BY THE NUMBERS:

1. Ensure the water is the correct temperature by using your elbow. The elbow is more sensitive than your hands and it should be comfortably warm, not hot

2. Undress your baby, ease them into the water. If you’re in a tub, sit first before placing them in the tub. It’s important to have as much control of the child as possible. Hold his head up with one hand while you wash him with the other. Make sure the water is deep enough so that the child is kept warm, but not floating or difficult to control and move around.

3. Wash from the feet up. Occasionally dip the washcloth in the water and wash, then dip once more and squeeze the cloth over the baby to rinse the soapy residue.

4. Be careful not to get soap in his eyes* Wash eyes from the inside out with a squeezed out washcloth very gently. Wash the head last, tilt their head back and let the water run off the back of their head by pouring gently from a cup.

5. Rinse the child and now they’re ready to dress and take on the day. Be careful when lifting a wet child, they’re slippery.

• If you do get soap in the child’s eyes, just rinse gently with clean warm water. If you’re using baby shampoo/soap, everything will be fine. Any irritation should go away quickly.

Co-Bathing

1. Many mothers co-bathe with their children and there’s no reason that dad’s cannot enjoy the same bonding activity.

2. Be sure you’re settled first and the water should be just below your knees. Leave the baby in their carrier or seat until you’re comfortable and in a secure, seated position.

3. Use your legs to control the level of the water on the child’s body. You can gently splash water onto the child, wash them as per the above instructions and the steps are the same

4. Exercise caution when exiting. It’s best to have your spouse/partner available to take the child. However , if you planned ahead, you can line their cradle, seat, carrier with a fresh towel and place them back into the carrier before exiting the tub.