Ever peek into the bath and wonder, “Is this water too hot? Too cold?” Bath time can be a joyous bonding experience, but for new mums, it can also be a time of worry. Thankfully, there’s a simple solution to ensure bath time is nothing but pure splashy fun – a trusty baby bath thermometer.
Baby’s skin is much more sensitive than ours. What feels comfortably warm to you can actually be too hot for your little one. This is because a baby’s body temperature regulation system is still developing. Hot water can cause burns, while cold water can make your baby shiver and be uncomfortable.
This simple tool helps you achieve the ideal bath water temperature, typically between 37-38°C (or 98.6-100.4°F). With a thermometer in hand, you can ensure a safe and relaxing bath time for your precious bub, letting you focus on the joy of splashing and bonding with your little one.
Types of Bath Thermometers
Now that you know the importance of using a baby bath thermometer, let’s find the one that best suits your needs:
Digital Thermometers • These high-tech helpers offer quick and precise readings of the water temperature, often displayed on a digital screen. Many even come with handy features like alerts that sound if the water is too hot or cold, giving you extra peace of mind.
Analog Thermometers • These classic thermometers typically float in the bathwater and have a dial or scale that displays the temperature. They are a more traditional and affordable option, perfect for mums who prefer a simple and reliable way to check the water temperature.
Stick Thermometers • Compact and convenient, stick thermometers are immersed directly into the bathwater to measure the temperature. While they may not be as fast as digital options, they are easy to store and a good choice for mums who value portability.
So you don’t accidentally add to much hot water, start by filling the bath with cold water gradually add hot water until you reach the perfect lukewarm temperature
OUR PICK OF THE CROP
7 Best Bath Thermometers Mums Recommend
With over 16 years of experience and a community of over 100,000 Australian mums, we’re committed to helping you find the perfect thermometer for your baby’s bath.
Below, you’ll find 7 of the best baby bath thermometers recommended by the mums from the Mum’s Grapevine community, listed in no particular order.
Mininor
Mininor Bath Toy Thermometer ($29.95)
Dive into cuteness with Mininor’s bath toy thermometer. Not just a toy, it keeps bath time safe for your little one and checks room temperature too. Watch the adorable Polar Bear, Penguin, Whale and Elephant designs light up to keep your baby cosy.
Display Type: Digital display with flashing LED
Size: Approx. 10cm x 3cm x 8.5cm
Power Source: LR44 batteries (included)
Babyhood
Babyhood Fish Bath Thermometer ($9.95)
Make bath time a breeze with this floating bath thermometer. Its adorable design adds fun to every splash while ensuring safety with accurate temperature readings. Mercury-free for worry-free use, it even signals the perfect bath temperature.
Display Type: Mercury-free glass indicator
Size: 22cm × 14cm × 3cm
Power Source: No battery, no power connection
Oricom
Oricom Digital Bath & Room Thermometer ($22.95)
The Oricom Digital Bath & Room Thermometer goes beyond just bath time! This versatile digital thermometer displays both the water temperature and the room temperature, allowing you to ensure a comfortable environment for your little one before and after the bath.
Display Type: Digital with LED light when the water temperature is 39°C or over
Size:
Power Source: LR44 batteries (included)
Philips Avent
Philips Avent Digital Bath & Bedroom Thermometer ($43)
Keep a close eye on room and water temperatures while your little one explores this thermometer’s playful petals. It’s the perfect tool for a cosy and safe environment!
Display Type: LED display
Size: 8cm x 8cm x 9.5cm
Power Source: LR44 batteries (included)
Dreambaby
Dreambaby Room and Bath Baby Thermometer ($19.95)
Experience peace of mind by easily monitoring room and bath temperatures for your baby’s comfort. This little turtle comes with batteries for instant use and is waterproof for bathtime fun.
Display Type: Digital with temperature colour-coded indicator
Size: 22cm x 13.5cm x 80cm
Power Source: LR44 batteries (included)
PatPat
PatPat Baby Bath Thermometer ($18.95)
Accurately sense water temperature with this little floating whale and it’s waterproof and anti-fall design. Its smooth touch guarantees your baby’s comfort, doubling as a toy or room temperature meter for added convenience and joy.
Display Type: Three-colour water temperature display
Size: 22cm x 13.5cm x 80cm
Power Source: LR44 batteries (included)
GUPE
GUPE Baby Bath Thermometer ($18.10)
Say goodbye to manual temperature checks with this cute thermometer, ensuring swift, accurate water temperature readings to keep your little one safe from scalds or chills. With its charming floating piggy design, bath time becomes a delightful adventure for your baby.
Display Type: LED display
Size: 8.5cm x 9cm
Power Source: No battery, no power connection
FAQs Your Questions Answered
What is the ideal bath water temperature for a baby?
According to the Raising Children Network, the ideal bath water temperature for a baby is between 37°C and 38°C (or 98.6°F and 100.4°F). This temperature is lukewarm to the touch and comfortable for your baby’s delicate skin.
How can I tell if the bath water is too hot or too cold?
The best way to tell if the bath water is too hot or too cold is to use a baby bath thermometer. However, you can also do a quick check by dipping your elbow or wrist into the water. It should feel comfortably warm, not hot or cold.
What should I do if the bath water burns my baby?
The first thing to do is stay calm and take immediate action to minimise the burn and prevent further injury. Here’s what to do:
- Remove your baby from the bath immediately. Wrap them in a cool, damp towel to soothe the burned area.
- Do not apply ointments, creams, butter, or ice. These can trap heat and worsen the burn.
- Cool the burn with cool running water for at least 20 minutes. Hold the burned area under cool running water from the tap or shower. Aim for a comfortable temperature, not icy cold.
- Always seek medical attention for any burn on a baby. Even minor burns can become infected, and a doctor can assess the severity of the burn and recommend the best course of treatment.
- Call emergency services (000 in Australia) immediately if the burn is large, appears deep, or involves the face, hands, feet, or genitals.
Know a baby bath thermometer to add to our list? Contact us and let us know, we’ve been curating Australia’s best baby products into helpful lists for over 16 years and we’re always happy to support new brands and businesses.
Read next …
- 13 best Baby Baths and alternatives
- Q&A: What is the recommended Bath Temperature for babies?
- 16 Hooded Bath Towels mums recommend
- 15 clever ways to get toddlers loving bath time
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At Mum’s Grapevine, we’re a team of passionate mums (with 19 kids!) and over 15 years of experience researching and writing about all things baby and parenting. Our reviews of recommended products, like the ones in this post, may include paid inclusions, but we promise to only feature products that we truly believe in and have used or seen ourselves. We want to ensure that you, our Grapeviner mums have access to the latest and greatest products in the parenting world, and we’re committed to maintaining our high standards of quality and honesty. See our Disclosure Policy.
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