Can I Use Baby Oatmeal Cereal in the Bath?

Updated on May 22, 2009
K.B. asks from Round Rock, TX
4 answers

My son has a very itchy rash on his legs, arms, and some on his stomach. His doctor prescribed some hydrocortisone cream for the rash, and also suggested I use oatmeal baths to sooth the itching as well. I looked at the Aveeno oatmeal bath at walmart and it is really expensive. I was wondering if anyone has used baby oatmeal cereal in the bath with their kids? I have a ton left over from when he was a baby and have no use for it....

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L.N.

answers from San Antonio on

Hi there. I found this oatmeal recipe for the bath. I hope this helps-

Cinnamon Oatmeal Milk Bath
By: Lisa Hayward
Nov 25, 2001

Although it is made with food products, I would call this a non-food recipe. If you can bear to part with it, this also makes a wonderful home-made gift idea.
8 -10 baths

Ingredients
1 cup cornstarch
2 cups powdered milk
1/2 cup oatmeal (not instant)
1 teaspoon cinnamon
Directions
1Mix all ingredients in blender or food processor until it is a fine powder.
2Add about 2 Tbs mixture to your bathwater for a soothing bath.

K.N.

answers from Austin on

You probably can for the rash (I like the recipe posted below). However, I would be concerned about the residue build up on your pipes. Oatmeal and water create a natural glue that can be pretty tough to get off once it has dried in place. It might cause your tub to drain slowly (at the very least) or back up completely depending on the frequency or angle of curves/turns in the wastewater pipes. I seem to recall it cost at least $100 when we had to call a plumber to snake our pipe. And, Draino costs about $12 a jug...

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K.K.

answers from Portland on

I have used regular oatmeal many times in a bath for my children as they have had bad rashes...Cornstartch and/or baking soda also work REALLY well for soothing bad rashes. The only down side...they make a horrible clean up for you when the bath is done and your soothed little one is finally sleeping.. I read the previous poster's response and I like the idea of using a blender or food processor to make it into a fine powder first...could make the cleanup afterwards MUCH easier on you, though, there will still be some residue in the tub to deal with...

Also, since I know regular oatmeal works well, I can't see any reason the baby version shouldn't it's just more refined into smaller particles to prevent choking hazards...

Good Luck and I hope your son's rash goes away soon... ;-)

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L.F.

answers from Houston on

I love oat meal baths, but hate what it does to the drains. If you wrap the oatmeal in cheese cloth you dont have to worry about it damaging your drains. I have done this for years!

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