Can Babies Go in Hot Tubs?

Can babies go in hot tubs? I’m sure you’d love to enjoy a relaxing soak in a hot tub with your little one, right? It’s a great way to unwind and keep an eye on baby at the same time. While hot baths offer plenty of benefits for adults, you might be wondering: are they safe for babies too?

But don't worry, in this article, you will discover the risks, professionals say, and tips for baby-safe use of a hot tub. Once you have finished reading, you will understand when and if your baby can use a hot tub.

Is it Safe to Put a Baby in a Hot Tub?

No, it is not safe for a baby to sit in a hot tub. Babies' skin is sensitive and cannot regulate a proper temperature in comparison with adults' temperatures. Babies will overheat in seconds with hot water, and in extreme cases, can develop extreme medical complications such as heat exhaustion and even heat stroke.

An additional danger is powerful water sprays. There are bubbles and motion in a hot tub, and it can cause a baby to have a problem balancing. Even when holding them, they can fall out of your hands and, in the case of swallowing, can double your drowning chance.

The baby's physique is not yet developed, and for that reason cannot resist high temperatures and powerful water current in a hot tub. For such factors, babies cannot even approach a hot tub at all.

You might be wondering, “If I turn off the water jets, can my baby go in hot tub?” Let’s keep reading to find the answer.

What Temperature Can a Baby Go in a Hot Tub?

Babies' small bodies warm up much faster than adults, and for that reason, have a high risk of becoming overheated. Most hot tubs have a temperature between 100°F and 104°F (37°C–40°C), and that is too hot for a baby. Warm water at a lowered temperature can even cause a baby danger even at a reduced temperature level.

To enable your baby to have a safe enjoyment of water, a kiddie pool filled with warm water (around 90°F or 32°C) is a safer option. Never use your hands in isolation, but first, make a temperature reading with a thermometer. Keeping your baby safe and happy must become your first concern!

What are the Risks for Babies in Hot Tub

They can look innocent, but hot tubs can actually present a lot of danger for babies. There are a variety of important dangers to understand:

1. Overheat

Babies and young children are much more prone to overheating due to their higher body surface area relative to their weight. The hot water in a tub can raise their core temperature quickly, leading to heatstroke or dehydration. Signs of overheating include flushed skin, fussiness, and rapid breathing.

Experts recommend that the water temperature should not exceed 100°F (38°C) for young children. 

2. Dehydration

The temperature of the water can cause babies to sweat, and loss of fluids can occur. As babies require proper hydration, it can become dangerous and result in weakness, dizziness, or drying out of the skin.

Avoid exposing your baby to the hot tub for prolonged periods.

3. Danger of Drowning

They have not yet developed strong necks and can go underwater effortlessly, even when in your arms. There is a considerable depth in hot tubs, and bubbles make it unnoticeable when a baby is in trouble.

Never leave your baby unattended in a hot tub, not even for a second. Always ensure they are supported and safe.

4. Infections and Germ Exposure

Hot tubs, especially public ones, can harbor bacteria and fungi. Babies are more vulnerable to skin infections and ear infections from exposure to contaminated water.

Avoid taking your baby to public hot tubs, and if you have one at home, make sure it is well-maintained with proper filtration and sanitization.

While it’s tempting to want to share relaxing moments in a hot tub with your baby, the risks are significant. Always be cautious of water temperature, monitor your baby closely, and prioritize safety at all times. It’s best to wait until they are older and better able to handle the heat and water pressure before introducing them to hot tubs.

What Do Experts Say?

Mainstream medical communities strongly discourage babies and little children from getting a dip in a hot tub for a variety of significant reasons:

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Recommends excluding children under 5 years of age from hot tubs.
2. American Red Cross: Instructs that children under 5 years of age should not use a hot tub.
3. Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA): Warns babies and toddlers not to use a hot tub at any age, with thin skin allowing them to overheat at a heightened level.

Experts strongly caution against using hot tubs for babies due to the significant risks of overheating, burns, drowning, and infections. If you do decide to use a hot tub with your baby, ensure the water is at a safe temperature, stay closely supervised, and limit exposure to just a few minutes. It’s always best to wait until your child is older and their body can better handle the heat and steam.

What Age is Safe for Babies to Go in Hot Tub?

Experts in health strongly discourage children under 5 years of age not to using hot tubs for a range of significant concerns over safety.

Key Considerations:

1. Temperature Sensitivity: Younger children have a high vulnerability to overheating in hot tubs, and overheating in them can cause severe medical complications.
2. Drowning Risk: Young children encounter drowning risks with deep and suction settings of hot tubs.
3. Chemical Exposure: Chemicals that are used for water purification can have a rough reaction with a sensitive child's skin.

Guidelines for Older Children (Aged 5 and Above):

Older kids can have

1. Temperature: Adjust the temperature of the hot tub water to 98°F (37°C) in an attempt to minimize overheating.
2. Soaking Time: 5 minutes at most to prevent overheat and drying out.
3. Superintend: Have a responsible adult with your child at all times to supervise closely.
4. Partial Immersion: Have the child sit on a platform or a seat, with the upper parts of the body out of water to avoid excessive exposure to heat.

Based on these tips, your hot tub can become a safer haven for kids 5 years and older.

Can I Take My Baby in a Hot Tub If I Turn off the Jets?

Even if you turn off the jets, it is still not safe to take a baby in a hot tub. Not even in its high temperature, but in it alone, even when not in motion, babies can overheat, for adults' temperature-regulation capacities cannot be outpaced by babies'

They're most commonly 100°F to 104°F (37°C–40°C), and that's too hot for a baby. Babies' sensitive skin absorbs temperature at a faster rate, and with it comes an increased risk of heat exhaustion, dehydration, and dizziness. Dropping the temperature a notch doesn't eliminate these dangers.

Also, a baby's sensitive eyes and skin can become irritated with chemicals in hot tubs. For all these reasons, professionals demand that babies must not even approach hot tubs—even with no jet.

How Can I Keep My Baby Safe Near a Hot Tub?

While it’s generally not recommended for babies to use hot tubs, it’s important to know how to keep them safe when they’re near one. Whether you’re enjoying a soak yourself or your baby is simply playing nearby, here are some tips to ensure they stay safe.

1. Monitor Closely at

Under no circumstances leave your baby unattended near a hot tub, even when not in use, for an accident can develop in a matter of seconds.

2. Put a Safety Cover

Keep the hot tub locked when not in use with a locking hot tub cover, protecting babies and inquisitive little ones from getting into it and drowning when not in use.

3. Sustain Space Slip and Dry

Water near a hot tub can cause floors to become slippery. Ensure your baby remains in a position of dry, non-slippery flooring to prevent slipping and getting hurt.

4. Install a Barrier or Gate

Where feasible, fence in your hot tub or have a safety gate installed. That will give an added barrier between your baby and your hot tub, keeping them at a safe distance.

5. Lock Chemicals Out of Reach

Hot tubs require chemicals like chlorine to stay clean. Store these products safely out of reach to prevent accidental poisoning.

Conclusion

In conclusion, babies cannot go in hot tubs, for they can overheat, become dehydrated, and even drown. It isn't safe, even when shutting off the jets. In case you have a hot tub, supervise your baby at all times and lock off the surrounding environment. Use barriers to lock them out of access to the hot tub. By taking these tips, your baby will sound safe when utilizing your hot tub.