Your baby may or may not like taking a bath, but there is no denying that a nice warm bath can calm and relax them. Bathe them in a tub with warm water and see how they sleep like a log.
Moreover, a lukewarm bath or sponge bath may help reduce your child’s fever temporarily (1) (2). Always complement this by giving your baby the medicines prescribed by the doctor.
To make your baby’s bathing experience pleasant, fun, and safe, you must ensure that the water temperature is comfortable for them. But how do you determine it, and what is the ideal baby bath temperature? Read on as we will tell you everything you need to know about baby bath 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.
- 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 plastic tub or a sink that is lined with clean towels. Also, keep a sponge and a mug ready before you start bathing your baby.
- 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.
- Lastly, 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.
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.
- Wrap your baby in a soft, thick towel and dry them quickly so they do not catch a cold.
- Your baby’s body should be completely dry before you put on the diaper and clothes.
Although you need to be extra careful when bathing your child, you do not need to stress too much about it. Follow the precautions listed above, and trust your instincts. Your love for your baby will always ensure that you do the best for your child.
Now that you know what the ideal baby bath temperature is, you may want to read this, “11 Important And Loving Steps On How To Bathe A Baby.”
