Check water temperature carefully before every bath

Always test bath water temperature before placing your baby in the tub. The ideal range is 98-100 F (37-38 C). Use a bath thermometer for accuracy, or test with the inside of your wrist or elbow -- the water should feel comfortably warm, not hot.

Why It Works

Infant skin burns at lower temperatures than adult skin. Water above 120 F (49 C) can cause a serious burn in seconds. The AAP recommends setting your home water heater to no higher than 120 F to prevent accidental scalding. Testing every time catches temperature fluctuations from the tap.

Tips

• A floating bath thermometer removes guesswork and costs only a few dollars
• Always run cold water first, then add hot, and mix thoroughly before testing
• Swirl the water to eliminate hot spots before testing
• If the water feels even slightly too warm to your wrist, add cold water and retest
• Consider setting your home water heater to 120 F or below as a permanent safety measure