Cradle cap — known medically as infantile seborrhoeic dermatitis — is a common, harmless scalp condition that affects many newborns and young babies. It appears as greasy, yellowish or brown flaky patches or scales on your baby's scalp. It can also sometimes appear on the forehead, eyebrows, around the nose, or in skin folds.

Despite how it looks, cradle cap is not:

• A sign of poor hygiene
• Contagious (it can't spread to other babies or people)
• Caused by allergies
• Painful or itchy for most babies

What it looks like

Cradle cap typically appears as thick, yellowish or brownish scales or flakes on the scalp. The affected skin underneath may look reddish. Unlike eczema, it's usually not itchy and doesn't upset your baby. It can look quite dramatic at its worst — crusty and widespread — but it's entirely manageable with gentle, consistent care.

1. Apply oil to soften the scales

   Gently massage a small amount of natural oil (coconut oil, olive oil, or a gentle balm) onto the scalp and leave it to soften the scales for 15-30 minutes. This loosens the flakes without forcing them.

   Our Calm Balm works beautifully here — its gentle formulation softens scales while nourishing the scalp skin underneath.

   Use: Calm Balm

2. Use a soft cradle cap brush

   With a very soft baby brush or a gentle cradle cap brush, work in small, gentle circular motions to loosen the softened scales. Don't scrub — you're coaxing them off, not forcing them.

   Never pick at stubborn patches with your fingers. It can damage the delicate scalp skin and introduce bacteria.

3. Wash with a gentle cleanser

   Bath your baby normally using a gentle, pH-balanced baby wash. Avoid adult shampoos or products with harsh surfactants (SLS), which can irritate the scalp and strip the natural oils that help regulate it.

   Soft Suds is formulated without SLS and is gentle enough for the scalp — clean without stripping.

   Use: Soft Suds

4. Gently rinse and pat dry

   Rinse the scalp thoroughly and pat dry — don't rub. It's fine if not all flakes come off. The goal is gradual clearing, not perfection in one session.

5. Moisturise the scalp (optional)

   If the skin beneath the scales looks dry or irritated after the scales have cleared in an area, a small amount of Calm Balm can help soothe and protect the healing skin.

   Use: Calm Balm

6. Repeat 2-3 times per week

   Consistency is more effective than intensity. A gentle routine done regularly — rather than one aggressive session — produces better, faster results and is much kinder to your baby's scalp.

• Can I pick the flakes off?
  Try to resist the urge. Picking can damage the delicate scalp skin and potentially introduce bacteria that cause infection. The oil-soften-brush method is far more effective and much safer.
• Will it spread to other parts of the body?
  Seborrhoeic dermatitis can appear in other areas — particularly eyebrows, the crease behind the ears, and skin folds — but this is different from it "spreading." Each area can be treated with the same gentle approach.
• Is cradle cap the same as eczema?
  No. They're different conditions, though they can coexist. Cradle cap (seborrhoeic dermatitis) is caused by excess sebum and yeast, appears greasy and yellowish, and is usually not itchy. Eczema appears dry, red, and typically causes significant itch and discomfort.
• What if it doesn't go away?
  Most cases resolve by 12 months. If it persists beyond that, or is particularly extensive or uncomfortable for your baby, see your GP. Prescription antifungal shampoos or mild topical steroids are sometimes needed for persistent cases.
• Does washing hair more often help?
  Gentle, regular washing (2-3 times per week) helps. But over-washing or washing with harsh products can actually stimulate more sebum production and worsen the condition. Gentle and consistent beats aggressive.