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What is the Ideal Bath Temperature for Infants?
The ideal temperature for a baby’s bath is between 37 degrees Celsius and 38 degree Celsius. Bathtime can be a soothing and relaxing experience for your bundle of joy, but only when the temperature of the water is just right. A hot water bath can scald a baby’s soft and sensitive skin and also cause dryness, which is why before you bathe your baby, you should check the water temperature. Remember water should neither be cold nor hot, it should be warm enough to relax your baby.
How to Keep the Water Temperature Safe for Your Child’s Bath
A baby’s skin is very delicate, and he can get scalded in just seconds. It is therefore very important to check the water temperature before you bathe your baby.
- You can check the temperature of the water with a bath thermometer. If you don’t have one, you can dip your elbow into the water to gauge the temperature.
- When adding water to your baby’s bathtub, fill cold water first, followed by hot water. Mix the water well to avoid any hot or cold spots.
- Keep checking the water temperature at regular intervals to know whether it is becoming too hot or too cold for your baby. Again, use your elbow to detect whether the water is too hot or too cold for your baby.
- Try keeping some bath toys or floating thermometers handy to indicate the temperature of the bathwater.
What is the Right Depth of Bath Water for Babies?
The right depth of water is critical when you are bathing a baby or a toddler. A baby bathtub filled up to 8 cm to 10 cm is ideal for newborns and babies aged 6 months. For older babies, a bathtub can be filled with water that reaches to their hip level in sitting position.
Precautionary Tips
Parents note these tips and remember them while bathing your baby to avoid any mishaps.
- Don’t ever leave your baby unattended during his bath. A baby can accidentally drown in seconds, so don’t take the risk. Your baby can even turn on the hot water tap and burn himself. Arrange everything that you would need while bathing him so that you don’t have to step out of the bathroom and leave him unattended.
- Never bathe your baby while the water is running. The temperature changes in water can happen in just a few seconds and have the potential to cause scalding.
- Some bathrooms have separate outlets for hot and cold water. Consult a plumber and see if you can replace them with thermostatic valves that mix both hot and cold water.
- Use inflatable covers for your taps which may get hot when hot water flows out of the faucet. Your baby can burn himself if he accidentally touches the tap. Teaching your baby not to touch the taps can be a good idea. Although he probably cannot turn the tap on in initial months, if he tries opening the taps later on, as he grows up and his motor skills develop, he might scald himself.
- Wrap your baby in a soft towel and pat dry. Keep the room where you would change his clothes warm. Once you have lifted him out of the baby tub, dry his body using a towel before you make him wear a diaper and put on clothes.
Once you master running the perfect bath, it becomes a fantastic way to bond with your baby. Babies love to play in the water, and as your little one grows, he will love splashing around in the tub for hours. You are going to spend a lot of time sitting on the floor beside your baby’s bathtub watching him have fun in the water, and we’re sure you’ll love every minute of it.
Also Read: How to Give Sponge Bath to Your Infant
