Some consider a baby bath essential while others pick up on the recommendation that a baby bath isn't necessary - you can bathe baby in the kitchen sink. Yes it is possible but it isn't as easy as one is led to believe and if it is a first baby and mum isn't that confident, it can spell disaster, not only for getting baby clean but also for mum's confidence. A baby bath isn't that expensive so every family should have one.

A towel is another essential. Again many mums just use what they have already, but there are specialist towels such as the Cuddledry which can make life so much easier. Then there are soaps and creams of various types. The majority of these are sold through the supermarkets as mum will pick them up at the same time as the family food shop. Own label are an important area but many mums are prepared to spend that bit extra for something of a higher quality. Again supermarkets lead the way, but there is room for some products in the nursery retailer.

Retailers know that it their expertise that can often win them sales and bath time is one area when mums are needing information. Don't let the relatively low value of the products put you off making an effort to give bathtime a good display.