The Best Baby Bath: Shopping Guide and Recommendations (04/23)

OKBaby Onda 3-in-1 Multi-Stage Baby Bath, Grey

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24.75 GBP

Karibu Baby Folding Bath (Grey)

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39.23 GBP

LÄTTSAM – Baby bath, white, green

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18.40 GBP

Angelcare Baby Bath Support in Grey

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22.99 GBP

Aqua Scale V3 Next Generation Digital Baby Bath, White

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69.99 GBP

Nuby Newborn Baby Bath with Built in Anti-Slip Support and Soft Headrest – White Bathtub | Suitable from Newborn | Plug Included

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18.00 GBP

Buying and evaluation criteria for baby bathtubs

So that you are not overwhelmed when buying a baby bath, we have listed the most important buying and evaluation criteria. With their help, you can compare the different baby bathtubs with each other. The criteria are as follows:

Material
Size
Colour and pattern
Functions

In the following paragraphs you will find out what is important in the individual purchase and evaluation criteria.

Material

Baby bath tubs are made from a wide variety of materials. You can choose between baby baths made of plastic, polypropylene, metal, polymer and plastic. When offering baby bathtubs, environmental protection is also taken into account. Many baby bathtubs are therefore produced biologically and / or free of harmful substances.

Plastic and petroleum are often dispensed with in the production process. Instead, mainly natural raw materials are used. The organic baby bathtubs are mostly biodegradable. Think carefully about the characteristics you want the baby bath to have and then decide on the right material.

Size

The size of the baby bath is probably almost the most important purchase criterion. If the size doesn’t fit, then all the other factors won’t add any value. There are two things to consider when it comes to size: the height of your baby and the age of your baby. Your baby should not slide under the water surface with its whole body when stretched out.

The baby bath should therefore not be too long. To ensure the baby’s safety, you should be able to hold the baby’s head and legs with one hand each. However, the baby bath must be wide enough so that your baby can still move freely. You should not rely too heavily on the age rating. Every baby grows at a different rate. We therefore recommend that you measure your baby and choose the right baby bath according to these measurements.

On average, a baby bath with a length of 80 centimetres should be big enough for the first 9 months of your baby’s life. The older your baby gets, the bigger the baby bath needs to be. Not only because of the growing body size, but also because the baby becomes more and more active and therefore needs more freedom of movement.

Colour and pattern

The choice of colours and patterns for baby bathtubs is almost limitless. Whether blue, green, pink, white or black. Every colour can be found. And when it comes to patterns, there is hardly a wish that remains unfulfilled. You can decide whether your baby takes a bath with Winnie the Pooh, a penguin or Hello Kitty. Most babies are already very attentive at the age of a few months and observe everything very closely. Your baby will have more fun bathing if he or she likes the colour and pattern of the baby bath.

Functions

The functions of the baby bath are on the one hand about the safety of your baby and on the other hand about your comfort. Here we list and briefly describe the most important functions of a baby bath:

Stability: The baby bath should stand securely and not be wobbly on its legs. Otherwise, the baby bath may tip over if your baby moves too energetically. A tub made of hard plastic, for example, is a good choice because it offers good support.
Non-slip: To prevent the baby bath from sliding around in the bath, on the floor or in the shower, we recommend baby baths with rubberised and non-slip feet. This prevents the bath from slipping and injuring your baby.
Transportable: If you have to put the baby bath away after every bath, it is an advantage if you can transport it easily. Baby bath tubs with carrying handles are particularly suitable for this.
Plug: Many baby bathtubs offer their own stopper. This is a practical extra feature, but definitely not a must. Thanks to the plug, you don’t have to empty the water in the baby bath, you can simply loosen the plug and the water drains out on its own.
Temperature display: Baby baths with a temperature display already have a thermometer built in. The temperature is usually displayed on a small screen. This way you can always keep an eye on the water temperature and act immediately if the water gets too cold or too hot.

If you choose a baby bath that doesn’t have all the functions, that’s no problem. You have to decide for yourself which functions you find useful and which you do not. Besides, you can buy most of the functions later as accessories. So you don’t have to buy a new baby bath if you miss a function later on.

Guide: Frequently asked questions about baby baths answered in detail

In the following, we would like to answer the most important questions about baby bathtubs. After reading this guide, you will know everything you need to know about baby baths.

Why do I need a baby bath?

For hygiene reasons, you should bathe your baby regularly. Fortunately, most babies love to bathe and enjoy their time in the bath. However, bathing a baby in a normal bathtub is very dangerous. Your baby has no grip and can quickly slide into the water with its head. A baby bathtub is the remedy for this.

The baby bath is made especially for babies and equipped with the necessary safety precautions. Thanks to the small size, your baby has more support in the baby bath and can let off steam while bathing. Nevertheless, you should always hold your baby with at least one hand and never let it out of your sight. Even in the baby bath, a baby can drown.

Babybadewanne — Talk to your baby or sing to him or her while bathing. This way you can calm your baby down and maybe even make him smile. Photo source: Shalev Cohen / unsplash

The baby bath is quick to put in and requires little water. It’s also easier to regulate the temperature in a baby bath than in a regular bath. Because of the compact nature, the baby often feels more secure in the baby bath than in the regular bath.

What types of baby bathtubs are there?

There are different types of baby bathtubs. You should therefore think about which type of baby bath you prefer before buying. Do you have a lot of storage space for your baby bath or should it only take up a little room? Is it only for use at home or do you want to take it with you on holiday? To give you an overview of the different types and their advantages and disadvantages, we have put together a table for you:

Type	Advantages	Disadvantages
Classic baby bath	There is a large selection, The baby bath can also be placed in the normal bath or shower, Is usually very stable, Low water consumption	Takes up a lot of space when stowed away, Is usually hard
Babybath with frame / stand	Can be adjusted to the desired height, Can also be used without a stand as a classic baby bath	Needs even more storage space (stand must also be stowed away), Is more dangerous because the baby bath is in the air, Depending on the stand, the device can be unstable
Inflatable baby bath	Takes up little space, Is softer than the other baby baths, Easy to transport	Needs to be re-inflated before each use and the air needs to be let out after each use, Can break down more quickly
Baby bath seat	The seat gives the baby plenty of support, You don’t have to hold your baby so your hands are free, Needs little storage space	You need an ordinary bath tub in the house, Greater water consumption
Baby bath foldable / collapsible	Can be folded after use and therefore takes up little space, Good for travelling	Has to be reassembled every time, Is usually less stable than the classic bath tub
Baby bath tub with changing table	You can bathe your baby first and then change him or her directly, The baby bath tub is at a comfortable height	The changing table takes up a lot of space due to the combination, The baby bath tub is usually very small and only suitable for the first few months

Each type of baby bath has its own advantages and disadvantages. Once you have decided on a type, it will be easier for you to choose.

What do I have to look out for when I give my baby a bath?

Bathing your baby is important and healthy. However, there are some things you need to be aware of when bathing your baby. We have compiled a list of the most important points for you.

Frequency: You should not bathe your baby for the first six to eight weeks after birth. The umbilical cord has to fall off and heal completely before your baby can take a bath. For the first six to eight weeks, you can wash your baby with a wet flannel. After that, it is a good idea to bathe your baby once or twice a week.
Bath temperature: The bath temperature includes both the room temperature and the water temperature. The room temperature should be at least 22 degrees Celsius. For the bath water, we recommend a temperature between 37 and 38 degrees Celsius.
Duration of the bath: The duration of the bath depends on how much your baby likes to bathe and on how old your baby is. During the first two months, we recommend a duration of 5 to 10 minutes; a longer bath could cause the baby to cool down. The bath can be extended by about 5 minutes per month of life. However, if your baby feels uncomfortable or the water gets too cold, you should stop the bath immediately.
Observation: You should always observe your baby during the bath and, if necessary, hold him gently. Never let your baby out of your sight. A baby can drown quickly, even if the baby bath is only filled with a little water.
After the bath: Wrap your baby in a bath towel directly after the bath. Pat your baby dry and avoid rubbing. Baby skin is still very delicate and sensitive. If you like, you can apply a mild baby lotion or baby oil to your baby and then get dressed.

Bathing usually takes some time to get used to. With time, you and your baby will become more experienced and relaxed when getting into the baby bath. By moving gently and calmly, you can soothe your baby and offer him the closeness he needs.