How to Get Rid of Cradle Cap with Coconut Oil

Cradle cap is very common in babies and can be hard to get rid of. Find out how you can use coconut oil to get rid of cradle cap for your baby.

So far, out of my 5 children, all 5 of them have experienced cradle cap at one time or another. Cradle cap can be very annoying and essentially looks like dandruff in their hair. Though it isn’t usually harmful in any way, moms want to get rid of it.

I remember when my first child got cradle cap, I was worried and very bothered by it. Fast forward a few years and several kids later, I know exactly what to do when I see it and how to get rid of it for good.

My method is safe for sensitive baby skin and is all-natural. It is easy to do and you only need one ingredient; coconut oil.

What is Cradle Cap?

Cradle cap is white or yellow crusty skin that babies get on their heads. Toddlers, children, and even adults can have cradle cap, but it isn’t as noticeable because it is covered by their hair.

Most of the time cradle cap is harmless and will resolve by itself within 3 months. In severe cases, you may need to see a doctor for cradle cap.

What Causes Cradle Cap?

The exact cause for cradle cap is unknown, but studies suggest that it has to do with excessive oil production in the skin glands. The overproduction of oils can be caused by the mother’s hormones that are passed on to the baby during birth.

Cradle cap can also be a result of yeast. Overgrowth of yeast can cause thrush or cradle caps in babies. Again, this is commonly passed from mother to baby during birth.

How to Fix Cradle Cap?

Washing and brushing your baby’s hair is often enough to loosen the cradle cap and cause it to fall off. Some babies experience more severe cases and may need a little more than brushing and washing.

I have found coconut oil to work extremely well for removing cradle cap. Over the years of being a mom, I have found coconut oil to come in handy for so many ailments. Coconut oil is anti-fungal, so if the cradle cap is caused by yeast, it will help with that too!

Using breastmilk on your baby’s cradle cap can help too. Breastmilk can loosen the scales and keep the area clean.

How to Get Rid of Cradle Cap with Coconut Oil

1. About 20 minutes before bath time, scoop about 1 tablespoon of coconut oil into the palm of your hand and massage it into your baby’s head.
2. Allow the coconut oil to sit and soak into the scalp.
3. Put your baby in the tub and, using a fine-tooth comb, gently comb your baby’s hair. The cradle cap will come right off.
4. Rinse your baby’s hair with warm water and wash with a homemade baby wash.

NOTES: If cradle cap comes back, repeat the process. Be very careful combing the cradle cap. The top of a baby’s head is very delicate; if your child shows any signs of discomfort or pain, stop immediately.

Coconut Oil for Cradle Cap

Coconut oil has so many amazing benefits for your hair, skin, and overall wellness. Coconut oil is a natural anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, cleansing, and purifying. It comes in handy for so many things and cradle cap is one of them.

Coconut oil will leave your baby’s skin and hair so soft. It will moisturize dry skin and help with dry, flaky skin like cradle cap or eczema.

Does it Hurt to Pick Cradle Cap?

Picking your baby’s cradle cap will be so tempting but something you should not do. Picking at it can irritate your baby’s skin and cause it to itch. Picking at it can pull hair out, cause pain, and rare cases, cause infection.

It is best to leave it be until you plan to use coconut oil to loosen the scales first and then brush it out.

Best Shampoo for Cradle Cap

I love making my kids homemade shampoos, homemade body wash, and DIY baby lotions. It ensures me that I know exactly what is in the products I am putting on my kid’s skin. Using a gentle and natural shampoo is the best shampoo to use for your baby’s cradle cap.

If your baby has a mild cradle cap, washing the hair with natural shampoo may take care of it.

Is Dandruff and Cradle Cap the Same Thing?

Dandruff is very common in kids and adults. It is a condition that causes the skin on the scalp to flake, leaving small pieces of skin in the hair. Cradle cap is not dandruff, but it can lead to it.

Dry skin on the scalp doesn’t always mean your baby has cradle cap. You will know the difference if your baby has crusty scales that are yellow or white.

In Summary

• Cradle cap is yellow or white scales on the scalp. It is ubiquitous in babies, can resolve itself in 3 months, and is not harmful.
• Coconut oil can be used to get rid of cradle cap.
• Cradle cap can be found in babies, kids, and even adults.
• Using a natural shampoo can help reduce cradle cap and keep it at bay.