Keeping these tips in mind, you may now start the water!

1. Run about two inches of warm water in the baby tub. The baby's entire body does not need to be submersed in water and keeping the water level shallow is the safe way to go. Also, don't forget that just because you like your baths scalding hot with lots of bath beads and scented bubbles doesn't mean the baby will enjoy his bath that way. So keep the water nice and lukewarm.

2. Gently and briefly dip the baby in and out of the water a couple of times before placing her in. This is to gradually introduce the baby's sensitive body to the water temperature.

3. Use a soft and soapy wash cloth to clean the baby all over. Include the face and the folds of skin around the baby's neck and never resort to scrubbing (remember - not a Labrador!). Rinse the baby well with gentle pats of bath water.

4. To shampoo your baby, pull her down into a reclining position, her head dangling just over the top of the water (and of course, with one hand behind the head supporting it). Work the shampoo from front to back so that soap doesn't get onto the baby's face. Massage her scalp with your fingertips and then use your cupped hand to rinse the baby's hair thoroughly.

5. After the bath, shift your baby into a nice warm towel and pat her dry - don't rub!

Put the Baby to Sleep

We're not talking about the way that you put a dog to sleep, sicko. We're talking about sleepy-time (get used to the baby talk). It seems that if a baby is tired, she should just go to sleep, right? Unfortunately, the opposite prevails as being more common: tired babies will often fuss.

Here are some helpful options:

· Got a rocking chair? Use it! The rocking motion helps to lull fussy babies to sleep and gives you a chance to get off your feet. Some other soporific tricks include rocking the baby in your arms, rocking on a big swinging chair, going on car rides, or walking around the block with the baby in your arms or in a baby carriage. Long story short: gentle rhythmic motion is good.

· Droning or methodic background noise can put anybody to sleep, including your baby. So turn on a fan, the dishwasher, or the repetitive tinkling music of a crib mobile. If all else fails, take the baby to a lecture at your local university.

· If it's a nice day, push the baby's crib near a window or take her to the park in her carriage. Fresh air often seems to do the trick.

· If all else fails, lie down with the baby and pat her arm or leg methodically until one of you passes out from sheer exhaustion.

· The position in which a baby should sleep has been thoroughly debated over the years. Nowadays, doctors and scientists who have studied the cause of a very scary occurrence called Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)-when infants die in their sleep for no apparent reason -- recommend that babies be placed on their sides or backs, NOT their stomachs, when they sleep. Studies show that this is the safer position.

Baby Massage

Massaging your baby not only leaves them feeling happy and relaxed, it can calm them during stressful times - such as after receiving immunizations. Evidence also suggests that regular massage can also be very beneficial by speeding preemies weight gain, reducing colic and even bolstering immune systems. Parents enjoy it - after all who can resist touching that soft baby skin.

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