Expert: Moshe Adler, MD Date: 7/3/2008 Subject: toddler bath too hot
Question My daughter in law gave her 15 month old a bath I went in and the baby's skin that was in the water was pink/red. I felt the water and told her it was too hot. She responded she takes hotter baths at home and her skin always turns when she gets a bath it's normal. What is the damage and concerns if she keeps giving her hot baths? I need to get her to wake up and see it is hurting her and is not good for her. She says my grand daughter was crying because she is sleepy, hot bath make her sleep better. Please help! Thank You
Answer Babies bath water should be around 90 degrees fahrenheit. It should feel warm to the touch -- not hot. The major problem is that she could get burned from water that is too hot. If the water was much too hot, though, I'd expect the baby to be crying and uncomfortable.
Buy your daughter-in-law a bath thermometer that is marked with the safe range for bath water.
