An Epsom salt bath for kids is a wonderful tool if your child has a hard time calming down. I’ll tell you how to make an Epsom salt bath, why it is safe, and the many benefits – for kids and parents!
Benefits of Epsom Salt Baths
Epsom salts are made up of the compound magnesium sulfate. Magnesium is important for keeping enzyme activity regular in your body, and it helps your bodily functions to run smoothly. Epsom salt bath benefits include:
- Promoting relaxation and sleep
- Helping strengthen the immune system
- Easing sore muscles and helping nerves function properly
- Promoting concentration
- Flushing toxins out of the system
- Helping relieve cold and flu symptoms
- Promoting digestion and easing constipation
I have personally seen Epsom salt bath benefits with my 4 year old daughter. Ever since she was a baby she has been overly hyper, always on the go and never wanting to calm down at bedtime. Just trying to keep up with her high-speed pace has caused many new gray hairs on top of my head.
After reading about how the magnesium in Epsom salt can help calm the body, I decided to give Epsom salt baths a try. I started off dissolving 1 cup of Epsom salt in warm bath water and having my daughter take at least a 20 minute bath.
At first there was no major difference that I could tell. But after a week I started noticing that she seemed calmer and displayed much better behavior after her baths.
Now, if she starts to get a little unruly or whiny, I ask her if she wants to take a bath (which she always wants to do). As soon as she starts soaking, she is calmed down and life becomes much easier again. This also works well to help prepare for the transition to bedtime.
Are Epsom Salt Baths Safe For Kids?
It is absolutely safe to take an Epsom salt bath for toddlers, children, and adults.
When the salts are dissolved in bath water, they release magnesium and sulfate ions that are absorbed through the skin. More than half of all Americans have a magnesium deficiency, which is believed to be a factor in all kinds of health problems.
Sulfate also plays an important role in the way your body works: It has a role in the formation of brain tissue and joint proteins, and it can strengthen the walls of the digestive tract.
Taking an Epsom salt bath helps restore magnesium and sulfate in your system. Building healthy joints, improving brain activity, and reducing stress are key reasons why an Epsom salt bath for kids is a great idea.
How Much Epsom Salt For Kids?
You may be wondering how to make an Epsom salt bath for kids and how much salt to use. Here is a general guideline:
- For children under 60 lbs, add ½ to ¾ cup Epsom salt to warm bath water.
- For children 60 lbs to 100 lbs, add 1 cup salt to the bath.
- For 100 lbs and over, add 1 ½ to 2 cups to the bath.
If you want to make your own Epsom salt bath recipes, try adding essential oils! Lavender, orange, and eucalyptus are soothing scents that your kids will love in their special bath. Simply add about 10 drops of essential oil per 1 cup of Epsom salt.
Whether you are looking to help calm down your kids or just relax and detox your own body, try out an Epsom salt bath. You can find Epsom salt at any local drugstore or grocery store.
FAQs
The risks of side effects from an Epsom salt bath are low. Your body won't absorb that much magnesium through your skin. An Epsom salt bath is also relatively safe for children, but you should take extra precautions to prevent your child or infant from drinking Epsom salt water.
Are Epsom salt baths safe for kids? ›
The risks of side effects from an Epsom salt bath are low. Your body won't absorb that much magnesium through your skin. An Epsom salt bath is also relatively safe for children, but you should take extra precautions to prevent your child or infant from drinking Epsom salt water.
How do you use Epsom salt in a kids bath? ›
You may be wondering how to make an Epsom salt bath for kids and how much salt to use. Here is a general guideline: For children under 60 lbs, add ½ to ¾ cup Epsom salt to warm bath water. For children 60 lbs to 100 lbs, add 1 cup salt to the bath.
Who should not use Epsom salts in bath? ›
Epsom salt baths aren't recommended for people with: Severe skin inflammation. Skin infections. Open wounds.
Do you have to rinse off after using Epsom salt in bath? ›
After an epsom salt bath, rinsing removes drying residue for those with sensitive skin, but some theorize it may limit magnesium absorption and relaxation benefits. You can skip rinsing if your skin tolerates it and you prioritize those potential perks.
What are the side effects of soaking in Epsom salt? ›
Side Effects and Risks
- Confusion.
- Seizures.
- Fainting.
- Vomiting.
- Dizziness.
- Arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat)
Epsom salt contains magnesium and may help the body get rid of toxins responsible for exacerbating inflammation while also reducing swelling, stiffness, and pain.
How long can kids soak in Epsom salt? ›
NOTE: Be sure water's not too hot. We recommend using ½ cup of bath soak under warm, running water. You can enjoy your Epsom salt bath for up to 20 minutes or just a bit longer to avoid drying your skin.
What happens if you put too much Epsom salt in a bath? ›
Using too much can have adverse effects, such as drying out your skin. Remember, balance is key. Excessive use may also lead to irritation for those with sensitive skin. If you find yourself reaching for epsom salt daily, it might be time to reassess and give your skin a breather.
Is Dr. Teal's pure Epsom salt safe for toddlers? ›
- Do not give to children under six years of age except under the advice and supervision of a physician. - For occasional use only. Serious side effects from prolonged use or overdose may occur. As a soaking solution: pour 2 cups of Epsom Salts under warm, running bath water.
7 HANDLING AND STORAGE 7.1 Precautions for Safe Handling: To prevent eye contact under the foreseeable conditions of use, wear appropriate safety eyewear. When handling, do not eat, drink, or smoke. Avoid breathing dust.
What not to do after an Epsom salt bath? ›
Once you're finished and feeling soothed, pat yourself completely dry with a towel and drain your bath as you would with any other bath. Although you may feel a bit salty, resist the urge to rinse off after your Epsom salt bath so as not to wash away any magnesium on your skin.
What not to mix with Epsom salt? ›
View interaction reports for Epsom Salt (magnesium sulfate) and the medicines listed below.
- acetaminophen.
- albuterol.
- aspirin.
- Benadryl (diphenhydramine)
- caffeine.
- CoQ10 (ubiquinone)
- diphenhydramine.
- Fish Oil (omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids)
Bathing your baby daily in Epsom salt is not recommended. If you frequently bathe your baby in Epsom salt, their delicate skin will dry out. Too much Epsom salt can also lead to overdose symptoms, such as nausea, headache, extreme drowsiness, flushing, and slow heart rate.
How long is it safe to soak in Epsom salt bath? ›
If a person is unsure about how to use Epsom salts in their bath, they can follow these steps: Use 2 cups of Epsom salt for a standard-size bathtub. Pour the Epsom salt into warm running water. Soak in an Epsom salt bath for 15–30 minutes or up to 1 hour.
How long does it take for an Epsom salt bath to work? ›
The Epsom Salt Council recommends pouring 1 to 2 cups of Epsom salt into your bathtub while it fills up with warm water. It suggests soaking in an Epsom salt bath for at least 10 minutes to reap the potential benefits.
At what age can you use Epsom salt? ›
Adults and children aged 12 years or older may take 2 to 6 level teaspoons daily. Children ages 6 to 12 years old may take 1 to 2 level teaspoons daily. Children under age 6 years should not use Epsom salt, as a laxative, unless a doctor recommends this treatment.
Can a 7 year old use Epsom salt bath? ›
Please see, yes, adults and kids including around age 3, 5, and 7 can all take Epsom salt bath.
What age is Epsom salt safe? ›
- Do not give to children under six years of age except under the advice and supervision of a physician. - For occasional use only. Serious side effects from prolonged use or overdose may occur. As a soaking solution: pour 2 cups of Epsom Salts under warm, running bath water.
