It is amazing how parents spend time and bond with their babies. And one of these ways is baby bath time. Babies love water but it requires great care to bathe them in a safe manner. Considering this, there is always a debate regarding baby bathtubs and if it’s necessary or not. Let us take a look:
Is it necessary to buy a baby bathtub?
Parents choose different ways to bathe their babies. For instance, some prefer a family bathtub, while others would manage the wiggly little baby in the shower area. Imagine how difficult it is to hold them or maintain a particular position. Keeping this in mind, several parents also choose the sink to bathe their babies. One can add sponges inside the sink but there is always the tap hurdle that could hurt them. For this reason, you have plenty of baby bathtub options in the market to choose from.
A baby bathtub is one of the best and safest options to bathe the baby because it is designed in a way that keeps the baby safe. Most of these bathtubs have anti-slip surfaces which keep the baby upright. One thing to remember, however, is the underlying fact that never leaves your baby in the bathtub alone. He should be watched at all times. Though there are a number of ways to bathe the baby, it is always best to go for a convenient, easy-to-clean, and above all, safest option when bathing the baby.
Pros
While a baby bathtub is the safest option to bathe a baby, you can always use a stool for yourself to ease bathing. This will also prevent your back from straining.
You can place the bathtub anywhere. If you feel that the temperature in your bathroom is unfavorable, you can bathe the child even in the bedroom. This is helpful especially when the weather becomes cold.
Cons
- Some parents would choose to skip the baby bathtub as babies outgrow it and it might appear as an unnecessary expense
How to select the right bathtub for your baby
When selecting a bathtub, you need to look at the material, size, comfort, and price of the baby bathtub. Apart from this, here are a few important things you need to keep in mind when buying a baby bathtub:
- Choose a non-slippery bathtub. The inside non-skid will help the baby bathe properly. The outside non-slip will prevent the tub from moving around.
- Wherever possible, choose a bathtub that has a round edge in order to protect the baby from any injury.
- Check for a portable version, something that is easy to carry and move around.
- You need to make sure that the bathtub is easy to clean and has a drainage area. Initially, after delivering the baby, I could not pick up a bathtub full of water. Luckily, I had a version having a drainage hole at the bottom of the tub.
- If space is an issue, you can go for a foldable bathtub. Many bathtubs come with a collapsible sink. This is easy for drying as well as storage.
- Inflatable tubs might appear as a good option, but they pose a greater chance of tipping over. Therefore, a completely inflatable tub is not among the best options.
What to do when the baby outgrows the baby bathtub?
It is usually around 6-8 months that your baby is most likely to outgrow the baby bathtub. This is the time when your child is able to lift the neck and sit without support. In such a case, it is favorable to choose a convertible tub, that will allow bigger space for the growing baby to bathe comfortably. This again depends entirely upon your
When do you transition from the baby bathtub into a tub?
It is usually after 8 months when the baby is able to sit on his own, that parents decide to transition the baby from a baby bathtub into a tub. You can always see how your baby is achieving milestones. Remember to make bath time fun but safety comes first. You can try a bigger tub or a bath seat and transition slowly.
You can use a baby-friendly mat beneath the tub to make sure your baby is safe.
Tip: Remember to keep the face and the chest of the baby above the water.
What are some Bathtub alternatives?
Some parents might see the baby bathtub as an added expense. In such a situation, they will continue to bathe the child on their legs, in the bucket, or in the sink. There are, however, few alternatives to the baby bathtub. These are as follows:
- Bath buckets
A baby up to 6 months can be given a bath in a bucket. Mothers prefer it because the shoulders of the baby are well supported. However, they are too small leaving less space for the baby to comfortably bathe or play with his bath toys.
- Bath seats
Bath seats are not suitable for newborns and can only be used for around 4 months. In contrast, bath supports are better as they are made up of sponges or foams, leaving the head of the baby from immersing in water. Care must be taken to dry the support in order to prevent any mold buildup which makes it a bit difficult to clean.
- Rest-on-Rim
As fancy as it may sound, this is another alternative to a baby bathtub. These bathtubs come with an extra rim that you can fix on an adult bathtub. You need to choose the right size that fits and as compared to a baby bathtub, Rest-on-Rim options are expensive and not easily available.
Conclusion
As parents, we always want to make bath time a comfortable, and enjoyable time for the babies. There are several options available when choosing a baby bathtub, but one should always look for the material, drainage, portability, size, and price when selecting to the right baby bathtub. I have included a detailed guide to help you with your decision and I hope you will share it with other parents. Waiting to hear from you soon in the comment box below!