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Parentpedia
Caring for Your Baby's Scalp
What Experts Say
Whether your baby is born with a mane of thick hair or completely bald, there's something so amazing about his tiny little head and the sweet smell of his scalp. You may find yourself inhaling the smell of your baby, stroking his soft scalp, and marveling at his tiny scrunched-up face.
Yet a newborn's scalp is a strange place: he will probably have a soft fontanel at the top of his head -- a place where the skull bones have not completely fused together -- and another towards the back of his skull.
His scalp, made to be pliable in order to pass through the birth canal, may be misshapen in the first few days after birth (especially if forceps were used during labor), and you should expect scurf and cradle cap in the coming weeks.
How to Take Care of a Baby's Scalp
Use a soft washcloth to wash a baby's scalp (and face) with warm water when needed. You can also use mild soap or baby shampoo, but parenting experts like Dr. Benjamin Spock and Penelope Leach recommend using soap only once or twice a week since the detergents in soap can dry out a baby's sensitive skin.
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The contents of ParentPedia are intended for educational purposes only. Such contents are not intended to, and do not, constitute medical or healthcare advice or diagnosis, and may not be used for such purposes. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Reliance on information presented on ParentPedia is at your own risk.
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