Cradle Cap ?

I think Riley might be getting cradle cap, but I'm not sure.. His skin looks dry and kind of flaky, sort of. And his head has a smell to it, this is going to sound weird, but almost like mashed potatoes...? Hah.. Anyways, I don't understand why, because I wash his scalp really well when I bathe him. I "scrub" it lightly with my fingertips, my grandma told me it helps to prevent cradle cap..
It makes me feel bad, like I'm doing something wrong when something like this happens. Or not doing enough, or something..
Anyways my question is, how do you know if they have it, and what can you do about it?

[wonderme]

Many babies get cradle cap...you just need to watch for redness and irritation (and avoid scrubbing).  What my ped suggested (and worked great for us) was to rub baby oil on the scalp and run a baby comb through the hair (my baby had a ton of hair, but could do very gently if baby has little or none).  The baby oil loosens the scales and the comb helps lift them away.  Then just wash as normal.  It may take a few times (over a few days) to see great improvement, but it worked well for us.  Just be gentle, you don't want to irritate the baby's skin.

I'm sure others will have other suggestions for what worked for them...and you can always have your ped take a look at it to make sure you're treating appropriately.

Good luck!

[kennedydp5]

hey, kstarr!  they also sell a wash for cradle cap at babies r us.  i think they might have a few different brands, too!  don't worry you're doing great...  all of mine got cradle cap so i'm sure nolan will too.  i don't know what makes it happen but it, too doesn't last forever!

[DollChina]

I think they are the Disney Brand, they have a wash and cream for you to put on then brush out.
My son had it bad so I had to take him to the ped.  But usually it just takes a few days to clear up.  Just make sure you wash off all the oily stuff you put on.

[Jenny100]

KStarr, it DOES not mean you are a bad mom or that you arent taking good care of him.You are doing a GREAT job!!! :)

Cradle cap is caused by overproduction from the oil glands in your babies head.It causes old skin cells to be unable to fall off--and this results in the flaky crust you see. A new baby's system  has to get used to all the different oil-secreting,sweating,etc. functions of a human body.It takes a while for all the systems to regulate, and at first there is an over-production of oils. This is also why some babies get baby acne.
The good news is, it doesn't last for very long.

[Me2mommy2b]

Strange, DD never had it and DS has it pretty bad.  In fact, I did the "scrubbing with finger tips" like you said and his scalp got irritated (pretty badly too :( so try to avoid touching it with your finger tips as the dirt under the finger nail may cause all sorts of inflammation and irritation.  Put some oil on the spot, leave it for a few minutes and comb it gently to remove the scales.  You're doing great!

[BabyHardiman]

Ava had a dry scalp along with the rest of her tiny body.  She peeled, or flaked for a while.  Maybe that is what is happening with your little guy.

[abbydaws]

Kerri bath oil is awesome....and i also found..if you maybe miss a bit of soap in thier hair it may cause flaking...You are doing a great Job...!