Bath time

Bath time is a great way for babies and young children to learn water awareness. 

It can also be a chance to play, relax, and bond before bedtime.

An evening bath is all about timing. Choose a moment when your baby is awake, calm, and not hungry. A warm bath can be a gentle way to reset at the end of the day. It may help if your child is going through periods of unsettled behaviour. A calm bath routine can give both you and your child a little breathing space.

Even a little bit of water can be dangerous. Children can drown quickly and quietly in just a few centimeters of water, and hot water can cause serious burns. Always stay close and keep watch whenever your child under 8 is near water. Your supervision is the best way to keep them safe.

Bath time safety tips

Preparing for the bath:

  • take everything you need, such as a towel, face washer, bath wash, clothes and nappy into the bathroom, so you can stay with your child for bath time
  • prepare a non-slip bathmat
  • only run enough water to wash and provide playtime. A good guide is roughly your child’s belly button height for children who can freely sit upright
  • check the temperature with a thermometer, your wrist or your elbow before putting your child in bath water. It should not be hotter than 38°C. See Burns for more information.

During the bath 

Accidents usually happen when the adult is distracted or leaves the room to attend to something else. Children can drown quickly, quietly and in just a few centimetres of water. Safety tips: 

  • always stay within arms’ reach of your child in the bath and never leave them alone for any reason 
  • avoid distractions such as mobile phones or answering the door whilst your child is in the bath 
  • if adding more water, make sure your child is out of the bath and away from the taps - this has a high risk of scalds even if you are turning the cold taps on. See Burns for more information 
  • don't rely on older siblings or teenagers to supervise younger children during bath time 
  • bath aids (like baby bath seats) are not recommended for safety — even if you use one, stay within reach. 

After the bath 

  • drain the water straight away 
  • bath time for young children shouldn’t need to be longer than 10 minutes.