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Is it good to put breast milk in baby bath?

The Benefits of Breast Milk Baths for Babies
In recent years, the practice of giving babies baths infused with breast milk has gained popularity among parents seeking natural remedies for common skin issues. This trend is rooted in the numerous benefits that breast milk offers, not just as a nutritional powerhouse but also as a soothing agent for delicate skin.
Healing Properties of Breast Milk
Breast milk is renowned for its rich composition of antibodies, vitamins, and fats, which are essential for a baby’s development. However, its benefits extend beyond nutrition. When added to bathwater, breast milk can act as a natural moisturizer, helping to hydrate and soothe dry skin. This is particularly beneficial for babies suffering from conditions like eczema or diaper rash, as the milk’s properties can alleviate irritation and promote healing.
Lactation consultant Polly Gannon suggests using about 150 to 350 milliliters of breast milk in the bath, just enough to create a milky appearance in the water. It’s important to avoid using excessive amounts, as this can lead to an overpowering milky scent on the baby.
How to Prepare a Breast Milk Bath
Preparing a breast milk bath is a straightforward process. Parents are advised to first wash the baby to remove any dirt or impurities, then drain the tub before adding the breast milk to the warm water. This ensures that the bath is both clean and effective in delivering the soothing benefits of the milk.
Experts recommend that breast milk baths should not be a daily routine. Instead, they can be given once or twice a week, depending on the baby’s skin condition. For instance, if a baby is experiencing severe diaper rash or eczema, more frequent baths may be warranted.
A Natural Alternative
The appeal of breast milk baths lies in their natural composition. Unlike commercial bath products that may contain harsh chemicals, breast milk is a gentle alternative that can provide relief without the risk of irritation. This makes it an attractive option for parents who prefer to use natural remedies for their children’s skincare needs.
In conclusion, incorporating breast milk into bath time can be a beneficial practice for many babies. It not only nourishes their skin but also offers a comforting experience that can enhance the bonding between parent and child. As with any new practice, parents should monitor their baby’s skin response and consult with a pediatrician if they have any concerns.

How often should I give my baby a breast milk bath?

Once or twice a week should be enough to keep your baby’s skin smooth, supple, and blemish-free. If you’re worried about using up your milk supply on bathing, you can use fewer milk baths interspersed with more traditional soap and water bathing in between.

Can I put breast milk in my baby’s bath?

Many parents have found it to be a gentle and effective solution for their baby’s skin issues. To give it a go, simply add some expressed breast milk to your baby’s bathwater.

What is the point of a breast milk bath?

If you’re looking for an easy, affordable way to improve your baby’s skin health, milk baths are the perfect solution. Not only do they hydrate and soften delicate skin, but milk baths have been shown to help reduce eczema, cradle cap, and other skin conditions.

Do you rinse off after a milk bath?

No need to rinse them off! Make sure you have a warm towel ready for them, their lotion, diaper, pajamas, and sleep bag all ready to go, and that you spend a little extra time giving them an infant massage. You can do milk baths as often as you would like, once or twice a week has great benefits for their skin!

What are the benefits of breast milk for babies?

Breastfeeding can help protect babies against some short- and long-term illnesses and diseases. Breastfed babies have a lower risk of asthma, obesity, type 1 diabetes, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Breastfed babies are also less likely to have ear infections and stomach bugs.

How much breast milk to put in a bath?

Around 7ozs works well. Add too little milk and you won’t necessarily reap the benefits, add too much and your baby may come out smelly a little more milky than you’d like. Most parents use some dairy or dairy free milk and some breastmilk as it can be hard to have enough surplus breastmilk to use pure breastmilk.

How much breastmilk do I put in my baby’s bath?

Fill your baby’s bath with lukewarm water as usual. Add 150–300 mL of breast milk. This amount should be just enough to make the water cloudy or milky.

Is breast milk good for babies?

Healthy nutrients
Compared with formula, the nutrients in breastmilk are better absorbed and used by your baby. These include sugar (carbohydrate) and protein. Breastmilk has the nutrients that are best for your baby’s brain growth and nervous system development.

Is breast milk good for baby skin?

Skin treatments
When you add in its moisturizing properties, massaging breast milk onto eczema patches or cradle cap (the scaly, yellowish patches that sometimes develop on a newborn’s scalp) can swiftly clear up the problem spots.

Does breast milk bath help baby acne?

No, but breast milk has many amazing properties! Many families feel that breast milk on the skin helps the baby, but it hasn’t been proven to help get rid of baby acne.

Natasha Lunn

Tash is an IBCLC and Business Coach helping fellow IBCLCs create fun, profitable businesses that are more than just an expensive hobby. Before becoming an IBCLC and starting her private practice - The Boobala, Tash graduated as an Osteopath in 2008 and has been in Private Practice in South West Sydney. She was also a volunteer Breastfeeding Counsellor and Community Educator with the Australian Breastfeeding Association for 6 years. Through her business, Your Lactation Biz, Tash coaches and creates products to help new and seasoned IBCLCs build businesses that suit their personality and lifestyle.

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