Bathing Your Baby Safely

Your baby may love splashing about in the water, but there are some important rules to follow to make the bathtime safe as well as fun. 

The first and most important rule is never leave your baby alone in the bath. 

What's the right water temperature for my baby's bath?

Make sure the bath water is comfortably warm, but not hot, before putting your baby in. Put cold water in the bath first, and then add the hot water. Mix the water well to make sure there aren't any hot spots. This will reduce the risk of scalding your baby. Never put your baby in the bath when the water is still running. The water temperature can change quickly.

You can buy a thermometer to check the temperature of the bath water. Some thermometers are also a fun bath toy or a piece of bath equipment, such as a mat. Most thermometers indicate an ideal temperature of 37℃ to 38℃, which is around body temperature. If you're not using a thermometer, a quick way to check is to use your elbow rather than your hand to gauge the temperature. The water should feel neither hot nor cold.
If you have separate hot and cold taps on your bath, you could fit a mixing valve to the hot tap. This helps to control the water temperature so it won't get too hot as it comes out of the tap. A child can get second-degree or third-degree burns within just seconds of being in water that's too hot. 
Even though his or her bath may be warm, your baby can quickly lose body heat once you take her out of the water, so keep the room warm. When you lift your baby out of the bath, wrap her in a hooded towel and pat her dry before putting her nappy on. Then wrap your baby in a dry towel or blanket again, and give her a cuddle for about 10 minutes to keep her warm, before dressing her.

How can I safely support my baby in the water?

As you lower your baby into the bath, hold her firmly under her bottom with one hand. Place your other arm under the back of her neck and her shoulders. Once your baby is in the bath and settled, you can use the hand that was supporting her bottom to wash and swish the water around. Keep a firm hold on your baby with your other hand and support her head above the water.
You may decide to use a bath support that frees your hands for washing your baby. If your baby can't sit up yet, a bath cradle will support her in the water. If she's old enough to sit up, you can use a bath seat.