Not sure how to get rid of cradle cap? Here’s an easy and inexpensive treatment that works in less than a week!
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All three of our kids have had cradle cap, but poor Little R had a really bad case. After two other kids, I thought I knew how to get rid of cradle cap, but this time around was different.
If you aren’t familiar with cradle cap, it’s an oily, yellow crusting on top of your baby’s scalp. Babies without hair or with hair can get it, and it can even spread to your baby’s earlobes.
Before Little R, we had tried treating cradle cap with lotion, which I found out when we went to the pediatrician actually isn’t very helpful. Because cradle cap is an oil buildup, using lotion or baby oil isn’t going to make it better, just worse. Our pediatrician recommended using a dandruff shampoo and a scrubbie brush, so when I got home I made a plan to get rid of our baby’s cradle cap.
After a quick Google search, I read that other moms had used Head and Shoulders shampoo to get rid of their baby’s cradle cap. My son’s case was pretty bad, and I was a little doubtful. So I decided to do an experiment!
I wanted to see if using Head and Shoulders really would help get rid of my baby’s cradle cap. So I ordered these Scalp Scrubbies
The plan was to use Head and Shoulders every other day for two weeks and see if it improved my son’s cradle cap. After just two washes, it was looking a lot better, and after four washes (only 7 days!), it was gone. I don’t think these pictures even show how much of a difference we saw, but believe me, it was basically a miracle.
So if you’re wondering how to get rid of cradle cap, I highly recommend using Head and Shoulders! Our son’s scalp was basically one giant case of cradle cap on day 1, and on day 8, it was clear. I was amazed at the results! It was super easy, super simple, and a pretty inexpensive way to get rid of cradle cap!
Britt Hanson says
What! That’s crazy! I’ll totally have to try it.
Chelsea Johnson says
Yes! It works like a charm!
Jill says
My daughter has it on her scalp, forehead, ears and around her eyes. Can I use the head and shoulders on her face as well obviously avoiding her eyes?
Chelsea Johnson says
Oh that sounds like a pretty bad case! I’m not sure. I would ask your pediatrician about that one!
Tiffany says
I so need this! I got the scrub brush but EJ’s hair has always been so long it pulls a lot out! He still has some so I’ll try Head and Shoulders!!
Chelsea Johnson says
Good luck! It really is an easy, amazing treatment!
Rachel says
Could you part it and use a soft toothbrush?
Chelsea Johnson says
No, the bristles are different with a scrub brush.
Katie Clark says
Super helpful! My babies always have the worst cradle cap!
Chelsea Johnson says
It’s no fun!
Lea says
Comb your baby hair while the H&S in hair!! Will speed it up!!! I done it with my kids now my daughter does it with grand baby
Chelsea Johnson says
Thanks for the tip! We do use the scrub brush and that is pretty much the same since it has bristles.
Trixie says
Is it safe for newborns?
Chelsea Johnson says
The scrub brush is safe for newborns! They actually gave us one in the hospital when my kids were all born!
K Delrio says
How much head and shoulders did you use?
Chelsea Johnson says
Not a ton. Just enough to work up a lather!
Kelly says
My baby is 6 weeks and has cradle cap mostly on his ears and a little on his scalp (I brush his hair with a scrubby brush regularly which probably helps) but did you use H&S and the brush on your sons ears? I’m nervous about anything by his tiny ears! Also my pediatrician said bath him only 1x every 4-5 days and use lotion… sounds like that’s not going to help.. so far it isn’t! Thanks!
Chelsea Johnson says
We actually did use the H&S on his ears a little, but we just massaged it on with our fingers and didn’t use the brush. It’s soft-bristled, but we just used our fingers anyway. I’m not a doctor, but if your baby doesn’t have sensitive skin that dries out easily, bathing more frequently helps. Our baby gets pretty stinky under his neck and in his little rolls, so bathing him every 2 or 3 days is a must for us. And no lotion on the scalp!!!
Amayatylor says
These seems great ideas to get rid of cradle cap…. gonna try!
Chelsea Johnson says
Good luck!
Alyssa says
Definitely going to try this with my son! How often did you wash his hair?
Chelsea Johnson says
We washed his hair almost every other day (there were two days when we washed it both days). Hope it helps!
Kathy says
We just tried the method on my son tonight. I’m so excited to see how it works out. Thanks for sharing!
Chelsea Johnson says
Good luck! Keep it up for a week!
Jasmine says
Definitely going to try this!
Chelsea Johnson says
Let me know how it works! Good luck!
Kristin says
Did you notice hair loss with this treatment? My son was born with a full head of black hair (down to his ears) and I’m terrified he’s going to have bald spots, but his cradle cap is so bad!
Chelsea Johnson says
I didn’t notice any, and my son had quite a bit of hair. Not that much, but it was a decent amount for a newborn. You can ask your doctor if you’re worried about it!
Arcelia Rael says
Did you primarily work to get the scales off while the hair/scalp is wet, or after the fact when it dries and begins to peel away? We started the treatment on Sunday, and the scales are peeling off in rapid succession already. He gets another bath today, and I want to make sure I’m doing it right this time!
Chelsea Johnson says
When it’s wet! Use the little scrubber brush to work at them, and then just leave it alone until the next bath. Good luck!
Nichole says
Did you discontinue all oil / lotion and just use the shampoo?
Chelsea Johnson says
Yes we did!