👶 Care & hygiene · 0 – 12 months
🛁 Safe bath time: a dad's practical guide
Bath time can be a lovely shared routine. Babies can drown quickly and quietly even in shallow water, so an attentive adult must stay within reach and support them throughout.
Prepare before starting
- A stable baby tub or clean basin on a secure surface.
- A bath thermometer if available.
- A soft washcloth and a small amount of gentle, fragrance-free baby wash.
- An open towel, clean diaper and fresh clothes within reach.
A safe bath
1. Prepare the water
Use shallow, comfortably warm water, around 37°C. Mix thoroughly and check with a thermometer or your wrist and elbow. Keep hot water containers away, and finish filling before baby goes in.
2. Support baby
Support the head and neck with your forearm and hold securely around the upper arm. Support the bottom with your other hand as you lower baby in, keeping the face clear of water.
3. Wash gently
Use your free hand to wash the face with plain water, then the body and folds, cleaning the diaper area last. Use only a little cleanser where needed. A full bath need not be daily.
4. Dry and dress
Lift baby with both hands supporting them, wrap in the towel and pat folds dry. Dress for the actual weather and indoor temperature rather than trying to reach a fixed room temperature.
5. Empty and secure
Once baby is safely settled, empty the bath. Keep buckets and other water containers emptied or securely covered and inaccessible to children.
Classic mistakes
- ❌ Relying on a bath seat or another child Neither replaces an attentive adult. If you must leave, take baby with you. Put your phone aside.
- ❌ Adding hot water with baby inside Remove baby before adjusting the water to avoid scalds.
- ❌ Being unprepared for an emergency Arrange professional infant first-aid and CPR training. If baby is unresponsive or not breathing normally, call 911 and follow dispatcher instructions; keep a local transport backup.
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.