Slide show: Baby baths

Splashing in the tub can be fun for parents and babies alike. But bathing a slippery, squirming baby can be tricky — especially if baby's not too keen on the idea. Before you plunge in, make sure you're comfortable with the basics.

Sponge baths are often the easiest way to bathe newborns, at least until the area around the umbilical cord heals.

Lay your baby on his or her back on a soft towel or pad. Wet a washcloth, wring out excess water and wipe your baby's face. There's no need to use soap. Use a damp cotton ball or clean cotton cloth to wipe each eyelid, from the inside to the outside corner.

When you're ready to move on, stick with plain water unless your baby is smelly or dirty. Pay special attention to creases under the arms, behind the ears, around the neck and in the diaper area. Also wash between your baby's fingers and toes. To keep your baby warm, expose only the parts you're washing.

Your baby's hair may not need to be washed during every bath. If it seems dirty, gently massage a drop of mild baby shampoo into his or her scalp. If your baby has cradle cap — a common condition characterized by scaly patches on the scalp — loosen the scales with a small, soft-bristled brush. Rinse the shampoo with a damp washcloth.

When your baby graduates to a tub, you'll have plenty of choices. Many parents choose free-standing plastic tubs specifically designed for newborns. For convenience, you can use a plain plastic basin or inflatable tub that fits into your bathtub. The kitchen or bathroom sink, lined with a towel or rubber mat, will also work.

Safety is the most important consideration — not necessarily the type of tub. Gather your supplies ahead of time so that you can keep one hand on the baby at all times. If you're interrupted, take your baby with you. Never leave your baby alone in the water.

You'll need only a few inches of warm water. To prevent scalding, set the thermostat on your water heater to below 120 F. Always check the temperature with your hand before bathing your baby.

Room temperature matters, too. A wet baby may be easily chilled. Be sure the room is comfortably warm — about 75 F.

A secure hold will help your baby feel comfortable — and stay safe — in the tub.

Support your baby's head and torso with your arm and hand. Wrap your arm under your baby's back, grasping your baby firmly under the armpit.

When you clean your baby's back and buttocks, lean him or her forward on your arm. Continue to grasp your baby under the armpit.

As you did during sponge baths, pay special attention to creases under the arms, behind the ears, around the neck and in the diaper area. Also wash between your baby's fingers and toes.

When your baby moves beyond a washcloth for rinsing hair, you may want to try a football hold under the faucet. Support your baby's back with your arm, keeping a firm hold on the head while you rinse.

If your baby cries in the tub, stay calm. Clean what you can and then wrap your baby snugly in a towel. It may help to wait a few days and then try again. In the meantime, use sponge baths to clean the parts that really need attention — the face, neck and diaper area.