If you’re looking for a gentle and effective way to care for your baby’s delicate skin, this herbal baby balm recipe is the perfect solution.

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Made with natural ingredients like calendula, chamomile, and shea butter, it’s designed to soothe diaper rashes, cradle cap, and other skin irritations without the use of synthetic ingredients or artificial fragrances. This DIY balm is easy to make, safe for your baby’s bum, and gives you peace of mind knowing exactly what’s going on your little one’s skin.

Baby’s delicate skin deserves the best care, especially during diaper changes or when dealing with diaper rashes. Many store balms contain synthetic ingredients, artificial fragrances, or petroleum-based oils, which can irritate the most sensitive skin.

Using a natural baby balm made with simple ingredients ensures your baby’s skin stays healthy and protected. Don't want to make this yourself? Try it from our small-batch apothecary at Plantedherbals.com.

This natural diaper balm recipe uses safe ingredients like shea butter and organic oils, which have healing and anti-inflammatory properties. These help soothe itchy skin, reduce irritation, and promote healthy skin without the risk of allergies found with synthetic waxes or propylene glycol.

A DIY balm is also cost-effective, allowing you to make small batches at home with ingredients you trust—perfect for parents who want a safer option for their baby’s bottom.

By creating your own diaper balm, you avoid the hazard rating of many commercial baby products and embrace natural options that work wonders on baby rashes, cradle cap, and even bug bites. Plus, a little balm goes a long way, making it a thoughtful and practical choice for your baby's care.

Ingredients For This Herbal Baby Balm Recipe

This natural diaper balm recipe uses a blend of simple ingredients designed to gently care for a baby’s delicate skin. Each ingredient is carefully chosen for its healing properties, ensuring the balm is safe and effective for even the most sensitive skin. Here’s what makes this recipe so special:

• Olive Oil: A soothing base oil that deeply nourishes and moisturizes baby’s skin. It’s rich in fatty acids and safe for topical use, providing a soft, protective layer.
• Dried Calendula Flowers: Known for their anti-inflammatory properties, calendula helps calm redness, soothe irritated skin, and heal diaper rashes or nappy rash.
• Dried Chamomile Flowers: Chamomile is gentle and calming, making it perfect for soothing itchy skin and easing discomfort. It also has antifungal properties to protect baby’s bottom from further irritation.
• Dried Marshmallow Root: A great addition for babies with sensitive skin, marshmallow root is deeply moisturizing and helps relieve skin irritation or dryness.
• Unrefined, Raw Shea Butter: This creamy butter is packed with fatty acids and vitamins, creating a balmy texture that hydrates and protects the skin. It’s a natural choice for keeping baby bottoms soft and smooth.
• Beeswax: Beeswax adds a stable, protective barrier that locks in moisture and keeps irritants away. It’s a safer alternative to synthetic waxes or petroleum-based oils found in store-bought creams.

These organic, natural ingredients are free from synthetic ingredients, artificial fragrances, and toxic chemicals, making this balm a wonderful alternative to store-bought options. It’s gentle enough for the most sensitive skin and works beautifully for diaper rashes, bug bites, and more.

How To Make An Herbal Baby Balm

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Infuse Your Shea Butter and Olive Oil with Herbs

For this recipe, the shea butter and olive oil will be infused together with the calendula, chamomile, and marshmallow root to create a rich, herb-infused base.

Option 1 (Traditional, 4-6 Weeks)

1. Combine the dried calendula, chamomile, and marshmallow root in a clean glass jar.
2. Add the olive oil to the jar, ensuring the herbs are completely covered by at least 2-3 cm of oil. *Leave the shea butter out for this method, as it won't completely melt down. Simply add it in at Step 2.
3. Place wax paper under the lid to avoid contact with any chemical coatings. Seal the jar tightly.
4. Store the jar in a warm, dark place, shaking gently every few days to ensure even infusion.
5. After 4-6 weeks, strain the mixture through a cheesecloth-lined wire strainer into a clean bowl, squeezing out all the infused oil and melted butter.
6. Pour the strained mixture into a clean, dry jar and let it settle before proceeding.

Option 2 (Quick, 6-8 Hours)

1. Add the herbs, olive oil, and shea butter to the top of a double boiler (or a heatproof glass or stainless steel bowl over a saucepan).
2. Fill the bottom of the double boiler or saucepan with 5-8 cm of water, ensuring the water doesn’t touch the bowl.
3. Heat gently, maintaining a temperature of 38-48°C (100-120°F). Stir occasionally to combine the melting shea butter and oil with the herbs.
4. Check the water level periodically, refilling as needed to prevent evaporation.
5. After 6-8 hours, strain the mixture through a cheesecloth-lined wire strainer into a clean bowl, squeezing the herbs to extract every drop.
6. Transfer the infused oil and butter into a clean, dry jar, label it, and store it in a cool, dark place as an oil infusion OR move on to step #2.

Step 2: Make the Balm

1. In a double boiler, gently melt 10 g of beeswax over low heat until completely liquid.
2. Remove from heat and stir in the infused herbal mixture from Step 1.
3. Mix thoroughly until the balm is fully combined and smooth.
4. Pour the mixture into clean jars or tins, leaving a small amount of space at the top.
5. Allow the balm to cool completely at room temperature, or refrigerate for about an hour to set.

Storage and Use

• Store your balm in a cool, dark place for up to 12 months.
• A tiny bit of this balm goes a long way—apply to baby’s skin during diaper changes or anywhere skin irritation occurs.

Tips for Use

How to Apply the Balm

• For Rashes and Irritated Skin: Use clean, dry hands or a small spatula to scoop a tiny bit of balm. Gently massage it onto the affected area, such as your baby’s bum, during diaper changes. Focus on covering any red or irritated spots to create a soothing, protective barrier.
• For Cradle Cap: Apply a small amount of balm to the scalp and gently rub it in. Leave it on for a few hours or overnight, then gently wash with a mild baby shampoo.
• For Dry or Itchy Skin: Dab a small amount onto dry patches, bug bites, or irritated areas for quick relief.

Frequency of Use

• Apply the balm during every diaper change for persistent diaper rashes or redness.
• Use as needed for cradle cap or dry skin, but once or twice a day is usually enough.
• A little goes a long way, so only use a very small amount per application.

Storage Recommendations

• Keep the balm in a cool, dark place, such as a bathroom cabinet, to preserve its natural ingredients.
• If you live in a warm climate, store the balm in the refrigerator to prevent it from melting.
• Properly stored, the balm has a shelf life of up to 12 months, thanks to the natural preservation of vitamin E oil.

By following these tips, you’ll get the most out of your balm while ensuring your baby’s delicate skin stays healthy and protected!

Herbal Baby Balm Recipe

Made with natural ingredients like calendula, chamomile, and shea butter, it’s designed to soothe diaper rashes, cradle cap, and other skin irritations without the use of synthetic ingredients or artificial fragrances. This DIY balm is easy to make, safe for your baby’s bum, and gives you peace of mind knowing exactly what’s going on your little one’s skin.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 6 hours hrs

Total Time 6 hours hrs 20 minutes mins

Servings 4 fluid ounces

Equipment

• 1 Double Boiler
• 1 Glass Jar
• 1 Cheesecloth or Coffee Filter
• 1 Glass Bowl
• 1 Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula
• 1 Small Jars or Tins with Lids 1-2 ounce jars for storage
• Measuring Tools metric measurements

Ingredients

  

• 100 ml olive oil
• 6-8 g dried calendula flowers
• 6-8 g dried chamomile flowers
• 6-8 g marshmallow root optional, for sensitive skin
• 45 g unrefined raw shea butter
• 10 g beeswax

Instructions

 

Option 1 (Traditional, 4-6 Weeks)

• Combine the dried calendula, chamomile, and marshmallow root in a clean glass jar.
• Add the olive oil to the jar, ensuring the herbs are completely covered by at least 2-3 cm of oil. *Leave the shea butter out for this method, as it won't completely melt down. Simply add it in at Step 2.
• Place wax paper under the lid to avoid contact with any chemical coatings. Seal the jar tightly.
• Store the jar in a warm, dark place, shaking gently every few days to ensure even infusion.
• After 4-6 weeks, strain the mixture through a cheesecloth-lined wire strainer into a clean bowl, squeezing out all the infused oil and melted butter.
• Pour the strained mixture into a clean, dry jar and let it settle before proceeding.

Option 2 (Quick, 6-8 Hours)

• Add the herbs, olive oil, and shea butter to the top of a double boiler (or a heatproof glass or stainless steel bowl over a saucepan).
• Fill the bottom of the double boiler or saucepan with 5-8 cm of water, ensuring the water doesn’t touch the bowl.
• Heat gently, maintaining a temperature of 38-48°C (100-120°F). Stir occasionally to combine the melting shea butter and oil with the herbs.
• Check the water level periodically, refilling as needed to prevent evaporation.
• After 6-8 hours, strain the mixture through a cheesecloth-lined wire strainer into a clean bowl, squeezing the herbs to extract every drop.
• Transfer the infused oil and butter into a clean, dry jar, label it, and store it in a cool, dark place.

Step 2: Make the Balm

• In a double boiler, gently melt 10 g of beeswax over low heat until completely liquid.
• Remove from heat and stir in the infused herbal mixture from Step 1.
• Mix thoroughly until the balm is fully combined and smooth.
• Pour the mixture into clean jars or tins, leaving a small amount of space at the top.
• Allow the balm to cool completely at room temperature, or refrigerate for about an hour to set.

Notes

Storage and Use

Store your balm in a cool, dark place for up to 12 months.

A tiny bit of this balm goes a long way—apply to baby’s skin during diaper changes or anywhere skin irritation occurs.

Keyword Baby Balm, Balm, Salve

Other Ingredients You Could Use For This Herbal Baby Balm Recipe

Carrier Oils

• Sweet Almond Oil: Lightweight and great for sensitive or dry skin.
• Avocado Oil: Rich in nutrients, ideal for mature or very dry skin.
• Coconut Oil: Adds antibacterial properties and a smooth texture.
• Grapeseed Oil: Non-greasy, excellent for oily or acne-prone skin.
• Castor Oil: Thick, deeply moisturizing, and promotes wound healing. Great for soothing inflamed or irritated skin, and it helps lock in moisture.

Herbs

• Lavender Flowers: Calming, anti-inflammatory, and great for sensitive skin.
• Comfrey Root or Leaf: Soothes irritation and promotes skin healing.
• Plantain Leaf: Excellent for bites, stings, or irritated skin.
• Yarrow Flowers: Antiseptic and helpful for wounds or cuts.

Butters

• Cocoa Butter: Deeply moisturizing and ideal for dry or cracked skin.
• Mango Butter: Lightweight and non-greasy, great for softening skin.
• Kokum Butter: Highly nourishing, non-comedogenic, and suitable for sensitive skin.

Waxes

• Carnauba Wax: Vegan alternative to beeswax, though harder and needs less.
• Soy Wax: Gentle and easy to use for a vegan balm.

Additives

• Essential Oils: I don't recommend using essential oils for babies under 2 years of age. Essential oils are highly concentrated, so use sparingly. 
  Examples:
  • Tea Tree Oil: Antibacterial and ideal for acne-prone skin.
  • Lavender Oil: Soothing and calming.
  • Frankincense Oil: Anti-aging and skin-regenerating.
• Aloe Vera Gel: Soothing and hydrating (add only for short-term use balms).
• Vitamin E Oil: Not only does it extend the balm’s shelf life, but it also nourishes and repairs baby’s skin, promoting healthy skin with each use.
• Zinc Oxide Powder: Adds a protective barrier for irritated skin or minor wounds.
• Arnica Flowers: Great for muscle soreness and bruising (use sparingly).
• Turmeric Powder: Natural anti-inflammatory for redness or irritation (use in very small amounts to avoid staining).

Conclusion

Making a homemade herbal baby balm is a simple and rewarding way to care for your baby’s delicate skin. With natural ingredients like calendula, chamomile, and shea butter, this balm provides soothing relief for diaper rashes, cradle cap, and dry skin without the synthetic ingredients or artificial fragrances found in many store-bought products. It’s gentle, effective, and tailored to even the most sensitive skin.

By creating your own diaper balm, you ensure that every ingredient is safe and nourishing, giving you peace of mind as a parent. Plus, the process is fun, affordable, and a wonderful way to embrace natural baby care. A tiny bit of this balm goes a long way, making it an economical and thoughtful addition to your baby’s daily routine.

Why not give this recipe a try? Your baby’s skin will thank you, and you’ll feel great knowing you’ve made something so beneficial with your own hands. Here’s to happy, healthy skin—naturally!