Bath bombs are a fun addition to the bath. With a lot of cute and colorful bath bombs in attractive shapes, some of them seem to be made to appeal to kids. After all, a lot of them are shaped like ice cream cones, cupcakes and other fun items. But are they safe for children? The truth is that there is no easy answer. But here are some of the things you should know about bath bombs.
What do They Contain?
Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) and citric acid form the base of bath bombs. That’s’ what makes the cool fizzing action that makes bath bombs so cool. If your child has skin problems like sensitive skin or eczema, it might be a good idea to consult with their pediatrician before using. Even if your child doesn’t have issues, make sure you’re reading the ingredients because some of them include colorants, fragrances, glitter and other things so you know what is in them.
Are They OK For Skin?
Bath bombs are comparable to adding bath oil or salt into the water. Some of the things they contain oil which will moisturize the skin and some of them, such as fragrances and colorants, can irritate the skin.
Before using a bath bomb in your child’s bath, it’s a good idea to ascertain if your child’s sensitive or allergic to one of the ingredients. Many children are allergic to food dyes and synthetic fragrances. If your child has a scrape or open wound, don’t use the bath bomb.
Will Bath Bombs Expire?
Just like any type of product, there are also dates that bath bombs should be used by before the bomb’s effectiveness is lost. New bath bombs will fizz more quickly than the older ones. So it’s not a good idea to purchase more bath bombs than you’re going to use. To help with making them last much longer, store the bombs in the bags that zip up or airtight containers, then place them in a spot that is dry and cool.
Bath bombs last for an average of 6 – 12 months. Beyond that date, though it can be still used safely, it won’t be as effective. There may not be any fizzing and it likely will just crumble when it hits the water. The bath bomb’s scents also may be gone.
So, are they safe for children to use? There’s no one size fits all answer. Just like anything else, it depends on the child and their skin. Some children have more sensitive skin than others. The best thing that you can do is to speak with your child’s pediatrician and see what their recommendations are. If your child has extra sensitive skin or they have a lot of allergies, it probably isn’t a good idea to use them, or find ones that are hypoallergenic.
Need More Advice?
Feel free to reach out to our plumbers in Castro Valley for more input.
