Try these strategies for improving bath-time efficiency, safety, and fun:

• Turn your hot water heater to a low setting (about 120°F) to avoid dangerous burns.

• Don't answer the phone, even a cell phone, while bathing your baby.

• Let the calls go to voicemail. It's too distracting to be talking on the phone while bathing a slippery baby.

• Remove shaving razors from the sink and edge of the tub Put liquid baby soap into a clean pump dispenser for one-handed use.

• Save the spray bottle the hospital gave you for cleaning your perineum and use it to rinse your baby's hair.

• Bring on the washcloths — the more the merrier. Besides the one you're using for washing, spread a few others across your baby to keep him warm. If you have another child, give him a washcloth to soak with water and drip onto the baby's tummy. You may be rewarded with tandem giggles.

• Pat your baby dry. Don't rub, as this can irritate delicate baby skin.

• Heat the towels in the dryer, and let them cool slightly — your baby will love the snuggly warmth.

• The kitchen sink makes a great place for a baby bath if you have a spray hose and faucet that turns out of the way and all the dishes are done.

• Save your back. Put the baby bathtub on a counter.

• Make your baby comfortable in the baby bath or sink and reduce the chance he'll slide around. Put a folded towel or special-purpose bath sponge on the bottom before you put your baby in the water.

• When your baby is ready to graduate from the infant tub to the big tub, start out by placing the infant tub inside the big tub for a few baths to get him used to the transition.

• Bathe with your baby. It's a lot easier on your back than leaning over the tub, and you're bound to get wet anyway. (If you have a hard time finding enough time for your own bath in a normal day, this idea is for you.). Have another adult nearby to pass the baby to you when you get in the tub and so you can hand off the slippery baby when it's time to get out of the tub.

• Get a spray hose that attaches to the tub faucet; you can use it to rinse your baby with clean water, and it makes hair washing much easier.