6. Bath baby just before bed time

With our first baby, we used to bath her at various times during the day. We began to realise, however, that after the bath she would always sleep for a little longer than usual. So we decided from then on that bath time should be reserved until just before bed time. I personally believe that this is a key factor in encouraging your baby to sleep through the night.

We never bath the baby at any other time, so the baby begins to learn that bath time signals the end of the day and the beginning of a routine that will culminate in a long, satisfying sleep.

It is always important to make sure that the bath water isn't too hot for baby's delicate skin, but ideally it should still be a little warm, so it is soothing and relaxing.

We bath our babies in our ensuite bathroom sink. It is big enough to allow for a good wash, but confined enough to replicate the restricted environment of the womb, which I believe helps to calm the baby.

We spend time making sure the baby makes the most of it, and they invariably find it deeply relaxing. Our last two babies have fallen asleep in the bath on more than one occasion! We never try to excite the baby, just talk to her softly and wash her gently.

Another factor which I think is vitally important is the use of a lavender bath soap. We use Johnsons and Johnsons, and we really do feel that the calming lavender scent helps to promote a good sleep. We use it for baby's head and body.

We use a special, extra soft towel to dry the baby (a harder towel would be like sandpaper againgst their delicate skin) and make sure to thoroughly dry inside all the little arm, neck and leg creases. We make sure that the atmosphere is quiet and relaxed. We keep the change table in our room so we don't have to move around much to attend to baby's needs, and we keep the lights on reasonably low so the baby knows it is winding down time.

I should add a word of caution here: Please never leave a baby or toddler unattended in a bath, even if you think they are safely seated in some kind of bath device. Accidents can and do happen in an instant. Also, please never leave your baby unattended on a change table. You never know when she will wriggle or roll for the first time, and it might just be when your back is turned.