How to Use a Bath Thermometer

Children love to splash and play in the bathtub. It is a parent's responsibility to ensure that the bath is a safe place to have fun and get clean. The temperature of the bath water is an important aspect of tub safety. Follow these steps to learn how to use a bathtub thermometer. Never again worry that your child will be burned by water that is too hot.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Bathtub thermometer

1. Choose the right bathtub thermometer. There are many different kinds on the market. There are cute little ducks that float in the tub and read the water temperature. There are also high-tech devices that cover your entire water spout and read the water temperature as it pours into the tub.
2. Learn the appropriate water temperature for your child. Babies and toddlers tend to favor cooler water than adults, so aim to get the bath water comfortably warm between 90 and 100 degrees F.
3. Read the instructions that came with your tub thermometer thoroughly, no matter how simple it may appear to use the device.
4. Confirm that your water heater is set at 120 degrees F. A child can get third-degree burns within seconds from water that is too hot. Hot water heaters are usually set at 140 degrees F at the factory. This temperature will give your child third-degree burns in five seconds.
5. Fill the tub with water that feels comfortably warm to the touch. Test the bath water with the tub thermometer. If the water is too hot, then drain some out, add cold water, wait a minute while the water mixes and then test the water again.

Tips & Warnings

• Never put your child in the bathtub when the water is still running because the water temperature can change without warning.
• Teach your children to leave the faucet handles alone to prevent accidental hot water burns.