Milk bath sounds really interesting isn't it? But you know how beneficial this milk bath is for your baby.
Milk bath is basically a bath where breast milk is mixed with lukewarm water in the baby's bathtub. As you know breastmilk is considered as liquid gold for babies, with its powerful benefits which your baby gets from the moment they are born. Breast milk is rich in fat(3 to 5%), protein(0.8 to 0.9%), carbohydrates(6.8 to 7.2%), vitamins and minerals( 0.2%).
Last year, on Kartik Purnima we did a special milk bath session for Purvi(my daughter). It's not any ritual or tradition in our cast or society. It was just for making the day special we chose the auspicious day of Kartik Purnima, to make it more memorable.
Personally, I really like the idea of giving milk baths for babies not only for the benefits of breastmilk but for some beautiful baby photography as well.
Benefits of milk bath
If you have some extra breast milk and you do not want to waste, then definitely give a milk bath session to your baby. Breastmilk has plenty of healing benefits other than its nutritional benefits. Here are some benefits of breast milk baths for babies.
Super moisturizer
Full of fat, breastmilk works great on baby dry skin reducing itchiness. The palmitic acid present in the breast milk works as a super-moisturizer. Lauric and oleic acid also helps in soothing and moisturizing the baby skin making it soft and supple.
Treats baby acne
Some babies get baby acne after birth or between 3 months, this is due to the presence of mother’s hormone in baby blood. Baby acne is common and nothing to worry about, baby does not feel uncomfortable, it's us, we mommies get panic seeing the acne. Well to heal the baby acne you can give a milk bath to the baby. The breastmilk, containing the lauric acid contains an antibacterial agent which fights from the acne and helps in diminishing any acne spots and discoloration of baby skin.
Treats eczema
If your baby has dry and flaky skin, then a regular milk bath is a must for him/her. The breastmilk contains the moisturizing agent which helps in treating mild to moderate eczema.
Soothes diaper rash
The most common skin problem among babies and toddlers is diaper rash. And breastmilk works wonder on it, do try once, you will definitely thank me mumma. In a study of 2013, it says that breastmilk is as effective as using hydrocortisone 1% ointment for treating the diaper rash.
Heals insect bites and cuts
Breastmilk bath helps to soothe the baby skin from any insect bites or cuts and heals it faster.
How to give a breastmilk bath to a baby?
Fill the baby's bath tub with lukewarm water as you do for a normal everyday bath.
Add 150-300ml of breastmilk into the lukewarm water, this amount is just enough to make the water milky or cloudy.
Let your baby soak for 5 to 10 minutes, if your baby is small, you can dip the washcloth into the water and gently pat on the baby's body. Make sure you are not causing any discomfort to your baby.
If your baby is old enough to sit, then let him/her sit for 10-20 minutes and allow them to play in the bathtub. You can put some bath toys to make the bathing session enjoyable for your baby.
If you want to do some milk bath photography of your little one , then put some orange slices, flowers, rose petals to make the bathtub beautiful and a picture perfect session.
Take your baby out and pat him/her dry and massage your baby with any baby moisturizer to lock the hydrating agent of breastmilk.
Some important things to know before giving breast milk bath to babies
How to use breastmilk for a milk bath? You can use freshly pumped breast milk or you can also use the thawed breastmilk. You can store the breastmilk in freeze and use it late for the breastmilk bath of your baby.
Is it okay to use expired breastmilk for bath? Do not use the expired, sour or unfrozen breastmilk it may contain harmful bacteria which will not good for a baby skin.
Do I need to bathe my baby again with the regular water after giving milk bath?No you do not need to bath your baby again. Once done with the milk bath, apply baby lotion or any massage oil to seal the moisture of your baby's skin.
How often should I give the milk bath to my baby? You can give once or twice in a fortnight, a daily milk bath is not needed.
What else I can add in the milk bathtub to make it more beneficial? Since this is a baby milk bath, therefore do not use anything other than breastmilk. Honey, essential oil, baking soda, bath salt, etc. are strictly advisable not to use. You can add olive oil or coconut oil if you want to make it rich in moisturizing baby skin.
Do checkout this video of Purvi's Milk bath, see how happy she is soaking in milk water. Babies just love to play in water, milk bath is relaxing and a fun activity for them. Hope this article helps some new mothers to know about milk baths and its benefits. Do not forget to like this article and subscribe to Moms Review Pad for baby care, postpartum care and pregnancy do and don'ts related articles and facts. Enjoy the video. :)
Also read: 5 Ways to Increase Breast Milk Supply
Comments