your questions answered by our experts

SR BURGIE IRELAND ANSWERS MIDWIFE

My baby has flaky patches all

over his head. What is this?

This is likely to be cradle cap – which can either be seborrheic eczema or seborrheic dermatitis. Both are quite common in babyhood and can recur during the first year. Seborrheic eczema can also spread to the eyebrows, behind the ears, into the folds of the neck, under the arms and in the groin. When severe, it’s best to take your baby to a doctor. Mild seborrheic dermatitis is when greasy white flakes or “scales” appear on the scalp. These are easily brushed out after massaging the scalp with a bit of baby oil followed by a thorough shampooing and brisk (not harsh) rubbing dry with a towel. If the condition worsens, soften the patches with baby oil and leave overnight before washing out. If your baby is prone to cradle cap:

Don’t leave your baby with a beanie or hat on indoors, as cradle cap worsens when the scalp sweats.

Use the pads of your fingertips to massage baby’s scalp (not sharp nails).

Don’t pick the scales off baby’s head using your fingernails as this may cause an infection.

Buy anti-seborrheic shampoos or ointments but never use them when any scalp skin is broken.

pram), the faster they forgot about their troubles and sat wide-eyed and bushy tailed, enjoying the adventure. It even gets the burps out and once again, if taking a fast stroll in the pram, the added benefit of exercise for yourself should not be scoffed at. And don’t be afraid to head off road onto the park lawn.

SWADDLE

HIM UP Our paediatrician showed us how to swaddle Max so that he couldn’t move or spit out his dummy. After two days he started to associate swaddle time with naptime, and I could put him down and be sure he was snug and asleep in no time at all. It worked so well that I started calling this The Miracle Swaddle (see right).

IT’S A WRAP

At my baby shower I was given a baby wrap (basically one long piece of cloth that you need a PHD to figure out how to wrap around yourself). This remained at the back of my cupboard until Max was four weeks old, and I was trying anything just to make him feel better. Once I mastered the technique, this was an absolute life-saving device. For two months my baby practically lived in it, and when nothing else helped for the painful tummy cramps, I would pop him in what became my “uniform” and voilà – he would calm down and some times even fall peacefully, mercifully asleep.

While I’m no expert, trying these tricks can do no harm for a fractious baby, especially if you’re taking strain too. YB