Bathing a baby can be a special bonding experience for parents and their little ones. However, it’s important to ensure that the bath water is at a safe and comfortable temperature for the baby.
Babies have delicate skin, and their skin can be more sensitive to hot or cold water temperatures than adults. If the water is too hot, it can cause burns or scalds. On the other hand, if the water is too cold, the baby may be uncomfortable and restless, making it difficult for them to relax and enjoy bath time.
With a bath thermometer, you can easily check the temperature of the water and adjust it to a safe and comfortable level (1). The best bath thermometers for babies have easy-to-read displays that quickly show if the water is too hot or cold.
These thermometers are also built to withstand the rough and tumble of toddler years, so they will last for a long time. Some bath thermometers even have kid-friendly designs and can double as bath toys, making bath time even more fun for the baby.
Our Top Picks
- Best Classic Duck Thermometer: b&h Baby Thermometer
- Best Turtle Thermometer: Turtlemeter Bath Tub Thermometer
- Best Crab Thermometer: Aycorn Digital Baby Bath Thermometer
- Best Bath And Room Thermometer: mothermed Baby Bath Thermometer
- Best Oil-Based Bath Thermometer: NUK Oil Based Bath Thermometer
- Best Alarm-Based Bath Thermometer: Aquatopia Baby Bath Thermometer
- Best Affordable Bath Thermometer: Munchkin White Hot Super Safety Bath Ducky
In This Article
HappyBabyHub’s Best Baby Bath Thermometers Picks
b&h Baby Thermometer – Best Classic Duck Thermometer
- Really cute thermometer that can easily serve a dual purpose as a bath toy
- Floats well and stays right-side-up
- Helpful color changes on the screen, indicating ideal (sage) and extreme temperatures
- Provides both Fahrenheit and Celsius temperature options during set-up
- Not the best instructions
The rubber duckie thermometer is a must-have for your baby’s bathtime routine. It is packed with features that make it an essential tool for every parent. First of all, it comes with a built-in clock that helps you keep track of the time spent during bath time.
You can also set it to display temperatures in Fahrenheit or Celsius, depending on your preference. Additionally, this thermometer is designed to measure the temperature of the water and the room.
Safety is a top priority, and this BPA-free thermometer comes with two lights that flash green or red to indicate whether the water is too cold or hot, ensuring that you can avoid any risks to your baby’s delicate skin. It is simple to use, and the batteries are included, saving you the hassle of buying them separately.
This thermometer is also availble in three different designs: basic duck, lady duck, and winking duck, allowing you to choose the one that best suits your baby’s personality. Furthermore, the LCD shows the time and the temperature of the water, ensuring that you always have a clear and accurate reading.
Turtlemeter Bath Tub Thermometer – Best Turtle Thermometer
- Extremely sensitive to changes in temperature
- Digital temperature display has backlighting in blue (for too cold), green (for just right), and red (for too hot)
- No audible alarm to startle the baby
- Floats upright
- If you place the turtle in as you fill-up the tub sometimes you have to pick it up so it will float on the top of the water
This innovative baby bath thermometer is designed to double as a fun and secure turtle bath toy. Unlike other bath thermometers that have pesky buttons or switches, the Turtlemeter is activated automatically when it senses water.
Using advanced technology, the Turtlemeter calculates the temperature of the bath water every second and displays it on three distinct color screens. The color blue indicates that the water is too cold, red means that it’s too hot, and green signifies that the temperature is just right for your little one’s sensitive skin.
This thermometer meets the standards of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, ensuring that it is safe for your baby to use. Plus, it’s designed to be used both in and out of the bathtub, providing endless hours of fun for your little one. It also comes complete with 3 AAA batteries, so it’s ready to use right out of the box.
Aycorn Digital Baby Bath Thermometer – Best Crab Thermometer
- Easy to use
- It turns off after an hour of not being used
- Very accurate
- Great as a bath toy
- A little hard to turn it on and off
The Aycorn Digital Bath Thermometer Baby Safety offers quick and precise readings of water temperature that you can rely on. Unlike conventional thermometers, which can be unreliable or require long waiting times, or touch testing, which is imprecise and can put your baby at risk of burns, the Aycorn bath water thermometer for baby is a safer and more accurate solution.
Simply tap the Aycorn bath thermometer on a firm surface or water, and it will immediately begin monitoring the water temperature. In less than a second, you’ll have an accurate reading displayed clearly on its large and easy-to-read LCD.
With readings updated every five seconds, you’ll always have the most up-to-date information on your baby’s bath water temperature. If the water temperature is too hot, an alarm will sound and a red LED warning light will activate, alerting you to the danger.
mothermed Baby Bath Thermometer – Best Bath And Room Thermometer
- The temperature window is super useful and easy to read
- Pretty simple to use
- Blinks blue for cold and red for hot
- The battery last for a while
- Only displays in Fahrenheit
The Stingray-shaped thermometer’s compact size and lightweight design make it easy for tiny hands to hold and play with. As it floats, it continually measures the water’s temperature every five seconds, giving you accurate and quick readings. The thermometer’s smooth edges and arches ensure a secure grip, making it safe for your little one to use.
The thermometer’s small size makes it ideal for travel. If you plan to travel with your baby, simply pack it in your diaper bag. Additionally, the thermometer doubles as a room thermometer.
With its energy-efficient design, the thermometer has a long battery life, and it automatically shuts off after 30 minutes to conserve power. The flashing temperature alert indicates if the water is too hot or cold, ensuring your baby’s safety during bath time.
While the display is simple, it effectively shows the water temperature with the words hot or cold. Please note that the thermometer only displays the temperature in Fahrenheit.
NUK Oil Based Bath Thermometer – Best Oil-Based Bath Thermometer
- Very accurate
- Easy to read
- Pretty durable
- Can be played by baby
- Only displays in Celsius
If you prefer an analog bath thermometer, the NUK oil-based thermometer with cute marine critters on it is a highly recommended option. This floating thermometer is designed with rapeseed oil that changes levels to indicate the temperature of the bathwater.
The temperature range scale printed on the front is a useful guide to determine if the water is too hot, too cold, or just right. Plus, it displays temperature in Celsius. Additionally, it is durable and break-proof, and even if it accidentally breaks, the manufacturer ensures that the oil inside is safe.
Aquatopia Baby Bath Thermometer – Best Alarm-Based Bath Thermometer
- Waterproof (Up to 1 Meter)
- Easy to use
- Alarms (Beeps if water is too hot or cold)
- No sharp edges or small parts
- No easy way to shut it off so you’re listening to beeping until it goes off on its own
This innovative water thermometer checks the temperature of the bathwater every two seconds, ensuring that you have up-to-date information on the water temperature. To use, simply place it in the tub and wait for updates and beeps.
The digital screen is crystal clear and displays temperature readings in both Fahrenheit and Celsius. Additionally, there is a “LO” battery replacement indication that flashes when it’s time to replace the battery. This feature is especially helpful since you won’t have to worry about the thermometer dying mid-use.
Aquatopia’s baby bath thermometer accurately measures the temperature of the bathwater and sounds an audible alarm if it gets too hot or cold. This alarm serves as an extra layer of protection for your child and ensures that the water temperature remains safe.
The thermometer comes in cute animal-shaped patterns, including Charlie Crocodile, Halle Hippo, Fergus Frog, Trevor Turtle, or Halle Hippo, adding an element of fun to bath time.
Munchkin White Hot Super Safety Bath Ducky – Best Affordable Bath Thermometer
- Nice rubber-ducky size
- Works great as a bath toy
- No holes to end up with moldy bath toys that have to be thrown away
- The word “hot” turns white (like white hot), when the water is too hot for baby
- No digital display of the temperature of the water
This budget-friendly baby bath thermometer is easy to use, compact, and doesn’t require any complicated battery changes or tools. Shaped like a cute rubber ducky, it adds a fun element to your baby’s bath time while also serving as a safe and mold-resistant toy. Although it may not provide exact temperature readings like some other thermometers, its simple design displays a clear warning of hot to help keep your baby safe.
Related: Best Baby Thermometers
How To Choose The Best Baby Bath Thermometer?
- Accuracy: The thermometer should be accurate in measuring the water temperature, so you can ensure that the bathwater is safe and comfortable for your baby.
- Ease Of Use: The thermometer should be easy to use, with clear and simple instructions. It should also be easy to read and understand, even for first-time parents.
- Durability: The thermometer should be made of high-quality materials and be able to withstand regular use. It should also be water-resistant and have a protective covering to prevent damage.
- Design: The thermometer should have a kid-friendly design, with bright colors and attractive shapes that will keep your baby engaged during bath time. Some thermometers even double as bath toys.
Are Baby Bath Thermometers Safe?
Yes, baby bath thermometers are generally safe when used properly. They are designed specifically for use in bath water and are made with materials that are safe for babies. However, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and take proper care of the thermometer, including regular cleaning and battery replacement.
What Temperature Is Safe For A Baby’s Bath?
The safe temperature for a baby’s bath is around 100°F (3.8°C) (2). It’s essential to ensure that the water is not too hot or cold to avoid burning or discomfort to the baby.
What Temperature Is Too Cold For A Baby Bath?
If the water feels cold to your touch, then it is likely too cold for your baby. A water temperature below 90°F (32°C) is generally considered too cold for a baby’s bath.
Do You Put Hot Or Cold Water In First For A Baby Bath?
It is recommended to first fill the baby bathtub with cold water, then add hot water gradually until the temperature reaches around 100°F (3.8°C) before placing the baby in the bath. This helps to ensure that the water is not too hot and reduces the risk of accidental burns.
How Long Should Baby Bath Time Be?
Baby bath time should be kept short and sweet, typically lasting around 5 to 10 minutes. Newborns and young infants do not need long baths, as their skin is delicate and can dry out easily (3). As babies grow and become more active, bath time can be extended slightly, but it’s still recommended to keep it under 15 minutes.
