• Bath mats
• Top and tail bowls
• Bath thermometers
• Towels
• Flannels & sponges
• Cotton wool & cotton buds
• Scissors & clippers
• Brushes & combs
• Bath toys

Bath mats

When your baby is in the adult bath, you must have a mat to prevent him slipping or falling. The mat should fit snugly into the bottom of the bath and have good suction pads. Look out for the heat-sensitive variety which changes colour if the water is too hot.

Top and tail bowls

These are small bowls with two or three compartments, two for water and one for soap. The idea is that you can have a small amount of clean water and a sponge on hand for your baby’s face and a different one for your baby’s bottom. These bowls are also useful for nappy changing.

Bath thermometers

You can check the water temperature with your elbow or wrist (you soon get to know what’s comfortable for your baby), but using a water thermometer as well is reassuring. The ideal temperature is 36-38 C. There are various makes available, from simple thermometers to fun designs that double up as bath toys.

Towels

Your baby shouldn’t share the family towels for hygiene reasons. Choose good quality baby-sized towels that will wash well and remain soft. You can also buy towelling wraps which have a corner turned over, making a hood to slip over your baby’s head for instant warmth while you cuddle her dry.

Flannels & sponges

The sponge or flannel you use for your baby’s face should be different from the one you use for washing the rest of her. You can buy various baby-sized sponges, including natural sponges as well as man-made ones. Some are labelled hypo-allergenic. Whatever you buy needs to be very soft.

Cotton wool & cotton buds

These are useful for careful washing and gentle cleaning, particularly around the delicate ears, eyes and nose and nappy area. Baby cotton wool should be ultra soft and made of pure cotton. It comes in pleats, balls, pads or on a roll.

Scissors & clippers

Baby scissors are small, have rounded ends and blades that cut without being sharp. Some people prefer to use special clippers to deal with tiny nails.

Brushes & combs

Few babies have enough hair to warrant regular brushing or combing in the early months. Once they do however, it’s worth having a set exclusively for your baby’s use. Choose a brush that is small, extremely soft and gentle, and a comb that has blunt, rounded edges.

Bath toys

To begin with, your baby will take little or no notice of bath toys, but once a baby is sitting up in the bath, toys come into their own There are plenty to choose from; some make noises, bob about or squirt out water. Simple things can give just as much pleasure, however: a small plastic jug or cup for pouring water can keep a baby amused in the bath.