The Ideal Temperature for a Baby's Bath

Here we’ll provide tips on how to turn your baby’s bath time into a special moment for both of you, in addition to making sure the temperature is just right.

The arrival of a newborn usually leads to several concerns about providing the necessary care for the first months of life, especially for first-time parents.

Among the many questions parents ask is about the ideal temperature for their baby’s bath.

Bath temperature

Thermoregulation is a physiological function. It’s defined as the ability to maintain a balance between the production and loss of heat to keep the body temperature normal.

The average body temperature for babies will range between 36.5 and 37.5 degrees Celsius.

However, we must pay close attention as babies are much more sensitive to temperature changes than adults.

During such an essential and everyday moment as your baby’s bath time, it’s necessary to take into account the temperature of both the room and the water.

First, it is recommended that the room be between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius, which creates a warm atmosphere.

Ideally there won’t be an extreme contrast when removing the baby from the water. The water should be about 37 degrees Celsius. 

Frequently asked questions

Next, we’ll answer some of the basic questions that both mothers and fathers raise when they start to bathe their newborn.

How often should I bathe my baby?

To start, it’s essential to note that it depends on each baby’s condition and the customs of each country. However, it isn’t advisable to give a bath during the baby’s first days of life. The first bath can wait.

Regarding hygiene alone, in Spain a baby who is several months old is typically given a bath one to two times a week. This is because babies don’t get very dirty throughout the day until they start to crawl.

From that day on, it’s essential to pay more attention to cleanliness. You should wash your baby’s hands and face well, plus any folds of the skin. Clean the genital area gently whenever you change their diaper

However, in many other countries it’s more common to bathe a newborn baby every day. Parents establish bath time as a daily routine because they consider it relaxing for their babies.

Many pediatricians recommend daily bathing, not only to guarantee the baby’s well-being, but also because it’s a time to foster parent-child bonds and a way to help them sleep better.

One tip to take into account when bathing your baby is that you shouldn’t try to completely immerse him in water until the umbilical cord completely detaches. During this time, you can clean him gently with a damp sponge.

As we mentioned above, it depends on the family’s preferences. There is no problem in giving daily baths, as long as you use a special baby soap that doesn’t irritate or damage their extremely sensitive skin.

What is the best method to bathe my baby?

Next, we’ll provide a set of guidelines that will surely facilitate the moment of your child’s bath.

With a little attention and affection, you’ll realize that bath time will become one of the rituals that you most enjoy with your baby.

1. Make sure you have all of the tools you need for the bath readily available: a towel, a clean change of clothes, a diaper and soap. Check the room temperature so your baby isn’t cold.
2. Fill the bathtub. The recommended measurement is approximately 5-7 centimeters of warm water that isn’t too hot.
3. Make sure your baby is safely located near the bath and is completely undressed.
4. Dip the baby very gently into the water, always making sure that one of your hands is supporting his head and neck, as these are very delicate areas. From time to time, pour water in small amounts via a small cup or jug over the baby’s torso to prevent it from cooling. The main thing is to prevent the baby from slipping, swallowing water or becoming injured in any way.
5. Use the least amount of soap possible, since it’s an external agent that can damage the skin. Wash the hair gently with a wet washcloth. Use a piece of cotton to protect and clean the eyes and face. Frequently wash your baby’s genital area. However, contrary to what you might think, this area doesn’t require a more thorough washing than any other part of the body.
6. Take your baby out of the tub very carefully. Roll him in a towel, preferably with a hood, and dry him gently. If you notice dry skin in the diaper area, apply a cream or moisturizing lotion to soothe it.

Hygiene is essential for babies, especially in the first months of life to verify their health, as it’s the main guarantee of non-contagion of certain diseases.

Bath time can also become one of the most special moments of this stage of infancy: a time of relaxation and sharing with your baby.

As you can see, it’s just a matter of practice and following these simple steps.