To buy… or not to buy? - Part 3: The Baby Bath
Part 3: The Baby Bath
By: Amanda
Jephtha
Amanda and her son Lex
With so many products and choices to choose
from, it can be difficult to decide what you really do and don’t need
to buy. Amanda Jephtha from Planning
for Babe writes this objective series to help you decide - with confidence.
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.
About The Author - Amanda Jephtha is the successful
owner of unique business Planning for Babe www.planningforbabe.com.au - exclusive baby planners.
Amanda’s expertise and friendly approach makes buying for your baby a pleasurable (rather than an overwhelming!) experience. Matching the perfect products to your individual lifestyle, Amanda makes sure you buy the right products first time around.
Check out her blog for her tips and insights.
© 2008 Planning for Babe
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