Toddlers may not need a daily bath, but the one thing they do need is their own tub. Even though it’s said that once your baby is able to sit properly he can transition to a regular tub, still, a lot of parents don’t feel safe doing that.
Speaking of which, staying safe than sorry is always a better idea, so you really shouldn’t wonder about ‘ Do toddlers need a tub?”. And being available in numerous types and styles, you can easily choose the right baby bath tub for toddler that you can use until the toddler age is over.
When and Where to Give Your Toddler a Bath
There really isn’t a good or bad time of the day to bathe your child. The one thing you should consider though is choosing a time when you feel more relaxed. That way, you can be sure that you’ll be able to deal with all of your child’s behaviours, games and maybe tantrums for not wanting to get out of the water.
Exceptions exist always, but most babies love taking a bath and getting out of the water could be a real nightmare. Literally. Anyhow, if your baby is feeling more relaxed after the bath, you might consider the idea of bathing in the evening or right before bedtime.
The best place to give your baby a bath is in the bathroom. However, you can do this wherever you want, even outside on the balcony or yard when the weather is warm. Just keep in mind that these outdoor baths will prolong because of the joy of being able to splish splash freely.
Types of Bathtubs
Truth is, there are tons of different kinds of tubs, ranging from the most basic and ‘old-fashioned’ types of bathtubs to more sophisticated and fancy tub for toddler models. While all of them have their pros, the idea is to choose a functional and convenient bathtub.
Standard Bathtub
As the name suggests, these types of baby bath are traditional plastic designs with no extra features or details on them. Even though the newest models might have a padding, special head support and a designated space to place soap and shampoo, the most basic types don’t have any of these things. So, if you’re a first-time parent, you might benefit from the newest and more modernised types of standard bathtubs. Regardless of the type you choose, the one thing you should look for is a bathtub with an anti-slip bottom.
Collapsible Bathtub
Collapsible toddler bath tubs are quite functional because they allow being folded flat for easier storage. That being said, these bathtubs don’t take up a lot of space and the best of all is that they can expand as your baby grows and you can use them until the toddler’s age. This feature, in fact, makes it an extremely affordable option as well.
Foldable Bathtub
Unlike the collapsible alternative that fold flat, these bathtubs can be easily folded in half which eases their storage. This feature makes it the perfect option for travelling as well. The only downside is that these bathtubs aren’t as sturdy as the basic non-foldable models which is something you should take into account before making the final purchase.
Bucket Bathtub
These tubs are in the form of a bucket and are designed for your child to sit in them. Having that in mind, these tubs aren’t appropriate for children under 6 months of age. They’re quite easy to use since you can easily clean your baby’s skin. The main downside is that they don’t come normally with a padded area or headrest, so sitting on them can be uncomfortable for some children.
Inflatable Bathtub
The greatest benefit of inflatable bathtubs is their convenience and ease of use. However, in order to choose a quality and functional one, you should look for a bathtub of this kind that is fully padded. Additionally, its bottom has to be textured so that your child can feel comfortable while laying or sitting in it. These bathtubs are great for taking with you when travelling, but their biggest downside is they aren’t long-lasting.
Convertible Bathtub
These bathtubs usually have a mini hammock that is fitted directly onto the tub. Usually, this hammock is ideal for little babies, but once they grow, the hammock can be easily removed which makes them proper for toddlers.
Bathtub with Stand
For ease of convenience, you can choose a tub for toddler with a stand that you can use and place anywhere you want. By investing in a tub like this, you’ll avoid the need to bend over from which your back can benefit a lot. Depending on the type and stand you choose, some of them can be easily converted into a changing table which is great.
Extra Features to Consider
Support Sponge
Made of slip-resistant material that is usually contoured with soft cushioned edges, the support sponge is perfect for offering head, back and neck support. However, its maintenance and cleaning can be tricky since its texture is prone to mould and mildew. Hence, you need to air-dry it completely after each use.
Non-Slip Mat
In case the chosen bathtub doesn’t have a non-slip bottom, then you should consider getting one. Usually, today’s models come with suction cups that are designed to stick completely to the tub’s bottom. This will make bath time safer since there won’t be any accidents with the mat slipping.
Back Rest
Even though a great number of bathtubs come with a backrest, if your chosen model doesn’t come with one, you can always buy it separately. Just be sure that the chosen model is compatible with your bathtub.
