly diet when they’re old enough to start solids.
Supporting healthy skin from the inside out
The appearance of cradle cap can be unsettling, but it’s important to remember that it’s harmless and doesn’t bother your baby. Understanding its possible causes—like overactive oil glands, maternal hormones, or microbiome imbalances—can make it easier to manage.
You can take simple steps to care for your baby’s scalp. Gently brush their scalp with a soft-bristled brush daily to help remove flakes and prevent buildup. Apply a mild moisturizer to keep their skin hydrated and less prone to irritation.
Healthy skin starts from within. A healthy skin microbiome protects against unfriendly microbes, and a balanced gut microbiome helps to reduce inflammation and improve nutrient absorption, both essential for healthy skin.
With a little care and consistency, your baby’s scalp should naturally return to a healthy state over time.
If you want to uncover the source of your baby’s symptoms or address the root cause of chronic conditions, consider the Tiny+ Baby Membership. It’s the first gut microbiome testing and coaching service created specifically for parents of infants and toddlers, providing insights to support your little one’s health from the inside out—along with personalized guidance from a microbiome specialist.
