Learn the benefits of a baking soda bath for babies and what are the precautions that you must seek before trying the bath! keep reading to know more.
Sodium bicarbonate, more popularly known as baking soda, is a common ingredient found in most kitchens. Not many know that this simple salt has a myriad of uses other than a staple ingredient in cooking and baking. Baking soda is alkaline. It is interesting to know that it is produced in your body to help maintain your blood ph level. It also neutralizes your stomach acids, which would otherwise cause ulcers. Additionally, it helps transport carbon dioxide from your tissues to your lungs for disposal, thus aiding breathing. It is present in your saliva and neutralizes plaque acids, which could otherwise dissolve your teeth.
Baking soda is a safe and effective skin cleanser and protector. Adding 1 to 2 tablespoons to bath water has a host of health benefits both for you and your baby. Your baby’s skin is sensitive and delicate. You cannot use the harsh, commercially available soaps on your baby’s skin as it might strip the essential oils of the skin and irritate it. You can use baking soda as it will not only clean but also heal and protect your baby’s skin.
Baking Soda Bath for Babies – Benefits
- Baking soda is an inexpensive, effective, and readily available home remedy for your baby’s skin problems.
- It cleanses gently without the need to scrub and also removes dirt, oil, and sweat.
- It relieves your baby’s itchy skin and dry skin.
- If your baby suffers from diaper rash, then let them sit for 10 minutes in a warm baking soda bath. It will soothe the skin, heal the redness and the inflammation. You can do this three times a week.
- Baking soda also helps soothe and manage your baby’s eczema symptoms and prevents it from getting infected.
- Relieves the pain of constipation and makes passing stools easier.
- Removes foul odor on your baby’s skin, which happens when your baby wears a diaper for long periods. It works by neutralizing the acidic urine, thereby removing the odor.
- A baking soda bath helps your baby sleep better as they feel clean and refreshed.
- It has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties as it is alkaline and hence, it prevents infections.
- It is alkaline and antiseptic, which helps neutralize the skin’s ph, which again offers protection from infections.
- Helps soothe mild sunburns.
- Soothes itches caused by insect bites.
- It also helps manage baby acne.
- It also helps neutralize the harsh chlorine in the water.
Baking Soda Bath for Babies
- Add 1 to 2 tbsp of baking soda to warm bath water and stir till it dissolves. A tsp is sufficient for a baby bathtub.
- Let your baby sit in the water and soak for no more than 10 minutes. You can gently scoop the water and wash the baby’s body without scrubbing.
- Finally, rinse his skin with fresh water to remove residues and toxins.
- Pat dry your kid gently with a towel and apply a gentle moisturizing lotion on his/her body to prevent dryness.
- You can add essential oils like chamomile, lavender, sandal, or mandarin by diluting them with a carrier oil to the baking soda bathwater. Add just 1 or 2 drops. These oils help calm and soothe your baby and also help promote good sleep.
- Bathing your baby closer to his bedtime will ensure that they have a sound sleep.
Precautions:
- Baking soda bath is not recommended for babies less than six months of age.
- If your baby is six months or older, you can bathe him three times a week.
- Follow the specified quantities and dilutions strictly.
- Do not give your baby baking soda baths often or for a long term.
- Consult your pediatrician before you start baking soda baths for your baby.
- Do a patch test and wait for 24 hours to see if any reaction occurs before adding baking soda to your baby’s bath.
- Don’t confuse baking soda with baking powder; they are different salts.
- Always use warm water for bathing your baby.
- Apply a baby lotion after bath to prevent dryness.
- Do not leave your baby unattended in the bath.
- Baking soda can be absorbed through the skin and cause undesirable health complications. So, use a very small quantity in the bathwater, and don’t let your baby soak in it for longer than 10 minutes.
- Do not use it if there are open wounds on the skin.
