Bathing a tiny, slippery, crying baby is one of the first challenges of parenthood. I don’t know of one new Mum or Dad who didn’t find the whole ‘first bath’ experience challenging.
One of the first questions you’ll ask yourself is what is the ideal temperature for your baby’s bath? The recommended temperature of the water is between 37 degrees Celsius and 38 degrees Celsius, which is just slightly higher than body temperature.
The best way to make sure your bath has the correct temperature and stay warm is to measure the temperature of the water with a good bath thermometer.
The best bath thermometer for your family.
No family should be without a bath thermometer to keep bath water at a safe and comfortable level. These are our favourites.
Handling bath time
When we first bathed my baby son he cried so much and so loudly that he set the toddler off and we were all soaked with tears, bathwater and bubbles by the end. Thankfully bath time soon became one of our favourite hours of the day.
It can be joyfully relaxing to gently wash a tiny baby in lavender scented bubbles, dry them in a soft fluffy towel ready for a snuggly feed and (hopefully!) a sound sleep. Older babies and toddlers just love splashing and the glorious, funny, bubbly mess is a brilliant way to end the day.
As with all aspects of parenting having an eye on safety in the bath is important.
- Never leave a baby or toddler unattended in the bath.
- Use gentle bath bubbles, wash and shampoo.
- Don’t let them drink the bathwater, especially if it has bubble bath in it.
- Make sure the baby bath temperature isn’t too hot or too cold.
- Use a baby bath thermometer.
How do you maintain the bath temperature?
There’s no rule as to how long a baby or toddler can be in the bath. If a small baby is being soothed by the warm, fragrant water or a toddler is laughing at the soapy game they have invented it’s a shame to get them out. Keep the water warm and the fun can continue for as long as you wish.
- Choose a bath thermometer with a clear ‘too cold’ temperature indicator.
- Don’t add hot water into the bath with the baby still in it, even with a bath thermometer monitoring the temperature.
- Keep the bathroom warm and free of drafts.
How deep should the bath water be?
Toddlers will want more water than babies so they can play with their toys and SPLASH! it out onto the bathroom floor.
- New arrivals and babies up to six months only need 5-6 inches of water to wash them and keep them warm.
- A baby lying back in the bath should have their shoulders covered.
- Waist high water is high enough for older babies and toddlers to enjoy playing while staying safe.
A bath time checklist
Run the bath first – checking the temperature.
A bath thermometer is essential. Choose one with a clear display, hot and cold indicators and which floats.
Washing, holding and playing with a baby while they are in the bath can make you feel like you need five arms. Bath supports and seats are helpful, just make sure you never leave your baby unattended even with an older sibling.
Toys make bath time fun for older babies and toddlers. A rubber duck, water wheels and boats are all perfect for simple games.
Keep toys clean and free of mould and mildew.
- Don’t buy toys with ‘fiddly bits’ that water can collect in.
- Rinse toys after each bath.
- Replace toys which water won’t escape from on a regular basis.
Choose gentle washing products made from natural ingredients especially if your baby has sensitive skin. Childs Farm, Burt’s Bees and Green People all have some lovely products. Lavender is the perfect scent for a calming bath.
Have a big, soft towel ready to envelop your little one in a big hug that will have them dry and warm quickly. Hooded towels are great as they keep your child’s head covered and that’s where they will lose heat the quickest.
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