How To Pick The Best Bath Seat For Infants And Toddlers

There are so many bath seats on the market. How will you know if you're getting the right one for your family? I've put together a guide to help.

Bath seats are a great way to to give mom and dad a safe and more convenient way to bathe their children. The angles, design of the tub and accessibility will determine how useful or beneficial the bath seat is. 

It's important to remember that bath seats are not safety devices and aren't intended to be a substitute for adult supervision.

When shopping, there are some things you'll want to keep in mind.

• There are 4-in-1 bath seats that grow over several stages with your baby.
• There are inflatable tubs and chairs, though these can be extremely dangerous for your little one.
• Bath rings, neck floats and seats without suction can tip over and be a drowning hazard. Avoid these if possible.
• Be aware of slip-resistant suction cups and padding on the seats to keep your little one sitting in a upright or safely reclined position.
• Some tubs have deep ridges that can collect pockets of soap, and water and mold can grow if not cleaned properly.

I know this is quite a bit of information, but choosing the right bath tub is important.

With so many infant tubs and seats on the market, it's helpful to identify what you're looking for so that you can narrow down your search.

You may not always know what you're looking for, so here are a few things that can assist with narrowing your search.

Important things to consider on your tub or bath chair:

• A reclined seat for newborn - 6 months. 
• A bath chair A bath chair designed to keep your little one seated.
• A transitional chair for when your baby is sitting unassisted. 
• Easy access for your little one to sit and play
• Full 360 protection with high back, closed in sides and arm rests
• Seat to assist with sitting upright.
• Suction cups and non-slip resistance to add sturdiness and increase safety features.

When making a decision, it's not only important to keep in mind the features you'd like to have on your bath seat, but you'll always want to consider your overall bathroom set up. 

For some seats like the Regalo Baby seat, it includes 4 suction legs, and is designed to fit in a rectangular shaped tub.

If you typically handle bath time routine in the primary suite and your tub is an oval or jacuzzi style, you may want to choose a style that is more suitable for the layout of your tub. 

No matter your need, you'll want to be sure to check for suction and non-slip grips that will work to increase the sturdiness of your bath seat as your infant becomes more mobile.

If you do decide to select a more open concept seat that doesn't include restraints or high-sides to keep your little one in place, it's important to be sure your baby can fully sit up on their own.

As you continue to explore the best bath seat for your family, it's important to also remember water safety. 

Some great tips include:

• Never leave your infant or toddler unsupervised in water or bath seats.
• Remember to gather all the items you'll need before starting the bath. (Grab towels, soap and necessities to have them close by.)
• Avoid any distractions during bath time. Keep your attention on baby to assist quickly if needed.
• Don't rely on older siblings or other young children to supervise while you step away.
• If you must step away, take your child with you.
• Always test water temperature with your wrist, pinky's or elbows to prevent burns on young, sensitive skin.
• Always empty water from tub IMMEDIATELY after use.
• Keep doors shut when bathroom is unoccupied by an adult. (This is good practice as kids are playing and exploring around the house).
• Always remember bath seats are to aide in easier bath-time. They are NOT intended to be safety devices or a substitute for adult supervision. 
• Using bath mats and non-slip grippers help prevent slips and falls.

Other amazing safety tips:

• Keep a lock or latch on bathroom toilets and other rooms/household items with water sources.
• Move stools and climbing aides away from the sinks and faucets.

*Our editors love providing information for all ages and stages. Due to this, this article may contain affiliate links and we may earn a small percentage or commission at-no additional cost to you from any purchases made using those links.

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