Bathing a baby can be a difficult task - showering with your baby or bathing in the family bathtub is often tricky and dangerous.
Although babies are initially scared of water, they need regular baths for health and cleanliness, to reduce the risk of adverse health conditions. It is also a form of play that provides emotional benefits.
How can we help your baby bathe comfortably? A baby bathtub is specially designed to help your baby enjoy bathing safely and calmly, accommodating his or her stages of growth.
With a baby bathtub, baths become an enjoyable time for both you and your baby. You can also teach your baby the importance of touch and the feeling of eye contact.
Why you need a baby bathtub
Babies can drown quickly in shallow water, hence bathtime should be treated with care. The bathing procedure is very complicated for babies.
For example, you need to place non-slip mats, check water temperature, and find a position in which your baby is comfortable.
Hence, baby bathtubs make the process much safer and easier. You will need a sturdy, safe, and supportive baby bathtub which is easy to clean and anti-slip. In addition, baby bathtubs come in all shapes, sizes and styles to suit personal preferences.
What to look for in a baby bathtub
We have shortlisted a few important points for you to consider when looking for a baby bathtub:
Safety features
- Non-skid surfaces both in and outside the tub - ensure the tub doesn’t move when your baby is splashing about.
- Smooth, rounded edges - reduce the risk of bruising if the baby slips.
- Convertible flexibility - so that it can accommodate a growing baby.
- Portability - you may want to bathe your baby in the sink first, and then move to the bathtub when they grow bigger.
- Easy to drain and clean - mould and mildew can build up in a tub if you do not drain it well. Also, it’s hard for new parents to pick up a full tub of water, especially for postpartum women.
Type of bathtub
Consider your baby’s age, where the bath will be held, and how much space you have. Here are a few options:
- Sink-insert children’s bathtubs - foam inserts that you can fit into your sink to create a protected space to bathe your baby. This is helpful so you can stand upright when bathing your baby rather than crouching on the side of the bathtub. Inserts can be folded down for easy storage when not in use. This can be used till the baby is about six months old.
- Basin baby bathtubs - standalone mini-tubs that can be used in your kitchen sink or the bathtub, depending on the baby’s size. These tubs can accommodate larger babies up to the toddler stage which is about two years old.
- Convertible tubs - adjustable and can grow with your baby, converting from a sling that fully supports your newborn when they cannot hold their head up, to a bigger tub that allows a larger, older baby to sit upright.
- Foldable tubs - they collapse for easy storage in small apartments.
- Inflatable tubs - these tubs can be deflated for easy storage and travel.
- Luxury tubs - usually battery operated with bells and whistles like motorized water jets, calming vibrations, and shower nozzles.
- Standing tubs - these structures elevate baby to your height with sturdy frames.
Best features to look for:
These features can make bath time easier for you and your baby.
- Temperature gauge - Many baby bathtubs come with a colour-changing drain plug or sticker like strip to let you know if the water is too hot. Parents should make sure the water is about 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Overhanging rim - this makes it easier to handle and less likely to scratch your baby.
- Non-skid surface - this prevents your baby from slipping.
- Water-fill line - there is usually a raised or printed line around the inside of the tub which serves as a good gauge to avoid overfilling. Experts recommend filling the tub with two to four inches of water.
- Drain plug - instead of lifting a heavy tub to drain it, you can simply remove the water through a drain plug.
Tips to consider when buying a bathtub for your little one
Here are some recommendations when buying a tub for your baby:
1. Choose the right size.
A big tub would mean your baby has more room to slide around, however, this increases the risk of drowning. On the other hand, an overly small tub can be very uncomfortable and tougher to clean. Check out the weight and size guidelines provided by most manufacturers.
2. Find one that's easy to clean.
The more crevices a tub has, the longer it will take to sterilize. Find a tub that’s easy to clean and dry to prevent the growth of mildew.
3. Second-hand baby tubs are fine but avoid used baby tub seats.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) advises caution when using second-hand baby tub seats. These are non-slip bases that help your baby stay upright during bathing. Some of the second-hand seats may use suction cups to provide stability. With age, the suction cups may detach and cause accidents.
Top Baby Bathtub in Singapore
To make your search easier, we came up with a list of the best baby bathtubs in Singapore.
[product-comparison-table title="Top Baby Bathtub in Singapore"
Best Bathtub for Newborns
What We Love:
This mesh baby tub fits your newborn comfortably with its super ergonomic design. Unlike traditional tubs, it drains easily so your baby can dry safely, thanks to its mesh material, which is also resistant to mildew. Its hygienic design provides optimal comfort and support for your baby.
Best Features:
- Soft-touch bath support - warms quickly to baby’s body temperature and bathwater.
- Unique design - safe sturdy sides and an angled area made from warm plastic for your baby.
- Hygienic and mould resistant - mesh material allows for quick draining.
- Safety features: Water level indicator and anti-slip base.
Most Budget-Friendly Bathtub
What We Love:
This adorable foldable tub comes with a special petal design that helps secure babies comfortably. Use it as a bathtub by placing it in the sink for your baby’s bath, and toss it into the dryer for easy cleanup.
Best Features:
- Made with soft padding to support the baby's neck and back.
- It is versatile, can be used in sinks or bathtubs of many sizes.
- High-quality crystal super soft and sandwich net material
Most Versatile Bathtub
What We Love:
This ergonomic tub is a versatile two-in-one bathtub and changing table that offers practicality. Keep your baby’s diaper accessories in its multiple removable storage components. It also comes with anti-slip inserts.
Best Features:
- Standing bathtub design helps the mother bathe the baby comfortably, preventing back pain for mothers, especially for postpartum women.
- The diaper changing table can be used to change diapers or massage the baby.
- Neat, smart and safe waterproof design.
- An accessory box can be attached to store shower materials.
Best Bathtub for Travel
What We Love:
This bathtub is for you if you love travelling with your baby. The tub comes with a cute design and has a saddle horn to prevent your baby from slipping. Soft and cushy, it’s easy to drain water through the bottom plug. Inflating the tub is also easy and fast.
Best Features:
- Adorable design.
- Materials are 100% phthalate-free.
- Safe, padded space with saddle horn for anti-slide.
- Easily inflatable and drainable.
Best Bathtub for Small Spaces
What We Love:
Thanks to its foam backrest and rubber feet, this compact and comfortable tub make it easy to bathe in small spaces. Suitable for almost every sink size, this tub only requires two litres of water.
Best Features:
- Compact size keeps water warmer longer.
- Bum bump helps support the baby in an upright position and prevents the baby from sliding.
- Foam backrest for added comfort.
- Handy plug to easily empty and refresh the water.
Most Adaptable Bathtub
What We Love:
This award-winning spacious bath can fit your baby from birth to four years old. It is lightweight and easily collapses for storage and travel purposes. With ergonomic and flexible support, your baby can bathe in ultimate comfort.
Best Features:
- Award-winning and unique space-saving design.
- Optional Newborn Support gives additional comfort for the baby.
- Foldable and portable.
- Made from plastics completely free from harmful substances.
Price comparison
Here's a price comparison of the best baby bathtubs in Singapore for your quick reference:
Editor's Note: Each item and price is up to date at the time of publication. However, an item may be sold out or the price may be different at a later date.
How to bathe a baby in a bathtub
Here are some bathtub hacks that we hope will help you in bathing your baby!
- You can immerse the baby in the water for a bath once the umbilical stump has fallen off and any circumcision incisions have healed. Prepare everything you need for the bath, then fill your baby bathtub with a few inches of warm water. The water temperature should be somewhat warmer than your skin temperature (about 100 degrees Fahrenheit).
- Gently lower the baby into the tub, ensuring that their head is supported and that they’re carefully placed on the baby sling.
- Gently clean your baby’s face with a washcloth, then wash their body with warm water with soap.
- As your baby grows, he or she may develop chubby rolls, and it is critical to gently clean between these folds to avoid yeast infections. Dirt and dead skin can also cause skin irritations. When cleaning your baby's genitals, wash their vagina from front to back. Also, avoid applying soap on the vagina because it can cause irritation.
- After bathing, quickly and gently pat your infant dry. Too much exposure to air after a bath can hurt or irritate your baby's skin.
- Once your baby is out of the tub, add a baby massage oil or gentle body lotion to comfort his or her sensitive skin.
Thank you for reading and we hope you enjoy bath times with your baby!
