Most of you will be tempted to bathe your baby daily. This may prove to be necessary in some cases due to messy bowel movements, or when they throw up. However, it's only necessary to bath them every two or three days, or even less if you wish. Just as we're all told as adults:
Bathing robs the skin of needed moisture and with infants too much bathing can cause chafing of the skin. Keep in mind that a wipe down with a moist washcloth and some gentle soap can be just as effective during infancy.
Equipment
Some parents will prefer to use the kitchen sink to bathe your baby, but a plastic baby bath will give you a greater degree of control while you're washing them. You should never use the bath tub, as they will always want to squirm around at the worst possible moment and it's harder for you to grab them while your crouched over. A plastic tub specifically made for bathing your baby will give their delicate bodies more protection in the event they slip out of your hands and bang their head or other body part.
Other things to consider:
Lukewarm water is best, it's better to err on the side of caution when it comes to temperature in order to prevent scalding their sensitive skin.
Three inches of water is plenty and will make sure there is no chance of them getting a mouthful of water.
Use as little soap as necessary when bathing your baby.
Always support their neck with one hand, while pouring water on them with a cup, or lightly washing them with a washcloth.
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