Can infants take a bath at night?

Sep 09, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng
Introduction
In general, infants can take a bath in the evening. When bathing in the evening, make sure to close doors and windows in advance, and maintain the room temperature between 24-28℃ to prevent the infant from catching a chill. The water temperature should be controlled between 37-40℃, and can be accurately measured using a bath thermometer. The duration of the bath should not exceed 10 minutes to avoid excessive physical exhaustion for the infant. After bathing, quickly wrap and dry the infant with a soft towel.

Generally speaking, infants can take a bath at night. The detailed explanation is as follows:

Infants can bathe at night because after a day's activities, their skin may retain sweat, dust, and even milk stains or food residue. Bathing at night can thoroughly clean the skin, reduce skin discomfort caused by accumulated dirt, and keep the body feeling fresh. At the same time, contact with warm water can soothe the infant's emotions, help relax muscles, relieve fatigue from daytime activities, and enhance comfort after the bath, making it easier for the infant to fall into a peaceful sleep. Additionally, the bathing process provides opportunities for interaction, strengthening the parent-child bond and meeting the infant's needs in preparing for nighttime routines.

When bathing at night, ensure doors and windows are closed in advance to maintain a room temperature of 24–28°C and prevent the infant from catching a chill. The water temperature should be controlled between 37–40°C, preferably measured accurately with a thermometer. Bathing time should not exceed 10 minutes to avoid excessive physical exhaustion. After the bath, quickly wrap and dry the infant with a soft towel, paying special attention to drying the hair and skin folds, and dress the infant promptly. Bath time should not be too late; it is recommended to finish 1–2 hours before bedtime, allowing the infant sufficient time to adjust and prepare for sleep. If the infant has a fever, diarrhea, or skin injuries that day, evening bathing should be postponed until full recovery.