Pregnancy Article:

To buy... or not to buy?
Part 3: The Baby Bath

By: Amanda Jephtha

Amanda and her son Lex

From baby baths with stands and shelves, to womb-style tubs and bath supports, baby baths come in all shapes and sizes. But do you actually need one?

Baby baths are made from plastic and are fairly lightweight when empty, albeit awkward in shape. They are suitable from birth until your baby can sit up unsupported. Some baby baths come with a stand with castors and shelving, whilst others need to be positioned on a stable surface, such as a table or the ground.

But how will you fill, and more importantly, empty, the baby bath?

A hose connected to the tap is the most comfortable way to fill the bath. Baby baths can be heavy and awkward to transport once filled, and are prone to sloshing all over the floor. The key is to fill it only once it's in location.

To empty the bath easily, look for a baby bath with a plughole and connecting hose. Simply remove the plug and allow the water to drain through the hose into the adult bath or a sink. An alternative is to use a bucket or saucepan to drain the water for those without an inbuilt plughole, however this is a more cumbersome and time consuming method.

What if you have nowhere to use the bath comfortably, nor anywhere to store it?

A womb-shaped tub can be a great space saving option. These aren't much bigger than a regular bucket, and this bath enables your baby to sit upright in the fetal position, emulating life in the womb. They are easy to tip and drain due to their small size, and the water's small surface area means the water stays warmer longer.

Some baby baths form part of a bath and change table combination. Essentially, this combination looks like a traditional change table, but the baby bath sits underneath the removable top bench where the baby lies. However, will you always be bathing and changing your babe in the same spot? Do you really want to push the bath/table from bedroom to bathroom?

A bath support can be used in lieu of a baby bath altogether. Similar to a reclining banana lounge, these supports can be made of plastic, or the more comfortable toweling, to recline your baby in the adult bath. You will still need to bend over the bath to tend to the baby, which can be quite uncomfortable; not only on your back, but on your knees.

And what will you do with the cumbersome shaped bath once it's been outgrown?

Don't discard the laundry or bathroom sink too quickly. Easily filled and emptied, and at a great working height, the humble sink can make a wonderful - and inexpensive - baby bath. And you won't need to worry about storage.

Why not bath together with your baby in the adult bath? Babies thrive with body contact, and bath time is a wonderful opportunity for the both of you to bond in the water. This task is more practical with a second person at hand.

Remember, every baby (and parent) is different, and will have their own hidden agenda. To buy... or not to buy? You be the judge!

IMPORTANT: NEVER leave your baby UNATTENDED in any bath. Babies can drown in a few centimetres of water, quickly and silently.

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