It's disappointing when your beautiful newborn begins to develop cradle cap. Their sweet little head is covered with yucky, oily scales at a time when you want to be able to show them off.

If you are still pregnant, evidence is mounting that consistent folic acid supplementation and possibly even probiotics can help prevent cradle cap.

But if your baby already has cradle cap, there is a tried and true remedy. (I've had five babies with various degrees of cradle cap.)

First, assemble your tools.

(Pictured: Cheeky Maiden Baby Balm and soft toothed baby brush)

Sweet Titus is modeling an extremely mild case of cradle cap.

Step 1: Soften a bit of Cheeky Maiden Baby Balm in your fingers and massage into the scalp. (If your two year old is helping you, you'll also need to help her rub some onto her hands. And arms. And nose. It's okay. Baby balm is good for all your parts.)

Do this just before nap time or bed time. You'll want to leave it on for a few hours.

Step 2: Once baby is awake and happy, use your soft brush to lift and loosen the flakes. Don't scrub, and take your time. If your baby has severe cradle cap, it may take more than one treatment to loosen it all.

Take your time and work slow and gentle. Here's a close up of all the flakes I was able to get off of Titus's head.

Step 3: Stick that baby in the tub and use Cheeky Baby Bar Soap on that soft brush to gently wash the scales away. You'll want to avoid traditional liquid baby shampoos. Unless you like cradle cap, in which case- carry on. I guess.

(Incidentally, this is my favorite stress-free set up for baby baths. Most baby bath tubs leak, are too hard, too expensive, too difficult to store, or make baby slouch uncomfortably, in my experience. A nice thick towel in your own tub, rolled at the top for head support makes baby comfortable and relaxed. And a nice bath is a staple in our household.)

Step Four: Gently dry your baby's scalp. Repeat the treatment no sooner than 5-7 days later if needed. Resist the urge to put oils on their scalp. Some studies show cradle cap is the result of over active sebaceous glands.

Titus's head after:

"Look, Ma! No scales!!" (Sorry. Couldn't resist!)

More tips:

• Don't over bathe your baby! Unless they spit up a whole lot all the time, they only need to be bathed about once a week. Over bathing [with all of these commercial chemical-laden baby products especially] is a good start on the road to eczema and cradle cap problems.
• Use only gentle, 100% natural soap on your baby. We prefer Cheeky Baby Bars for head and body. 
• When you lower your baby into the bath water, start feet first. Then gradually let their bottom down, then their back. This is much more peaceful than just immersing the body suddenly. Especially for someone who is still learning the tricky art of breathing and swallowing.
• Look your baby in the eye and tell him how wonderful and special he is while he enjoys his little soak.

A special thanks to my sweet boy Titus for his help!

This product and information is not intended to diagnose or treat any illness. Use at your own risk. I know that sounds mean, but I have to say that.

Much Love,

CM

***********************

The winner of this months Giveaway, a Love Shack Bath Bomb Gift Set is.....

Brandi Bryant!!!!

Brandi, email me your address and I'll get this right in the mail to ya! (missi@cheekymaidensoap.com)

Congratulations!!!

Today was one of those days. Half the family has a cold and is grumpy. Then one family member in particular is very pregnant and grumpy, but we aren't pointing any fingers here.

The grumpy pregnant one got mad. Then she made bombs. Bath Bombs aren't just therapeutic for soaking in it turns out. Because the grumpy pregnant one, at whom we are not going to point fingers, locked herself in the soap room and didn't come out until approximately 98 bath bombs later. 

(Did you actually count them? Shame on you!)

I have a love hate relationship with Bath Bombs. They are difficult to make and insist on being made in tiny batches. Then there is a my obsession with above average bath experiences that compels me to make them. Why so many? I take DIY to a whole new level. Always have. Lucky you. ;)

I guess now would be a good time to introduce the newest bomb to the Cheeky Maiden Bath Bomb lineup.

Bath people, SnowBomb. SnowBomb, Bath people. Now that you've been properly introduced, let me tell you a little about SnowBomb. She looks sweet and innocent and pearly white. She has a little sparkle of Epsom Salt that mimics snow just right. And she has a major chill factor. In fact, after you settle into your nice warm tub and drop SnowBomb in, you might start to get a little confused at the slight chill you experience. You wonder if your hot water has run out. And then the chill factor takes it's toll... You chill out and melt into the bath. Is it hot? Is it cold? I don't care. Back pain, stress, worries, whatev-ah-- It's gone. You should tell her thank you before adding her to the bath though, because she really does explode and then melt away along with all your woes.

Know how I know? Because I'm soaking in one right now. (Please save your lectures about bringing electronic devices to the tub. I'm a professional. I know what I am doing.)

Since I...I mean, the grumpy pregnant one... was not the only person needing a good soak today, I/she came up with a treat for the little ones.

Tada! Kid Bombs!

Nicely scented with real lavender essential oil for your little people, it's a treat for Mamma too. Everyone knows that Lavender Oil brings on great sleep and scares away monsters. My kids are totally soaking tonight before bed. Hallelujah, Amen.

Available soon online: Blue Monkey, Pink Pig, Purple Mouse, and Gold Tabby Kitty. Make sure you like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter so you get first dibs!

Now, who wants to come help clean up the mess I made?

With Love,

Grumpy Pregnant Cheeky Maiden

Have you seen the Forbes article circulating about the cancer causing agent that is  in Johnson & Johnson baby products? The company is now under the gun because they have removed these ingredients from their baby care line in other countries, but not in the United States. In the good old US of A you have to pay double for their "natural" brand. And please read the ingredients before you do so. I think you'll find some pretty unnatural ingredients listed there.

I thought everyone knew that Johnson & Johnson products contained Quaternium-15 (aka formaldehyde) since it is clearly written on the label. But I've been surprised to see the surprise on several friend's facebook pages as they spread the news.

I thought everyone knew that the word "fragrance" listed in any ingredients list is actually an abbreviated term for what could possibly be thousands of different chemicals. Chemicals that are not listed on the bottle, and good luck finding out what they are.

The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics would have you believe that you should be outraged and demand legislation against these companies to "protect" you from these ingredients. You might be surprised to know that someone as staunchly stuck up and picky about ingredients as myself, does not think this is necessary.

It's been right there on the bottle for years, folks. Johnson & Johnson did not hide the fact that they were putting quaternium-15 in their products. This is why you should be reading labels for ingredients, not just for what you eat, but what you are putting on your skin.

Don't wait around for the government to "protect" you by banning these ingredients. Make the choice for yourself NOT to use products containing them! Vote with your wallet, and companies will stop using them!

I will take this opportunity to TOOT our own horn and remind you that we have NEVER used any synthetic or unnatural ingredients in our Cheeky Baby Bar. All of our products are free from carcinogens and any ingredient known to cause birth defects. It's because we feel responsible for what you put on your skin, since we made it.

  (Pictured: Cheeky Baby Bar)

But ultimately the responsibility is yours. Put on your thinking cap and protect yourself. Read labels. Stick with the simple stuff.