Wash baby’s scalp regularly with a gentle baby shampoo
Gently loosen scales during or right after bathing using a soft baby brush or washcloth
Apply mineral oil, baby oil, or petroleum jelly to the scalp to help soften scales for 10–20 minutes before washing
Use a soft brush or comb to gently remove loosened flakes after softening
Repeat 2–4 times per week as needed, then reduce once improved
Keep the scalp clean and dry between washes
Avoid picking or scratching the scales
Avoid harsh products (adult dandruff shampoos, essential oils, alcohol-based products, strong medicated creams) unless advised by a clinician
If thick, persistent, or worsening: use an anti-dandruff shampoo only as directed by a pediatrician (commonly with ketoconazole, selenium sulfide, or zinc pyrithione)
When using medicated shampoo: lather gently, leave on for the recommended time, then rinse thoroughly; limit frequency to what’s directed
Contact a pediatrician promptly if there’s redness, swelling, oozing, bleeding, a bad smell, spreading rash, or signs of infection
Seek medical advice if it doesn’t improve after 2–4 weeks of gentle home care or if the baby is very young or has eczema/severe skin issues