Although some parents bath their babies every day, until yours is crawling around and getting into things, a daily bath isn’t really necessary, but it is nice for a bonding time and both baby and parents love it, and it is a time where both mum and dad can get involved.

When you do bath them, you may find it a little scary 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. Always remember it’s not safe to leave a baby or toddler alone in water, even for a second. If you’ve forgotten something, or if the phone rings, you must take your baby out of the water and wrap her in a towel to keep warm, and then take her with you.

Here’s how to do it and what you’ll need to make baby-bathing easy. With any luck, their bath will become one of the most enjoyable parts of your days together:

• Get all your accessories ready- bath product, lotion, towel, clean nappy and sleep suit

• Make sure the room is warm and the bath water is comfortably warm but not hot- Put cold water in the tub first, and then hot. This reduces the chance of scalds. Test the water with your elbow (as hands can bear very high temperatures) before you put your baby in

• Bring your baby to the bath area and undress them completely.

• Gradually slip your baby into the bath, using one hand to support their neck and head.

• Use a little soap as you wash them with your hand or a flannel or sponge from top to bottom, front to back. Use moistened cotton wool to clean their eyes and face

• Keep talking to your baby for reassurance and to let her know them safe

• Rinse your baby thoroughly with a clean flannel.

• Wrap your baby in a towel and pat them dry. Keep talking to your baby for reassurance and to let her know she’s safe

• When you’ve finished, take your baby out, wrap her in a towel and then dress them ready for bed

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