How to bathe newborn babies

The most important thing to remember about bath time is to never leave your baby's side. Babies can slide down and quickly become submerged in even a few inches of water. Using a baby bath seat is no assurance that your baby will be safe in the tub. Many seats can easily tip over. If you need to leave the room, wrap your baby in a towel and bring your baby with you.

Here are tips for giving your baby a tub bath:

Put the washcloth, soap, and shampoo -- everything you'll need for the bath -- close by. That way, you don't have to leave the room once your baby is in the tub. Also, lay out your baby's diaper and clothes where you can easily reach them after the bath.
Fill the tub with two to three inches of water. The bath should be warm, but not hot. To be sure the water is the right temperature, test it first with your elbow. Make sure your water heater is set to no more than 120 degrees Fahrenheit so that you can't accidentally scald your baby.
Wash your baby's face gently with a wet washcloth. Use a wet cotton ball or washcloth (no soap) to clean your baby's eyes and face. Wipe from the inside of each eye to the outside. Make sure you get any dried crust out of your baby's nose and eyes.
Soap the washcloth (use a gentle, no-tears baby soap or wash) and clean your baby's body from top to bottom and front to back. Make sure you clean inside all of the little folds. Wash the diaper area last.
Fill a cup with water to wet your baby's hair. Put a small amount of no-tears baby shampoo on your baby's head. Rub in a gentle circular motion. Keep your baby's head tilted back so the shampoo doesn't run into your baby's eyes.
Fill the cup again with clean water to rinse your baby's hair and body.
When lifting your baby out of the tub, support your baby's bottom with one hand and your baby's head and neck with the other. Make sure you have a firm hold so your baby doesn't slide away.
You don't need to use lotion, but you can apply it after the bath if your baby's skin is especially dry.
After the bath, wrap your baby in a towel and gently pat your baby dry.