Baby bath seats can make bathtime easier for you and your baby.
When your baby is a few weeks old and his or her umbilical cord falls off, it is time to change from sponge baths to giving your baby a full bath in a tub.
Designed just for this purpose, baby bath tubs can make bathtime a much easier process for you and your baby.
Baby bath tubs come in all different types and sizes. Depending on your needs and your baby's bath style, you can find a baby bath tub that is comfortable for your baby and can grow with him or her.
You'll use your baby bath tub a lot so you want to get one that will be easy to use. What type of bath for baby is best? And is a European baby tub better than a basin one? Read on to learn more about baby bath tubs and decide which kind will work best for you.
Do I really need a special bath tub for baby?
It's true that some parents bathe their infants in sinks or in plain basins, but using a baby bath tub will make it easier for your to give baby a bath. When you wash your baby in a sink, you must line the sink with something (like a mat or towel) and that lining can grow bacteria so it needs to be cleaned for each use. Sinks and basins don't have any support for baby and can make the bath more uncomfortable. Baby bath tubs feature slings or head supports to make your baby cozy during bathtime.
How much do baby bath tubs cost?
Don't worry, getting a baby bathing tub is not going to hit your pocketbook too hard. Most baby bath tubs are thirty dollars or less, depending on the type of tub and the features. More expensive tubs (like European baby baths or the tummy tub) run around the forty and fifty dollar mark.
Types of baby bath tubs
No longer just limited to a plastic water basin, these days baby bath tubs run the gamut on different types. The main differences are really in the way that the tub holds your baby and whether the baby bath tub stands alone or is used inside of a sink or full size bath tub.
The main types of tubs as far as the stand alones versus the in-sink or in-tub baths are stand alone baby bath tubs (usually plastic), inflatable baby tubs for use inside a bath tub and in-sink tubs which are basically slings that hold your baby over the sink area. If you're short on storage space, inflatable or in-sink tubs can be a good choice, but if not, consider using a stand-alone baby tub because it can be easier to use.
The other kinds of baby bath tubs are all in the stand-alone tub category. There are regular basin type tubs and also the new trendy European or tummy tubs. The big difference here is that a basin tub keeps your baby in a somewhat reclined position while the tummy tub (which looks much like a large bucket) has your baby in an upright fetal position. Many parents like the benefits of the tummy tub and compare it to the feeling that baby gets in the womb. European tubs also use less water. On the other hand, tummy tubs require that you hold your baby's head during the bath so you must maneuver with one hand to wash your child. European tubs also have no easy way to rinse your child.
What to look for in a bath for baby
What your really want to look for when looking at baby bath tubs are the size of the tub, the type of tub, portability and extra features. Because you'll start get a bath for baby when your child is still an infant, the size of the baby bath tub is important. Its best to get a baby tub that will be big enough (or adjust in size) for your baby as he or she grows. That way you don't have to go out and buy another bath tub when your baby gets bigger.
The next thing to look for is the type of baby bath tub. There are lots of different kinds of baby bath tubs, and we go over the most common types above. Keep in mind the way you want to wash your baby and find the type of tub that will make it easiest. Another thing to look for is the portability of the baby bath tub. If you get a stand-alone tub, you will probably need to move it to and from the water source between bath times. Bulkier baby bath tubs are more difficult to move and store.
And the final things to look for in baby bath tubs are the extra features. Baby tubs come with different features that can make bathtime more comfortable for your baby and more simple for you. Some common features are slings that hold your baby comfortably in the bath, adjustable tub size, shower spray, head-rest, foldable tubs for easy storage and bath toys.
While most parents will just want a basic tub, you can take a look at the different features and see if there are some that would be useful to you. The best baby bath tub features are adjustable tub size and a sling to make baby more comfy for the bath.
Where to buy a baby bath tub
There are lots of places that have baby bath tubs available for purchase. In fact you can find them pretty much anywhere that sells baby items - Walmart, Target and baby stores like Baby Depot carry baby bath tubs. You may want to shop around online and read some user reviews before purchasing a baby bath tub. You can also purchase a tub from online retailers. If you want a special European baby bath tub, it may not be available in many stores so shopping online will be easiest.
How to use baby bath tubs
You may feel a little nervous the first time you use your baby bath tub, but don't worry, bathing your baby is not hard to do and as long as you test the water and supervise your baby at all times you'll do a great job. If you decide to use your baby bath tub inside your regular tub, place it in the tub and make sure that it is fully put together and anchored before you put baby in it.
If you're using the baby bath tub on its own, simply place it in a warm area of your home near a water source. Depending on the type of baby bath tub you choose, you may want to line it with a non-slip mat to keep your baby from sliding around during bathtime. Once the tub is in place and you've gathered all the supplies you need, fill the baby bath tub with warm water (about 2-3 inches) and test it before placing your baby in the tub for a bath.
Baby Bath Tub Safety
Safety should always be your number one priority when giving your baby a bath. You may not think that a few inches of water present a risk to your child, but an inch or two is all that it takes. First and foremost, never leave your child alone in the bath tub. Make sure all of your baby's bath things are within arm's reach so you can attend to your baby the entire time he or she is in the bath.
Another safety concern is the temperature of the water. Always test the water with your wrist or elbow to make sure you won't scald your baby's skin with water that is too hot. Wash your baby's face only with water and a washcloth. And when washing your baby in the bath tub, do not use detergents or bubble bath in the water as those chemicals may give your baby a rash.


