Baby Bath Support: What You Need To Know
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Finding the right baby bath support can be difficult; there are so many different options available that it can be hard to know which to choose.
Offering support for babies, freeing up your hands so you can have fun playing with your little one, they are an essential piece of kit. From a baby seat or a baby bath support for the tub, through to standalone baby baths – these products can make baths much less stressful.
Why not make your own bath toys to encourage little water babies or play at some indoor splash-tastic water activities? Getting infants used to the water can make your life as a parent more manageable – and luckily, there's plenty of products on the market to help you along the way.
But knowing what's best can be tricky: should you opt for a simple baby bath? Will you regret buying that cumbersome all-singing, all-dancing baby seat for bath time?
Or will you end up reverting to washing your baby in the sink because it's quick and convenient? Read on to find a solution for you.
Before You Buy
Before you buy any baby bath, seat, or bath support, your first concern should be safety. For this reason, always do your research before you purchase and make sure that it can be used safely in your bath in the correct way. Always buy from a reputable retailer.
Regardless of what type of bath equipment you choose to use children should never be left alone in the bath, even for a moment. An adult must supervise them at all times.
Baby Baths
Image © Munchkin
Baby baths tick all the boxes – they're cheap, portable and offer the security of a smaller space for your newborn. You can even find models with added extras such as back and headrests too.
But, this basic bath solution can be awkward to use, meaning you may end up ditching it for a well-practised slippery-baby hold in your own bathtub.
Pros:
It can be placed anywhere – if you position on the floor you'll save yourself a lot of back strain.
It's easily transported for travelling and a reasonable price.
You can bathe your little one in the nursery, keeping their bedtime routine all in one space.
Some have integral plugs for emptying if you use in the main bathtub.
Cons:
They can be difficult to fill and empty unless using you are using them in the bath.
It's only used for the first couple of months.
They're bulky to store.
Rest-On-Rim Baby Baths
Designed with a wider rim, these sit firmly on top of your bathtub, bringing the baby up to a more comfortable level, so it's more fun for you both. It's vital you double-check your bath measurements – otherwise, you may end up buying a very expensive baby bathtub.
Pros:
Can be filled from your bathtub.
You can use them as a standalone piece of equipment or as a travel bath as well.
The built-in plughole makes short work of emptying them.
Cons:
They're bulky to store.
They're more expensive than a regular baby bath and are only used for a short period.
Baby Seats For The Bath
Image © Summer Infant Inc
Let's face it, bath signals playtime, and once your baby gets to around six months they'll want to be sitting up. Bath seats come with a support between the baby's legs and a ring that circles their waist, plus suction pads on the bottom of the bath seat to secure it.
Buy a model with toys attached, and they may never want to get out of the bath.
Pros:
Hands-free bathing for parents, as your baby will be safely supported.
If it comes with toys, these will be attached, so there's no risk of them floating off.
Your baby is in a sitting position, so can have a splash and a play.
This is one of the baby products that you can buy for a reasonable price.
Cons:
Little ones who love to splash a lot will have their movements restricted as the seat holds them in place.
With a bath seat, the baby will be harder to wash all over.
It can give parents a false sense of security. As with all baby bathing products, you must remain vigilant and aware at all times.
Bath Barriers
Image © Baby Dam
Be a water-saving warrior! While these don't offer support for infants in the water, they do help you to work with your own bath. They come with suckers so they can be fitted to your bathtub to create a dam to reduce how much water you need.
Pros:
Adjustable, so you can increase the size of the bathing space as your baby grows and allow room for fun.
Saves time and money associated with running a full bath.
Helps the baby feel comfortable in the family bath from birth.
Can be bought for a good price and used long term.
Cons:
Because you'll need the bath taps to fill it, your baby will be bathing at the tap end of the bath – unless you have a shower-over-bath attachment you can run the water from.
It's another large piece of equipment, although it is less bulky than a baby bath.
You'll still need to support your baby while they're little, so you won't have your hands free.
Bath Supports
Image © Nuby
This does exactly what it says on the tin. The bath support – usually made from either plastic or foam/material – will allow your baby to recline against it and keep their head above water.
Pros:
Your hands will be free to wash your baby easily, and the bath support cradles them.
Foam or towelling options offer the best comfort for small babies.
Babies who dislike bath time may prefer a product that doesn't fully immerse them.
Cons:
Non-plastic options need to be rinsed and wrung out after each bath time to avoid mould.
Some babies may not like being half out and half in the water – particularly the temperature difference.
Babies don't have as much freedom of movement when they're in the reclined position.
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Bachelor of Arts specializing in Literature
Cora LydonBachelor of Arts specializing in Literature
With a passion for inspiring her children, Cora is a journalist with a Bachelor's degree in Literature from the University of Suffolk. She is also a children's book author living in Suffolk. She enjoys seeking out creative activities and places for her family to explore, often resulting in messy crafts at the dining table.
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