Bathing your newborn sounds like a lovely, tranquil activity in theory — and it really does eventually become many parents’ favorite time of day. But at first, many new parents find wrangling a squirmy, wet, newborn to be a little… uh… anxiety-provoking? These baby bathtubs are some of our favorites for helping to make bath time just a little bit easier.
Newborn
Most Likely to Reduce New Mom Anxiety…
This soft foam flower isn’t a structured tub; imagine a cross between a pillow-y tub and a terry-cloth hug. It’s flexible and opens up to “nest” into whichever size sink you have and then opens up to create more space as your baby grows.
Pros: Flexible shape that adapts to baby; Soft, cozy material (good for a new mom’s nerves); Travels well; Many color options (that canary yellow, tho!); No assembly
Cons: Use up to 6 months only; Works only with sinks, not bathtubs; Not compatible with large “farm-style” sinks or very tiny ones; Heavy when wet and can take a long time to air-dry
Newborn through toddler
Most Versatile…
If you appreciate all-in-one products and want something sturdy that can take your baby (and probably your next baby, too) all the way from the newborn to toddler stage, this is your bathtub. It can be used in the sink at the newborn stage and in the tub as baby grows sturdier. Has supplemental pieces to accommodate four stages of development to help support baby.
Pros: Value; Versatility; Will grow with baby; Sling attachment for newborns; Storage hook lets you hang tub when not in use; Plug for easy draining and cleaning: Bonus: cute toy for baby and a squeeze bottle for Mom is included
Cons: Some assembly required; Can be constricting for an active toddler; Not travel-friendly; Multiple pieces can get lost
6 Months+
Most Likely to Appeal to Your Future Olympic Swimmer…
This is as low maintenance as it gets: one lightweight piece with no inserts or attachments. Baby can comfortably lounge and freely kick her chubby legs with abandon. The design holds baby securely, so Mom can have two hands free.
Pros: Durable and lightweight; Made of a mildew-resistant mesh material; Plenty of space to kick legs is great for active babies; No assembly required; Loop for hanging when not in use
Cons: Fits in bathtub only (not sink); Not travel-friendly; No back support for when baby begins to want to sit up more
Most Likely to Join You On Vacation…
This tub is tops in two key categories: portability/travel and EXTREME CUTENESS. While this could certainly be your everyday tub, it’s not quite as durable as some of the other options out there since it’s inflatable.
Pros: Value; Travel-friendly; Safety disc on the inside turns white if the water is too hot; No assembly (aside from inflation – no pump needed); Anti-slip bottom; Phthalate-free
Cons: For use in bathtub only; Not for newborns; Ideal for 6+ months – i.e. babies who can sit up comfortably unassisted
