👶 Care & hygiene · 0 – 12 months
🛁 Safe bath time: the dad playbook
Bath time is brilliant for bonding and winding down, but it's also a zero-distraction zone. A baby can drown in just a couple of inches of water in mere seconds, so full focus is non-negotiable.
Gear to prep beforehand
- 1 bath thermometer.
- 1 gentle, soap-free baby wash (body & hair).
- 1 hooded towel or large bath towel unfolded right within arm's reach.
- Fresh clothes and a clean diaper ready on the changing mat.
The step-by-step game plan
1. Prepare comfortably warm water
Mix the water and check with a bath thermometer and your wrist/elbow; around 37°C (98.6°F), not hot. Keep the room comfortably warm; maintain hands-on supervision.
2. The dad grip
Slide your forearm behind baby's neck and firmly cup their opposite armpit. Use your other hand to support their bum as you gently lower them in.
3. The washdown
Once baby is settled, use your free hand to gently wash their body and hair. A full soap-down every 2 or 3 days is plenty.
4. The exit
Bundle them straight into the towel the second they come out of the water to prevent any shivering.
Classic mistakes
- ❌ Walking away or turning your back Never take your eyes off baby, not even for a split second to grab soap or answer a buzzing phone.
- ❌ Topping up with hot water while baby is inside Huge scalding risk. Never run the hot tap while your little one is in the tub.
A local detail, or your own experience with this guide? Write to the team
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When in doubt, contact your doctor or midwife. For a life-threatening emergency, call 911.