Cradle Cap and Newborn Photographs
Cradle cap can feel like it appears overnight. One day your baby’s head is silky and smooth, and the next you notice flaky patches on their scalp.
If you’re worrying about what this means, or whether it will affect your newborn photographs, let me reassure you from the start, cradle cap is very common and completely normal.
What is cradle cap?
Cradle cap is a flaky, yellowish build-up that appears on a baby’s scalp. It can look crusty and uncomfortable, but it is not usually painful and it is not caused by poor hygiene.
Most babies are not born with cradle cap. It often develops a few weeks after birth, just as you are starting to find your rhythm as new parents.
What causes cradle cap?
The honest answer is that no one knows for certain.
It is thought to be linked to overactive oil glands in a baby’s scalp. When natural oils mix with shedding skin cells, they can form small flaky patches. It is not contagious and it is not an infection.
Cradle cap can sometimes spread slightly behind the ears or onto the eyebrows, but it does not spread across the body.
If you ever notice a rash on your baby’s body or in the creases of their arms and legs, it is always best to speak to your doctor or health visitor for advice.
How long does cradle cap last?
The good news is that cradle cap is temporary. It usually clears within a few months and most babies grow out of it completely.
That doesn’t always make it easier when you first notice it. Many parents feel concerned when their baby’s perfect little head suddenly looks different. Please know you are not alone in that feeling.
Can my baby still have newborn photographs?
Yes, absolutely.
Many babies have a little cradle cap in their early weeks. It does not prevent beautiful photographs.
If your baby has visible cradle cap at their session, I edit it sympathetically. That means softening and minimising it while keeping your baby looking natural. My aim is always to create portraits that feel true to your little one.
And in truth, when you are holding your baby close, it is their tiny features and your connection that you will remember, not a few temporary flakes.
“You can find full details of my newborn photography prices here.”
Cradle cap is simply one small part of early babyhood. It passes quickly, just like so many of those newborn days.
If you are expecting, or your baby has already arrived and you are thinking about a baby photoshoot, please don’t let cradle cap be the reason you delay.