Is there a baby bathtub that’s better than them all? It all depends on where you like to bathe your baby.
You’d think by now I knew what I was doing as a mom.
But no.
With a 5 year break between my youngest two, I discovered that a) I forgot a lot about being a mom to a newborn b) babyhood has become super cool. Yes. In the last 5 years.
Thankfully “b” was easy to deal with. All I did was turn to BCP (yes we read our own articles too, and swipe up to swipe some more, more than we care to admit) and found this post particularly helpful. Once I had the right pacifiers, bottles, and the iconic swaddle, I felt like I could blend in without embarrassing my children. Yes, my children. If you have teens at home you’ll know what I’m referring to. If you don’t yet, just wait. It’s a real joy. There comes a time when you dress and behave a certain way for your teenage children. It’s a suuuper fun and rewarding stage (insert a healthy dose of sarcasm here and here).
Anyway, back to being a mommy, once again.
I realized I had no idea how to wash my newborn baby. I had zero recollection of what I did the other times (weird, I know).
Once the baby’s umbilical cord fell off I got this cute fish shaped tub which was perfect to hold a newborn baby and we really enjoyed it until he was about 3 months old. I really liked bathing him on a counter and having the comfort of the height and not having to bend down.
Once the baby hit 3 months and got chubbier this version got too snug. That’s when I picked up this version at Walmart which lasted me a bit longer.
Bottom line, baby is having fun in the tub. Do we need ALL these options?? Definitely not! But between these three there will be something that works for you.
If you like bathing your baby in the sink you might enjoy The Blooming Bath. It’s a super-cozy-for-baby option that will last from the newborn stage and behind (or really depends on the size of your sink. Downside: it needs to hang dry). Another BCP mom used this bath seat, but she only recommends it for those who have a big sink or want to use the bathtub from the beginning (Plus: No need to drain).
What baby bathtubs do you love?
My laundry room sink! In the past I used the slop sink that came with my house. Washed it out before with magic eraser and mr. clean. Now I have a proper stainless steel sink with a small attached counter… these options are prob great for those that don’t have one…
we have a secondhand plastic israeli baby bath that can fit on a stand or inside the bathtub. after kid #1 i discovered i had no problem crouching at the bath, and the stand was annoying, so we got rid of it for #2. until they sit well we use it with one of those anatomical plastic inserts that they lie on at an angle (admittedly not the most comfortable for them but they seem not to mind). then they sit in it. and then they join their siblings in the big bath and the baby bath goes into the machsan. rinse and repeat 😉
Best investment of my planning years ago even though I didnt have a newborn at the time was to install a large enough sink and high faucet in my laundry room. The counter is officially the changing table with the diaper station set up right there too so its all super convenient and comfortable. Still using it for my baby who’s almost a year now.
(Sink should be wide but not super deep so you can comfortably stand and have a proper grip)
I have the Boon soak bathtub and I love it.
I’ve used the fish tub for three babies and I place it inside the bath tub. I don’t have another surface for it, but I like that I don’t have to fill up the whole bath tub. I use it until they try to start crawling in the bathtub, in which I move them to a seat with suction cups on the bottom. I like the fish tub because the mesh insert can be adjusted to accommodate the baby as they get older, and eventually removed when they can sit up alone. The biggest game changer for me, however, has been a cushy knee pad on the floor –makes bathing everyone sooo much easier.
This tub is perfect for every stage and can be used on the counter, sink or in the bathtub. Works for newborn to toddler and it’s cheap!
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Safety-1st-Newborn-to-Toddler-Bathtub-With-SlideGuard-White/44932647
The fisher price one comes with a mesh hammock and a plastic seat insert. So if your baby really tiny or you are scared to hold them wet (me!) the mesh hammock is great. The plastic seat can cradle your baby (for when they outgrow the hammock but cannot sit yet) and later they can sit in it too. If they get really big and you still want to use the baby bath, remove the seat! The bath can be used on counter or in the bathtub and has a drain. I used mine for 2 kids already.
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Fisher-Price-4-in-1-Sling-Seat-Convertible-Baby-Bath-Tub-Green/32782109
I bought from Amazon a foldable bathtub… Its great fits in the sink and afterwards it gets folded and packed awag….
Angel care baby bath must have, no worrying about the mesh getting moldy or slimey. Good for newborns thru 6 months
another vote for the boon bath tub!! real winner. can be in 2 positions depending on baby’s age and collapses and comes with a hook for super easy storage! must get!!!
Got that one and it’s a lifesaver!
I also planned for a baby bath when I built our bathroom. Instead of a regular sink in the kids’ bathroom, I installed a ladies lav sink, which has one side that angles up. It is the perfect size to bathe baby at counter height, after which I move baby to the adjacent counter to get dressed. I also made sure to install a high rotating faucet on the sink so I can move it away from baby as he bathes. Best investment for a young family.