Your baby's bath experience should be safe, fun, and stress-free both for the child and the parent. Before you start to bathe your baby, choose the bathing location beforehand and also have the necessary supplies by your side. You will need towels, baby specific shampoo/body wash, washcloths, clothes, and diapers. Besides taking care of the basics, the following tips shall come in quite handy too.
Safety is Paramount
The most important rule when giving your baby a bath is to not leave him in the bath unattended at any time. It doesn't take too long for toddlers to drown when you take your eyes off them for a few seconds - even if the water levels are low. If someone knocks at the door while the bathing is in progress, scoop up your child in a dry towel and carry him with you. Also, throughout the bathing process, you should be holding the baby in one hand if the baby cannot self-balance.
Use a Small Tub
A small tub not only helps prevent your baby from drowning but also helps with regulating water temperature. Get the water ready by pouring in some cool water first and then balancing the temperature with some hot water. The water should be warm, and not hot. To confirm optimal temperature, dip your elbow into the water first. You may even use a water-testing thermometer for this purpose. Also, the bath space should be roomy enough to not feel uncomfortable or claustrophobic. Extremely small bathrooms could echo rushing water sounds, which could be a bit too strong for some toddlers.
Keep the Baby Warm
The room temperature should be relatively warm. Pat-dry your baby right after the bath is finished. Cover your baby's head with any fresh dry towel so that the child doesn't get a chill. Start wiping the baby's body first, while keeping the head covered with a towel. Focus on the head after you're done wiping the other body parts dry.