Your baby may have great balance and sit without support. But he still needs the safety of a plastic baby bathtub or bath chair. If you don't have a tub or chair, keep one arm around the baby all the time. Gather all the things you need before he goes into the water.

Encourage water play. It helps build coordination and control. Give your baby bath toys and let him splash, pour and catch water. Use bath time to teach. Talk to your baby about water and his play. Even though he won't be able to say the words yet, he'll begin to understand "empty," "full," "dry," "wet," "float" and "sink."

Keep your baby safe in the bath. Here are some ways:

• Stay alert. Don't take your hand off the baby for even a second. If you must move away, take the baby with you.
• Give your baby toys for the bath. Store the toys in a mesh bag that hangs from the showerhead. They will drain and be out of the way of other bathers.
• Drain the tub right after the bath.
• Don't let your baby go into the bathroom without you. Keep the bathroom door closed and the toilet lid down.