Many parents may wonder whether their newborn baby’s bath temperature is ideal. Some prefer giving their babies a warm bath because it seems to calm and relax them. However, it is better to bathe your newbie in lukewarm water. While bathing your baby, ensure that the water temperature does not exceed a level that could harm their delicate skin. In case of fever in babies, giving a lukewarm bath or a sponge bath may help temporarily lower the fever while administering the fever medicines prescribed by the pediatrician (1) (2). Read on to know the recommended bath temperature for newborn babies, how to offer them a safe and pleasant bathing experience, and how to determine the water temperature.
What Is The Safest Bath Temperature For Infants?
The safest and most preferred bath temperature for newborns and infants is around 98.6° to 100° F (37° to 38° C). Bathing your child in water higher than the ideal temperature can burn their sensitive skin and even lead to dry skin. On the other hand, bathing them in cold water can cause chills.
How Warm Should The Bathing Water Be In Hot Weather?
When the temperature rises in summer, you can bathe your baby in water that is slightly lower in temperature than the usual bathing water. However, the water should not be too cold, as it might make your baby feel cold.
How To Measure The Baby Bath Temperature?
Here are a few ways through which you can measure your baby’s bath temperature.
Use a bath thermometer.
Insert your elbow or wrist in the water for a few seconds to check if the water feels mildly warm.
Use bath toys or floating thermometers that change color to indicate extremely hot water.
Avoid using the standard mercury-in-glass thermometer to check the water temperature, as the device is delicate to use and may offer only a limited range temperature reading. Besides, the digital thermometer may not be waterproof, so inserting it in a bathtub might ruin it. Regardless of the method you employ to check the water temperature, always double-check the water by inserting your hand into it to ensure it is safe for your little one. Also, when bathing, if you feel that the water has become cold, pull out your baby immediately.
Ways To Ensure Safe Water Temperature For Your Baby’s Bath
You need to exercise caution when bathing your little one in warm water. Here are some tips to ensure the complete safety of your child.
Bathe your child in a clean plastic tub or a sink. Also, keep a sponge and a mug ready before you start bathing your baby. Image: Shutterstock
Keep regular or cold water handy. When the bathtub is partially filled with hot water from the tap, you can mix some cold water to adjust its temperature and make it safe for your child.
Throw in some bath toys that track water temperature. Follow it up with a floating thermometer to check the exact temperature of the water.
Always insert your wrist or elbow to check the water temperature before putting your child in the tub.
Ensure that the water level in the tub is not above two inches or five centimeters. You can gradually increase the level as your baby grows.
Install child proof taps and knobs to prevent accidental scalding. You can also add faucet covers to prevent burns in case a child accidently touches the faucets when they are hot.
Empty the bathtub and buckets completely and close the toilet lid after use to prevent accidental drowning. Image: Shutterstock
To avoid shocks all the electrical outlets not in use should be covered. Also, devices like electric razors and hair dryers should be unplugged after use as electricity may leak even after the device has been switched off.
Additional Safety Tips To Follow
When placing your child in a bathtub, always hold them carefully with your dominant hand. You can use the other hand to support their back and head.
The faucet attached to the bathtub heats up after running hot water. So, ensure that you place your baby away from the faucet to avoid chances of accidentally burning their skin.
Do not bathe your child with warm water running from the faucet.
If there is a risk of your child touching the hot faucet, cover it with a faucet cover.
Never leave your child alone in the bathtub, as they could drown or accidentally slip and hurt themselves.
Ensure the room temperature is warm so that your child does not feel cold during or after a bath.
Ensure that there are no drafts of air entering the bath area.
The ideal time to bathe newborns and infants is noon when the environmental temperature is highest in the day.
Wrap your baby in a soft, thick towel and dry them quickly and thoroughly so they do not catch a cold.
Your baby’s body should be completely dry before you put on the diaper and clothes.
