First-time Mom? Learn How to Deal With Cradle Cap
Having a baby for the first time is both rewarding and challenging. After carrying her inside your body for months, there is no better feeling than hearing that first cry and being able to wrap your arms around your baby. You will realize the best scent in the whole world is your baby’s sweet smell.
During pregnancy, you may have pictured joyous scenes in your head several times.
Babies don’t come with a manual.
The reality of being a mother, especially for the first time, can be a roller coaster ride; exciting, challenging, a flurry of mixed emotions!
It can be so hard because it’s just so new. You may have prepared for it; however, going through the process can be overwhelming. Your mind has already been set to shift into mom-mode. The adjustment can not be as harsh as expected.
Generally, it’s both physically and emotionally intense.
Start with the physiological hardships during and after pregnancy. You experience body alterations that come with hormonal changes.
Along with it, is shifting from self-centred living to selflessly serve and sacrifice for your child. You will encounter different opinions on parenting, from your family, neighbours, friends and even random strangers. Do not feel like you are not good enough.
Don’t put a ton of pressure on yourself. As a new parent, you have that enormous desire to have everything right. Just be gentle. Learn to listen to your instincts and don’t overwhelm yourself with everyone’s advice and suggestions.
You may feel anxious in handling your newborn. It may not take a snap but in a few weeks, you’ll develop a routine. Truth is, you will learn more about yourself and being a parent.
Are you noticing rough flakes that look like dandruff on your baby’s head? It could be frightening seeing these elements on your little one’s scalp. That is a common skin condition in newborns called cradle cap.
Although it may look alarming, don’t stress yourself. Read on to equip yourself with a better understanding of what’s going on and how to deal with cradle cap.
Nature, Cause, Symptoms
When your baby is around 2-6 weeks, a cradle cap may occur. It happens when the oil glands produce more oil than they need. The extra oil can build up and make the dead skin cells stick to your baby’s scalp.
How do you distinguish your baby from having a cradle cap? Here are the symptoms:
– Scaly and patchy flakes on your baby’s scalp or head
– Your baby’s scalp may look greasy or oily
– Dry skin covered in white or yellow crusting.
– Sometimes, you will notice your baby’s scalp may look in a different colour.
Hair loss may happen. Your baby may lose hair when they have a cradle cap. This is a rare condition. Don’t be alarmed, the hair grows back.
A cradle cap may also appear on other parts of your little one’s body. It can show up behind the face, armpits, diaper area or even the face.
Keep in mind, it’s harmless. It will most likely vanish eventually. (It will clear itself up eventually)
Tips on how to deal with cradle cap
When you notice the first signs of the cradle cap, don’t panic. You should be able to treat it at home successfully.
Be calm and follow these tips:
- Wash your baby’s scalp. With a baby shampoo, gently rub/massage the affected areas. This should wash away the excess oil produced. Rinse with water. Keep her scalp clean to help the problem go away.
- After cleaning your baby’s head, use a soft baby brush to gently brush her hair. Go easy. the scales will fall off over time.
- Some parents soak their baby’s hair with olive oil or put some petroleum jelly. This works for them. However, it’s best to consult your doctor first before doing this.
If you would like to hear medical advice, consult an online doctor BC. The doctor will only have to see the baby’s scalp or affected areas through a video call. A test is not needed to diagnose. The rocketdoctor.ca may prescribe you an ointment to help clear the flakes away.
You may imagine yourself having dandruff. You know it’s never a fun experience. It’s itchy and pretty annoying. However, the cradle cap is not dandruff. It may look like it may be, but it doesn’t feel itchy to your baby.
It does not do any harm to your baby. Your little one will not feel discomfort with the cradle cap. It’s not even a sign of bad hygiene. Most importantly, you didn’t do anything wrong that made it happen.