Bath time is a beautiful bonding moment between parent and baby—but when winter arrives, the chill in the air can make things a little trickier. Keeping your little one safe, warm, and comfortable during colder months doesn’t mean skipping bath time—it just means adjusting your routine with care.
In this blog, we’ll share gentle, practical tips to help you make winter baths calm, cosy, and safe for your baby.
Keep the Bathroom Warm First
Before undressing your baby, make sure the room is warm enough. Babies can lose heat quickly, especially when they’re wet and unclothed.
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Use a safe space heater to warm up the room a few minutes beforehand.
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Close doors and windows to prevent drafts.
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Aim for a temperature around 22–24°C for bath time comfort.
Tip: Run the warm water before bringing your baby into the bathroom so the air can warm up while the bath is being prepared.
Check the Water Temperature (Always)
Your baby’s skin is delicate and sensitive to hot water.
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The safest bath temperature is around 37–38°C—close to body temperature.
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Use a bath thermometer or test with your elbow or inner wrist—it should feel warm, not hot.
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Always swirl the water to avoid hot spots before placing your baby in.
Keep It Short
In winter, it’s best to keep baths short—about 5 to 10 minutes. Long baths can strip your baby’s skin of natural oils and increase the risk of chills.
Stick to quick, gentle washes, and avoid staying in the tub for too long—even if your baby seems to love it!
Use Gentle Products (Or None at All)
Babies don’t need lots of soaps or bubbles, especially in winter when skin is more prone to dryness.
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Choose a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser or simply use warm water for most baths.
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Avoid products with alcohol or harsh chemicals.
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After the bath, pat your baby dry (don’t rub) and apply a moisturiser right away to lock in hydration.
Have Everything Ready Before You Start
To avoid rushing around with a wet, chilly baby, prepare everything in advance:
✅ Towel (preferably with a hood)
✅ Clean nappy
✅ Fresh clothes or romper
✅ Blanket or swaddle
✅ Moisturiser
✅ Nappy cream (if needed)
A hooded baby towel is especially helpful in winter—it covers their head and keeps warmth in right after the bath. You can also wrap them in a soft baby blanket while dressing to prevent heat loss.
Dress Quickly in Warm, Easy Clothing
Choose zipper rompers or soft layers that are easy to put on without fuss. Babies lose body heat fast, so avoid complicated clothing that takes too long to dress.
You can also use mittens or socks if the room is cool, and finish with a topknot or beanie to keep their head warm (especially for newborns).
For many babies, bath time before bed helps them relax—but if the house is warmer during the day, a mid-morning or early afternoon bath might be more comfortable in winter.
Follow your baby’s cues and your household rhythm to decide what works best.
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