Cradle cap care: a gentle guide for newborn & infant dry scalp
If you’ve noticed flaky skin on your newborn’s scalp, little yellowish patches behind their ears, or dry spots near their eyebrows, you’re not alone. That dry, flaky condition is called cradle cap, and it’s a common skin concern in newborns and infants. While it can look a little alarming, the good news is—it’s totally normal, and there’s a gentle, effective way to manage it.
Let’s walk through what cradle cap is, how to care for it at home, which ingredients are recommended, and the best products for keeping your baby’s delicate scalp clean, soothed, and flake-free.
What is cradle cap?
Cradle cap, also known as infantile seborrheic dermatitis, is a non-contagious skin condition that appears as thick, crusty, or scaly patches on a baby’s scalp. It can also show up on the eyebrows, behind the ears, or around the nose and is most common in babies under 6 months old. Even though it might look uncomfortable, newborn cradle cap usually doesn’t bother babies at all. The exact cause isn’t known, but it’s likely linked to excess oil production from baby’s developing skin glands and a natural reaction to mama’s hormones still circulating through their little system.*
Cradle cap often clears up on its own, but many parents (like you!) prefer to help it along with something like a cradle cap shampoo and a few gentle, consistent steps at home.
How to treat cradle cap gently at home
Cradle cap doesn’t require prescriptions or harsh scrubbing. In fact, overdoing it can irritate your baby’s scalp even more. That’s why we created our Cradle Cap Bundle—a safe, three-step system that makes it easy to care for your baby’s scalp with clean, calming ingredients.
Here’s how to treat infant cradle cap using a safe and gentle routine with the Bye-Bye Bundle:
Step 1: Cleanse with cradle cap shampoo
Start with a warm bath and a gentle lather using our cradle cap shampoo. Made just for delicate newborn skin, this gentle gel helps loosen flakes and soothe dry spots—without stripping away all that natural baby softness. It’s fragrance-free and made with calming plant-based ingredients that love your little one’s scalp as much as you do.
Lather a small amount onto baby’s scalp using your fingertips or our soft silicone scrubber. Use slow, gentle circles to lift flakes and re-hydrate dry or scaly patches.
Step 2: Rinse and pat dry
After massaging, rinse thoroughly and gently pat your baby’s head dry with a soft towel. Avoid rubbing or picking at any remaining flakes, as those will lift more easily over time with consistent care.
Step 3: Moisturize with a gentle ointment
Once baby’s scalp is dry, apply a small amount of our All Over Ointment to any dry or flaky patches. AOO is our fan-favorite multi-use balm made with ingredients like colloidal oatmeal, calendula, jojoba, and beeswax to lock in moisture and calm irritation.
You can use it daily (even between washes) as part of your cradle cap self care routine.
Repeat this process a few times a week
You don’t need to overdo it. 2–3 times a week is usually enough to gradually reduce flakes and keep baby’s scalp calm and nourished.
Is it really cradle cap—or something else?
If you’re struggling to tell the difference between dry scalp and cradle cap here are a few signs to look for:
- Flaky, scaly, or crusty patches on baby’s scalp, eyebrows, or ears
- Skin that looks a little yellowish or greasy in spots
- Baby seems unfazed (no itching or discomfort)
If the area is red, oozing, spreading quickly, or your baby seems irritated, it’s a good idea to check in with your pediatrician to rule out anything more serious like eczema, psoriasis, or infection.
Tips for long-term scalp care
Once the flakes have cleared up, you can continue to use our cradle cap care routine to help prevent future dryness or buildup. Some babies experience recurring cradle cap throughout infancy, and that’s totally normal.
Here are a few simple tips for keeping baby’s scalp balanced:
- Don’t overwash: 2–3 washes per week is enough
- Keep baths warm—not hot to avoid drying the skin
- Moisturize regularly with All Over Ointment, even between washes
- Brush gently with a soft silicone scrubber or baby hairbrush as needed
- Be patient—it can take a few weeks for cradle cap to fully clear
You’ve got this, Mama
Cradle cap might look a little funky, but it’s nothing to worry about. With a simple, soothing routine and clean products made for baby’s delicate skin, you can help those flakes gently fade away, and give your little one some extra love and comfort along the way.
Tubby Todd is here to help with cradle cap. Our bundle gives you everything you need in one easy-to-use set: a safe, calming shampoo, soft scrubber, and our best selling All Over Ointment. Think of it as a tiny scalp care kit—one more way to feel confident and calm through this season of newness.
