What Is Cradle Cap and How to Care for It
A Gentle Guide for Soothing Your Baby’s Scalp — One Bath at a Time
You’ve just settled into your newborn routine when you notice dry, flaky patches appearing on your baby’s scalp. It looks a bit like dandruff — maybe even yellowish or crusty. It’s not hurting your baby, but it doesn’t look great either… and naturally, you’re wondering if it’s something to worry about.
The good news? It’s likely cradle cap — and it’s incredibly common.
At Neutral Nest, we believe in calm, informed parenting and gentle solutions that respect your baby’s delicate skin. Here’s everything you need to know about cradle cap — and how to care for it using simple, soothing methods you can trust.
What Is Cradle Cap?
Cradle cap (the medical term is infantile seborrhoeic dermatitis) is a harmless, non-contagious skin condition that causes:
Flaky or scaly patches on the scalp
Greasy or waxy texture
White or yellowish crusts
Sometimes, redness underneath
It often appears in the first few weeks of life and usually clears up on its own by 6–12 months. While it may look concerning, it’s not itchy, painful, or harmful to your baby.
What Causes It?
The exact cause isn’t fully known, but it’s thought to be related to:
Hormones passed from parent to baby before birth
Overactive sebaceous (oil) glands
A build-up of natural skin oils, dead skin cells, and possibly yeast on the skin
The good news? It’s not caused by poor hygiene, allergies, or anything you’ve done wrong.
How to Gently Treat Cradle Cap
While it often resolves on its own, you can help ease cradle cap gently with a few simple steps at bath time:
1. Use a Mild Baby Wash
Wash baby’s scalp with warm water and a fragrance-free, gentle baby shampoo or cleanser. Avoid anything harsh or heavily scented.
2. Loosen Flakes With a Soft Brush
After softening the area during the bath, use a gentle cradle cap brush to massage the scalp and help lift away dry flakes.
This is where our Neutral Nest Baby Bath Cradle Cap Brush shines — literally and figuratively.
Featured Essential:
Baby Bath Cradle Cap Brush
A beautifully simple, practical tool designed to help ease cradle cap while giving your baby a calming bathtime experience.
Why Parents Love It:
Ultra-soft and safe for newborn skin
Helps gently brush away dry flakes and cradle cap
Ergonomic shape fits perfectly in your hand
Ideal for soothing massages during bath time
Made from 100% food-grade silicone — naturally antibacterial, quick-drying, and easy to clean
Minimalist taupe colour blends beautifully with your bathtime essentials
Makes a thoughtful, practical baby shower gift
Whether you’re treating cradle cap or simply enjoying a calming scalp massage, this brush brings function and softness together.
3. Rinse and Pat Dry
Rinse your baby’s scalp gently with warm water, then pat dry with a soft towel. Avoid rubbing or picking at flakes — this can cause irritation.
4. Moisturise If Needed
If your baby’s scalp feels dry after brushing, you can apply a small amount of baby-safe oil (like coconut or olive oil) or a gentle baby moisturiser to the area.
When to See a GP or Health Visitor
While cradle cap is usually harmless and temporary, speak to your healthcare provider if:
It spreads to other parts of the body (like behind the ears, eyebrows, or nappy area)
The skin becomes red, inflamed, or starts weeping
It seems itchy or your baby appears uncomfortable
It doesn’t improve after a few weeks of gentle care
Final Thoughts
Cradle cap can look a little alarming — but it’s very common, totally treatable, and not a reflection of your parenting. With patience, simple care, and the right tools (like our soft silicone brush), it’s easy to manage as part of your gentle bath routine.
At Neutral Nest, we’re here to help you navigate the normal-but-not-talked-about parts of early parenthood — with thoughtful essentials designed for calm, connection, and comfort.
