5 top-rated products to help remove cradle cap

While it’s true your baby’s skin is generally very soft and smooth, it’s also common for little ones to have something called cradle cap.

Cradle cap, also known as seborrheic dermatitis, is a skin condition that appears as scaly, flaky bits on the scalp. Luckily, in most cases, it doesn’t cause any discomfort to your baby. 

According to Pregnancy Birth & Baby, “Cradle cap appears most often in babies in the first 2 months and tends to last only a few weeks or months. It is uncommon in babies older than 3 months but may last up to 6 to 12 months in some babies.”

To help clear up the cradle cap, you can apply a cream or use a shampoo. Just make sure you read the label properly so you don’t aggravate your baby’s scalp.

So which is the best cream for cradle cap?

Based on baby wash, soap, shampoo & oil reviews, we’ve put together a list of the top 4 products parents can use for cradle cap that our community loves. Each one has a rating of at least 3.8 stars out of 5 (click through to each product page to see the current rating). 

1. GAIA Cradle Cap Lotion

The GAIA Natural Baby Cradle Cap Lotion is a gentle lotion that helps remove flakes associated with cradle cap, keeps scalp moisturised and helps minimise future flaking. Made with 98% natural ingredients, our Cradle Cap Lotion contains soothing organic Calendula, organic Chamomile and Grapeseed Oil.

Read Gaia Cradle Cap Lotion reviews.

2. MooGoo Cradle Cap Scalp Cream

Moo Goo Cradle Cap Scalp Cream contains olive oil, tea tree oil, lavender oil and rosemary oil to help loosen dead skin and flakes while keeping your baby’s scalp moisturised. Parents in the Tell Me Baby community can’t get enough of this product. 

Read MooGoo Cradle Cap Scalp Cream reviews. 

3. Mustela Cradle Cap Cream

Mustela Cradle Cap Cream is specially formulated to gently remove cradle cap and soothe your baby’s scalp. With natural ingredients and a non-greasy texture, this cream helps to keep your baby’s skin healthy and moisturized.

Reviewers praise its effectiveness and gentle formula, though some mention a slight fragrance.

Read more of Mustela Cradle Cap Cream reviews.

4. Aromababy Barrier Balm

While many parents say they use the Aromababy Barrier Balm for nappy rash, this product can also be used on bub’s scalp. Just massage in a small amount after the bath. It’s enriched with natural evening primrose, Vitamin E and calendula, and is suitable for sensitive skin.

Read Aromababy Barrier Balm reviews. 

5. Mustela Foam Shampoo for Newborns

Enriched with Avocado Perseose, Mustela Foam Shampoo for Newborns to remove and prevent flakes associated with cradle cap.

Read Mustela Foam Shampoo for Newborns reviews. 

When to see a doctor for cradle cap:

Pregnancy Birth & Baby says it’s a good idea to see a doctor if:

• cradle cap hasn’t cleared up by 3 months or you
• your baby’s head is really itchy 
• if it spreads to the face or body
• the scalp underneath the flakes becomes red and inflamed.