Bathing your baby

Bathing

For advice about giving your baby a bath watch this video and see the bathing your baby guide from the NHS.

When you are bathing your baby make sure you:

• never leave your baby in a bath unattended – even when using a baby bath
• start with cold water and add warm water later
• test the temperature of the bath with your elbow before placing baby into the bath
• empty the bath as soon as you have taken your baby out

For more advice, see the Child  Accident Prevention Trust website.

Topping and tailing

Topping and tailing is a term used for a basic cleaning of baby in those first days.

Babies don't sweat, but they do like to feel refreshed and will need their creases, eyes and nappy area cleaning.

Get everything ready for baby:

• changing mat
• clean towel
• top and tail bowl
• cotton wool balls
• fresh nappy
• disposable bag for the rubbish