There is not a lot of evidence to support that washing your baby's hair can help with cradle cap, but it is generally considered safe to do so. Cradle cap is a common condition in newborn babies that causes a flaky, scaly skin on the scalp. It is thought to be caused by a combination of overactive oil glands and a build-up of dead skin cells.
Some people find that washing their baby's hair regularly helps to get rid of cradle cap, while others find that it makes the condition worse. If you decide to wash your baby's hair, make sure you use a mild shampoo and avoid rubbing or scratching the scalp too hard.