How Breast Milk Baths Can Help Your Baby

Nursing isn't the only way your baby can benefit from the healing powers of breast milk. Giving your baby a breast milk bath has long been a popular (and all-natural way) for soothing common skin issues ranging from dryness and diaper rash to acne and eczema.

Human milk is comprised of protein, fat, carbohydrates, and many minerals, and vitramins. Interestingly, breast milk contains many ingredients found in skin moisturizers, points out Tanya Altmann, MD, FAAP, pediatrician and author of the American Academy of Pediatrics books Baby and Toddler Basics and Your Infant's First Year.

So, how can you do a breast milk bath at home? Here's all you need to know.

What Is a Breast Milk Bath?

Breast milk baths are exactly what they sound like: baths comprised of water and breast milk.

What Are the Benefits of Breast Milk Baths?

While the benefits of breast milk are widely touted and well known, Dr. Altmann notes there's actually minimal research to back up breast milk baths. But the research that has been published points to the benefits.

A 2015 study showed breast milk was as effective as hydrocortisone 1% at treating mild to moderate eczema among babies. A 2019 study also found breast milk can successfully be used to treat a variety of ailments, including conjunctivitis, and help with umbilical cord care.

Other possible benefits of breast milk baths include helping with:

• Dry skin
• Diaper rash
• Baby acne
• Minor cuts
• Cradle cap

Breast milk may also be used to clear blocked tear ducts and soothe sore, cracked nipples in nursing parents.

How To Give Your Baby a Breast Milk Bath

Giving your baby a DIY breast milk bath is as easy as a giving them a regular one, with the simple addition of a splash of breast milk.

For her milk bath recipe, lactation consultant Polly Gannon recommends using about 150 to 350 milliliters of breast milk—just enough to make the water look cloudy or milky. "Don't use too much milk, otherwise it'll cause the baby to smell milky," Gannon warns.

Once you have the milk, follow these steps to give baby a milk bath:

1. Add the breastmilk to a baby bathtub filled with warm water.
2. Gently place your baby in the tub and allow them to soak for about 15 minutes. Use your hands to sprinkle water all over your baby, paying special attention to any irritated areas.
3. Take them out of the bath when you're done and gently pat them dry.
4. Apply fragrance-free lotion to your baby's skin to lock in the hydrating benefits of the milk bath.

If all goes well, you could see an improvement in your child's skin following their breast milk bath, but do keep a close eye on any irritation that may require additional treatment.

"I can't see any danger to adding breast milk to your infant's bath," Dr. Altmann says. "But it's always a good idea to talk to your own pediatrician if your infant has any skin rashes or irritation not improving."

How Much Breast Milk Should I Put in Bath?

Don't worry—you don't have to dunk your little one in a tub filled to the brim with breast milk. You'll only need a little bit of pumped breast milk to transform your baby's bath into a soothing, spa-like experience. That's really all it takes because human milk is positively packed with anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties.

Can You Use Frozen or Expired Breast Milk?

You can use fresh, stored breast milk, or even milk that was left out in error for a milk bath (just make sure the milk smells OK). But frozen breast milk should be thawed before adding it to the warm bath water.

Do You Rinse Your Baby After a Milk Bath?

No, there's no need to rinse your baby after their milk bath. You can simply take them out and pat them dry as you normally would.

How Often Should You Give Milk Baths?

Once or twice a week is enough to reap the possible benefits of a milk bath. Of course, that's if you have an abundant supply. Don't stress yourself out if you aren't producing enough breast milk or if you prefer to save it for feeding.

If your baby is experiencing any type of skin condition, always talk to their health care provider who can also offer advice on how to handle it.