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It could be a bit of a shock to know of anything that has a heavenly scent other than the scent of a bathed infant. Have you heard of milk bath baby? No, that doesn’t take the baby’s scent away or reduce it, but, it surely adds on with the extra benefit for the little one.
What is a Milk Bath?
No surprise here, the “milk bath” is exactly what it sounds like – bathing the baby in milk. To do this, all you need is some breast milk that needs to be added to the baby’s bathwater.
Odd? Take it from us, you’ll milk bath a baby as soon as you hear of its benefits!
Bathing your baby in breastmilk helps you treat the skin issues that the little ones or could have as it is a pure burst of properties – providing nourishment, protection, and healing power, both inside and outside the baby.
Milk Bath Baby: What To Keep In Mind When Choosing Milk Bath A Baby?
In case you have extra breast milk in hand, think before you let it go! How? Consider a milk bath session for your baby and help enrich the baby’s sensitive skin.
Here are a few things that you must keep in mind when planning to milk bath a baby:
- Run the little one’s bath by diluting the breast milk in water, just enough to make it look cloudy – that is anywhere near 5 – 10 ounces, or as per the quantity of the water
- You can bathe the little one as you do otherwise. Make sure to pour the breast milk gently over the baby’s skin with the help of a small cup or by wringing a saturated washcloth.
- If the baby has an underlying condition, pay attention and be assured to pour some breast milk water over the affected areas.
- It is ok to gently pat the area with a saturated washcloth provided it doesn’t further irritation or discomfort to the baby
- Allow the baby to soak and play in the milk bath, it is completely safe. If you wish to, add in some bath toys to make it an even more fun experience
- You need not rinse the baby with regular bathwater after the milk bath of the baby
- This is the best opportunity to click a unique yet memorable photograph
- Once done, gently dry the baby by using a clean towel and massage with moisturizing baby-safe lotion onto their skin to prevent dryness
Milk Bath Baby: The Benefits Of A Breast Milk Bath?
There are many written documents and reports about the baby milk bath and how it helps to benefit the little one and also develop their immune system. All thanks to the breastmilk’s healing properties including thousands of nutrients, vitamins, and fats present in the breast milk.
As per facts, breast milk contains 0.8 – 0.9 % protein, 3 – 5 % fat, 6.9 – 7.2 % carbohydrates, and other various minerals, vitamins, and bioactive substances.
Here is a quick list of the benefits found in breast milk:
- Immunoglobulin A (IgA) – A blood protein that contains infection-fighting bacteria
- Lauric acid that doubles as a moisturizer and an antibacterial agent
- Palmitic acid which is a super-moisturizer
- Oleic acid helps fight signs of aging and moisturizes the sensitive skin
- Vaccenic acid protects and nourishes the baby’s skin
- Linoleic acid lightens the spots and reduces inflammation
Bonus! How Do These Benefits Found In The Breastmilk Help?
1. Eczema
As per studies, the benefits are effective as the 1% present in hydrocortisone helps treat mild to moderate eczema. It’s time to bid adieu to those irritating flaky skin.
2. Acne
The lauric acid found in breast milk is an antibacterial property that helps to fight the baby’s acne that could occur – all thanks to the hormones absorbed by your blood in utero. Fun facts! Lauric acid is also found in coconut oil and other beauty products.
3. Diaper rash
Diaper dermatitis is one of the most common skin conditions found in almost 7-35% infants. As per a study done in 2013, treating diaper rashes with breast milk is quite effective, all thanks to the presence of hydrocortisone.
4. Cuts and Insect Bites
The antibacterial antibodies found in breast milk are useful to soothe insect bites and cuts on the baby’s skin.
- A few drops of breast milk aids any form of infection and blocked tear ducts
- The use of breastmilk can also cure cracked feet and sore nipples
Baby Milk Bath: The Process Of Breast Milk Bath!
Now that you are aware of the multiple benefits breastmilk carries, what about the process?
Refer to the pointers below and help get the logistics of the breast milk bath straight:
- Fill the baby bathtub with lukewarm water, as your would otherwise do
- Now, add around 150–300 ml of breast milk, or just enough to make the water appear milky or cloudy
- Take the baby and soak them for about 5–15 minutes, it is completely ok for the little one to splash the water around and play with bath toys
- Once done, take the baby out and pat them dry
- Now gently massage the baby’s limbs using a moisturizer and lock the hydrating agents
- Hey! Don’t forget to breathe in the mesmerizing scent!
Baby Milk Bath: How Often Should A Baby Be Given A Milk Bath?
Not much or regularly, but once or twice a week should be more than enough for the little one to soak in all the healthy nutrients. This will help the baby have smooth, blemish-free, and supple skin.
On the contrary, if you are concerned about using up all your breastmilk in baby baths, it is also ok to limit the bathing sessions and use baby-friendly soaps and shampoos instead.
However, on the other hand, if you have a shortage of breast milk, try to consume foods to boost the breast milk supply.
To Conclude:
Baby milk baths are no alternative to the regular baby baths, but an add on to help enhance the baby bath times. If you are worried, make sure to consult your healthcare provider, but the most important part – have fun!
