The first time I had to bathe my son, Oliver, I was terrified. There he was, this tiny, wriggly bundle, and I was supposed to get him clean without dropping him or getting soap in his eyes. I remember standing there, staring at the baby bathtub, feeling completely overwhelmed. If you’re in that position now, take a deep breath – I promise it gets easier.

Let me walk you through what I learned, step by step, in hopes that it’ll make your first few bath times a little less daunting.

First things first: Preparation is key. Before you even think about undressing your baby, gather everything you’ll need. Trust me, you don’t want to be scrambling for a towel with a wet, crying baby in your arms. You’ll want to have:

• A baby bathtub or clean sink lined with a soft towel
• Warm water (test it with your elbow or wrist – it should feel warm, not hot)
• Gentle baby soap and shampoo
• A soft washcloth
• A hooded towel
• A clean diaper and clothes
• Any lotions or creams you use after bath time

Now, here’s a pro tip I wish I’d known earlier: You don’t need to bathe your newborn every day. Two to three times a week is plenty. In fact, bathing too often can dry out their delicate skin.

Okay, let’s get started. Fill the tub with about 2-3 inches of warm water. Undress your baby, keeping them wrapped in a towel to stay warm. Gently lower them into the water, feet first. Support their head and neck with one arm, using your hand to grip their arm farthest from you.

Now comes the part that made me nervous – actually washing Oliver. Start with his face, using plain water and a soft cloth. Wipe each eye from the inner corner outward with a fresh part of the washcloth. Then, move to the rest of the face, neck, and ears.

Next, apply a small amount of baby soap to the washcloth and gently clean the rest of your baby’s body. Pay special attention to skin folds where dirt can hide. For boys, wash the penis and scrotum. For girls, always wipe from front to back.

Washing hair was tricky at first. I learned to tilt Oliver’s head back slightly, supporting it with my arm, and to cup my hand over his forehead to keep water and soap from running into his eyes. Use a tiny bit of baby shampoo and rinse thoroughly.

Throughout the bath, keep talking or singing to your baby. It helps keep them calm and makes the experience more enjoyable for both of you. I used to sing “Rubber Ducky” to Oliver – off-key, but he didn’t seem to mind!

When you’re done, lift your baby out of the tub and immediately wrap them in a hooded towel. Pat them dry gently, making sure to dry in all those little creases.

Now’s the time for any after-bath routines. We always gave Oliver a little baby massage with lotion, which he loved. It’s a great way to bond and can help calm them before bedtime.

Finally, diaper and dress your clean, sweet-smelling baby. Congratulations – you did it!

I know it seems daunting at first, but I promise it gets easier with practice. Before long, bath time might even become one of your favorite parts of the day. It certainly did for us.

Remember, if you’re nervous, it’s okay to ask for help. Having my partner or mom there for the first few baths made me feel more confident. And don’t worry if your baby cries – many newborns don’t like baths at first. Stay calm, keep the experience quick and positive, and they’ll likely grow to enjoy it.

Most importantly, trust yourself. You’re doing great, and with each bath, you’ll become more comfortable. Before you know it, you’ll be a baby-bathing pro, maybe even looking forward to those sweet, splashy moments with your little one.