I came across this wild idea today while browsing through the newborn photography work of a couple of awesome American and Australian photographers — and I realised it’s really popular outside the UK. Not just the photography itself, but actual herbal baths for newborns — used as a way to soothe colic, relieve discomfort, and even support healing. So I got reading! Here are some of the things I discovered about the benefits of herbal baths for babies.
Somehow I’ve never come across this phenomenon before — even though it’s as old as time. It might have something to do with my own experience dabbling in essential oils years ago, while finishing an aromatherapy course. I was told there are oils you should use sparingly on your skin, oils that should never be used directly at all, and oils that must be heavily diluted before they’re remotely safe. The biggest no-gos? Citrus oils. When applied by someone a little heavy-handed (🙋♀️), they can cause serious burns. Of course, they also smell amazing. And why would I listen to someone when I could just... test it out myself?
After a long day at college, I popped into Holland & Barrett, stocked up on various essential oils, and decided to have the most delicious bath imaginable — filled with the scents of mandarin and lemon. I may or may not have used about 30% of each bottle. The soak was definitely aromatic.
Within the first 10 minutes, I felt a tingle — kind of like one of those minty foot gels you use in the summer. “Ooo! It’s working!” I thought. So I stayed in for over half an hour.
I managed to achieve the “Brits abroad” look faster than if I’d sunbathed in the Sahara. The burning sensation when I got out was excruciating. I looked like a lobster boiled in a bucket of lemons. Every delicate part of my body was on fire — underarms, behind my knees, bikini zone — all absolutely raging. That was the end of my herbal bath era.
So, you can imagine my fear when I saw newborns being gently lowered into herbal baths. Maybe if I had stuck with actual herbs, rather than things basically blacklisted for bathing, I’d feel differently. Since then, I’ve done a little research into herbal baths for newborns, and here’s what I found:
Benefits of Herbal Baths for Newborns
When used properly, herbal baths are safe and can help with things like coughs, colic, and general fussiness
They nourish and protect baby’s skin, preventing dryness
They can help reduce newborn acne
They relax and soothe your little one (yes, even the overtired screamy kind)
They can support the healing of the umbilical cord stump
And if you decide to hop in the bath with your baby? You’re in for some benefits too:
Postpartum Perks for Mum
Reduced swelling and discomfort
Help with healing tissues — perfect for C-sections, vaginal sutures, or tears
Relieved perineal soreness and burning
Muscle relaxation (much needed!)
Natural support in healing haemorrhoids
Can prevent infection
Fancy Making Your Own?
Here’s an example of a gorgeous herbal blend for both mum and baby:
1 oz lavender – calming, helps with bruising
1 oz calendula – heals wounds, soothes inflammation, antiseptic and antimicrobial
1 oz shepherd’s purse – helps with bleeding and bruising
1 oz uva ursi – antiseptic, antimicrobial, astringent
1 oz comfrey – speeds healing, astringent, anti-inflammatory
1 cup Himalayan pink salt – soothing, cleansing, healing
1 large bulb fresh garlic – (trust me, you won’t smell it!)
Add all the herbs to 8 cups of water. Simmer, steep, and strain. Then simmer the leaves again for a second extraction (get all that goodness out!). Peel and blend the garlic, add it to the liquid with the salt. If you’re not using it immediately, freeze it — it’ll keep beautifully.
No Time for Brewing?
Totally get it. If you’re not up for playing kitchen witch with a newborn in your arms, there are loads of ready-made options available. Check out iHerb, Amazon, or Bulk Herb Store (especially good if you don’t mind international shipping). They’ve got some brilliant blends ready to go.
Enjoy your soak — I know your baby will. x
