If your baby's cradle cap doesn't respond well to regular shampooing, ask your doctor about medicated or dandruff shampoos. These shampoos, many of which are available over the counter, contain ingredients such as salicylic acid, coal tar, zinc, selenium, and ketoconazole (which usually requires a prescription) that can help treat dryness and flaking.

Rub a little shampoo into your child's scalp and let it soak in for at least 2 minutes. Then wash the shampoo out and repeat the process one more time. You might need to do this daily or twice weekly at first, but after the cradle cap is controlled, you may only have to use medicated shampoos once a month.

For seborrhea on other parts of the body, or if your child has irritated skin, hydrocortisone creams can help. Be sure to consult with your baby's doctor before using hydrocortisone, however.