What is the best temperature of the water that I should use to the bathe my infant in?

There is so much conflicting advice out there. Some people will tell you that you must use warm water and some will tell you that you must only use cool water. Is there a right answer?

Yes of course! The water should be as near as possible to the normal body temperature i.e. anywhere between 35° – 40° C. Warmer than that, and it could cause your baby to overheat and any cooler and the infant with his large body surface area could lose heat and become hypothermic.

Tips on achieving the right temperature

• Initially, use a digital thermometer to check the temperature of the water to get an accurate measurement. At the same time, feel the water with your hand – it should neither feel cool nor warm to touch. You will soon become a pro at deciding what is the right temperature just by feel alone!
• Start off with cold water and add enough warm water to achieve the right temperature.
• Make sure you stir the water well, before putting your baby in, so that the temperature is uniform throughout the bucket / bath. It is possible that there may be hot spots, in the water that can cause significant burns to the baby’s tender skin.