• Make sure the bathroom temperature is warm.
• Many small tubs are available at baby stores. Put only a few inches of water in to begin with. Smile at baby and encourage him or her to kick and play. Gradually begin scooping up water to pour over baby's body. The goal is to help baby fully enjoy the sensation of the water.
• Play soothing music while baby is being bathed. Sing to baby during bathtime to make the first experience with water peaceful. If you are a new parent and nervous about the first few bathtimes, ask a grandparent, friend or experienced someone to be there — just having someone by your side will give you more confidence.
• If two adults are available, one can get into the bath with baby, holding baby close or letting baby lie on top of the adult's stomach as the water inches up. The second adult needs to be ready to take baby and wrap him or her in towel when bathtime is over, so the bathing adult can get out of the tub. Trying to climb out of a baby with a slippery baby is dangerous.

Developmental toys like shape sorters and stacking rings aren't limited to the living-room floor. In fact, babies who won't sit long enough to play educational games out of water just might enjoy them at bathtime.

Homemade fun:Use cookie cutters or stencils to trace shapes on a colorful rubber place mat. Then cut out the shapes and let baby stick them to the sides of the tub and tiles.

Any kind of plastic bottle that squirts is great fun — prepare to be squirted!

Soap crayons and bath paints are a must since the bathtub is the ultimate location for messy art experimentation.