In short: Bath water for a baby should be warm, not hot: around 37°C (37–38°C). Check it with a thermometer or your elbow and mix it well so there are no hot patches. Never leave your baby alone in the bath, not even for a moment, as babies can drown in just a few centimetres of water. You don't need to bath your baby every day.
Author: Eva Birsa, mum and co-founder of Evitas · Updated: 27 September 2026
How often to bath your baby
You don't need to bath your baby every day. Between baths you can simply wash their face, neck, hands and bottom ("topping and tailing"). If your baby enjoys it, you can bath them more often. Avoid bathing straight after a feed or when your baby is hungry or tired.
Water temperature
| What | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Temperature | Around 37°C (37–38°C), warm, not hot |
| Filling | Run the cold water first, then add hot |
| Checking | Bath thermometer, or your elbow or wrist |
| Mixing | Mix well so there are no hot patches |
| Sign it's too hot | Your skin flushes or the water feels hot |
Bath thermometers are in our thermometers collection.
Which baby bath to choose
- Classic baby bath with a non-slip base for the first months.
- Baby bath with a newborn insert that supports your baby in the right position.
- Baby bath stand so you don't have to bend over.
- Baby bath with extra features, such as a built-in thermometer or scale.
See all options in baby baths and accessories.
Example: Aquascale V3 baby bath
The Aquascale V3 combines three products in one: a baby bath, a digital scale and a thermometer. The thermometer continuously measures and displays the water temperature, and the scale weighs your baby in or out of the water and stores previous readings. It has a newborn insert and non-slip mat, a wide drain, is BPA-free, measures 72 × 39 × 23.5 cm and is suitable up to age 2. The Aquascale V3 stand only fits the V3 bath. Browse the Aquascale collection.
Weighing at home is handy for tracking growth, but it doesn't replace regular check-ups with your health visitor or paediatrician.
Bath time step by step
- Get everything ready first: towel, clean nappy, clothes and a gentle baby wash.
- Place the baby bath on a stable surface or stand.
- Run cold water, add hot, mix and check the temperature.
- Lower your baby gently into the water, supporting their head and shoulders with your hand.
- Wash with plain water or a gentle baby cleanser, bottom last.
- Wrap your baby in a towel straight away and dry skin folds well.
Find towels and bathrobes in towels and bathrobes and gentle products in baby toiletries.
Bath safety
- Never leave your baby alone in the bath, not even for a second. If you need to go, take your baby with you.
- Babies can drown very quickly, even in a few centimetres of water.
- Keep hot drinks well away from your baby.
- Empty the bath straight after use.
After the bath
You'll often dress your baby on the changing table. See what you need there in the changing table checklist, and how to pick a mat in the changing mat buying guide.
Frequently asked questions
What temperature should baby bath water be?
Around 37°C (37–38°C). Warm, not hot; check it with a thermometer or your elbow.
How often should I bath my baby?
Not every day. Between baths, washing the face, neck, hands and bottom is enough.
When is the best time for a bath?
When your baby isn't hungry or tired, and not straight after a feed. Many families make it part of the bedtime routine.
Can I leave my baby in the bath for a moment?
No, never. A baby can drown in a few centimetres of water within seconds.
Do I need a baby bath with a thermometer?
It's not essential but it is handy. A separate bath thermometer works just as well; your elbow is a good extra check.
Sources
- NHS: Washing and bathing your baby
- NHS: Baby and toddler safety
- Raising Children Network: Bath temperature
This content is for information only and does not replace advice from your paediatrician.
