Oatmeal bath for diaper rash recipe coming your way, mama—because when your baby’s bottom is red, sore, and nothing seems to help, you need something gentle that actually works. This simple soak combines finely ground oats and a bit of breastmilk to create a natural, soothing remedy you can feel good about using. It’s easy to make, safe for delicate skin, and brings fast relief when your little one is fussy and uncomfortable.
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A Natural Recipe that’s Safe and Actually Works
Since becoming a mom, products we keep in our home and use for our bodies have taken on a whole new level of meaning! I knew that I wanted to keep products my children use as clean as possible, and so we set off on an adventure learning natural remedies that actually work. It started with making the best soothing padsicles to have on hand for postpartum recovery. After that, I moved on to making healing breastmilk lotion (without beeswax), and finally a new version of breastmilk lotion that has beeswax in it—for even more benefits to soothe irritated skin.
So when my baby was dealing with a diaper rash, it was a no-brainer for me to figure out a natural remedy to bring her relief fast. So I brought out our beloved baby bathtub (we’ve used this same tub for both kids and just love it so much! It is comfortable for baby and grows WITH them as they get older.) and made a natural bath soak recipe for baby.
After switching our whole family to natural skincare and remedies, we will never go back. It is just THAT GOOD!
Why You’ll Love This Soothing Oatmeal Bath for Your Baby
- You already have ALL the ingredients on hand: Colloidal oatmeal baths only take 2 ingredients—oats and breastmilk—and you probably already have them in your kitchen!
- Truly healing and soothing: Oatmeal is a powerhouse ingredient that not only gives moisture to dry skin by protecting the skin barrier, but it also has anti-inflammatory properties that heals all sorts of skin problems. Breastmilk is packed with antibodies and natural fats that calm redness and encourages skin repair.
- Not just for diaper rash: Colloidal oatmeal and breastmilk together can also soothe skin affected by poison ivy, poison oak, bacterial infections, bug bites, and even eczema symptoms for babies, young children, or adults!
Health Benefits of an Oatmeal Bath
Natural Moisturizer: Oatmeal actually contains beta-glucan, which helps protect the skin by locking in moisture and forming a protective layer—making it an effective treatment for dry and itchy skin.
Gentle on the Skin: Because it is completely natural and has so many anti-inflammatory properties, this homemade oatmeal bath is perfect for sensitive skin. In fact, finely ground oatmeal acts as a mild cleanser that absorbs excess oils without stripping the skin of its protective barrier.
No Chemicals, No Fragrances: The really special thing about this oat bath recipe is that it’s completely natural and has NO synthetic elements that could harm your baby. Just clean, safe, and healing ingredients!
Read more about the benefits of oatmeal here and breastmilk here.
Save the Recipe for Later!
Tools Needed
Blender, food processor, or coffee grinder (not necessary if you’ve bought the oats already ground up)
How to Make a Soothing Oatmeal Bath for Baby
Keep reading below for step-by-step instructions and tips for creating a DIY oatmeal bath for baby.
Step 1: For this recipe, you can either buy colloidal oatmeal or make your own. Skip to step 2 if you’ve chosen to buy the oats already ground up. To make your own, measure out your oatmeal and place into either a blender or food processor. Blend until the oatmeal is as small as possible, into a fine powder. This will not only help it absorb into baby’s skin, but also make it evenly disburse in the water instead of sinking to the bottom.
Pro Tip: Check to see if the oatmeal is ground up enough by stirring a spoonful into a glass of warm water. If it turns the water a cloudy, milky color, you’re good to go!
Step 2: Prepare a warm bath, then stir in the colloidal oatmeal and breastmilk. Let baby soak for at least 10-15 minutes, or until the water starts getting cold. I suggest placing a washcloth over baby’s belly and continually pouring water over the cloth in a gentle fashion to keep baby warm and content. You’ll be surprised how much they love this and how relaxed they’ll become!
Repeat at least 1-2 times a day while the rash persists, and soon you’ll see the skin improve and become less irritated.
Tips
- Blend up several cups of oatmeal at once and store in an airtight jar to have ready when a diaper rash flares up. It’s cheap to keep on hand, and stores really well. If you are worried about the freshness, you can also keep it in the freezer until ready for use.
- For an extra healing boost, you can also use the oatmeal and breast milk as a paste. Make sure the oatmeal is finely ground up so it won’t cause any skin irritation, and mix 1 tbsp of oatmeal with a few drops of breastmilk. Gently apply to the diaper area, let sit for a few minutes while it dries, then gently rinse off and pat dry.
- Let your baby go diaper-free as much as possible. For diaper rashes to heal quickly, moisture needs to be at a minimum, and this is much easier to achieve if baby can ‘air-dry’ when you can manage it!
FAQS
What if I don’t have colloidal oatmeal on hand?
That’s okay! Colloidal oatmeal is really easy to make at home—all you need are some whole oats and a blender or food processor. (You just need a way to get the oatmeal finely ground up.)
What kind of oatmeal can I use to make colloidal oatmeal?
Any type of whole oatmeal is fine, old-fashioned or quick oats. You just don’t want any add-ins like other ingredients or fragrances. We want this to be completely natural for baby’s sensitive skin.
What if I don’t have breastmilk to use?
That’s okay! You can use just colloidal oatmeal and water and still have AMAZING moisturizing, healing benefits.
Oatmeal Bath Recipe for Diaper Rash Relief
Oatmeal bath for diaper rash recipe coming your way, mama—This simple soak combines finely ground oats and a bit of breastmilk to create a natural, soothing remedy you can feel good about using. It’s easy to make, safe for delicate skin, and brings fast relief when your little one is fussy and uncomfortable.
Ingredients
- 1 cup colloidal oatmeal (see note below to make your own)
- 1-2 oz breastmilk (frozen or thawed is fine)
Instructions
Step 1: (This step is only if you are making your own colloidal oatmeal. Skip to step 2 if you bought colloidal oatmeal, already ground up.) To make your own, measure out your oatmeal and place into either a blender or food processor. Blend until the oatmeal is as small as possible. This will not only help it absorb into baby’s skin, but also make it evenly disburse in the water instead of sinking to the bottom.
Pro Tip: Check to see if the oatmeal is ground up enough by stirring a spoonful into a glass of warm water. If it turns the water a cloudy, milky color, you’re good to go!
Step 2: Prepare the baby bathtub with warm water, then stir in the colloidal oatmeal and breastmilk. Let baby soak for at least 10-15 minutes, or until the water starts getting cold. I suggest placing a washcloth over baby’s belly and gently pouring water over the cloth to keep baby warm and content. You’ll be surprised how much they love this and how relaxed they’ll become!
Repeat at least 1-2 times a day while the rash persists, and soon you’ll see the skin improve and become less irritated.
Notes
Tips
Other Fun Stuff for Moms
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DIY Small Baby Closet Ideas with Nursery Organization Tips
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How to Entertain Your Newborn Baby
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