Many new mothers have heard about the benefits of bathing their newborns in green tea leaf water. But is this practice truly beneficial for babies, and what are the effects? Let’s explore the facts and myths about using green tea for baby’s bath time.
1. What are the benefits of bathing a baby in green tea leaves?
Green tea leaves contain catechins, which have antibacterial properties. They help combat bacteria on the skin and treat miliaria, commonly known as “prickly heat” or “heat rash.”
A strong infusion of green tea leaves can also be used to wash a baby’s scalp 2-3 times a day to clear cradle cap, also known as “crust on the scalp.”
Benefits of Green Tea Leaves
2. How to ensure the green tea leaves used for baby’s bath are safe?
It is crucial to use clean green tea leaves free from pesticide residue. Baby’s skin is delicate and more susceptible to irritation or severe reactions than adult skin if exposed to leaves with pesticide residue.
To ensure safety, thoroughly rinse the purchased green tea leaves and crush them. Then, rinse the leaves a few times with boiling water before using them to prepare the bath water for your baby.
Ensuring Safe Green Tea Leaves for Baby’s Bath
3. How to prepare green tea leaf water for baby’s bath?
Select 300g of green tea leaves, rinse them, and crush them. Then, use fresh water to boil the leaves. Finally, collect the water and mix it into your baby’s bathwater, ensuring the temperature is between 30°C and 38°C.
Preparing Green Tea Leaf Water for Baby’s Bath
4. How often should you bathe your baby with green tea leaf water?
a. Patch Test
Since a baby’s skin is sensitive and can react to various substances, it is essential to perform a patch test before a full-body bath. Apply a small amount of the green tea leaf bath water to your baby’s arm, and if there is no irritation after a few hours, you can proceed with a full-body bath.
b. Frequency: Once or Twice a Week
While green tea leaf baths offer benefits, they should not be overused. Excessive bathing can increase your baby’s skin sensitivity. Limit these baths to once or twice a week, and consider substituting green tea leaves with bitter melon to promote healthy skin.
Recommended Bath Frequency
c. Rinse with Warm Water After the Green Tea Leaf Bath
After the green tea leaf bath, rinse your baby’s skin with warm water to remove any remaining tea powder and prevent irritation or infection, especially if there are scratches on the skin. Gently dry your baby with a soft towel before dressing them.
5. When should you avoid bathing your baby with green tea leaves?
Do not use green tea leaf water for babies with a history of infections or skin conditions. Only bathe newborns in green tea leaf water after the umbilical cord has fallen off to prevent umbilical cord infection. In this case, boil the water and let it cool to the desired temperature without adding any tap water.
Never use green tea leaf water if your baby shows signs of skin inflammation, swelling, pus, or scratches. Green tea leaves can increase the risk of infection, especially with open wounds.
