If you don't have time to set up a proper bath, or your baby is excessively soiled, an alternative can be a quick shower in the bathroom or laundry sink. Avoid using the kitchen sink, as germs from your baby's bottom (or if your baby poos while showering) should not come in contact with where you wash your eating and cooking utensils.
This can only be done if you have a single tap for hot and cold water. Run the water with a mix of hot and cold until the water is comfortably warm. If your hot and cold water 'change' in temperature when other water is being used, make sure other taps aren't in use while showering your baby (for example the washing machine). In cooler months make sure there are no draughts and the room is comfortably warm. If using a heater, be careful with electrical heaters in wet areas.
Have fresh clothes, a nappy and a laid out towel in close reach. Undress your baby and give them a quick rinse under the tap, before placing your baby on the towel to dry them before dressing.
Lying in shallow water in the big bath
Instead of using a baby bath, some mothers will place a few centimetres of warm water in the big bath for their baby to lie down and have a kick and a splash. If the surface of your bath is slippery you may wish to place a small towel or a special non-slip bath mat underneath them. They can also use mats to sit on as they grow older and can sit in the bath.
This is a more 'hands free' method, as long as you make sure your baby doesn't roll over! When doing this kneel on the floor so you don't strain your back.