Slide show: Baby baths

Baby baths can be fun for parents and babies alike. Sometimes bathing a slippery, squirming baby can be difficult, however — especially if your baby's not too keen on the idea. Before you plunge into baby baths, make sure you're comfortable with the basics.

You might consider giving your newborn a sponge bath, at least until the umbilical cord stump falls off. To give your baby a sponge bath, 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 usually no need to use soap. Use a clean cotton ball or cloth to wipe each eyelid, from the inside to the outside corner.

When you're ready to clean the rest of your baby's body, stick with plain water. If your baby is smelly or dirty, use a mild moisturizing soap. 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 might not need to be washed during every bath. If it seems dirty, gently massage a drop of mild baby shampoo into your baby's 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, cupping one hand across your baby's forehead to keep suds out of his or her eyes.

When you're ready to give your baby a tub bath — whether you do so right from the start or you try sponge baths first — you'll have plenty of choices. You can use a free-standing plastic tub specifically designed for newborns, a plain plastic basin or a small inflatable tub that fits inside the bathtub. Lined with a towel or rubber mat, the kitchen or bathroom sink might be another option.

Remember, though, safety is the most important consideration — not necessarily the type of tub. Gather your supplies and a cup of rinsing water ahead of time so that you can keep one hand on the baby at all times. 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 (49 C). Always check the temperature with your hand before bathing your baby. Be sure the room is comfortably warm, too. A wet baby may be easily chilled.

A secure hold will help your baby feel comfortable — and stay safe — in the tub. Use one of your hands to support your baby's head and the other to hold and guide your baby's body into the water, feet first. 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. To keep your baby warm, pour warm water over his or her body throughout the bath.

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.

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 might want to try a football hold under the faucet. Support your baby's back with your arm, keeping a firm hold on your baby's 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. You might want to wait a few days and then try again. In the meantime, use sponge baths to clean the parts that really need attention — your baby's face, neck and diaper area.