Newborn babies are so tiny that it often leaves parents wondering how on earth they're going to cope in this huge world. Their teeny fingers and toes are so beautiful, but at the same time, handling them can be a daunting task. Sure, they're tough little guys and gals, but they're still incredibly delicate and fragile. Giving them their first bath can be a tricky process, but we've got you covered with these handy hints and tips, courtesy of Times of India.

Start with sponge baths. As tempting as it is to let your little one splash around in a baby tub, their first bath should be a sponge bath, at least until their umbilical stump falls off. Lay your baby down on a flat, warm surface and gently wipe them over with a damp sponge or flannel, making sure to get in between the creases.

When you move on to bigger baths, start with the face. Milky dribbles, sicky burbs and even snot (babies get a significant amount of colds in their first year) can make those kissable faces a little grubby. Start there first, gently washing your baby down. It might go without saying, but be sure to avoid using heavily perfumed products, especially on the face.

Keep an eye on the temperature. Checking the temperature of the water should be one of the first things that you do. Babies have extremely sensitive skin that feel the heat more intensely than we do. Just like when you're trying to heat a baby bottle, try some of the water on the back of your hand or the inside of your wrist. If it's too hot for you, it's definitely too hot for your baby.

Limit bath time to 5-10 minutes. It's tempting to watch them kick around in the water forever, but babies get cold quickly, even in warm water. 5-10 minutes is plenty of time for you and your child to enjoy the experience. Remember, they have sensitive skin that is prone to drying out, so once they're clean, it's time to wrap things up.

Related: Mom Says Bathing In Breast Milk Cured Her Toddler's Eczema

Never leave a baby unattended. There are a host of bath seats on the market, but don't let these fool you into thinking it's okay to run and grab the phone. Leaving your baby unattended in a bath is never alright, no matter how long it's for. It only takes one second to make a mistake that will last a lifetime.