Bath time can be a bonding experience for parents and babies — sure, that is one way to look at it. However, that experience might not be as pleasant if there is a wriggling baby involved. It makes bathing harder than it should be. What parents need is a baby bathtub to make the job easier.
Convertible baby bathtubs are probably the best baby bathtub type. These are the types of tubs that parents can use for different ages. They commonly come in various stages.
To learn more about this baby bathtub, continue reading.
What Bath Tub Is The Best For A Baby?
A convertible baby bath tub is the best type of bathroom tub for babies and toddlers of various ages. These tubs typically have removable attachments, like seats or slings, and are sized for infants up through the toddler stage. Essentially, these bathtubs 'grow' along with the baby.
For babies below six months old, parents can use the sling or insert to fully support the newborn when they still cannot hold their head upright and over the water. When they are older than six months, they can drop the sling and use the tub directly until the baby can sit up unassisted.
A great example of a convertible baby tub is the Fisher-Price 4-in-1 Sling' N Seat Tub. It is a convertible and multi-functional baby bath and shower tub that offers four stages of use; from being a supportive sling to a sit-up baby tub.
With close to 20,000 global ratings on Amazon, it is clear that this is a best-selling and well-loved baby bathtub by parents all around the globe. This tub has a grow-with-me design, allowing it to safely accommodate babies at an early age and stage. It has a soft mesh sling that gives way to easy-access baths and a sit-me-up insert to keep slightly older kids steady.
What Are Other Types Of Baby Bath Tubs?
It is established that convertible baby tubs are the best in the market. Unfortunately, they are not for everyone.
The good thing is that there are other baby bath tub types in the market:
Foldable Baby Bathtubs
A foldable baby tub does what it implies — folds and collapses to make it easy to store. These tubs are typically made of plastic and can hold their shape and form when folded. Often, parents can fold it to hang it on a rod or hook. Sometimes, they can collapse it flat and store it neatly in a free space in the bathroom.
Though, be sure to check for leaks. Cheaply-made foldable or collapsible bathtubs can leak after they have been folded and unfolded too many times. That can warrant unnecessary mess.
Inflatable Baby Bathtubs
This bathtub type needs to be inflated before placing it in a regular-sized bathtub. It offers a padded and soft area for the baby to bathe in. However, note that these tubs are not for newborns and infants.
Being inflatables, they are light and easy to tip over. Since newborns don't have proper balance yet, they are at a high risk of drowning or submerging in water.
Basin Baby Bathtubs
These are stand-alone mini tubs for regular bathtub or kitchen sink. Basin-style bathtubs can accommodate older and larger babies — up to two years old.
Sink-Insert Baby Bathtubs
These foam inserts can fit into the sink to make and create a safe bathing space for infants. These are extra helpful and useful since they allow parents to stand upright rather than crouch down on the side of the regular tub, which saves them from back pain.
Note that these inserts are primarily for younger-stage babies (up to six months old).
What Should You Keep in Mind When Choosing A Baby Bathtub?
Buying a baby-sized bathroom tub might be the last thing on most parents' minds. Even if they can't use the regular tub, the kitchen sink is always an option.
What these parents fail to realize is that the kitchen or bathroom sink is uncomfortable for the baby. Hence, the creation of baby bathtubs, which are equipment made with the baby's safety in mind.
Before going out to purchase a baby bathtub, there are a few things to need to consider:
- Bath buckets and inflatable tubs can be dangerous.
- The baby bathtub should be slip-resistant to keep it from moving.
- Avoid bath seats and bath rings since they can tip over.
- Avoid tubs that have rough edges.
- Infant-to-toddler bathtubs will last longer since they are adjustable to the baby’s age.
- Choose a tub with a drain at the bottom for easy drainage.
- Pick baby bathtubs with plastic slots or indents to shampoo, soap, and other cleaning supplies.
What Are The Benefits Of Baby Bath Tubs?
Some parents are not seeing the appeal of baby bathtubs, viewing them as an unnecessary baby item that is wasteful in money and space. However, that is far from the truth. In reality, baby tubs have several benefits that can make the lives of parents easier!
Baby bathtubs are safer than sinks and regular tubs
Most baby tubs are anti-slip, which highly reduces the risk of accidents. It is an extremely useful feature for parents with wiggly and slippery babies in their hands. There is also the fact that these tubs are made from non-toxic materials, designed specifically to not cause any harm to toddlers.
Baby bathtubs save time and money
Bathing a baby in the sink means keeping the water running to wash them properly. Aside from being wasteful in water, that can also create a hazardous environment for them.
Most of these bathtubs are easy to clean and maintain, demanding little to no preparation and cleaning up before and after the bath. By investing in a baby tub, parents can save time by skipping the disinfection process and going straight to bathing the baby!
Baby bathtubs are convenient for mothers
Baby bathtubs, especially sink inserts and standing ones, can be a holy grail for mothers that have just given birth. It means no squatting down or bending beside an adult bathtub to wash and clean the baby.
They also won't feel tired from carrying most of their baby's weight. They can safely sit the baby or let them lie down in the baby bathtub without worrying that they will drown.
What Are The Safety Guidelines For Baby Bath Tubs?
In 2017, the Consumer Product Safety Commission released its guidelines regarding baby bathtub safety. The biggest warning and danger they gave is the risk of babies drowning if left unattended by adults in the tubs.
Even with small amounts of water, the baby will still likely drown if they are submerged enough.
To help parents stay informed, the CPCS gave common hazard patterns to look out for:
- Drowning/near-drowning if the baby is left alone
- Product failure
- Sharp edges/protrusions or lacerations/points
- Slippery bathtub surfaces
- Allergy/mold issues
- Entrapment issues
- And other concerns and issues, including battery-related incidents
A few more crucial guidelines about baby bathtubs are as follows:
- Never leave the baby or toddler alone in the baby bathtub.
- Do not leave the baby in the care of young children.
- Keep children at arm’s length while bathing the baby.
- Learn Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).
Closing Thoughts
Washing a baby during their early days is akin to holding a squirming and flailing slippery fish that refuses to stay still. It's a daunting, tiring, and frustrating experience to endure — let alone do every day. In this case, baby bathtubs can offer a more enjoyable experience.
Convertible baby bathtubs are the best option since they have longer use. From infant to toddler, this bathtub type can adjust accordingly to the baby's age and size!
