Things You Didn't Know About Your Baby's Skin

Due to the fragile nature of baby’s skin, it can be more prone to sensitivities, irritation, and skin conditions. Two common skin ailments that you may come across with your bub are cradle cap and baby acne.

A form of dermatitis, cradle cap is a common skin condition in babies up to three months of age. Cradle cap is caused by inflammation of the sebaceous glands, which produce oils that help to waterproof babies’ skin in the first few months of their lives. Cradle cap is characterised by thick, greasy, yellow scales primarily on the baby’s scalp, but this condition can sometimes affect their eyebrows [3]. While it may look itchy and uncomfortable, for the most part, cradle cap doesn’t cause irritation and will generally clear itself without treatment. If you want to speed up the recovery process, try loosening the flakes by gently massaging your baby’s scalp with a light moisturiser of an evening. The following morning, wash your baby’s hair with a mild baby shampoo, like the Cetaphil Baby Shampoo, and use a soft brush to lift and remove the dried skin. Repeat this process every few days until the cradle cap has cleared. If you notice that the affected area has an unpleasant odour or starts to ooze, it may be infected and we recommended consulting your baby’s paediatrician.

At the end of pregnancy and during breastfeeding, the mother’s hormones are often transferred to the baby, which can sometimes result in baby acne. Also known as neonatal acne, it appears as small white or red pimples. This skin condition is completely normal, affecting around 20% of newborns [4], and should clear naturally over a few weeks. If your baby is suffering from baby acne, it can be best to avoid applying products like cleansers and lotions to the affected areas, and instead, ensure the skin is kept clean. Much like cradle cap, baby acne is harmless and will not cause your bub any pain or irritation.