Only sponge baths should be given until the baby's cord has fallen off and the navel healed and dried. Thereafter, the infant may be bathed in a sink or tub or water using a babyseat. The water should be first tested with your elbow to determine the correct temperature. Baby oil and Vaseline should never be used. Tap water is perfectly okay for bathing. We usually discourage the use of talcum powders, as they seem to cause more problems than they help.