Milk Bath Sessions 101
Milk bath sessions are my new obsession. I love them for so many reasons. They have this very organic, cottage-core vibe. Think vintage tubs, cotton blankets, lace dresses, and fresh fruit. The other wonderful thing about these sessions is that it is naturally engaging for your child. Any set up that lets kids explore and go at their own pace is a plus in my book.
Who are Milk Bath Sessions for?
My first question when vetting clients for these sessions is: can your baby sit unassisted for at least a few minutes? If not, then a milk bath session is too risky for their developmental stage.
Milk bath sessions are great for babies and toddlers (seven months - two years old) who like to play in water. For a child who loves the water, there is nothing more exciting than sitting in a tub outside in the sunshine, playing with floating fruits and flowers. It’s a great opportunity to capture their inner world at this stage of their lives.
Milk bath sessions are a cute spin on first birthday sessions and milestone minis.
Safety and Privacy Concerns
1) Keeping it warm. I schedule these sessions during warmer days to ensure your child’s comfort. I prefer to schedule these when the outside temperature is at least 80F, and I warm the water to be about 85F.
2) Minimizing fall risks. I have a no-slip mat that suctions to the bottom of the tub. I still require parents to stay within arms reach for extra security.
3) Addressing allergies. I generally use cow’s milk for these sessions because it’s opaque and economical. However, if your child has a dairy allergy, there are milk alternatives we can explore. I also consider allergies when choosing fruits and flowers to add to the bath. These are all things we will go over in the session prep stage.
4) Privacy concerns. Everyone has different boundaries when it comes to their children. During the consultation, we’ll go over your comfort levels. I heavily encourage you to use a white swim diaper. These aren’t noticeable on camera, ensure privacy, and contain any accidents that might happen during the session.
Creating the Set
I use a sealed galvanized tub with a no-slip mat on the bottom. The contents of the bath are a mixture of milk and water. I add fruits and flowers for pops of color. I also like to include blankets and linens for an extra cozy feel for family members who want to be included in the photos.
Flowers and fruits are selected based on what’s in season, what is more likely to float, and the color pallet we’re going for.
I love citrus fruits because they’re vibrant and float well. Strawberries, apples, and peaches are other great alternatives.
Throw in 2-3 bunches of seasonal flowers and dried herbs, and you have a well balanced setup.
If you want to book your own milk bath session, contact me to get started!
