How to make oatmeal baby bath pouches for bubs with sensitive skin, skin irritations and inflammation. A natural, gentle baby bath wash.
When I was a baby, I had really sensitive skin.
It was so sensitive Mum couldn't use disposable nappies on me - only the old-school cloth ones that are like a piece of towel done up with nappy pins.
That's when she discovered oatmeal baby bath pouches.
When my first son was born, he too had pretty dry sensitive skin and again, Mum made me oatmeal baby bath pouches for bath time.
Why use oatmeal bath pouches?
- They have natural saponins (like soap) that act as natural cleansers (like body wash) and remove dirt and oil.
- They don't cause irritation like some baby bath products do, especially the ones with artificial fragrances.
- They use only natural ingredients (just one ingredient actually!).
- They're super easy to make.
- They're incredibly inexpensive to try on skin conditions before trying other more expensive alternatives.
- Adults can use them too!
- The beta-glucan contained in rolled oats forms a fine protective barrier on the skin and offers much-needed skin hydration.
- According to a study oats have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties so can help treat itching associated with dry or irritated skin.
Unfortunately, in general, pediatric dermatologists will recommend things like steroid ointment and harsh bath products and body products for little ones with skin conditions.
Bleach baths are still the standard of care. Bleach! On baby skin! Instead of encouraging a healthy skin biome, this stuff can completely wipe it out.
Personally, I like to steer clear of anything pharmaceutical (especially after looking at the full ingredients list) on little ones unless it really can't be avoided.
I like to stick to natural products preferably with organic ingredients.
Ingredients
To make oat bath bags you will need:
- Oats
- Bag - this can be:
- a small muslin bag
- a small cotton bag
- DIY using a square of muslin (I cut up an old baby wrap) or calico and some cotton twine
Instructions
- Place about two tablespoons of oats inside the bag and tie.
- If you're making the bag yourself, lay out the square of fabric, place the oats in the middle and bunch up the sides to make a pouch.
- Tie with a piece of cotton twine.
- Store your oat bags in an airtight container.
Usage
To use your oat soak pack, place it in baby's bath in lukewarm water. It's best to avoid using water warmer than this as it can dry out the skin even more.
If it's in a big bath tub (or for young children rather than a baby) rather than a baby bath you might want to use two (or make bigger poucuhes).
Once it has soaked for a few minutes, gently squeeze the bag and wave around the water until it turns milky.
Bath baby as usual.
For gentle cleansing, rub the oat pack over baby's skin.
FAQs
No you don't need to grind the oats into an oat powder in a food processor before putting them into the sacks.
You absolutely can use quick oats (instant oats) or ground oats to make oat soak packs.
Yes, once you have used them the oats will need to be discarded.
You can keep the bag, wash it and refill.
Look you can but with regular use (or even after one or two baths) you'll probably clog your drains.
Oatmeal baths are great for your baby, but you may find them soothing for another skin condition; itchy skin (or rash), sunburn, dry skin, or eczema.
Variations
You can most definitely add other soothing things to your oat packs. Some ideas that are gentle on baby's sensitive skin are:
- dried calendula flowers (calendula officinalis)
- dried chamomile flowers (roman chamomile is very soothing) - you can just buy loose-leaf tea for this
- dried lavender flowers
- some people also use organic essential oils but I tend to steer clear and stick with the whole flower. If you do choose to use them, use only one or two drops of essential oil on the bag before putting it in the bath.
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Recipe
DIY oatmeal baby bath pouches (skin soothing soak)
Materials
- Rolled oats
- Fabric bag
- String
Instructions
- Place about two tablespoons of oats inside the bag and tie.
- If you're making the bag yourself, lay out the square of fabric, place the oats in the middle and bunch up the sides to make a pouch.
- Tie with a piece of cotton twine.
- Store your oat bags in an airtight container.
- To use your oat soak pack, place it in baby's bath in lukewarm water. It's best to avoid using water warmer than this as it can dry out the skin even more.
- If it's in a big bath tub (or for young children rather than a baby) rather than a baby bath you might want to use two (or make bigger poucuhes).
- Once it has soaked for a few minutes, gently squeeze the bag and wave around the water until it turns milky.
- Bath baby as usual.
- For gentle cleansing, rub the oat pack over baby's skin.
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