Bath time with an infant or toddler should not be a stressful experience for parent or child. Safety is the priority, but it is also an important bonding time, so take the time to make sure that you have the proper environment to insure success.
When an infant is able to sit up on his own, it is time to move from an infant bathtub into a regular tub. It is important to make the child feel both safe and secure in this new setting. Many parents achieve this by purchasing a baby tub chair. These are designed to assist the baby in remaining in a seated position, while allowing the parent to use both hands to bathe the child.
There are a variety of models available. Some affix via suction cups, and typically offer a structured non-slip seat which is generally surrounded by a ring-like structure to hold the child upright. Many look similar to an activity seat, with toys to hold the baby’s attention to help minimize fidgeting. Other models have a similar configuration, but affix to the side of the bathtub. In addition to these there are models that are inflatable which are used, in essence, to cushion the child and keep them feeling securely contained. These are nice for allowing the child to lie back against the side when washing hair.
When choosing a baby bath tub chair for your bathroom, be sure to understand exactly how it is held in place. Many of the models that rely on suction cups cannot be affixed securely to some non-slip surfaces. For types that are secured by grasping the side, you must be sure that the dimensions will work for your home. For any model, take time to see how the child is placed in and taken out of the unit. Some have mechanisms that allow the seat to open easily, while others do not. When dealing with a wet infant, this can be a key safety factor. Check the size, as certain models are more properly designated as a toddler bath seat and may not work as well for a smaller six month old.
Regardless of the style selected, a baby bath chair must be used cautiously. First and foremost, a child must never be left unattended for any length of time, even when secured within a seat. For this very reason, be sure to have every necessity at your fingertips before starting. Many parents find it convenient to put shampoo, soap and wash clothes in a basket that can easily be set next to the tub during bathing. The right baby tub chair can make the bathing experience simpler and safer for both the infant and yourself.
