Bathing your baby safely

Your baby may love splashing about in the water, but there are important rules to follow to make bath time safe as well as fun. The first and most important rule is never leave your baby alone in the bath. Read on for more tips on how to keep your baby clean and out of harm's way.
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. Water that’s warmed to about 37 degrees C is just right (AWHONN 2007, Blume-Peytavi et al 2009).
You can buy a thermometer to check the temperature of the bath water. Some thermometers are designed as a safe and fun bath toy.
Put cold water in the bath first, then hot. This will reduce the risk of scalding your baby. Never put your baby into a bath when the water is still running. The water temperature can change quickly.
If you’re using the family bath, cover the taps. Try to teach your baby not to touch the taps as she grows into toddlerhood. Even if she can't turn them on now she'll be strong enough to do so soon, and she could scald herself.
If you have separate hot and cold taps on your bath, you could fit a mixing valve to the hot tap. This will control the water temperature so it won’t get too hot as it comes out of the tap (SafeKids nd). A child can get second and third-degree burns within seconds of being in water that’s too hot (Titus et al 2003).
Although her bath may be warm, your baby can quickly lose heat when 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 dry her before putting her nappy on (AWHONN 2007, DH 2009b).
Then wrap your baby in a dry towel or blanket again, and give her a cuddle for about 10 minutes to help her keep warm (AWHONN 2007). Once she's dressed, wrap her up again in a dry, warm blanket.
How deep can I make the water?
For newborns and babies up to six months old, fill the bath with about 13cm (5in) of water. Or just make sure there’s enough to allow your baby to settle in the water with her shoulders well covered (AWHONN 2007).
Never fill the bath more than waist-high (in a sitting position) for older babies and children. Never put your baby into a bath when the water is still running. The depth could quickly rise too high.
How can I safely support my baby in the water?
You may wish to use a bath support to allow you to keep your hands free 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.
Always stay with your baby while she's in the bath, whatever type of bath or bath support you use (DH 2009a, Sibert et al 2005, ROSPA nd). Babies can drown in less than 3cm of water (ROSPA nd) and it can take just seconds for a baby to slip into the water and be helpless.
In the UK, about one baby every other year drowns and others are left with serious injuries after being left alone while in a baby bath support (Sibert et al 2005).
If you're using your big bath, put a rubber bathmat in the bottom of the bath. As your baby grows, teach her to sit in the bath at all times. This will discourage her from standing up, slipping or losing her balance.
How often can I bath my baby?
It's up to you how often you bath your baby. Bath time may be a fun and relaxing daily ritual for you and your baby. But if you don't want to give your baby a bath every day, once or twice a week should be fine during the first month or so.
Provided you top and tail, and wash off any obvious dirt on non-bath days, your baby will be clean enough (AWHONN 2007, Blume-Peytavi et al 2009).
When your baby’s a couple of months old you may want to start making a bath part of her bedtime routine. However, you won’t need to wash your baby's hair every day. Her hair will produce very little oil, so once a week is plenty.
Choose a mild, unperfumed soap or a pH neutral liquid baby bath product (AWHONN 2007, Blume-Peytavie et al 2009, DH 2009a,b). If your baby's skin is dry or irritated, you could add a little bath emollient to the water. Using emollient can make your baby's skin slippery, so keep a gentle but secure grip of your baby while she's in the water.
Is it safe to share a bath with my baby?
It's quite safe to have a bath with your baby once she is about two months old, and you're confident about handling her. You'll need someone there to help you by handing you your baby, and taking her from you while you get out of the bath.
Alternatively, your partner may like to get in the bath, while you help. There's nothing like skin-to-skin contact for strengthening attachment between dad and baby.
Whichever one of you is getting in the bath with your baby should shower or wash first. Then simply prepare the bathroom and bath as set out above.
Can I nip out of the bathroom just for a few seconds?
No. Never leave your baby unattended in the bath. (Yes, it's so important we're saying it again.)
Have everything you need for your baby’s bath ready before you start, with towels, toiletries, a clean nappy and pyjamas within reach. If someone knocks at the door or the phone rings and you feel you must answer it, scoop your baby up in a towel and take her with you.