The time spent in bathing the babies is very sensitive and gentle care. It is a time when the child really bonds with you. While for some people, this practice can become a time of doubt, and especially the moment of doubt remains when it comes to the bath temperature for your newborn baby. In this moment, water requires perfect adjustment to the comfort and safety of the child.
In this guide, we discuss the significance of proper water temperature between 36 and 37°C, how to avoid burns and hypothermia, and even some tips on how to make bath time safe for the whole family.
Why is temperature so important?
Since newborns have very sensitive and fragile skin, the key is to keep the temperature of the bathing water controlled. If the water is too hot, it may burn the skin while if too cold, it may bring on hypothermia, which is quite probable for infants whose thermostat has not yet fully come into action.
What is a good water temperature?
The temperature of your newborn bath should be 36°C to 37°C, and this is approximately the same temperature as your baby’s body . This ensures a warm atmosphere and will prevent the likelihood of heat stroke cases and keep your baby relaxed and comfortable during the whole process.
Precautions to avoid burns and hypothermia
When it comes to bathing a newborn , ensuring the water temperature is just one part of it. Here are some essential precautions parents should take to protect their precious babies during bath time:
1. Use a reliable bath thermometer
Before placing your infant into the water, you need to first test the temperature of your newborn’s bath by using a thermometer specifically for it. That way, you can ascertain that the water falls within the safe temperature range of 36°C to 37°C .
2. Check the temperature by elbow or the inside of the wrist
If you can’t get a thermometer and do not know how to check the temperature of your baby’s bath water, use your elbow or the inside of your wrist. Both these are sensitive skin and may allow you an estimation if the water is too hot or too cold.
3. Room to be warm
Ensure the room in which your baby is to be bathed is warm during the cold seasons so that your baby won’t feel the cold after stepping out of the water. Close the bathroom door and windows with your baby remaining unprotected for it to prevent cold drafts.
4. Avoid adding hot water to the baby’s bath
If you need to add more water during the bath , do so cautiously and mix well to avoid hot spots in the tub. It is safest to add hot water before putting your baby in.
5. Pay attention to signs of discomfort
Always look out for signs of discomfort by your baby during bath time. If your baby is irritable or crying, it may be that the temperature of his bath is not okay so check and change it.
6. When your infant is in the bathtub, never leave them alone.
Never take your baby out of the bathtub for even a second. As a matter of fact, you should be in full control of your baby when bathing him/her, avoiding any kind of distraction. Concentration is required at this time; after all, your baby is small and fragile.
7. Use appropriate bath products
Select gentle baby-friendly preparations for bath time. Avoid mass-market soaps and shampoos with heavy-duty chemicals which could over dry and flare up your baby’s sensitive body skin. You may want to consult with a health expert, such as a dermatologist or pediatrician, for advice on what you could and should use.
Other baby care tips for a safe bath time experience
To bath a newborn well, do it with wonderful tips. First, establish a relaxing routine by creating a calm environment, blending soft music and lighting.
This regular bathing can make your baby feel secure and relaxed. Ensure that the water temperature isn’t changed and so the bathing hours, which should be routine, to make it a predictable and comfortable experience for your little one. Also, bath in a safe posture by holding your newborn between your hands when bathing, with firm support of their delicate head and neck in order to prevent accidents.
Let the first bath of the newborn be a special experience for your child, though not if done carelessly and without deep attention to detail. To ensure safe baths for your little angel, you will enjoy the kind of development and well-being this guide on the ideal temperature for bathing a newborn advocates for.