Most babies love taking a bath – it’s a great way for them to play, relax and learn – and what’s more they’ll look and smell beautiful!

Being in water is such a natural thing for babies after having been in the womb, although in those first few weeks, you could be less than relaxed holding your slippery bub in a tub of water!  

Thankfully most maternity units will teach you the correct way to hold your baby in the bath and if you’re unsure, ask your local Early Childhood nurse or midwife to give you a lesson. 

Once you feel confident handling your baby then you will probably both learn to love this time. And don’t worry – in those early few weeks your baby doesn’t need a daily bath – just giving her a ‘top and tail’ (cleaning her face and bottom) should be enough. 

You’ll also find baths are a great way to help soothe an unsettled baby. Mothercraft nurse Pam Kew advises giving your baby a bath in the evening as part of the bedtime routine. ‘Give them a feed, a bath, dress them and then finish the feed and hopefully they will settle beautifully!’ she says. 

After a bath is also a good time to give your baby a massage – just use a plant-based oil such as jojoba or even olive oil. And remember with products, less is best. Your baby’s skin is very delicate, so dilute shampoos (even baby shampoos) and use an unperfumed baby wash.   

 It’s always a good idea to add cold water first, then hot water, to the bath and aim for 38 degrees. Don’t be tempted to rely on a thermometer as they may give inaccurate readings. ‘Always place your hand and wrist into the water and learn to recognise the temperature,’ Pam advises. 

It doesn’t really matter what you use to bath your baby in – it’s whatever suits the family. You may wish to use a bath seat or support, but remember these aids are just designed to help you support your bub, so you have a hand free to wash her. 

And don’t worry about bath toys in the first few months. ‘Just let your newborn lie there and relax,’ says Pam. ‘Young babies don’t need any extra stimulation.’ 

It’s particularly nice to have a bath or shower with your baby, but Pam suggests making sure there’s help at hand for the first few times you do this, just to make sure you learn to handle your baby as you climb into and out of the tub. She also advises using a non-slip mat both in and out of the bath.

For older babies who can sit up, then you’ll need to stay within arm’s reach of them – and never, ever leave the room while your baby is in the bath. It’s a good idea to bring everything you need into the bathroom before your baby’s bath – nappies, towels and a change of clothes. And remember to always empty the bath after you’ve finished. 

According to Royal Life Saving, there have been 24 drowning deaths of children under five years in bathtubs in the past five years in Australia. 

But if you follow the safety guidelines then bath time will be the beginning of a lifetime of fun with water. As they get older, encourage your baby to play with toys such as cups, sieves and scoops; encourage them to blow bubbles in the water and a little watering can with a spray spout is a great way to gently introduce water over their face.  What starts off as a good way to soothe and calm your baby develops into a fun fixture in the daily routine which your toddler will love. 

• Royal Life Saving run resuscitation and first aid courses.  For more information call 1300 RESQME (1300 737763). (This article first appeared in Coles magazine)