Bathing your newborn in the kitchen sink might look adorable—and yes, it’s a favorite for social media snaps—but experts say it’s time to rethink this trend. While it may seem convenient and cozy, pediatricians are warning that kitchen sink baths come with hidden health and safety risks.
In a now-viral TikTok video with over 1.2 million views, pediatrician and mom Dr. Beachgem10 shared why kitchen sink baths aren’t as harmless as they seem. Her insights are making many parents reconsider how and where they bathe their babies.
1. Hidden bacteria risks
No matter how clean your sink looks, it’s likely crawling with bacteria that aren’t visible to the naked eye. Kitchen sinks are notorious for harboring germs from raw meats, dairy, and other foods. According to a story in The Advertiser, Dr. Beachgem10 pointed to cases where newborns developed infections, such as salmonella, after being bathed in a kitchen sink that was previously used for food preparation.
Since a newborn’s immune system is still developing, even a small amount of harmful bacteria can lead to serious illness. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) stresses the importance of minimizing infection risks in newborn care, recommending that parents always opt for clean, safe spaces for activities like bathing.
Related: How to give a baby a bath, in 5 simple steps
2. Risk of Injury
Kitchen sinks aren’t designed with babies in mind. Hard surfaces, sharp corners, and protruding faucets all increase the risk of your baby slipping, bumping their head, or even getting scalded if the water temperature suddenly changes. Unlike infant bathtubs, kitchen sinks often lack non-slip surfaces and proper support, making it harder to keep a wiggly, slippery newborn safe.
As The Fuzzy Sprout explains, even a seemingly harmless kitchen hack can create danger if it doesn’t prioritize infant-specific safety needs.
3. Better, safer alternatives
Use a dedicated infant bathtub
These tubs are designed with your baby’s safety in mind—many come with slings or padded inserts to support newborns and prevent slipping. The American Pregnancy Association recommends tubs that are small, plastic, and easy to sanitize. Some models are even sized to fit inside larger sinks or bathtubs safely.
4. Always keep your baby within arm’s reach
Newborns can drown in as little as one to two inches of water, according to the AAP. That means bath time should always be supervised—no exceptions. Gather everything you need beforehand so you never have to step away, even for a second.
5. Test the water temperature every time
What feels pleasantly warm to an adult can be too hot for a baby’s sensitive skin. The Nationwide Children’s Hospital recommends aiming for bath water around 100°F (38°C). Use your wrist or elbow to check—it should feel warm, not hot.
Related: 11 best baby bath tubs that won’t require a second set of hands