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Whether it’s your first baby or another happy addition to your family, bathing your little one is an exciting milestone — but we know it might also feel daunting at first.
We’re here to share some essential bathtime safety tips for your baby and remind you that you aren’t alone in the learning process — we’re with you every step of the way. Keep reading to learn our baby safety tips while in the tub.
When your baby is in the tub, it’s important that you keep one hand on them at all times. Wet and slippery babies can be more difficult to hold onto, especially if they wiggle around. We recommend supporting your baby’s head and neck throughout the bath to ensure their heads are comfortable and their ears aren’t under water.
It's vital that you never leave your baby unattended in the bath, even for a few seconds. If you aren’t supporting them, they can easily flip onto their stomach and get stuck in that position with their mouth and nose underwater. Have a firm grasp on them while you reach for soap or anything else you need in the bathing process. It’s a good idea to keep everything you need within arm’s reach to ensure you can be there to support your baby.
Your baby’s skin is more sensitive to heat than your skin. A comfortable water temperature for you is likely too hot for your little one. We recommend keeping your baby’s bath water no higher than 100 degrees Fahrenheit. To prevent scalding, set the thermostat on your water heater to below 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Doing this ensures your baby is safe from burns but warm enough not to become chilled.
It's common for adults taking a bath to have the tub filled to the brim, but this is highly unsafe for your baby. It’s recommended that you fill the tub with no more than two inches of water.
Remember to turn the water off before placing your baby in the tub feet-first. Doing this protects them from the water becoming too hot or over-filling the tub. It’s best practice to drain the water immediately after bathtime to prevent an accident for mobile infants or active toddlers exploring the home.
It’s important that you have all the baby-safe supplies you need before bathtime. These include:
It’s OK to bathe your baby in the tub or sink, but make sure to line it with clean towels to prevent slipping. The best option for keeping your baby safe during bathtime is a baby bathtub made of thick plastic. These bathtubs are intentionally sloped to keep your baby upright and have either a textured surface or a sling to prevent your little one from sliding. A sling allows your baby to rest with just their lower body in the water — a great option for ensuring they stay comfortable with their head angled upward. You should avoid bath rings or seats since they can tip over easily.
While it’s good to prepare for your baby’s needs before bath time, you should also consider your needs so you can remain focused on your little one. If you’ll be on your knees during bathtime, put a cushion or a folded towel underneath your legs and elbows, or have a chair to sit on to ensure you’re comfortable and won’t have to step away from your baby to adjust your positioning.
It's also important to remove any potential distractions while bathing your baby. Take a break from technology. Ensure any pets or siblings are safely occupied before you start your baby’s bath. Siblings might enjoy sitting nearby with a special bathtime book or activity or even helping you with the bath. Doing so will help you soak up all those sweet memories you’ll remember for years to come.
There’s power and comfort in being prepared for an emergency. That’s why we suggest you take a child and baby first aid/CPR course to be ready for any situation. There are courses you can take online at your convenience through organizations like the American Red Cross. We hope you never experience an emergency, but encourage you to stay prepared.
We know that as a parent, you want to keep your little one safe and healthy. If an accident happens, rest assured that we’re here for the expert pediatric emergency care your little one needs.
Whatever questions you have, and no matter what comes your way, we’re here for you at every step to provide the expert care your baby needs to grow healthy and strong. Visit us here to learn more about our mother and baby care.
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