'Cradle cap' refers to a scaly crust of skin that can form on a baby's scalp. It can feel greasy to touch, and may look yellow-brown (or slightly 'dirty') in colour. You may first notice cradle cap appearing on your baby's head in small patches, but it can cover their head like a 'cap' and can also appear along their eyebrow area.
Cradle cap is caused by an overproduction (and build up) of an oily substance produced by the skin called 'sebum'. The sebum mixes with dead skin cells on the baby's scalp to form the crust. Cradle cap is extremely common and can continue to happen on and off, for various periods during the first 6 - 8 months of your baby's life. Some children continue to have cradle cap well into their early childhood years. Cradle cap is harmless and will not hurt your baby in any way, however many parents worry about how their baby looks.
Treatments for cradle cap are generally aimed at softening the crust, so that it can be more easily removed (usually by gentle rubbing, before lifting it off). Avoid over-rubbing your baby's scalp, as this can irritate their skin. If the cradle cap does not come away after applying your preferred oil, cream or ointment, combined with some gentle rubbing, brushing or combing, just leave it. Be aware that picking small sections of the cradle cap off can cause the area to bleed (just like picking off a dry scab).
Some treatments that other mothers have found helpful for softening and removing their baby's cradle cap include: