Bathing your new babyDon’t bath your baby straight after a feed or when he is very tired or hungry. Make sure the room is warm before you begin. 1. First, gather everything you will need so it’s all within easy reach, bearing in mind that you will only have one hand free until you get to the point where you are lifting your baby out of the bath. You will need:
It’s not really necessary to use shampoo until your baby has a fair amount of hair, but if you need to use one, choose a gentle product specially designed for babies. Squeeze a small, pea-sized amount on to the crown of his head and smooth it gently over his hair. Then, using a jug of fresh, luke-warm water, pour it over the back of his head until all the shampoo has gone.
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1.
Run the cold water into the bath first, then add the hot, testing the
temperature at intervals by dipping your elbow in. The water should be
no deeper than four inches, and should feel just warmer than tepid, as
your baby’s skin is five times more sensitive than an adult’s.
You can buy a 
2.
Begin by undressing your baby to his nappy, then gently cleansing his
eyes, ears, nose, face and neck creases, using luke warm water, and a
fresh piece of cotton wool for each area (see 
3.
It’s easiest to wash your baby’s hair before you put him in
the bath. Swaddle your baby in his towel, with his arms tucked inside,
and a piece of towel folded over at the back, so that you can dry his
head easily afterwards (or use a hooded towel). Hold him firmly under
one arm, supporting his head with the same hand. Hold him over the bath,
tipping him down slightly to avoid the water going in his eyes. Sponge
or scoop some water over the back of his head using your free hand, then
quickly pat his head dry. 
4.
Unwrap your baby and remove his nappy, cleaning the area with another
damp piece of cotton wool. Cradle him in your arms and lower him into
the water. Support his head and shoulders with your forearm, and grasp
his shoulder and upper arm with the same hand. 
Support
his bottom with the other hand until he is touching the bottom of the
bath, then use this free hand to swish water gently over his body. There
is no need to scrub your baby with a sponge or flannel. The idea at this
stage is to get him used to the sensation of being in the water, and to
help him to relax.
5.
After a few minutes, lift him out of the water, holding him firmly, as
his skin will be very slippery. Wrap him snugly in his towel, and lie
him on the changing mat, then pat him dry, paying particular attention
to skin creases in the neck, arms and legs. If you’re using nappy
rash cream, apply it now, then put on a clean nappy and dress him. If
he has a lot of hair, he may enjoy a quick spruce up with a baby hairbrush.
