Quick answer: A baby's bath water should be warm, around 37 to 38°C, close to body temperature and never hot. A comfortable nursery is roughly 16 to 20°C. The safest approach is to check both with a thermometer rather than guessing, because a baby's skin is far more sensitive than an adult's.
Getting bath and room temperature right keeps your baby comfortable and safe. Babies lose and gain heat faster than adults and cannot tell you when something is too hot or cold, so a quick check takes the guesswork out of both.
What temperature should a baby's bath be?
Aim for warm water at about 37 to 38°C, which is close to body temperature. It should feel pleasantly warm, never hot. A few simple habits help:
- Run cold water first, then add hot, and mix well so there are no hot pockets.
- Check the temperature before your baby goes in, not after.
- Turn your home hot water system down to a safe setting to reduce the risk of scalds.
The old test of using your elbow or wrist gives a rough feel, but it cannot tell the difference between 38°C and a too-hot 41°C. A thermometer with a bath or object mode removes the doubt. The Elle TENS infrared thermometer can read bath water and milk as well as foreheads, so one device covers it.
What is a good room temperature for a baby?
A comfortable room for a baby is generally around 16 to 20°C. The aim is for your baby to be comfortably warm, not hot. Overheating is linked to a higher risk during sleep, so a slightly cool, well-ventilated room with appropriate bedding or a sleeping bag is safer than a warm, stuffy one.
Rather than relying on the thermostat alone, feel your baby's chest or back of the neck. It should feel warm, not sweaty or cold. Hands and feet often feel cooler than the body and are not a reliable guide on their own.
How to check easily
A thermometer that reads objects and room temperature, not just body temperature, lets you check bath water, a bottle of milk and the nursery with one tool. Use the object or surface mode for water and milk, and the room mode for the nursery. For body readings, see our guide on how to use a forehead thermometer correctly.
Frequently asked questions
What temperature should a newborn's bath be?
Around 37 to 38°C, close to body temperature and never hot. Always check before your baby goes in.
Is 22°C too hot for a baby's room?
It is at the warmer end. A comfortable range is roughly 16 to 20°C. If the room is warmer, use lighter bedding and make sure your baby is not overheating.
How can I tell if my baby is too hot?
Feel their chest or the back of the neck. If it is sweaty or hot, remove a layer. Hands and feet naturally feel cooler and are not a reliable guide.
Can I use a forehead thermometer to check bath water?
You need a thermometer with an object, surface or room mode for water. A body-only thermometer is not designed for that. The Elle TENS infrared thermometer includes an object and room mode.
What room temperature is best for baby sleep?
Around 16 to 20°C, comfortably warm and well ventilated, with bedding suited to the temperature.
Sources
Raising Children Network, Bathing a newborn and safe sleep. Red Nose Australia, Room temperature and safe sleeping. Pregnancy, Birth and Baby, Bathing your baby. Healthdirect Australia, Bathing and caring for your baby.
This article is general information only and is not a substitute for medical advice. If you are worried about your child, contact your GP, call Healthdirect on 1800 022 222, or in an emergency call 000.
One thermometer for body, bath and room
The Elle TENS infrared thermometer reads foreheads, ears, bath water and room temperature, with a fever alert.
