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<p>Bath time can be an enjoyable opportunity for a parent or caregiver and baby to bond. It is useful to have all the equipment ready before beginning to help bath time go smoothly.&nbsp;</p>
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<p>The bathroom should be warm, and the baby should be wrapped in a towel immediately after a bath to maintain their warmth.&nbsp;</p>
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<p>A baby should never be left unattended at bath time.&nbsp;</p>
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<p>A baby’s bath temperature should be 98.6–100.4°F or about 98.6°F for a newborn. Babies have thinner skin, so they need cooler bathwater than adults. An adult can check the temperature with their elbow as it is more sensitive to heat than a hand. If the water does not feel cooler or warmer than the elbow, the temperature is suitable for a baby.&nbsp;</p>
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<p>Parents and caregivers can ensure the water temperature is safe for a baby by:&nbsp;</p>
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<p>Checking the temperature with either an elbow or a bath thermometer before bathing a baby.&nbsp;</p>
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<p>Mixing the water well to ensure there are no hot spots.&nbsp;</p>
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<p>Running the cold water first before adding hot water. To cool down the faucet, allow the cold water to run for a few moments after turning off the hot water.&nbsp;</p>
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<p>Ensuring not to run hot water on its own when a baby is in the bath, as it could accidentally scald their skin. If the water needs topping up, run the cold and hot water together.&nbsp;</p>
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<p>Placing the baby away from the faucet if using a full-size bathtub. Or use a section of a flexible Styrofoam pool noodle to cover the faucet. This protects baby from an accidental scald and from a bump on the head.&nbsp;</p>
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<p>The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends lowering the temperature in hot water systems to minimize the risk of burns. A temperature around 122°F (50°C) is ideal.&nbsp;</p>
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<p>To make bathing baby as enjoyable and safe as possible, people can consider:&nbsp;</p>
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<p>Making the bathroom warm and draft-free.&nbsp;</p>
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<p>Putting the baby’s towel on a warm radiator, if possible, so it can warm them after their bath.&nbsp;</p>
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<p>Having everything nearby before beginning bath time.&nbsp;</p>
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<p>Talking reassuringly throughout bath time. This can help the baby feel calm and is a great way to encourage language development.&nbsp;</p>
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<p>Ensuring to never leave a baby unattended around water. If a parent or a caregiver needs something from another room, they should take the baby with them.&nbsp;</p>
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<p>Ensuring that an older child is not left to supervise a baby as they may not have a fully developed perception of danger.&nbsp;</p>
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<p>Sources:&nbsp;</p>
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<p><a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday. com/articles/baby-bath-temperature" data-type="URL" data-id="https://www.medicalnewstoday. com/articles/baby-bath-temperature">https://www.medicalnewstoday. com/articles/baby-bath-temperature </a></p>
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<p><a href="https://www.who.int/news-room/ fact-sheets/detail/burns" data-type="URL" data-id="https://www.who.int/news-room/ fact-sheets/detail/burns">https://www.who.int/news-room/ fact-sheets/detail/burns </a></p>
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<p><a href="https://www.aad.org/public/ everyday-care/skin-care-basics/care/ newborn-bathing" data-type="URL" data-id="https://www.aad.org/public/ everyday-care/skin-care-basics/care/ newborn-bathing">https://www.aad.org/public/ everyday-care/skin-care-basics/care/ newborn-bathing </a></p>
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<p></p>
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<p>Exclusive content from CARE magazine</p>
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