Begin by turning up the heat in your house (or turning off the air conditioning) so that the room temperature is about 72 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Gather a washcloth, a towel, baby shampoo and soap (chemical-free if possible), baby wipes, a clean diaper and a change of clothes, and mildly warm water in a sink or basin. Check the water temperature with your forearm to be sure that it's not too hot.

When you're ready to begin the bath, lay your baby on his or her back on the towel or pad you've prepared. Keep your baby warm and cozy during a sponge bath by wrapping him in a towel and exposing only the parts you're washing.

Use a clean cotton cloth to wipe each eyelid, from the inside to the outside corner. Wet the washcloth and wring out excess water before wiping your baby's face. Be sure to wash creases under the arms, behind the ears, around the neck and in the diaper area. Also wash between your baby's fingers and toes.

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