Cradle cap, medically called infantile seborrheic dermatitis, is one of the common skin problems among babies. This problem is characterized by rough and scaly patches onto the scalp. It may be seen among newborns and children up to 3 years old.

Symptoms of this condition include yellow or white scales, greasy patches of skin, thick crusty flakes, hair loss, and red and irritated skin. Cradle cap is not related to any disease and does not show that this baby is not being carefully cared for.

The exact reason for cradle cap is not known though some researchers believe that it may be due to antibiotics taken by the mom during pregnancy, hormones passed from the mom to the baby, overstimulation of the oil glands of the baby, extreme weather, food allergies, development of yeast in the baby’s digestive tract, and irregular skin cleaning.

Despite its name, cradle cap may also appear on the eyelids, ears, eyebrows, crease of the nose, diaper area, armpits, or back of the neck. If it’s spreading from the baby’s scalp to other body parts of a baby, it is a good idea for you to consult a doctor.

Although cradle cap is so unsightly, it is often considered temporary and harmless, unless caused by infections or some other underlying causes. It often clears up itself within several weeks or even months; however, many parents are not patient enough to wait for its self-heal.

There are many home remedies for cradle cap on the face, scalp, and hair of small babies, which you can use for your baby without harming to the tender and soft skin. In this article, VKool will introduce to you top 27 natural home remedies for cradle cap in babies without any side effect from reliable sources. Nevertheless, you should only refer it to the informational target and you have to consult your doctor to get medical advice. Continue reading this writing to understand more!

Top 27 Natural Home Remedies For Cradle Cap In Babies

1. Olive Oil

Loaded with many antioxidants, olive oil helps to protect, moisturize, and cleanse up the skin. In addition, vitamin E and A in olive oil can help in restoring the skin elasticity, while the hydroxytyrosol will unclog the pores.

There are two home remedies for cradle cap in babies using olive oil that you should try for your child!

Remedy 1: Olive oil

Ingredients:

• Olive oil – 2 teaspoons
• A washcloth
• A mild baby shampoo

Directions:

• Firstly, you apply olive oil onto the scalp and hair of your baby.
• Then, you rub this oil gently to spread it through the hair and scalp.
• Next, you leave it on for about 10 to 15 minutes without disturbing it.
• After that, you rub the scalp gently by using the washcloth to loosen up the crusted skin.
• Finally, you wash the hair and scalp of your baby with the mild baby shampoo along with warm water.

Remedy 2: Warm olive oil

Ingredients:

• Warm olive oil – 2 teaspoons
• A soft baby brush
• A mild shampoo

Directions:

• Firstly, you apply warm olive oil onto the scalp of your baby at night.
• Then, you massage gently and leave it on for overnight.
• In the next morning, you use the soft baby brush to scrub and eliminate the loose skin.
• Finally, you wash the scalp of your baby with the mild shampoo along with warm water.
• You should repeat this remedy for your baby daily or alternate days.

Read more: Amazing advantages and uses of olive oil

2. Baby Shampoo

One of the natural home remedies for cradle cap in babies is to use baby shampoo. Washing the head of your baby every day with a mild baby shampoo along with warm water may help to remove cradle cap effectively. It can help to loosen up the flakes of the cap without irritating the soft skin of your baby.

Ingredients:

• A baby shampoo
• Warm water
• A soft towel

Directions:

• Firstly, you soak the scalp of your baby in warm water.
• Then, you add a small amount of the baby shampoo on your baby’s head.
• Next, you rub it gently.
• Now, you wait for about two minutes.
• After that, you scrub the scalp of our baby with the soft-bristled baby brush.
• Finally, you rinse your baby’s head thoroughly with warm water and then pat it dry with the soft towel.
• You should follow this remedy for your baby one time per day for the first week; two times per week until this problem is treated completely.

3. Mineral Oil

Mineral oil can prevent dehydration and act as a great emollient that makes the skin soft. In addition, this can also moisturize the skin effectively and does not clog skin pores. It may reduce inflammation.

Here are some home remedies for cradle cap in babies using mineral oil that you can refer to your child!

Remedy 1: Mineral oil

Ingredients:

• Mineral oil – 1 teaspoon
• A shower cap
• A mild baby shampoo

Directions:

• Firstly, you apply mineral oil onto the scalp of our baby at night before going to bed.
• Then, you cover your baby’s head with the shower cap.
• Next, you leave it on for overnight.
• In the next, morning, you wash your baby’s head with the mild baby shampoo.
• You should continue using this remedy for you baby regularly.

Remedy 2: Mineral oil

Ingredients:

• Mineral oil – 1 teaspoon
• A baby shampoo
• A wet washcloth
• Warm water

Directions:

• Firstly, you apply this oil on your baby’s scalp.
• Then, you let it on there for about 2 to 3 hours.
• Next, you rub a little baby shampoo gently on your baby’s scalp for about 1 to 2 minutes.
• After that, you take the wet washcloth and rub your baby’s scalp gently in a circular motion.
• Finally, you wash your baby’s hair with warm water.
• You should follow this remedy for your baby for 3 to 4 times per week for about 2 to 3 weeks.
• Another option, you apply this oil on our baby’s scalp after taking a bath.
• This will moisturize the dry skin of your baby and does not cause dryness. You should also follow this process regularly for your baby.

See more: Advantages of mineral oil for hair

4. Almond Oil With Tea Tree Oil

Almond oil is very rich in vitamin A, D, and E, linoleic and oleic acids. It can moisturize the skin of your baby and reduce swelling. Its emollient property will keep your baby’s skin soft, give relief from itching and irritation, and prevent the dryness. Therefore, you can use it as one of the effective home remedies for cradle cap for your baby!

Remedy 1: Almond oil

Ingredients:

• Almond oil – 1 teaspoon
• A comb
• A mild shampoo

Directions:

• Firstly, you apply almond oil on your baby’s scalp and hair thoroughly.
• Then, you massage it gently for a few minutes and leave it on there for about 20 to 30 minutes.
• After that, you comb your baby’s hair gently to remove the flaky dry skin.
• Finally, you wash your baby’s scalp and hair with the mild shampoo and pat it dry.
• You should continue doing this process for you baby regularly.

Read more: Top almond mask for whitening your face

Remedy 2: Almond oil with tea tree oil

Ingredients:

• Almond oil
• Tea tree oil
• A soft baby brush
• A mild baby shampoo

Directions:

• Firstly, you mix almond oil with tea tree oil together at the ratio of 10:1.
• Then, you apply this oil mixture onto the head of your baby and massage it gently.
• Next, you let it sit on there for about 15 to 20 minutes.
• After that, you use the soft baby brush in order to remove the loose skin flakes.
• Finally, you rinse your baby’s head with the mild baby shampoo.
• You can repeat this process for our baby for once per day or on alternative days.

Learn more: Simple ways to use tea tree oil for scalp

5. Coconut Oil

This oil is another remedy in the list of top 27 natural home remedies for cradle cap in babies that you should not pass! In fact, this nutritious oil is very rich in vitamin E and other fatty acids that can help to moisturize your baby’s skin. The medium chain fatty acids will activate the antimicrobial and anti-fungal functions and thus protect the scalp of your baby from many skin conditions. In addition, it is also extremely safe to use.

Ingredients:

• Organic coconut oil
• A comb
• A baby shampoo

Directions:

• Firstly, you apply organic coconut oil on your baby’s scalp.
• Then, you massage it gently for a few minutes.
• Now, you leave it on there for about 15 to 20 minutes.
• After that, you comb the hair of your baby to loosen up the skin in order that it can come out easily.
• Finally, you wash your baby’s hair by using the mild shampoo along with warm water.
• You should repeat this remedy for your baby regularly to remove cradle cap.

Learn more: Simple uses and benefits of extra virgin coconut oil for your health

6. Petroleum Jelly

It can moisturize the affected area and remove the crusts by loosening up the oily scales. Most people have found that the remedy below is one of the simple and convenient home remedies for cradle cap.

Ingredients:

• Petroleum jelly
• Warm water
• A soft towel
• A soft brush

Directions:

• At first, you apply petroleum jelly onto your baby’s head and scalp.
• Then, you massage it gently and leave it on there for an hour.
• Next, you wet the hair of your baby with the warm water.
• Now, you use the soft brush to brush on your baby’s head gently for a few minutes.
• After that, you wash our baby’s scalp and hair completely with warm water.
• Finally, you pat your baby’s hair dry gently with the soft towel.
• You should regularize this process for your baby for several times per week.

7. Shea Butter

As you know, shea butter is considered as a good moisturizer that contains healing properties. This butter has vitamin E and A that is good for curing various skin conditions such as dermatitis, wrinkles, psoriasis, eczema, etc. The oil that is obtained from the cold pressing of shea seeds does not have any chemicals or preservatives.

Ingredients:

• Shea butter
• A comb
• Warm water

Directions:

• Firstly, you take a sufficient amount of this butter and then apply it on your baby’s scalp.
• Next, you massage it gently for a few minutes.
• After that, you comb your baby’s hair gently.
• Finally, you wash the hair of your baby with the mild shampoo with warm water.
• This remedy has to be done frequently.

8. Breast Milk

One of the best home remedies for cradle cap is breast milk.

Ingredients:

• Breast milk
• A soft brush
• A mild shampoo
• Warm water

Directions:

• Firstly, you squirt a little breast milk into a clean bowl.
• Then, you apply this milk on your baby’s scalp at night.
• Next, you leave it on there for overnight. This makes the thick crusty flakes become softer.
• In the next morning, you use the soft brush in order to scrub on your scalp to eliminate the flakes.
• Finally, you wash your baby’s head with the baby shampoo and then with warm water.
• You should repeat this process for your baby for once per day.

See more: Foods to raise breast milk production naturally

9. Homemade Scalp Oil

This homemade scalp oil is made by using a little olive oil as the main ingredient. You may use any oil such as lavender or basil or rosemary oil that has anti-inflammatory, soothing, antimicrobial, and itch-relieving properties.

Ingredients:

• Olive oil – 2 cups
• Basil oil – 5 drops
• A bottle
• A mild baby shampoo
• A washcloth

Directions:

• At first, you mix olive oil and basil oil together.
• Then, you pour this oil mixture into the bottle to store.
• Next, you apply this oil onto your baby’s scalp at night.
• In the next morning, you wash your baby’s scalp with the mild shampoo (preferably which contains calendula).
• Finally, you use the washcloth to rub your baby’s scalp gently to eliminate the crust.
• You should continue this remedy regularly.

10. Tea Tree Oil With Avocado Oil

This is also one of other natural home remedies for cradle cap in babies that you can follow for your baby! Sometimes cradle cap can result from fungal infection. Tea tree oil contains terpenoids that have antifungal and antiseptic properties. However, it is extremely strong, so you have to dilute it first.

Ingredients:

• Tea tree oil
• Avocado oil
• A mild baby shampoo

Directions:

• Firstly, you mix tea tree oil with avocado oil together at the ratio of 1:10.
• Then, you massage this oil mixture gently on your baby’s scalp for a few minutes.
• Next, you leave it on there for about 15 minutes.
• Finally, you wash your baby’s scalp with the mild baby shampoo.
• You should repeat the same process for your baby regularly to remove cradle cap.

Note: You do not allow it to get into your baby’s eyes, mouth, and nose.

See more: Health and beauty advantages of avocado oil

11. Baking Soda, Olive Oil, Apple Cider Vinegar, And Water

Baking soda contains exfoliates and antibacterial properties that can fight against the dryness of our baby’s skin. In addition, it can also balance pH level of your baby’s scalp and its alkaline agent keeps all infections away.

Here are 3 natural home remedies for cradle cap that you should try for your child!

Remedy 1: Baking soda and olive oil

Ingredients:

• Baking soda – 1/2 teaspoon
• Olive oil – 1/2 teaspoon
• A mild baby shampoo

Directions:

• At first, you mix baking soda with olive oil together to make a paste.
• Then, you apply this paste onto your child’s scalp.
• Now, you leave it on there for a few minutes.
• Finally, you rinse your baby’s scalp with the mild shampoo and clean water.
• You should regularize this process for your child.

Remedy 2: Baking soda and water

Ingredients:

• Baking soda – 1 teaspoon
• Water – 1 teaspoon
• A soft comb
• A mild baby shampoo

Directions:

• At first, you mix baking soda and water together to make a paste.
• Then, you apply this paste onto the scalp of our baby.
• Now, you leave it on there for a few minutes to dry.
• After that, you use the soft comb to brush your baby’s scalp.
• Finally, you rinse your baby’s scalp and hair with the mild baby shampoo.
• You should repeat this remedy for your baby regularly to remove cradle cap.

Remedy 3: Baking soda with apple cider vinegar

Ingredients:

• Baking soda – 1 teaspoon
• Apple cider vinegar – 1 teaspoon
• A mild baby shampoo
• Water

Directions:

• Firstly, you mix baking soda with apple cider vinegar together to make a paste.
• Then, you apply this paste onto the scalp of your baby.
• Now, you leave it on for a few minutes so that it can dry completely.
• Finally, you wash your baby’s scalp with the mild shampoo and clean water.
• You should continue doing this remedy for your baby regularly.

Read more: Beauty advantages of baking soda for your skin

12. Apple Cider Vinegar And Water

This vinegar is very rich in acetic acid, citric acid, ascorbic acid, and malic acid. It also contains an antimicrobial and antioxidant property that can fight against various fungal infections. You make sure that you have to dilute it before using.

Ingredients:

• Apple cider vinegar – 1 tablespoon
• Water – 2 tablespoons
• A mild baby shampoo
• Warm water

Directions:

• Firstly, you mix apple cider vinegar with water together and stir them well.
• Then, you massage it gently onto the scalp of your baby for a few minutes.
• Now, you let it sit on there for about 10 to 15 minutes.
• Finally, you wash your baby’s scalp with the mild shampoo along with warm water.
• You should repeat this process for your baby regularly.
• If your baby has sensitive skin, you use water and apple cider vinegar at the ratio of 4:1.

Note: You do not allow it to get into your baby’s eyes because of its acidic properties.

Read more: Simple ways to use apple cider vinegar for scalp

13. Calendula (Marigold)

Calendula contains antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-viral properties that can help to give your baby relief from cradle cap. It is extensively used to reduce inflammation and thus soothing the irritated tissue. It can also reduce the healing time by raising the blood flow to your baby’s affected areas and improve collagen production.

Ingredients:

• Calendula flowers
• Olive oil
• A jar
• A comb
• Warm water

Directions:

• At first, you place the petals of dried or fresh calendula flower into a jar.
• Then, you pour olive oil over it in order to cover the petals.
• Now, you keep this jar aside for about 2 weeks without disturbing.
• After that, you strain the oil.
• Now, you apply it onto the affected areas of your baby and wait for about 40 minutes.
• Next, you use your fingers or the fine toothed comb to rub gently onto the applied area in order to eliminate the dead skin cells.
• Finally, you wash your baby’s scalp this with warm water.
• You should repeat this remedy for your baby daily to clear out cradle cap.

14. Chamomile, Oats, And Carrier Oil

Chamomile is a gentle and safe herb with astringent properties, which can use as one of the best home remedies for cradle cap in babies by constricting these overactive glands.

There are 4 home remedies for cradle cap using chamomile that you should try for your baby!

Remedy 1: Chamomile tea

Ingredients:

• Chamomile tea bags or herb
• Hot water
• An empty cup
• Carrier oil
• A comb

Directions:

• Firstly, you pour hot water over the chamomile tea bag or herb in the empty cup.
• Then, you let it steep for about 10 minutes.
• Next, you strain and let this solution cool.
• Now, you apply this tea onto your baby’s scalp to get soothing effects against the itching.
• After that, you leave it on there for a few minutes.
• Now, you apply any carrier oil such as olive, almond, or coconut oil.
• Finally, you use the comb to eliminate the itchy, dry patches.
• You should continue doing this process for your baby daily.

Remedy 2: Chamomile oil

Ingredients:

• Chamomile oil – 1 teaspoon
• Water

Directions:

• Firstly, you rub chamomile essential oil onto your baby’s scalp.
• Then, you massage it gently for a few minutes.
• Finally, you wash your baby’s scalp with clean water.
• You should repeat the same remedy for your child regularly.

Remedy 3: Chamomile oil and carrier oil

This remedy is useful when your baby has a sensitive skin.

Ingredients:

• Chamomile oil
• Carrier oil

Directions:

• At first, you add any carrier oil such as almond, jojoba, or olive oil to chamomile oil.
• Then, you stir them well.
• Now, you apply this oil mixture onto your baby’s affected area.
• After that, you let it sit on there for a few minutes.
• You should apply this remedy for your baby regularly to cure cradle crap.

Remedy 4: Chamomile and oats

In this remedy, the chamomile and oats soothe the skin of our baby with their antipruritic mucopolysaccharides.

Ingredients:

• Chamomile – a few
• Oats – a few
• A muslin cloth
• Warm water

Directions:

• Firstly, you place a few chamomile and oats into the muslin cloth and then tie it properly.
• Next, you hang this cloth over a bath tap.
• Now, you allow warm water to run through it.
• After that, you use this oats-chamomile infused water to bathe your child.
• You should regularize this process for your baby.

15. Borage Leaf Juice And Water

Being a natural seed oil, borage oil has been derived from a plant called Borago officinalis. Borage oil is enriched with essential fatty acid called Gamma-linolenic acid, which can help to restore the lost skin moisture. This is also another remedy in the list of top 27 natural home remedies for cradle cap in babies.

Ingredients:

• Borage leaf juice
• Water

Directions:

• At first, you stir equal quantities of water and borage leaf juice.
• Then, you apply this mixture on our baby’s scalp and hair.
• Next, you leave it on there for a few minutes to dry.
• Finally, you rinse our baby’s scalp with clean water thoroughly.
• You should continue doing this remedy for your baby for two times per day until this problem is gone.

16. Burdock

Burdock root works in a similar method to the chamomile. It has a natural astringent property, which can constrict the glands and thus slow down the glandular secretion.

Here are 2 home remedies for cradle cap that you should not pass if your baby is suffering from this skin condition!

Remedy 1: Fresh burdock root and water

Ingredients:

• A fresh burdock root
• A knife
• Water – 3 cups

Directions:

• At first, you scrap the fresh burdock root to clean it by using the rough edge of one knife.
• Then, you chop this root to take two tablespoons of it.
• Next, you add them into the clean water and bring it to a boil.
• After that, you lower the heat and let it simmer for about 30 minutes.
• Now, you put off the heat and let it steep for a few minutes until it becomes cool completely.
• Finally, you use this tea to rinse your baby’s scalp to prevent cradle cap.
• You can leave it on there without washing with water.
• You should repeat the same way for your baby regularly.

Remedy 2: Dried burdock root and hot water

Ingredients:

• Dried burdock root – 1 tablespoon
• Hot water – 1 cup

Directions:

• At first, you add the dried burdock root into the cup of hot water.
• Then, you let it steep for about 15 minutes.
• Next, you use this tea to rinse your baby’s scalp thoroughly.
• Now, you leave it on there without washing with water.
• You should follow this process for your baby regularly.

17. Viola

Being a violet flowering plant, viola contains antioxidants, insecticidal, and antimicrobial properties. Salicylic acid present in viola is a disinfectant and can soften the hard skin, warts, and corns. In addition, it is also an emollient and has an antifungal property. Its leaves contain vitamin A and C while its roots contain many minerals. Therefore, all parts of this plant contain healing properties.

Ingredient:

• Viola tricolor tincture – 2 to 5 drops

Directions:

• Firstly, you take viola tricolor tincture.
• Then, you give it to your baby every day for about 1 to 2 weeks.
• But make sure that you have to consult a medical herbalist to know the proper dosage depending on your baby’s age.

Precautions:

Some people can be allergic to these viola leaves and it may also lead to nervousness, breathing irregularities, stomach upset, high blood pressure, etc. Therefore, it would be best for you to follow this remedy for your baby under expert supervision to remove the side effects as well as know the correct dosage and time.

Read more: The book of no more dry scalp

18. Herbal Scalp Rinse

For the process, you have to use 3 herbs including viola, burdock, and red clover. Red clover has eugenol, salicylic acid, and myricetin that contains anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to cure inflammation. It is also rich in various nutrients such as calcium, chromium, thiamine, potassium, niacin, phosphorus, vitamin C, and magnesium.

Ingredients:

• Dried red clover herb – 1 cup
• Viola leaves
• Burdock seeds
• A quart jar
• Boiling water

Directions:

• At first, you place the dried red clover herb into a quart jar.
• Then, you fill the jar with hot water and cover it.
• Next, you leave it for about 5 to 10 hours and then strain to take the red clover infusion.
• Now, you stir viola leaves, burdock seeds, and red clover infusion at the ratio of 2:1:2.
• After that, you steep it for about 15 to 30 minutes before straining.
• Now, you use this water to rinse your baby’s scalp, hair, and some other affected areas.
• Then, you leave it on your baby’s scalp without rinsing off.
• You should repeat the same process for your baby daily to remove cradle cap.

Additional Tips To Prevent Cradle Cap:

Here are a few simple and effective tips in order to remove the cradle cap problem of your baby.

• Avoid excessive pressure on your baby skin while brushing or combing to eliminate the scales and flakes. Use a fine toothed soft comb.
• Use a humidifier at home so that the skin is not too dry.
• Do not use tweezers as well as any other sharp tools in order to get rid of the flakes and scales.
• Note down baby diet in order to rule out the ability to get cradle cap because of food allergy.
• After curing cradle cap, wash your baby’s hair daily with one mild shampoo for a few days and brush the wet hair with a soft brush to eliminate the remaining scales and flakes on your baby’s scalp.
• Moisturizing your baby’s scalp after taking a bath or shower to prevent dryness and scales.
• Rinse affected area properly in order to eliminate all the traces of shampoo or soap that applied on this area.
• Apply only a pea-sized hydrocortisone cream onto the affected parts of your baby’s skin in the morning; however, not all over your baby’s head.
• Consult your doctor before using any dandruff or medicated shampoo for preventing cradle cap.
• If this infection becomes severe and spreading to some other parts immediately finding medical advice.

Related article:

Fast tips to get rid of cradle cap in babies and toddlers

If you want to know more about natural, at home remedies for other diseases and conditions go to our main Home Remedies page. After reading the article of top 27 natural home remedies for cradle cap in babies, hope that it can help you find out the best solution to get rid of this problem for your baby quickly and safely. However, the article is only for the informational purpose, thus, you should meet your doctor to get advice before applying any home remedy for your child. If you have any question, or you know other natural home remedies for cradle cap in babies, please leave them below.

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