Finding the perfect newborn bath temperature feels a bit like a high-stakes science experiment. You want it warm enough so they don’t shiver, but cool enough that their paper-thin skin stays safe.
If you’re standing over the tub with your hand in the water wondering, “Is this too hot?”—take a deep breath. You’re doing great. Here is everything you need to know about getting that “just right” temperature.
The Magic Number: 100°F
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the ideal temperature for a baby bath is right around 100°F (38°C).
Newborn skin is significantly thinner than adult skin. What feels like a “nice hot shower” to you can cause a second-degree burn on a baby in seconds. To stay safe, experts at the Mayo Clinic recommend setting your home’s water heater to below 120°F (49°C) to prevent accidental scalding.
How to Test Like a Pro
While a digital bath thermometer is a lifesaver, you have a built-in sensor: your elbow.
- The Elbow Test: Your hands are calloused and used to heat. Your elbow is sensitive. Dip it in. The water should feel comfortably warm—not hot.
- The Swirl: Before putting the baby in, swirl the water around. “Hot spots” can hide in the corners of the tub.
Important Note: Before you even start the water, check your baby’s baseline heat. If they are already running a bit warm, you might need to adjust. You can learn more about checking a normal baby temperature via armpit to make sure they aren’t starting the bath with a fever.
Why We Call It “The Goldilocks Rule”
You might be wondering, “What does a fairy tale have to do with my baby’s bath time?” The term comes from the classic story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears. In the story, a young girl named Goldilocks enters a bear’s house and finds three bowls of porridge:
- One bowl was too hot.
- One bowl was too cold.
- But the third bowl was “just right.”
In the world of parenting, we use the Goldilocks Rule to describe that perfect balance. We don’t want the water too hot (danger of burns) or too cold (danger of chills). We are looking for that sweet spot—the 100°F mark—that is just right for your newborn’s comfort and safety.