Before bathing your baby, be sure to have bathing supplies, clothing, towels and phone within reach. You don't have to have to run to answer the phone and leave the baby alone. Even if the phone were out of reach, let it ring, don't leave baby alone, they will call back or leave a message..if not, it wasn't that important to start with. Never leave the baby alone for any reason.

Keep the room where you bathe the baby warm and draft free and keep in mind, the first few baths won't be easy. Your baby may scream when put in the water the first couple of times..but it will get easier. Newborns only need to be bathed every three days or so.

Test the temperature of the water on the inside of your wrist and you may want to lower the temperature on the water heater to under 120.

Put a towel at the bottom of the sink or bathtub to prevent him/her from slipping.

Never use soap products on baby's face.

Place warm washcloth over baby's belly to keep him/her warm.

Don't clean the inside of the baby's ears.

Wash hair more often if cradle cap develops (a scaly yellow build up on the scalp)

To "cure" cradle cap, rub baby oil into the scalp and let sit for half an hour. Wash hair with shampoo, using a brush to lather up, and then remove scales with a comb. Wash one more time. Cover a baby's head as soon as you are done washing the hair.

Do not use lotion, oils or baby powders. Powders, in particular, can be dangerous to a baby.