The baby and the bathwater – how to wash a small child.

Firstly, having cold air next to baby’s skin can add to the general discomfort and you’ll find it turns into more of a battle than it has to be. Heat the bathroom first so that it’s a comfortable temperature for baby to be naked in. If it’s easier to heat another room then consider buying a moveable baby bath and move to that room.

Before you begin lay out the baby’s towel, a fresh nappy and clean clothes in a handy spot, along with any powders, creams or other items you’ll be using. It’s important that these things are nearby so as not to allow time for the baby to become cold or uncomfortable after the bath.

It’s much more fun for both you and baby if you don’t have to worry about every splash, so lay down a plastic tablecloth underneath the baby bath (but be careful not to slip if it gets wet!).

When filling the bath be sure to run cold water before hot, this way you’ll bring it up to temperature making sure you don’t get used to the heat and making it much easier to judge a suitable warmth. Scalds can happen in a moment and can be very serious. A baby’s bathwater should be tepid; you can test it by dipping your elbow in.

Never leave a baby or small child alone in the bath, even for a few seconds. Rather ignore the doorbell or the telephone; your child’s safety is more important. Remember: children can drown in very shallow water.

Don’t use a very large bath to start with, the high sides might make a small baby feel insecure and can cause panic. Tiny babies – up to one month old – can even be washed in hand basins. Hold the baby securely supporting its head at all times and be very careful to avoid knocks. Be sure to wrap a facecloth around the hot tap.

How often to bath? Every day or every other day is best. ‘Topping and tailing’ (cleaning the face and bottom) is the time-honoured method of keeping baby clean between baths. Do it at least twice a day in addition to bathing.

Finally, feed the baby after the bath rather than before. Newly fed babies may vomit if they get moved around too much.