If your babies scalp is dry one of the first things to consider is how often you wash your baby’s hair. This may be one of the reasons for dryness. If you are washing too frequently you may be stripping the scalp of natural oils and moisturizers faster than they can be replenished. Try washing less frequently, about every three days and see if it remedies baby’s dry scalp. For babies less than 6 months old be careful not to over hydrate your baby by giving them too much water. Some mothers will do this believing that scalp dryness is caused by lack of enough water in the diet. This can be a mistake causing a baby that is breast feeding not to feed normally because of a full tummy. Too much water can interfere with how nutrients are absorbed from breast milk or baby formula. In unusual cases water intoxication occur resulting in coma, seizures or death. If you are concerned about water in your baby’s diet, discuss it with your pediatrician.

If washing less frequently does not a aid with dry scalp try applying a little olive oil to your fingers and massage into babies scalp let sit for about 15 minutes then brush through hair to help loosen dry patches. Apply mild baby shampoo to hair let sit while bathing baby. Then wash out shampoo. You can also use

baby oil.

Cradle Cap

Common in many babies during the first 6 to 12 months, it will usually go away on its own. Although in some children it can last longer. Cradle cap will cause dry flaky scalp that resembles dandruff. It can appear as yellow or brown flaky patches on the scalp. Cradle cap is usually harmless.

The above oil and shampoo remedies are also applicable. Remember not to leave oil on the scalp to prevent clogging of pores and flakes sticking or clumping together.

If the scalp becomes inflamed or cradle caps spread beyond the scalp, it may be necessary to use a seborrhea shampoo or cortisone cream. See your pediatrician.

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