If you have leftover breast milk hanging out in your freezer, there's no easier way to use it up than to add it to your baby's bath water. It's a great way to naturally soothe and nourish your little one's delicate skin.
There are a ton of things you can do to utilize the skin benefits of breast milk. You can make breast milk soap or breast milk lotion, or you can simply dab it on the skin.
Making your own milk bath can be as simple as adding some milk to a bath. It doesn't only have to be for babies, either; older kids and adults can benefit from a relaxing milk bath, too.
While breast milk is an amazing skincare ingredient, you can make a nourishing milk bath with other types of milk. Think of Cleopatra and her donkey milk ;). Cow's milk, goat's milk, and coconut milk are all great substitutes if you don't have a surplus of extra breast milk.
Benefits of a Breast Milk Bath
Breast milk is simply amazing, you guys! Yes, it's primarily intended to feed babies, of course, but it also has many benefits when applied to the skin.
It is very moisturizing since it's packed with natural fatty acids that can keep the skin hydrated and prevent dryness. And, it contains proteins that can strengthen the skin barrier and protect from irritants. So, what's not to like?
Milk Bath with Oatmeal
This step is not a must, but ground oatmeal or colloidal oatmeal is the perfect addition to a baby's milk bath. An oatmeal bath has very similar soothing effects to breast milk, and together they make the perfect combo. Plus, it's easy to do, and you likely already have oatmeal sitting in your pantry.
Preparing Oatmeal for a Bath
This step is easy and quick: Simply grind ¼ cup of rolled oats in a coffee grinder or food processor until you have a very fine powder.
How to Give a Breastmilk Bath
Caution: When adding milk and/or oatmeal to bath water, it will make the bottom and sides of the bathtub very slippery!
Now, let's get this milk bath started:
Ingredients
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- Breast Milk (or another type of milk): 8-10 oz for a baby bathtub, more for a regular tub
- Ground Oatmeal or Colloidal Oats (optional): ¼ cup
Instructions
Step 1: Let the milk come to room temperature
Step 2: Grind oatmeal until you have a very fine powder (if using)
Step 3: Fill your baby's bathtub with warm water
Step 4: Add breastmilk and ground oatmeal to the water and gently swirl it around
Step 5: Carefully lower your baby into the warm bath. Use a washcloth, a small cup or your hands to gently pour the water over your baby's body. Spend more time on areas that are especially irritated.
Step 6: Let your baby soak in the bath for 10-15 minutes. Use this time to interact and play with your baby, sing a song, or read a book.
Step 7: After the bath, lift your baby out of the tub and gently pat them dry with a soft towel. There's no need to rinse off the breast milk, as it will absorb into your baby's skin.
Step 8: Moisturize with breastmilk lotion, homemade body butter, or unscented baby lotion
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