Guide to Baby Bath Tubs: How to Choose & Use One

Bath time is considered to be the most intimate moment between parents and babies. But for first-time parents, giving the baby a bath can be quite a challenging experience. There’s a whole list of things to worry about: “Will the baby slip? What if t he/she accidentally drinks some of the bathwater? Does the shampoo sting?”

In order for parents to be sure that their baby is safe, and for the baby to have a pleasant bathing experience, you have to get the right baby bath. This is one of the many essentials that you need to have in mind when getting ready for a baby. All baby baths are designed having babies’ safety and comfort in mind. However, some come with different features and have a unique design that may be more attractive to some parents. So, let’s check them out in detail.

Popular Models of Baby Baths

Skip Hop Moby

One of the most practical models of baby baths is the skip hop moby. You may find this baby bathtub pretty useful because it can grow with the baby through the first three stages of life. It comes with a washable mesh sling that locks into two ergonomic positions. The first position is higher for full-body support for newborn babies, and the second one is lower for seated support to use when the baby is older and has learned to sit unaided.

You will find the dual-layered mesh very useful since the whole construction is very secure, and you will have your hands and arms free for washing your little one. Plus, you can adjust the sling to a cushioned seat that supports babies learning to sit, and once the baby has mastered sitting, you can remove this sling and have a spacious bath tub for a toddler.

Shnuggle Bath

This baby bath tub model is suitable for babies that have outgrown their first bath, and now they are able to confidently sit up on their own. Typically, this happens between the 10th and the 12th month. This bath type can be used up until around 4 years old (but this still depends on the size of your child). It comes with a slate backrest to provide additional support and comfort for the baby. It’s designed to fit most shower trays, while providing plenty of room for the baby to play.

Basin Bathtub

Basin tubs are standalone mini-tubs that can be used in regular bathtubs, in kitchen sinks, on counters or tables, depending on their size. They are suitable for larger babies up to toddler stage (can be used through baby’s first two years). Some of the basin bathtubs have a newborn-friendly option which can be removed later.

What to Look for in a Baby Bathtub?

The first element that you should consider when buying a bathtub for baby is safety. The safety features that you should look for are non-skid surfaces inside and outside the tub, smooth and rounded edges, convertible flexibility, portability, and ease of draining and cleaning. You’d think that ease of cleaning has nothing to do with safety, but it does. Many mums shouldn’t pick up heavy loads such as a full tub of water postpartum. Plus, if the tub doesn’t drain well, mould and mildew can build up in it, creating a harmful environment for the baby.

Another factor to bear in mind is where you’ll be using it, whether in your own bathtub, on the changing table, or maybe in the kitchen sink. The location makes a big difference because the model you choose may not fit in the place where you want to use it.

How Do You Bathe a Baby Step by Step?

When the time for bathing comes, you have to assemble your supplies first. By supplies, we are referring to a washcloth, soap or shampoo (use ONLY baby-safe soaps or shampoos), and a comb or soft brush. Plus, you have to have a hooded cotton towel for drying after you get the baby out of the tub.

Once you have everything you need, fill the baby bath with warm water (slightly warmer than your skin but not too hot). Gently lower the baby into it, while ensuring that his/her head is supported and that he/she is carefully placed on the baby sling.

Gently clean his/her face and body with a washcloth and warm soap. It’s important that you clean baby’s genitals well, but avoid using soap there because this can cause irritation. While the baby is still in the tub, you can trim his/her nails.

When the time comes for drying, it’s important that you place the hood over the baby’s head because babies tend to lose body heat faster than older children and adults, especially through their heads. After bathing, apply a baby massage oil or some gentle body lotion adequate for baby skin.

While in the beginning your baby might cry when being given a bath, one’s he/she is older bath time often becomes a time of joy and play. Introducing bath toys to your little one is great to keep him/her occupied and having fun.