Place all the bath items you need near the bath – towel/s, washcloth, cotton wool, new nappy and clean clothes. Have an unfolded towel ready to dry your baby. Make sure the room is a comfortable temperature.

Fill the bath with just enough warm water to wash your baby. Test the water with a bath thermometer, your wrist or elbow. The water should be 37-38°C and feel warm, not hot.

Moisten a cotton wool ball with warm water and gently clean your baby’s eyelids, wiping from inner eye to outer eye. Use a different piece of cotton wool for each wipe.

Once the bath is ready, undress your baby. Cradle baby’s head and shoulders with one hand and support baby’s body with the other. Gently lower baby into the bath.

Once or twice a week wash your baby’s hair. Lay baby in the bath and gently splash some water onto their head. You don’t need shampoo until baby is older.

Use a soft washcloth for the following steps. 1. Gently clean baby’s face. 2. Clean baby’s neck and body. 3. Clean baby’s genitals and bottom last.

Babies can drown in less than 5 cm of water. Never leave your baby alone in the bath. If you have to leave the bath area, wrap baby in a towel and take them with you.

Support your baby’s head and body when you take them out of the bath. Lay baby on the unfolded towel and gently pat them dry.

Put your baby in a safe place, like a cot or bassinette, before you tip out the bathwater.