Babies first bath

They must have a bath every day! Many parents and babies love bath time, but there's no evidence that suggests babies must have a daily bath so if they are not dirty then try every other day. However make sure you wash their face frequently and thoroughly, cleaning their genital area after each nappy change, and cleaning off any other obvious muck, will be enough to keep them clean between baths.

The first bathing experience can be a bit nerve racking for a new parent you may find it a little hard to handle your little one when they are all soapy and slippery, so keep a good grip. Most babies find the warm water very soothing and enjoy bath times but if you have one who hates it or likes wriggling then it maybe a good idea to get a bath seat there are many on the market and they take the fear out of the whole experience. Many baby baths are adjustable in height and have seat in them so it takes the kneeling over the bath out of the equation.

Step by step guide to the first bath

1. Prepare - Before getting your child ready for the bath it is important that you get everything that you will need ready as you can not leave the child unattended in the bath to get something you have forgotten

2. Check the temperature - Make sure the room is warm and the bath water is just warm but not hot, there are some great thermometers on the market that take the worry out of this but if you use none still always check with your elbow it’s the best thermometer you will ever have.

3. Fill the bath - If you child is a newborns or up to six months old, only fill the bath with about five inches of water, or enough to allow your baby to lye in the water with his shoulders well covered or follow the directions on the seat if you have got one.

4. Undress - the baby completely.

5. Place in bath - Slowly ease them into the bath, using one hand to support their neck and head.

6. Wash them - Use baby soap very sparingly as you wash them with your hand or a flannel or sponge from top to bottom, front to back. Wash the scalp with a wet, soapy cloth. It is best to use a piece of moistened cotton wool to clean their eyes, nose and face.

7. Rinse - your baby thoroughly with a clean flannel.

8. Wrap your baby in a towel and pat dry - once their skin is dry, then this is a good time to apply baby moisturiser, the one to choose is dependant on your child skin so its a case of trial and error, it is best to try any new product on a little patch before you put it all over if there is no reaction after 24 hours then is probably safe to use, very sparingly.