After washing your hands, undress the baby apart from the nappy and wrap him/her in a warm

towel.

Test the temperature of the bath water with a bath thermometer or your elbow to check that it right for
the baby.

Gently wash the baby’s face with wet cotton wool. Soap should not be used.

The eyes should only be cleaned if infected or sticky. Wipe each eye from the inside corner outwards,
using a clean piece of damp cotton wool for each eye.

Wash the scalp with water. Soap or shampoo only needs to be used once or twice a week. The hair must
then be well rinsed, using a jug of clean, warm water for the final rinse.

Take off the nappy and clean the bottom with wet cotton wool or wet wipes.

Add some baby bath lotion to the water before placing the baby in the bath.

The baby needs to be held securely, hold one arm around the back of the neck and shoulders, and hold
the far arm to stop the baby from slipping.

Allow time for the baby to splash and kick but avoid chilling.

Lift the baby out onto a towel.

Dry by patting gently, not by rubbing. Pay particular attention to the creases of the neck, armpits, groin,
back of the knees and back of the ears.
Baby oil or moisturiser may now be applied to the skin; do not use talcum powder with oils, as it will
form lumps and cause irritation.

When turning the baby over to dry the back, the safest way is to turn the baby towards rather than
away from you.

Check if fingernails and toenails need cutting. Always use blunt-ended nail scissors and avoid cutting
nails too short.

Apply nappy cream to the bottom to prevent soreness. Dress the baby in clean nappy and clothes.