Bathing Your Baby: Choosing the Perfect Infant Bath Tub

Best Infant Bath Tubs

When children are still young, the most important thing that you as a parent can do to help them learn and grow is to bond with them.  Not only does bonding help give them the support they need to reach milestones but it also is the best way to emotionally bring parent and child together.  While there are many activities that promote cheerful bonding, bath time is the perfect opportunity to strengthen a parent and child relationship.  This is because not only is bath time a great way to sooth a fussy baby before bedtime but can help with health issues like the common cold.  When it comes to the actual event, however, safety should always be first.

Bathing an infant or small child is not as simple as filling up a tub of water and washing your child.  Babies, especially little ones, need that extra support when it comes to tub time.  This is where infant bath tubs come into play.  These little tubs or tub inserts not only work to keep your little one out of harm’s way but also gives them the extra body support they need to sit up straight or lay still.  Every parent struggles with bath time but to ensure that you are keeping your child perfectly safe you must make sure that you are first using the right tub depending on your child’s age and size.  Here are some different versions of infant tubs you have to choose from:

• Full plastic tub:

When you think of infant tubs, the first images that may come to mind are those little plastic tubs that are meant to fully hold your infant.  These tubs are the best way to go when it comes to properly cleaning your child.  Parents choose these tubs time and time again because of the different ways you can use them.  Either you can place the plastic tub directly into your tub and fill it up to avoid any messes or you can lay it on your floor and fill it up.  These plastic tubs are great options because they are curved specifically to support your little ones neck and spine until they are ready to hold up their head on their own.

• Seated tub:

Unlike other infant tubs that are means to lay flat, these seated tubs will help you keep your little one in an upright position.  They are often made out of waterproof fabric or mesh so that you can easily clean your child.  There are a great option for smaller bathtubs or if you only have a shower stall because they take up less room.  These chair tubs also help to keep your little one’s head and face far from the water which is perfect for children who suffer from eat infections.

• Inflatable tub:

Inflatable tubs are a great option for not only infants but also for budding toddlers who need a little more independence to explore.  These little tubs are meant to be used directly in your own tub and are a great option for families who have little living space because once you are done using them you simply deflate them and store them out of sight and mind.  Not only do inflatable tubs allow your child to lie down but some even are meant to be used with older children and allow them to sit up while taking a bath.  This not only helps them feel like a big kid but can also help them build and strengthen their tummy muscles.

What to look for in an infant bath tub? 

Before you set out to buy a great infant bath tub there are a few things you should keep in mind.  Here is a check list of some features to keep an eye out for to ensure that you have found the right tub for your little one:

• Safety:

Safety should always be at the top of any parents list and this is especially true when it comes to bath time.  While nothing beats parent supervision, there are some added features that can help keep your little one safe.  Some plastic infant tubs will come fitted with a small buckle.  While this buckle isn’t meant to hold your child down, it will help to keep them from squirming too much and falling out of their tub.  You should also make sure that the plastic is fitted with some sort of cushioned of comfort padding so that there is less chance of them bumping their heads on hard plastic while splashing around.  Lastly, make sure that the tub you choose is fitted with rubberized grips at the bottom to keep the tub from slipping around when in use.  This will ensure that the tub never flips over which can be a dangerous situation.

• Padding or mesh inserts:

While cushioned pads are there to help give your little one some comfort, there are some other features that will do the trick.  Some plastic infant tubs come with a mesh insert, or sling, that lays on top of the plastic tub much like a hammock.  This will suspend your child so that they are not only comfortable but also so that they never are fully emerged in the water.  Best of all, these mesh inserts are often times removable and washable which is a big relief to busy parents.

• Easy to clean:

Whichever type of tub you choose to purchase for your little one, it should always be easy to clean.  Because this product is meant to be used in water there is a higher chance of mold and bacteria growing.  Having a tub that easily allows you to reach all the little corners to ensure a proper clean can not only make all the difference in the world but will also lengthen the shelf life of your infant tub

• Extras:

Some of the best infant bath tubs come with some neat little extras that will make bath time for your little one more exciting.  Some tubs not only come with little attached toys to help keep them occupied but also teething rings.  The teething rings are a great addition because this will help to keep them from eating the soap.  You may even find that the infant bath tub you choose comes with a water cup so that you can quickly and more easily rinse of your child without using any of your own cups.

Now that you know what kind of infant bath tubs there are to buy and what to look for when setting out to buy one, it is time to start shopping!  Here are some great infant bath tubs that are available on the market today:

Fisher-Price Precious Planet Whale of a Tub

While the Fisher-Price Precious Planet Whale of a tub is absolutely adorable to look at, looks are not the only thing it has to offer.  This tub is an amazing addition to the long line of Precious Planet products available in the Fisher-Price brand.  This brightly colored blue and green tub is shaped like a whale and is made out of soft, yet durable plastic.  The soft panel running down the center of the tub is there to not only offer comfort and support to your child but will also help the keep them from slipping and sliding.  Because of the water plug that allows you to fill the tub up on its own, you can feel free to use this infant tub either directly in your own bathtub or can even lay it across your sink.  This is a great option for when it comes to cleaning newborns because recovering mothers have a harder time bending down low into a tub.  

The Fisher-Price Precious Planet Whale of a Tub is meant to work with your child throughout all of the stages of their early life.  Not only can your child lie back while in this tub but that can also comfortably sit up straight which is perfect for budding toddlers who can comfortably hold their own weight.  You can be sure that your little one will get a proper cleaning because of the deep well this tub has which means that you can easily clean the hard to reach places.  Parents who have used and loved this infant bath tub love the addition of an adorable orange water cup.  When you buy the Fisher-Price Precious Planet Whale of a Tub you know that you are doing the best for your little one during bath time because this product is backed by the trusted Fisher-Price name.

Why should you buy it?  Here are some of the features that help to make the Fisher-Price Precious Planet Whale of a Tub one of the best infant bath tubs for your little one:

• Adorable whale design
• Bright colors
• Rinse cup included
• Trusted brand name
• No slip insert
• Water drain plus
• Easy to clean
• Can be used in tub or sink
• Lightweight
• Highly rated and recommended 
• Budget friendly
• Great for infants and toddlers
• Natural curved design

Summer Infant Deluxe Baby Bather

If you are in the market for a great infant tub which is a seated style tub, then the Summer Infant Deluxe Baby Bather tub may be perfect for you.  This infant tub is meant to be used directly in your tub or sink and allows your child to stay in a seated position which can help them to build and strength their tummy, back and neck muscles.  This seated tub is also a great option for smaller spaces because the seated compact size allows you to easily fit it anywhere that you need it to be.  The mesh back support offers a good amount of comfort for your little one and also helps to keep leaking and messes down to a minimum.  There is even a halo head support pillow located at the top of the seat that gives you child a safe and comfortable place to set their head.  This is great news for those little ones who don’t tend to enjoy bath time.

One of the best features of the Summer Infant Deluxe Baby Bather is the seat itself.  Not only does it offer a ton of comfort and support put it also reclines to three different positions so that you can customize it depending on your baby’s comfort level.  Best of all, this bathing chair folds away completely flat when not in use and can easily be stores anywhere without any bulk or added clutter.  Not only is the Summer Infant Deluxe Baby Bather absolutely perfect for smaller spaces but it a great option for families who tend to do a lot of traveling.  This is because this seated bath tub is ultra lightweight, compact and portable and will even make a great back to keep in your car.  You will also love the color choices that get your with this infant bath tub.  From the sky blue to the baby doll pink, you are sure to find the right style to match your preferred design esthetic. Overall the Summer Infant seated tub will make a great tub for even the smallest of infants all the way up to the early toddler years.

What makes the Summer Infant Deluxe Baby Bather a top seller?  Here are some of the great features:

• Seated design
• Mesh sling insert
• Cradle head support
• Lightweight for travel
• Folds away flat
• Fits in any space
• Sturdy metal legs
• Easy to clean
• Adorable designs and patterns
• Budget friendly

The First Years Sure Comfort Deluxe Newborn to Toddler Tub

Some infant bath tubs can seem like a waste of money because they are only means to be used with smaller aged children.  The First Years Sure Comfort Deluxe Newborn to Toddler Tub will actually save you money in the long run.  This is because this baby tub is means to adjust to grow with your growing child.  When your child is still an infant you can safely place them in this tub with the support of a mesh sling.  This sling lies directly over the traditionally shaped plastic tub to act as a hammock to support your child’s weight safely until they are ready to move to the larger basin.  The mesh sling is also fitted with a padded comfort head supporting pillow that will not only offer some real comfort but will help to keep your little one safely in place.  A great bonus to this mesh sling is that it is completely removable and washable for quick and easy cleaning.  Once you are done washing the mesh sling, simply hang it to dry to reduce the risk of mold growing. 

When your baby starts to grow into a curious little toddler you can simply remove the mesh sling on The First Years Sure Comfort Deluxe Newborn to Toddler Tub and wash your baby directly in the plastic basin.  Your child can either lie down or sit up straight with the built in seat ledge that guarantees to help keep them in place during bath time.  Because this basin is lightweight you can feel free to use directly in your bathrooms tub, sink or right on the floor.  Parents love the floor option because it gives you a little extra room to properly clean them.  You don’t have to worry about making a mess either because the water tight plug keeps the tub full without any leaks.  Because of the deep welled basin your little one has plenty of room to splash and play while being perfectly safe and comfortable.  You will also save a great deal of money and stress because of the three different position settings; this will be the only tub you will ever need for your child.

Still not sold?  Here are some features of The First Years Sure Comfort Deluxe Newborn to Toddler Tub that make it a great option for you:

• Bright color options
• Mesh sling for newborns
• Flat position for infants
• Fitted toddler seat
• Waster plug
• Can be used in sink
• Mesh sling is removable and washable
• Easy to clean
• Budget friendly
• Padded head pillow

Angelcare Bath Support

Another unique approach to infant bath time is the Angelcare Bath Support system.  This infant style bath tub works without any bulk plastic basins or seats and is meant to be more comfortable to a child’s delicate body due to the natural way this tub curves.  The Angelcare Bath Support is a plastic base that is fitted with rubberized no slip grips at the bottom of the base so that you can easily place it in a tub or sink without fear of it sliding around.  Seated on top of the base is a plastic mesh like net that makes a comfortable little seat for your child to rest on.  This plastic sling is fitted with tiny holes that act like a drain to keep water from building up and allows you to properly clean your child with fresh water each and every time.  The way the water passes through these tiny holes allows for a more hygienic bath and also reduces the risk of mold and mildew from building up inside the tub.  Because of the way air easily passes through, this bath support system will air dry more quickly.

Because the Angelcare Bath Support is a one piece system, it is compact enough for travel and even outdoor adventures like camping.  This product was designed specifically with anxious parents in mind.  While bath time is an amazing time for you and your little one to bond, it can be stressful time.  This is especially true for new parents.  There are so many concerns about water safety and because of this some parents have a hard time getting their little ones to relax in the tub.  The Angelcare Bath Support system takes all of the guesswork out of your child’s bath time and offers the safest and most streamlines way to properly bathe your child without ever worrying about accidents.  While this may seem like a luxury item, it is actually quite affordable.  The Angelcare Bath Support system will run you the same cost as traditional infant baths do.

Why should you buy it?  Here are some of the great features that help to make the Angelcare Bath Support System one of the best infant bath tubs:

• Compact size
• Great for travel
• Innovative design
• Modern styling
• Sturdy base
• No slip grip bottom
• Mesh like plastic seat
• Mold resistant
• Durable
• Air dries quickly
• Safe
• Affordable

Munchkin White Hot Inflatable Duck Tub

The Munchkin White Hot Inflatable Duck Tub is unlike any other inflatable tub you may have seen before.  That’s because unlike other round or rectangular tubs, this one is shaped like a traditional rubber duck which is sure to bring your little one some delight during bath time.  Not only does this inflatable duck offer an amazing bath experience for your child, it also comes with a great deal of extra features that are sure to make your life a little easier.  Parents who use and swear by the inflatable duck tub love the addition of a safety disc which is located on the bottom of the tub.  This disc is there to alert you when the temperature of the bath is just right for your little one.  When the water is too hot, the disc will turn white to alert you of the hot water danger.  This is great news for parents who are still going through the trial and error stage of bath time and still haven’t quite figured out the temperature.  This inflatable bath tub literally takes the guesswork out of the equation for you.

Many times parents who are interested in inflatable bath tubs have the concern of safety.  This is because these tubs are made out vinyl that can be slippery when wet.  The Munchkin White Hot Inflatable Duck Tub, however, is completely safe.  This is because this inflatable tub features a special textures grip on the inside of the tub that promises to keep your little one safe and secure.  Once you are done with bath time, simply deflate the tub and store away flat in a closet or on a shelf.  The best part about using an inflatable tub is that because it is cushioned with air it is incredibly comfortable to sit on.  The only downside to this inflatable tub is that it isn’t ideal for newborns because there isn’t any support for a newborn’s frail.  It is only recommended that you use this tub from ages 6 to 24 months.  Also because it inflates to a larger size, it is only really good to use in a full size bath tub which may not be ideal for families who live in smaller spaces.

Why should you buy it?  Here is the complete breakdown of the Munchkin White Hot Inflatable Duck Tub:

• Adorable duck design
• Inflates in minutes
• Stores away flat
• Easy to clean
• Safety temperature disc
• No slip grooved texture
• For ages 6 to 24 months
• Budget friendly
• Air cushioned 
• Trusted brand name

Summer Infant Newborn to Toddler Bath Center and Shower

The Summer Infant Newborn to Toddler Bath Center and Shower is one of the best infant bath tubs because it offers some really neat features that you won’t find anywhere else.  The most obvious of these is the shower feature.  This motorized little shower head uses the bath water to push water through the hose so that you can easily rinse your child off.  This is not only a great feature for bigger kids but can also make infant bath time a lot easier as well.  The best part about this infant bath tub by far is all the different positions and stages it offers.  The mesh sling which rests on top of the plastic basin tub is removable and can even be used without the tub itself.  This gives you the option of using the mesh sling directly over your sink which is perfect for parents who prefer to bathe their newborns in the sink.  Once your newborn is a little more solid you can place the sling back over the basin tub and use the attached shower head to give them a nice relaxing rinse.

With the Summer Infant Newborn to Toddler Bath Center, the fun doesn’t end there.  Next phase is to simply remove the sling and use the basin tub as a tradition baby tub for your budding toddler.  They will love the addition of a small shower head because it will help them learn to clean themselves and give them a real sense of independence.  Once your toddler outgrows the tub, you can remove the shower head feature to give yourself a few extra inches and little more room for your baby to grow.  You can even place the shower pump directly into a full size bath once your child outgrows their tub so that they can continue to learn how to properly wash themselves.  You will love the no slip bottoms which help to keep the tub in place and the natural curved shape.

Is this the right tub for you?  Here are some of the features of the Summer Infant Newborn to Toddler Bath Center and Shower a top seller in the baby community:

• Built in shower pump
• Removable mesh sling
• Fits over sink or tub
• Curved design
• No slip bottom
• Budget friendly
• Grows with your child
• Promotes healthy cleaning habits
• Allows for some independence 
• Adorable pattern and design

Fisher-Price 4-in-1 Sling N Seat Tub

The Fisher-Price 4-In-1 Sling N Seat Tub is a great choice for your infant bathing needs because the complete set comes with everything you need to have a happy and safe bath time.  The water basin tub is perfectly curved to comfortable fit any child and holds true to a more upright position which will also help to sooth your fussy little one.  The head rest is fitted with comfort padding with is slip proof.  This is great news for little ones who tend to worm and squiggle in the water.  If you are look for a great tub for your newborn, don’t worry!  The Fisher-Price 4-In-1 Sling N Seat Tub comes with a mesh hammock which will cradle your little one safely.  This mesh sling is easily removes and washable for quick clean up.  When your child gets a little more confident when it comes to holding their own weight, simply remove the sling and let them splash around in the deep basin tub.  

The bottom part of the Fisher-Price 4-In-1 Sling N Seat Tub has a little shelf like portion which magically becomes a seat for older children.  This seat is covered in soft padding which also grips their bodies to help to keep them in place.  Parents who use and love this infant tub love the addition of a little hanging hook at the top of the tub which allows you to directly hang dry the tub on your shower rod.  By letting your tub air dry naturally, you are reducing the risk of mold and mildew from growing.  Along with the bath tub and mesh sling, you also get a squeeze bottle which allows you to gently wash water over your child to give them a properly cleaning.  The little washing cup that comes with this set does a great job of rinsing shampoo directly out of their hair without getting water in their sensitive eyes.  This cup also makes a great toy to help you wiggling little ones occupied.

Why should you buy it?  Here are some of the great features you will find with the Fisher-Price 4-In-1 Sling N Seat Tub:

• Four different positions
• Removable mesh sling
• Hanging hook
• Air dries quickly
• Water squeeze bottle
• Cleaning cup
• No slip grips
• Padded headrest
• Can use in tub or sink

Luxx Baby BF1 Folding Bath Tub by Karibu w/ Non-Slip Mat

Rounding out the list of the best infant bath tubs is the Luxx Baby BF1 Folding Bath Tub.  This luxury infant bath tub will run you a pretty penny but if you have the money to spare, it is totally worth it.  This tub is absolutely perfect for families who find that they are running out of space in their home.  This is because the Luxx Baby folds up flat for storage.  Unlike other deep basin tubs that you either have to hang up or put away in a closet, this one will fit neatly in any small space.  You will love the addition of the prop legs that feature a no slip bottom to ensure that the tub doesn’t move around during bath time.  There is even a heat sensitive drain built in for that little bit of extra safety to keep your little one’s skin from burning.  Best of all, the Luxx Baby tub air dries quickly to avoid any build up of harmful bacteria.  The tub itself is made out of BPA free safe plastic and is not processed with any lead or latex which is good news for children, and parents, who have sensitive skin and allergies.

The Luxx Baby tub even comes with its own bath mat so that you can easily use this tub on the ground without worrying about it moving or taking a spill.  This mat is also good news for parents who have bad knees and find themselves having a hard time kneeling for long periods of time.  The mat not only offers a little bit of cushioning for your knees but will also help to keep the floor around you dry as well.  If you find that you still don’t have the space to store this tub, you can easily hang it up with the included hook on your towel rack of shower bar for a quick dry.  It never has been easier to give your child a nice bath while keeping them safe and also saving some serious space.

Is this the right baby tub for you?  Here are some features that help to make the Luxx Baby Folding Bath tub a best seller:

• Pop up design
• Folds away flat
• BPA and latex free
• Adorable color
• Heat sensor drain
• Bath mat included
• Non slip legs
• Easy to store
• Deep well basin

Keeping your child safe:

While it is extremely important that you stay with your child at all times during bath time, there are a few extra safety measures you can take to ensure that there are perfectly safe.  Here are some tips to keep in mind before bath time:

• Keep away from appliances:

Before even filling up your baby’s tub with water, make sure that the area is clear of any electronics.  If you are bathing your child in the bathroom make sure that hair dryers and electronic razors are properly put away from any running water.  The same goes for if you are bathing your child in a kitchen sink.  Make sure the countertops are clear of plugged in appliances.  This not only reduces the risk of a potentially dangerous electric situation but also will keep loose wires out of your child’s grasp.

• Keep area dry:

If you are bathing your child on the bathroom floor in their infant bath tub, place a towel down first.  This will help to keep the area by your feet dry.  This is helpful because your center of gravity may be thrown off when lifting your child and the last thing you would want is to slip while holding your little one.

• Always follow instructions:

No matter which infant bath tub you end up purchasing, always follow the instructions completely.  Make sure to never overfill the tubs and to always properly check the temperature of the water before placing your child in it.  What may seem like a warm temperature to an adult can be too hot for a little one’s sensitive skin.  If you are using an inflatable infant tub, make sure that it is filled with air fully so that there is no slacking in the fabric which can be a hazard.

• Be vigilant:

Nothing beats a parent’s watchful eye.  So stay aware and stay ready.  When you are bathing a newborn it is a good rule to always give their necks and heads extra support.  If you are feeling uneasy about bathing your new baby, there is no shame in asking for help.  Having someone there to support you for the first few times you bathe your child is a great way to help keep your mind at ease.  You will become a master at this fun task in no time!

In Conclusion

Whether you are in the market for one of the best infant bath tubs for your newborn or if you are looking for a better one for your infant, always stay true to the features that are important to you.  This way you can be sure that you have found the one that will work best.  Just make sure to know the style of tub you want and whether or not you will be using it in your tub or in your sink.  It is also important to note that if your home only has a shower stall, that your options are fairly limited.  So do some researching and comparing and you are sure to be happy.  Just remember that no matter which infant bath tub you choose, you will still be having an amazing bonding experience with your little one which is the most important thing in the world.  Good luck!