Paediatricians Warn Parents Against Bathing Babies with Cold Water

Child health experts have advised parents not to bathe babies and young children with cold water, especially during the rainy season, warning that it could increase the risk of hypothermia and other health complications.

According to paediatricians, keeping babies warm during and after bathing is an important step in protecting them from illnesses during colder weather.

While cold water does not directly cause pneumonia, it can lower a child’s resistance to infections and worsen existing health conditions such as asthma and sickle cell disease.

Dr. Abdurrazzaq Alege, Head of Paediatrics at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Katsina, explained that babies lose body heat much faster than adults and can easily develop hypothermia when exposed to cold water in a chilly environment.

He advised parents to use lukewarm water for bathing, keep the room warm, dry babies immediately after bathing, and ensure they are properly covered afterward.

Consultant Paediatrician Dr. Ayodele Renner also stressed that newborns have limited ability to regulate their body temperature.

He advised parents to test bath water before use, keep baths short, and wrap babies immediately after bathing to maintain warmth and protect their health.

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