Home Treatment for Cradle Cap
Congratulations on your precious little one and kudos to you for looking for a certified organic treatment to ease your baby’s cradle cap. While this condition is generally non-irritating to babies, cradle cap scales may be distressing, especially to new parents. Read on to learn how to ease your baby’s sensitive skin while also easing your mind with a time tested approach that uses raw organic coconut oil to treat cradle cap.
First, what is Cradle Cap?
Cradle cap, or infantile seborrheic dermatitis, gets its’ name from the scaly patches that appear on baby’s scalp forming a cap-like covering, and, in some cases, it may also appear on the face, neck, body and diaper area. The characteristics of cradle cap can be thick white or yellow crusty scales or plaques surrounded by reddish skin. There may also be a distinctive oily smell to cradle cap that is the result of skin cell build up on the scalp. Babies from ages 3 months to 12 months are at risk for developing this condition, and while it is usually painless and does not cause itching, symptoms may vary depending upon each child’s overall heath profile. Cases may be mild to severe and may even cause hair loss. The good news is that hair will regrow and cradle cap generally clears up on its own within 6 -12 months. Treatment for Cradle Cap, to encourage the heeling process, home treatments have been shown to help diminish scales and improve baby’s skin integrity.
What Causes Cradle Cap?
Some researchers attribute the cause of cradle cap to over-production of oil resulting from hormones passed from mother to baby, while others think the cause may be due to a type of yeast called Malassezia that grows in your baby’s hair. Even though the root of this skin condition is yet unknown, it is relieving to know that cradle cap is not contagious, it is not an infection or allergy, and it is not caused by poor hygiene.
How to Treat Cradle Cap with Coconut Oil
Home Treatment for Cradle Cap
The appearance of cradle cap can happen suddenly, and treating it in a timely fashion can make the difference in how well a home treatment works. Treatment for Cradle Cap, choosing products made with simple, clean, time honored ingredients can also effect how well your baby tolerates the treatments. In addition, products that have many skin health benefits rather than using multiple products allows you to treat the root cause of cradle cap while also being budget friendly. Coconut oils’ unique structure and function makes it an ideal option to treat cradle cap since it is naturally antibacterial, anti microbial, anti-viral and anti-fungal. Using a light touch and taking your time can make Treatment for Cradle Cap with coconut oil a bathing experience that is both relaxing and beneficial.
Cradle Cap Treatment
1. Begin with bathing your baby is warm water.
2. Use a mild shampoo and gently distribute suds throughout the scalp and hair. Rinse well.
3. Remove baby from the bath and wrap in a towel or bathrobe, leaving hair damp but not wet. Keep baby comfortable and warm.
4. Warm about 1/2 teaspoon of coconut oil in your hand until it is thoroughly melted or warm bottle or container is a water bath. Use care not to use too much coconut oil as it can drip in baby’s eyes. Pour the oil throughout the scalp and hair and gently massage. Let the coconut oil sit on the scalp for 10 to 15 minutes, massaging periodically. Scales will begin to soften and loosen. Apply a bit more oil as needed.
5. Rinse the hair with warm water and add a small amount of shampoo if scalp is very oily.
6. Pat hair dry.
7. Using a very soft bristle brush, gently lift the scales, removing those that are easily dislodged.
8. Examine your baby’s scalp regularly and repeat this treatment as needed to encourage a healthy scalp microbiome.
Treatment for Cradle Cap
How to Choose a Quality Coconut Oil for Your Baby
Treatment for Cradle Cap – As a new parent, it’s only natural to want nothing but the best for your baby and the amount of products you can choose from can be daunting. Coconut oil has become a popular choice for parents looking for a better alternative to traditional baby oils, but within the coconut oil spectrum, not all are created equal. Here are six key points to consider when looking for the best coconut oil for your baby.
1. Treatment for Cradle Cap- Look for a certified USDA organic coconut oil with its seal plainly displayed on the packaging. This ensures that a product adheres to the strict standards and regulations from accredited certifying agencies such as the Oregon Tilth. The stringent certification process includes all aspects of farming, handling and processing, meaning a coconut oil product is free from harmful chemicals and additives.
2. Raw extra virgin coconut oil refers to coconut oil that has not been refined and is made from fresh coconut flesh, not dried coconut (copra). It is minimally processed and and is free from the use of chemical solvents, bleaching, deodorizing or hydrogenating.
3. Choose a coconut oil that’s cold-pressed or expeller-pressed to retain its natural nutrients and properties.
4. Check the label for any allergens or potential irritants, such as fragrance or preservatives.
5. Consider the texture and consistency of the coconut oil. Some babies may prefer a lighter oil that absorbs quickly, while others may benefit from a thicker, more moisturizing oil.
6. Raw Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil is naturally rich in Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCTs) supplying natural energy to and hastening the body’s innate healing process. Avoiding fragrances
7. The molecular structure of raw coconut oil allows for easy absorption into the skin making it ideal for treating a variety of skin conditions. (Also read: Coconut Oil For Baby Skin)
8. Quality raw coconut oil has been found to have a shelf life of about 5 years because less processing preserves the oils naturally occurring antioxidants.
Treatment for Cradle Cap- Organic Fiji takes pride in procuring quality ingredients to create its line of everyday affordable luxury for you and your baby. To learn more, click here.
Organic Fiji
Choosing coconut oil for baby skin, and for your wellness routines in general, is more than a product choice, it’s an ancient ritual steeped in deep, island history.
Organic Fiji is a female and Pacific Islander owned boutique brand that creates organic body care products, based in California.
Organic Fiji’s artisan products have been USDA Certified Organic by Oregon Tilth since 2007 and are vegan, cruelty-free, eco-friendly and ethically created. You can also be assured that Organic Fiji products are free of GMOs, PEGs, parabens, phthalates, sulfates, artificial colors, synthetic fragrances, harsh ingredients or toxic chemicals.
A brand that believes in product transparency over ‘green-washing’ and are real people on the other end of the phone and email. Click here to contact Organic Fiji.