My daughter turned one in January, is very healthy, and has a very full head of silky hair (almost mid-back-length already). She has had problems with cradle cap occasionally, but not all the time. Over the last couple of weeks, however, she's had a very flaky scalp, so I've reverted to the baby oil treatment. I rub a bit of baby oil into her scalp, let it set for 15-20 min., then wash out with a conditioning shampoo. I've done this twice over the last week, but it only seems to help for a day or two. I know it's completely normal for kids to have a dry scalp, but it just looks gross. I'm looking for somewhat natural suggestions to help clear this up, but don't really want to have to try too many specialty products.
Olive oil applied 1-2 times per day (a light, light application) with baths every other day using a non-irritating, sulfate and paraben-free shampoo worked really really for us. I used a super-soft baby brush to work the shampoo through the scalp and loosen the dry skin. It cleared up within a week.
All of my kids have had it. My 3 year old still gets it occasionally. We used to do the baby oil thing, but baby oil is mineral oil, which is actually not very good for the skin. It does not absorb and cannot moisturize. A natural grapeseed oil, olive oil, apricot kernel oil, something like that would be much better. Every so often, get a good amount of the oil on her scalp (I know, doesn't look pretty) and let it soak for about 20 minutes, then massage her scalp with a soft bristle brush or better yet, a toothbrush! Then wash it out with a gentle shampoo.
Her own sebum (natural scalp oil) is the best thing for this, so don't wash her hair too often. Brushing her hair with a soft bristle brush will also help.
My daughter had this a lot when she was an infant. I found some stuff, I wish I could remember the name but it is sold at Target in the baby aisle and in a teal/blueish bottle, especially for cradle cap. I know too that head and shoulders works great, however can burn or smell too strong.
The stuff I got at Target was not expensive and did the trick.
Having it pop up so late for her have you talked to your Pediatrician?
The only product that ever worked for my girls was Little Forest Cradle Cap Oil and Little Forest Cradle Cap Shampoo, along with a fine tooth comb. It was worth the price because it did work for us, and it's all natural. (Check out littleforest.com) I used it regularly first to get rid of the cradle cap and then to keep it from coming back. Good luck!
Our pediatrician suggested using a regular dandruff shampoo (like Head and Shoulders) and it worked and stayed clear. Just be careful not to get it in her eyes!
Both of my children had really bad craddle cap. My daughter had it at about the same age as your little girl and her doctor told me to use Neutrogena T-Gel. It doesn't smell all that great but it really works. If you try it just be really carefull not to let it get in her eyes. After I used it I would then use a good smelling conditioner so her hair wouldn't smell. I hope this helps.
My best advice...leave it alone. Don't mess with it. Eventhough baby oil can get rid of the flakes pretty well, it also can irritate the opil glands (which are the problem in the first place. You princess' hair will be back to normal soon enough.
My daughter is 2 and, like Katie's, our pediatrician recommended using Head and Shoulders. I used it for a week and her scalp looks much better. I know this is not a "natural" suggestion, but it works!
I know this one well......hair shouldn't be washed but every 2-3 days, every day only when needed. A good trick is to get a soft natural bristle brush, and when you have conditioner in her hair gently brush her scalp, baby oil and any kinda scalp treatment can in fact make the matter worse if used to often, it causes a build up. If it is really bad vitamin E once a month with gentle brushing, as the weather changes you will also notice her scalp change, just like us. Hope it helps.
My son had HORRIBLE cradle cap, I thought we would have to deal with it forever!! I used Head & Shoulders, every other night. The bathtub times in between, i didn't wash his hair. It cleared up really nicely. I went back to my Johnson's Baby Shampoo, and noticed it just came back. I bought AVEENO baby shampoo & body wash.... AMAZING!!! Olive oil, baby oil, and head and shoulders does work... Just not permanently. I would try the aveeno wash... you'll be AMAZED!! I use it every day, it doesn't use soap, just all natural, AND its fragrance free... it keeps his head sooo soft. Let me know if it helps!
Use Selsun Blue it works - I have tried mineral oil and burts bee. You obviously have to be very careful not to get it in there eyes.
