A step-by-step how-to guide for breast milk baths. An easy way to use milk that may have expired and perfect for your baby’s skin. Here’s a super simple breast milk bath recipe.
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How to make a breast milk bath
Equipment
- Breast milk
- Colloidal oatmeal and nut milk bag (both optional)
Instructions
- Fill the bath tub with a couple inches of warm water. I fill the bath tub with a small amount of water, because then I don’t have to use so much milk.
- Add just enough breast milk to make the water cloudy. Usually about 5-8 ounces (depending on how much water is in the bath).
- Use a washcloth or cup to soak your baby’s entire body in the milk bath. I use a washcloth and squeeze the milk bath water on their arms, back, and head. I also gently wipe their face with the washcloth.
- For best results, allow your baby to soak in the milky water for at least 10 minutes or longer if you prefer.
- You can then wash your baby up normally. Most of the time, I did milk baths in between regular bath days and didn’t use soap.
- No need to rinse the milk off your baby, just pat skin dry with a towel.
FAQ
Can you use expired breast milk?
Yes! You can certainly use expired milk. In fact, I cringe at the thought of any liquid gold going to waste. If you have any milk that is past the storage recommendations, but is still “good” save it for later. This is a great way to use every drop. As long as your milk doesn’t smell off or spoiled, you can use it for a bath!
Tip!- I would often re-freeze milk that had been thawed out and not used up completely -even if it was just an ounce. It’s a good idea to mark your milk bags with an “X” and put it back in your freezer.
Also, let everyone know who might be taking milk out of the freezer not to use the milk with an “X” for feeding your baby. Any milk that was left in the fridge for too long also got frozen like this.
This is a good use of milk for moms that have to or want to “pump and dump”. For example, if they’re temporarily on a medication that isn’t compatible with breastfeeding. Long story short -please don’t waste your breast milk!
Can you use fresh milk or frozen breast milk?
You can use either fresh or frozen breast milk. And as I mentioned before, a milk bath is a perfect use for expired frozen milk! Just don’t waste that liquid gold.
Can you add anything else to the bath?
At times when my baby’s itchy skin was particularly bothersome, I would add some colloidal oatmeal to the bath. I use a nut milk bag to contain the oatmeal particles as best as possible.
This is extra soothing for their irritated skin. If you were to add something like a little bit of essential oils, please make sure you do your research prior to adding it to your baby’s bath.
You definitely want to avoid anything that would cause further skin irritations, especially if your baby has sensitive skin.
How often should you give your baby a milk bath?
This will depend on what your goals are and your supply of breast milk. In general, 1-3 baths per week would be a good start if you’re having skin issues.
What if I don’t have a large supply of breast milk?
If you don’t have a large milk supply for baths but want to use it on your baby’s skin, you can also use a cotton ball to dab a small amount of milk on concentrated areas.
Both of my daughters had eczema in the Winters. We would keep a jar of a couple of ounces of my own breast milk in the fridge just for their skin. I would dip a clean cotton ball in the milk and dab drops of breast milk onto their skin, then let it air dry. This way I could put breast milk on their itchy rash 2-3 times a day without using so much milk.
How much breast milk should you use for a bath?
You only need enough milk to make the water cloudy. Start with about 5-8 ounces (150-250 ml of breast milk). I keep the water level to just a few inches to avoid having to use too much milk.
Can you use a breast milk bath for eczema?
As you will read below there are many things your own DIY milk bath can help with. Eczema is one common skin issue that research has shown breast milk is an effective treatment. A baby milk bath is soothing for skin rashes too.
What are the benefits of breast milk baths?
Human breast milk uses go way beyond “just” being a perfect food for your baby. Research has shown that the use of topical breast milk can help with many common skin conditions.
Benefits of a milk bath include:
- Diaper rash
- Eczema
- Baby acne
- Cradle cap
- Dry skin
- Minor cuts and burns
- Superficial wounds
It’s amazing to think that something meant to be food for your baby can do so many things! Don’t miss out of the benefits of milk baths, especially if your little one has skin problems.
Do you use soap in a breast milk bath?
Most of the time, I didn’t use soap while doing milk baths. If you want to wash your baby up after soaking for a while, you certainly can. There’s no need to rinse off the milk bath. Just pat dry with a towel!
Can you use a breast milk bath for a newborn?
Yes! You may notice a breast milk bath helps with baby acne. If you are fortunate enough to have extra milk in the newborn phase, you can absolutely give them breastmilk baths.
What else can I do with my extra breast milk?
It seems like the possibilities are endless when it comes to using up leftover breast milk. There are so many different ways to use it. My favorite ways to use breast milk are breast milk soap, breast milk lotion, and breast milk popsicles.
Have you made your own milk bath with your excess breast milk before? Do I have you convinced yet that human milk is amazing?! Let me know in the comments how the baby bath went!
This article is for informational purposes. Please consult a doctor for specific medical questions, diagnosis and treatments.
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