Best baby bath thermometers to ensure your baby is safe

Baby Bath Thermometers 2024 collage on white and blue green background

by Anne Lora Scagliusi |
Updated on

Bathtime can be a wonderful bonding experience, but it also comes with concerns, especially about the water temperature. While you likely have a baby thermometer for fevers, a bath thermometer is essential for ensuring the bathwater is safe. Since it’s tricky to judge the temperature by touch alone, finding the right bath thermometer is key to keeping your baby safe. We’ve consulted experts and tested products with real mums to bring you the best baby bath thermometers for safe and enjoyable bath times.

Do I need a bath thermometer?

Louise Broadbridge, aka the Honest Midwife, shares why a bath thermometer is essential: "It ensures your baby's safety by taking the guesswork out of bath time, helping you maintain the perfect water temperature and reducing the risk of burns." She adds, "A baby's skin is sensitive, and a thermometer offers peace of mind that the water isn't too hot or cold."

Ideal baby bath temperature

Louise advises that the ideal bath temperature for babies is between 37°C and 38°C (98.6°F to 100.4°F), which helps keep your baby calm and comfortable. Always add cold water first, then hot, and mix well to avoid hot spots. Then, add a baby bath mat for safety.

While you can use your elbow, a bath thermometer offers greater accuracy and peace of mind for a safe and enjoyable bathtime. The water should feel neither hot nor cold. It's a good idea to put cold water in the bath first, then add hot water before mixing the water well to ensure no hot spots.

How Mother&Baby selected the baby bath thermometers

Our product recommendations are based on a combination of real-world testing from our burgeoning army of mum testers and the extensive knowledge of our experienced editorial team and product specialists. Where we can, we also consult experts who specialise in that field to ensure you get the right advice along with the right product, and we listen to what you say as well.

Our thriving mum community on our Facebook group #mumtribe also often hold great insights as to which products mums really like best and why, helping us highlight the products that meet what you really want. For the essential products, our annual Mother&Baby Awards shortlist the top products tested, and you can find full reviews from our mum testers provided on the product page. The winners and runners-up for each category then will appear in our top picks article for that product, along with other products that were rated highly by our team.

Testing the best baby bath thermometers

When choosing the best baby bath thermometer, we focused on key aspects to ensure you get a reliable and effective tool for safe and enjoyable bath time. We evaluated accuracy, display clarity, battery life, safety, budget, material, durability, ease of use, design, and compatibility with various baths.

Our top pick is the Nuby Penguin-shaped Digital Thermometer, which stood out for its reliability, quick and accurate readings, and cute, compact design. The Infantino Right Temp Light Up Otter is the easiest to use, with light indicators that tell you when the water is ready or too hot. The Shnuggle Pebbly Baby Bath Thermometer is the most aesthetically pleasing while still providing accurate readings. For dual-purpose functionality, the Tommee Tippee InBath Digital Thermometer excels as both a bath and room thermometer.

We reviewed customer feedback and tested various models to see how they performed in real-life situations. Our goal was to find thermometers that deliver accurate, easy-to-read measurements with durable construction, user-friendly features, and great value for money.

Here are our top picks to help you choose the best baby bath thermometer for your family.

The best baby bath thermometers in 2024 at a glance:

You'll want a high-quality baby bath thermometer that is easy to use and displays the water temperature quickly and at a glance. With plenty of different bath thermometers to choose from, we've selected a few of our favourites to help narrow down your choice.

The best baby bath thermometers 2024

Best baby bath thermometer overall

Nuby Penguin shaped baby bath Digital thermometer MOTHER&BABY

Rrp: $21.69

Price: $10.49
https://redirect.viglink.com?key=eb32892e8a408657289072c26bd927b5&prodOvrd=PCR&opt=false&u=DRZHQksDHUpPFkMeT1dZWlNKTR5UXQ4dXxJLd0dVG0gyVlxfTFsLFSNVRFAbZ1hdVRRkX1cRX1kPAU1XRU1XVQoCAAsDXAhV&x=v1&prdId=9991754510&barcode=VVIABQgOC1ILUQUGDQYVBwIIDQgCAFUCAFNcCgs%3D

The Nuby Penguin-shaped Baby Bath Digital Thermometer stands out for its practicality and adorable design. This thermometer features a cute penguin shape that not only makes bath time more fun but is also compact enough for travel. Mum tester Anne Lora praises its fast reading times and notes that it’s the most practical thermometer she’s used. “The cute penguin shape isn’t just charming—it’s also compact, making it easy to use at home or take along when travelling.” 

She adds, “This thermometer turns on as soon as it touches the water, and it’s been tested with other baby bath thermometers to ensure it gives accurate readings. The display is clear, but you might need to take a closer look to read the numbers easily, especially in dim light. It has a reliable battery life and is made from sturdy materials that hold up well with regular use.” 

It’s easy to keep clean and safe to use, providing peace of mind during bath time. Plus, it’s budget-friendly, giving you great value for your money. Its fun design and compatibility with different bath types make it a practical and enjoyable addition to your baby’s bath routine. 

In addition, this thermometer can be used in both the bath and the baby’s room, offering great value for money. It’s suitable from birth, is 100% BPA-free, and has a red light that flashes when the water is too hot, making it easy to see if you need to cool it down. 

Customers have found it reliable, with long-lasting batteries. Reviewers also love that it doubles as both a toy and a thermometer, adding to its versatility.

Pros

  • Suitable as both a bath and room thermometer, offering value for money
  • Warning light when water is too hot makes it clear and easy to use
  • 100% BPA-free, so safe to use around baby
  • Cute, compact and reliable making it an ideal choice as a travel baby bath thermometer

Cons

  • The display is clear, but you might need to take a closer look to read the numbers easily
Product Dimensions ‎0.03 x 0.03 x 0.03 cm; 60 g 
Batteries1 Lithium Ion batteries required. (included)
Material composition‎Plastic
Additional product features‎2 in 1, Suitable from birth, Versatile, LCD screen, Cute design
Item Weight60 g

Best baby bath thermometer for fun and functionality

Infantino RIGHT TEMP LIGHT UP OTTER
MOTHER&BABY

The Infantino Right Temp Light Up Otter might just be the cutest baby bath thermometer out there, featuring an adorable mother and baby otter design that floats charmingly in the bath. It’s incredibly easy to use—just place it in the water, and it gets to work. The vivid colours make it easy to spot, even in soapy water. The baby otter lights up in different colours to indicate water temperature: red for too hot, blue for too cold, and green when the water is just right. This colour-changing feature ensures it’s accurate and reliable, having been tested against other baby bath thermometers to confirm safe bath temperatures.

Mum tester Anne Lora, who used the product for two months, says, “Even though I personally don’t like baby bath thermometers without an actual screen reading, this one is an exception. It is accurate and beeps when the water is hot. However, a minor con is that the beep is quite loud and can startle my baby son. It also takes some time to stop, which can be annoying.” She also noted that the battery life is good, and the thermometer is durably made and doesn’t look cheap.

In terms of safety, this thermometer removes the guesswork from bathtime, providing peace of mind. It also doubles as a floating bath toy, keeping your baby entertained. Its construction is easy to maintain; just wipe it clean and air dry it after each use. With its combination of functionality and fun, the Infantino Right Temp Light Up Otter makes bath time easier and more enjoyable.

Pros

  • Super adorable parent-child otter design 
  • Indicates water temperature with colour changes
  • Beeps when water is too hot, enhancing safety
  • Doubles as a floating toy for entertainment 

Cons

  • Doesn’t show the exact temperature, which some parents might prefer  
  • Requires an additional thermometer for precise temperature readings
  • Multipurpose temperature indicator & floating bath toy​
  • Simplifies bath time for both baby & parent​
  • Must-have bath time accessory​
  • Easy to wipe clean after each use

Best baby bath thermometer for design

Expert rating:
3.0
Shnuggle Pebble Bath ThermometerMOTHER&BABY

The Shnuggle Pebbly Baby Bath Thermometer makes bathtime stress-free by showing a heart on its display when the water reaches the perfect temperature. Our mum tester, Lily, loved how easy it was to use, saying, "This product is so easy to use, and anything to make baby bathtime easier is a winner!" The screen is also easy to read, even through bubbles, with Lily adding, "The heart light-up ensures the bath is at the right temperature and is easy to see."

The Pebbly® bath thermometer not only prioritises safety but also impresses with its modern design. Tester mum Charlotte appreciated its aesthetic appeal, noting, "It is aesthetically pleasing and blends in well when sat on the side of my bath at home, without being garish and bright." The thermometer signals if the water is too cold by blinking blue, lights up white between 30-37°C, and turns red if the water is too hot.

Mum tester Anne Lora found the design reminiscent of a spa, adding, "It has a spa-like vibe, reminding me of a hot stone from a massage, which adds a relaxing touch." She also liked the auto-on and off feature but noted that sometimes it takes a while to start. Additionally, while the thermometer adheres to international toy standards, it's best to remove it from the bath when not used, as it’s not a toy.

Priced at £10.95 (down from £19.95), the Shnuggle Pebbly Baby Bath Thermometer offers great value for peace of mind during bathtime. It was also shortlisted for Best Bathtime Product in the Mother&Baby Awards 2022.

Read our full Shnuggle Pebbly Baby Bath Thermometer review

Pros

  • Easy to use - simply drop into the water and wait for the heart sign to show
  • Floats and self-corrects so you can always see the temperature sign
  • Hygienic and BPA-free, so there is no need to worry about your baby touching it
  • Looks good in the bathroom

Cons

  • No digital reading, so if you prefer to see the actual temperature, you may want to consider this
  • The battery can be fiddly to change
  • The thermometer sometimes turns on quickly, but other times it takes a while to start, which can be frustrating for busy parents
  • Easy-read display - even through bubbly water
  • Modern "Pebble" design, inspired by nature
  • Auto-on and off to save battery
  • Self-rights in water
  • Long battery life

Best rubber duck baby bath thermometer

Tenscare Digi Duckling Bath Thermometer
MOTHER&BABY
Price: $14.90

Who doesn’t love a rubber duck in the tub? This classic-looking digital duckling won’t disappoint. Mum tester Anne Lora shares, “Whenever I think about bath times, a rubber duck comes to mind, so this one really gives me that nostalgic feel. It’s so cute that my baby son loves playing with it. It feels durable and will definitely last for a long time.”

In terms of accuracy, the digital duck provides reliable readings, alerting you to unsafe water temperatures. The clear display is complemented by a red warning light that illuminates when the water is too hot. Anne Lora also notes the flashing red dot feature, saying, “It’s a nice feature, but it’s subtle, and you might not notice it unless you pay close attention to the temperature screen because it’s a little dot on top of it.”

The battery life is somewhat mixed, according to reviews, so keeping spare batteries on hand might be a good idea. The thermometer is easy to use—just tap it on the palm of your hand to turn it on and start reading the temperature. It also features auto shut-off after an hour to save battery life.

This thermometer prioritises safety, providing a clear warning when the water is too hot. It is made from durable materials that can withstand regular use in the bath. Its playful design blends well with other bath-time toys, making it a fun addition to your baby's routine. At a budget-friendly price of £8.49, it offers good value for its features.

It works well with different bath types, making it a versatile choice for various bath-time setups. While there can be some delays in activation when first touching the water, once it’s up and running, it provides accurate readings. Overall, this thermometer combines practicality with a charming design, making bath time both safe and enjoyable.

Pros

  • The fun design blends in with your other bath toys
  • It automatically turns off after an hour
  • Easy to turn on - just tap it with your hand and place it in the water
  • Easy-to-read LCD display shows the temperature
  • Clear when the water is too hot or too cold, so offers peace of mind

Cons

  • Some customers found that the batteries needed replacing after a few months, though others praised the long battery life
Product Dimensions ‎10 x 6 x 7 cm; 50.01 g
Batteries1 CR2 batteries required. (included)
Material Type Plastic
Additional product features‎Large Display, Portable, Timer, Waterproof, Auto Off
Item Weight 49.9 g

Best baby bath thermometer for value for money

Tommee Tippee InBath Digital Thermometer for Baby Bath and RoomMOTHER&BABY
Price: $48.93

The Tommee Tippee InBath Digital Bath and Room Thermometer is a fantastic choice for busy parents looking to simplify their baby care routine. This thermometer is a real winner when it comes to accuracy. It measures the temperature every five seconds, ensuring you get precise readings, so you’ll know exactly if the bath water is at the ideal temperature between 36.5°C and 38°C. If the water gets too hot, above 39°C, it flashes a red warning light on the clear LCD screen to alert you immediately.

The design is very practical. It’s not only cute, featuring the iconic Tommee Tippee star, but it also fits in seamlessly with any nursery or bathroom decor. The thermometer is fully waterproof and floats in the bath, so it’s always ready to use. Plus, it's easy to use: just tap it to turn it on and wait a few moments for the temperature to display. The large screen makes it straightforward to read, even with soapy water or in dim lighting.

The auto switch-off feature manages the battery life well. It ensures the thermometer turns off if it’s not in contact with water or the stand. This means you won’t have to worry about constantly changing batteries or wasting power if you forget to turn it off.

The thermometer is made from durable materials, so it feels sturdy and should last for a long time. In terms of compatibility, it works well with different bath setups, whether you’re using it in a standard bathtub or a baby bath.

Mum tester Anne Lora adds, “I love that it’s a two-in-one gadget, so I don’t need to buy separate thermometers for the bath and the room. It’s very easy to use, just tap to get the temperature, and the red flash for hot water is a great safety feature. Plus, the automatic switch-off helps save battery, which is a big bonus!”

Overall, the Tommee Tippee InBath Digital Bath and Room Thermometer combines practicality with great design, making it a valuable addition to your baby care essentials. It’s simple to use, offers accurate readings, and provides peace of mind with its safety features. For a price of £ 14.99 (was £19.99), it adds real value. This thermometer covers all the bases for both bath and room temperature checks.

Pros

  • Works as both a bath and room thermometer
  • Measures temperature every five seconds and displays the result clearly on the LCD screen
  •  The large, easy-to-read LCD screen makes it simple to see the temperature at a glance
  • The thermometer automatically turns off if it’s not in contact with water or the stand, conserving battery life

Cons

  • While it offers dual functionality, it may be priced higher than some single-purpose thermometers
Product Dimensions 4.6 x 10.2 x 10.5 cm; 60 g 
Batteries1 CR2 batteries required. (included)
Additional product features‎LCD Display,Fast Reading System,Waterproof,Auto Off,Alarm
Item Weight60 g
Outer materialPlastic

Best baby bath thermometer for cute design

Liewood Kiera Bath ThermometerMOTHER&BABY

The Liewood Kiera Bath Thermometer stands out with its charming bear design, which not only adds a playful element to bath time but also engages little ones. Its floating feature allows it to remain on the water's surface, making it easy to monitor the temperature while your little one splashes around.

Mum tester Breige Swift shares, “This is by far the cutest bath thermometer I have come across—my 16-month-old adored it straight away, grabbing the bear to give it a little kiss! It was easy to set up and simple to use, despite the larger-than-life instruction manual. It gives a clear and accurate temperature reading with flashing warning lights when the water is too hot (in red) or too cold (in blue), which is especially reassuring. It makes a nice little bath time playmate while floating on the water so that you can keep an eye on the temperature during bath time.” 

In terms of accuracy, the thermometer provides reliable temperature readings and has a clear numerical display, ensuring you know exactly how warm the water is. It also allows you to switch between Fahrenheit and Celsius, catering to different preferences.

The price is higher at £25, but the unique design and functionality may justify the cost for some parents.

Pros

  • The bear shape is adorable and engages children, making bath time more enjoyable
  • Provides an accurate and easy-to-read temperature in both Fahrenheit and Celsius
  • Its floating feature ensures it stays visible and functional during bath time

Cons

  • The extensive manual might be overwhelming for some users, despite the thermometer’s ease of use
  • A higher price point compared to other baby bath thermometers might be off-putting for some parents
Made from 100% soft silicone
Heigth (cm) 12.6, Length (cm) 8, Thickness 3.6
Celcius / Fahrenheit 

Best multi-purpose baby bath thermometer

The Philips Avent Bath and Room ThermometerCredit: Amazon

We can't get enough of this bath and room thermometer by Phillips. As we all know, parenting is a costly business, so when we learned that this device could be used in both the bath and around the home, it piqued our interest. One mum Amazon reviewer, Yana, says, "This thermometer updates the temperature every 10 seconds, so you don't have to wait long to get your child's bath the perfect temperature. It also works as a room thermometer but doesn't have a backlight, so it is not ideal for readings at night in a child's dark bedroom. Great for the bath."

The gender-neutral green design would look chic on top of the bedroom drawers and in the tub with your little one. It's safe and fun for babies of all ages to play with, and the digital display is easy to use. While it’s more expensive than others on our list, we love a 2-in-1 gadget, and this thermometer ticks all the boxes; with the ability to be wiped down and used as a room thermometer as well, so it offers better value for money. Parent reviewers also thought it “feels durable” so should last well.

While it got top marks as a bath thermometer, one reviewer thought it was hard to read in the dark as a room thermometer because it is not backlit.

Pros

  • Upright digital display with a slight tilt which makes it easy to read in the bath and as a room thermometer
  • A 2-in-1 product which can be used in the bath and as a room thermometer
  • Tactile and stylishly fun design, so will look good in most settings

Cons

  • One reviewer felt it was hard to read in a dark room as it's not backlit
Item Weight ‎137 g
Batteries‎1 LR44 batteries required. (included)
Material‎Alloy Steel
Display style‎Digital
Item diameter‎10 Millimetres

Best baby bath thermometer card

Duck Baby Bath Thermometer CardCredit: Colour Changing

If your bathroom is already full of bath toys, or you're looking for a bath thermometer that can easily be transported on holiday, a bath thermometer card is a good investment. 

Unlike others on this list, you can't leave it floating in the bath with your baby, but its large liquid crystal display tells you at a glance whether the bath water is safe. The display line changes colour as it reads the temperature, from 32°-40°C+, so once the bar has reached between 36°C and 37°C, you know the bath water is at the right temperature.

While it can't double up as a toy and doesn't show the precise temperature, the unique display screen does mean it won't need batteries, and reviewers appreciated the simplicity, with one mum noting that it is: “quick, easy, simple, trustworthy and effective, good for travelling.” With no moving or breakable parts and no need for batteries, it's a good thermometer to pack in your suitcase, send to your co-parents' home or leave at the grandparents'.

Pros

  • Great for saving space and travelling as it's compact and flat
  • No batteries are required so there is no need to worry about losing power
  • A large, easy-to-read display makes it simple to see the right temperature range

Cons

  • Doesn't float or double up as a bath toy
  • No digital display, so you can't see the precise temperature
Package Dimensions 13.2 x 11 x 0.6 cm; 10 g
Care InstructionsWipe Clean
Item Weight10 g
Display type‎LCD

Best baby bath thermometer under £5

Munchkin Hot Safety Bath DuckCredit: Amazon

If you're looking for a cheap yet effective bath thermometer, we’d recommend the Munchkin Hot Safety Bath Duck. 

It’s worth considering that, unlike other bath thermometers in this list, the Munchkin Hot Safety Bath Duck doesn’t tell you the exact temperature of the water. Instead, it displays whether the water is too hot with a disc on the bottom that changes colour, revealing the word 'HOT' when the bath water is too hot.

It's a fun toy for your little one to play with and is water-tight to prevent mildew, which reviewers appreciated, with one Amazon dad review, “I bought this rubber duck after getting a batch of smaller ones with holes in the bottom for a squeaker. I realised soon enough that this creates a great space for mould to grow, and bath time then turns into sitting in dirty water. This does the job and is a good size.”

While not knowing the exact temperature may be a drawback for some parents, the affordable price tag and playful element make this thermometer worth considering if you're on a budget.

Pros

  • Requires no batteries, so easy to use
  • Water-tight to prevent mould
  • The fun design means it can double as a bath toy
  • Cost-effective as a simple temperature gauge

Cons

  • No digital display, so doesn't display the temperature
Product Dimensions 9.2 x 7 x 7.4 cm; 80 g
Material TypePlastic
Style ‎Bath Duck
Item Weight‎80 g

Best baby bath thermometer with colour indicator

Dreambaby Room and Bath ThermometerCredit: Amazon

A great option for crocodile-obsessed tots, this cute room and bath thermometer looks so friendly your little one definitely won't mind seeing it in the bath with them. This clever device re-checks the temperature every ten seconds to ensure the water doesn't become unsafe and automatically turns off after 30 minutes to save battery life.

With a red and green indicator telling you at a glance whether the water is too hot or too cold, this easy-to-use Croc is a must-have. Reviewers agreed, saying: “I've had the Croc for 18 months now, and my son loves it. It's very reliable. Also, the green and red flashing light is very helpful!” 

However, some reviewers would have liked to see a colour to show that the water was at the right temperature rather than simply too hot or too cold.

Similar to the Philips Avent Bath and Baby Room Thermometer, the Dreambaby Room and Bath Baby Thermometer can also be used in the baby’s room as a room thermometer, so offers good value for money as a 2-in-1.

Pros

  • Re-checks the temperature every ten seconds for peace of mind
  • Colour indicator as well as a precise temperature so you can see at a glance if the water is too hot or cold
  • Fun design, so baby will enjoy having it in the bath

Cons

  • Some reviewers felt it would be better to have a colour to show the right temperature rather than just Green for Cold and Red for Hot
Item Weight ‎100 g
Package Dimensions‎21.4 x 13.2 x 7 cm; 100 g
Included components‎1 X Dreambaby G322 Crocodile Room Thermometer

Best luxury bath thermometer

Aqua Scale V3 Baby Bath & ScalesCredit: John Lewis

Rrp: $69.99

Price: $69.98
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Alternative retailers
Target$69.99View offer

OK, we know what you're thinking: 'How much?!' And we understand your concern about the price. You might think it's a hefty investment for a bath thermometer. However, this device is much more than simply a baby bath thermometer. You can't put it into the bath, but, instead, it is a bath in itself, and also serves as a baby scale, a bath thermometer, and remains useful until your child reaches two years old, making it a valuable long-term investment. Reviewers favoured this multifunctional use, saying: “We brought this bath for our new baby and love it. Our favourite features are the built in scales so we can keep a close eye on our daughter's weight, and also the built-in thermometer so we can see the temperature and make sure the baby is warm and comfortable.”

The innovative technology of this 3-in-1 digital baby bath allows you to precisely weigh your baby in the tub, whether there’s water in or not. As a bath, it's equally well-thought-out, with a non-slip insert at one end, making it suitable for newborn babies and space at the other end for infants who can sit up by themselves. Online, parents have hailed this as a must-have product, and many can't stop raving about it to family and friends, with one tester saying: "We have recommended this bath to our friends, and they love it! I would rate the bath 10/10 for quality/value for money.”

Pros

  • A multi-purpose product which functions as a thermometer, baby bath, and weighing scales
  • Can be used until around two years old, with newborn support at one end and larger space at the other for older babies
  • Portable so can be used as a travel bath when away from home

Cons

  • It can't be used in a bathtub, but as it serves as a bath itself, this shouldn't be too much of an issue
Included components Tub
Maximum weight recommendation 3.3 Kilograms
Product Dimensions 74 x 42.5 x 24 cm; 2.3 kg
Item Weight‎2.3 kg

How to choose the best baby bath thermometer

Display: The display alerts you to the temperature of your baby's bath water, making it an important feature of your baby's bath thermometer. You should be happy with its size, whether it has digital readings or none at all, and whether it's in Fahrenheit or Celsius.

Design: Where they were once pretty boring, baby bath thermometers now come in a variety of different styles and designs, including lots of fun ones that little ones will love using as an added bath toy. While appearance is important, your priority will be functionality and ease of use.

Use: While some baby thermometers just take temperature readings, others have extra functions and can double as a toy, clock, room thermometer, or even a bath and weighing scales.

Cleaning: Although it'll be placed into water, you'll still need to clean your baby bath thermometer, so take a look at the best way to clean it and how easy it is to do so before purchasing.

Batteries: We spoke to the Child Accident Prevention Trust as part of our research for the best baby bath thermometers. They flagged that "some baby bath thermometers don’t have a screw to secure the battery compartment, so it's important to check that the battery compartment of the thermometer is well-secured. If the button battery drops out and a baby or toddler swallows it, it could badly hurt the baby or be fatal."

Baby bath temperature guidelines

It's important to make sure your baby's bath water is the right temperature for them - this will be cooler than you might think. As Katrina Phillips from the Child Accident Prevention Trust tells us, "babies’ delicate skin is 15 times thinner than ours, that’s why they can burn so easily. And that’s why putting the cold in first and topping up with hot makes so much sense."

"Testing with your elbow or popping a thermometer in before you put your baby in gives you peace of mind that your baby will be safe from serious burns."

Do

• The Child Accident Prevention Trust recommends adding cold water first and then hot to bring it up to the right temperature.

• Use your wrist or elbow to check the water temperature. Hands can withstand a higher temperature, so it's best not to use them to gauge the temperature.

• Mix the water well by swirling it around to ensure there are no hot spots.

Don't

• Put your baby in the bath while the water is still running, as the temperature can quickly change.

• Leave your baby unattended in the bath, not even for a second, even if there is an older child in the bathtub or you are using a bath seat.

• Leave your child in the bathroom while the bath is running. As the Child Accident Prevention Trust notes, "Many accidents happen when a child gets into the bath before it’s ready."

• Have the water too cold.

• Use a standard body thermometer, as these are typically not waterproof or suitable for the task at hand.

How to check bath water temperature without a thermometer

If your bath thermometer hasn't arrived yet, the easiest way to take the bath water temperature is the old-fashioned way, by using your elbow or your wrist, as these are the two most sensitive parts of the body. The bath should feel just warm, not too hot.

How deep should my baby's bath water be?

For newborns and babies up to six months, the water should be around five inches deep or just enough for your baby to settle in the water with their shoulders covered. For older babies and children, the bath should never be more than waist-high when your children are sat down.

About the Experts

Katrina Phillips is the Chief Executive of the Child Accident Prevention Trust. The Child Accident Prevention Trust is the only UK charity to focus on preventing death and serious injury to children from avoidable accidents. It was set up 40 years ago by two consultant paediatricians who could not bear to keep treating the same injuries day after day and who knew that many of the deaths and life-changing injuries they were treating were needless. They empower families to keep children safe from harm, spreading knowledge, building confidence and supporting changes in behaviour.

Louise Broadbridge, known as The Honest Midwife, is a prominent UK midwife with over 30 years in healthcare. Her extensive experience spans both hospital and community settings, offering a deep understanding of labour, birth, and postnatal care. Louise’s interactive classes have supported over 120,000 attendees in the past four years, particularly expanding during the pandemic.

About the author

Anne Lora Scagliusi is a Senior Digital Writer at Mother & Baby. She is a Scotland-based journalist with over a decade of international writing experience, specialising in women’s health, maternal mental health, and wellness. Her work has been featured in Vanity Fair, Marie Claire, and Glamour and has appeared on several Vogue global editions. She is mum to a one-year-old bambino and lives between Italy and the UK.

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Mother & Baby is dedicated to ensuring our information is always valuable and trustworthy, which is why we only use reputable resources such as the NHS, reviewed medical papers, or the advice of a credible doctor, GP, midwife, psychotherapist, gynaecologist or other medical professionals. Where possible, our articles are medically reviewed or contain expert advice. Our writers are all kept up to date on the latest safety advice for all the products we recommend and follow strict reporting guidelines to ensure our content comes from credible sources. Remember to always consult a medical professional if you have any worries. Our articles are not intended to replace professional advice from your GP or midwife.