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Bath temperature for your baby

Make sure the room you are bathing them in is warm. Close windows to prevent a draught.

Put the cold water in the basin or bath first. Then put the warm water in. Finally put cold water in again to make sure the taps are cool and won't burn your baby.

The temperature should be about 36 degrees Celsius. Use a bath thermometer to test this.

Always check the temperature of the bathwater with your elbow. Your hands are not heat-sensitive enough. Mix the water well to ensure there are no 'hot spots'.

Important

Your baby's skin needs cooler water than your own. Water that may feel barely warm to you could be painfully hot for a baby

Amount of water to use

The water level should be just high enough to cover your baby's tummy when they are lying down. Never put your baby in the bath when the water is still running – the water temperature can change quickly.

Page last reviewed: 26 March 2018
Next review due: 26 March 2021