What Can You Buy to Tell the Temperature of Water for a Baby?

A baby's skin is thin in the early years of life. This makes them more susceptible to heat and burns. Checking bath water temperature is especially important to prevent scalding and can be done with a variety of bath thermometers or measuring techniques. Pediatricians recommend bath temperature to be checked prior to each bath.

  1. Water Temperature

    • Warm water is best for your baby. To prevent scalding, set the thermostat on your water heater to below 120 degrees. Always check the water temperature before bathing your baby with your wrist or thermometer. If using a thermometer, the water temperature should be around 90 degrees. If checking without a thermometer, using the wrist or elbow is preferred as these areas are more sensitive, similar to baby's skin. If using the wrist or elbow, water should feel warm, not hot, to the touch. Also consider the temperature of the room. Once the baby leaves the bath, he can chill easily.

    Thermometers vs. Parental Perception

    • A study performed by the Cincinnati Children's Hospital indicated that parents use bath thermometers less than 25 percent of the time. The hospital points out that bath thermometers are recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics as an effective way to prevent scalding in babies. Nearly 24,000 children in the United States are treated in hospital emergency rooms every year for burns caused by scalding from hot liquids or steam, making scald burns the number one cause of burns to children under the age of four. Babies and small children are more susceptible to burns because their skin is thinner and can burn at lower temperatures than adults. Physicians at Cincinnati Children's Hospital and the AAP recommend that parents check the bath water with their elbow or buy a bathtub thermometer. Some adults are more sensitive to heat than others, though, making checking water by perception somewhat inefficient if an adult is particularly insensitive to heat. If you prefer a hot shower or bath, take into consideration the water needs to be much cooler for the baby. A bath thermometer can give you a reading without prior sensitivities playing a role. If in doubt, use a bath thermometer.

    Thermometer Choices

    • There are a variety of thermometer choices availableigital thermometers, scale thermometers and simple temperature indicators (one color if the water is too hot and another if it is safe for baby). These thermometers can be mounted on the bath, dipped in the bath water or may float on top of the water. Some thermometers are a toy/thermometer combo. Rubber duckies, frogs and fish are commonly found that act as both a thermometer and bath toy. The AAP suggests utilizing a baby thermometer you already have on hand. Simply dip the thermometer stick into the water and take a reading.

    Other Bath Time Considerations

    • Babies don't need as many baths as you may think. Washing the diaper area well after each diaper change can cut down on the need for baths. Three times a week during her first year should be enough unless the child gets particularly dirty. Bathing him more frequently may dry out his skin, particularly if soaps are used, so don't overdo bath time. Watch the water level in the tub and never leave the baby unattended. Two to four inches of water is all that is needed to sufficiently bathe your baby.

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