Bathtubs are not just a place where you scrub your toddler clean, but also a place for frolic. Bath time include a lot of splashing and paddling! Toddlers discover fun in the mundane activity of bathing by making their tub a mini playground. This means that picking a good bathtub is a must. It should have the best of features, and comfort should be a priority.
MomJunction presents a list of 15 toddler bathtubs for you to choose. We also list a bunch of things you must consider before making a purchase.
This tub is meant for bigger toddlers as it can accommodate them till the five years of age.
Deep and wide tub area that can hold 19 gallons (70 litres) of water.
Fits conveniently in an adult tub thus making it easy to drain used water.It is made from durable and tough rubber.The material dries easily and can be rolled or folded for easy storage.
Bathing a toddler is important, but can also be risky since toddlers tend to be curious and hyperactive. For this reason, it is essential for parents to follow some safety precautions.
How To Choose A Toddler Bathtub?
Bathtubs for toddlers come in an array of designs and attributes. Here are some features that should be a part of your checklist:
Non-skid tub surface: A soapy and playful toddler can get tough to handle. It increases the risk of slippage. Having a bathtub with an anti-skid surface prevents a fatal slip, thus ensuring the toddler’s safety.
Smooth tub rim: The rim of the bathtub should be smooth and devoid of sharp edges. As the toddler holds the edge for support, a sharp rim can be precarious. It is a bonus if the bathtub has anti-skid material on the rim.
Water-fill line: Choose bathtubs that show water level markings, telling you how much water they can hold.
Easy to clean material: Bathtubs are made from different kinds of plastics with varying textures. Select those that are easiest to clean and have a lesser tendency to develop mineral scales from water. If the bathtub has inserts, then it should attach neatly without leaving any wide gaps where dirt and moisture can accumulate.
Water temperature indicators: Babies should be bathed in warm water, and you should always check the water temperature before putting the little one in the tub. Choose tubs with built-in water temperature, which could be digital or small pieces of plastic that change color as per the water temperature (2). Bath tubs with digital temperature indicators are expensive but provide precise water temperature. Color-changing plastics are far common since they are relatively inexpensive.
Plugged drain hole: When the toddler is done bathing, the last task is to get rid of the used water. Bathtubs with pluggable drain holes make clearing the water hassle-free.
A good toddler bath tub will be lightweight and made from non-toxic materials .
Types Of Bathtubs
There are three fundamental types of bathtubs.
Plastic bathtubs: These are conventional bathtubs made from plastic and may have a molded surface to easily place the baby in the tub. It can have a place to hold the toddler’s toys while he bathes.
Inflatable bathtubs: These look like miniature versions of inflatable garden swimming pools. Inflatable bathtubs for toddlers are easy to carry, wash, and store, thanks to their flexible plastic material.
Foldable bathtubs: As the name suggests, these bathtubs are foldable. Portability is their USP, and they are an ideal travel bathtub for the toddler. These tubs are made from flexible, water-resistant polymer attached to a wire frame that collapses and makes the tub easy to store.
Safety Precautions When Using Toddler Bathtub
Bathtubs are fun for toddlers, but they could be dangerous too. Slip of a leg or arm could take time to heal. Therefore, follow these safety precautions to avoid any unpleasant experiences in the tub:
Never leave the toddler alone in the bathtub: When bathing a baby, give him your undivided attention. Gather all the necessary bathing things, such as towel, diapers, soap, powder, etc., before you begin to bathe your baby. According to the American Academy of Paediatrics, drowning is a leading cause of deaths in toddlers, and it can happen even in a bathtub (1). A toddler does not have the necessary muscle control and dexterity to lift himself up from a fall. During a bath, the toddler can fall flat or roll back even when supported with a ring seat. The risk of drowning then becomes imminent. Therefore, always place one hand on the toddler and never leave him alone in a bathtub.
Do not overfill the tub: Every toddler bathtub manufacturer recommends the maximum tub water level through conspicuous markings. Even if there is an extra room for more water, never overfill the tub. It can cause soapy water to splash into the toddler’s mouth and nose. In the case of foldable bathtubs, overfilling can strain the hinges and joints thus affecting the tub’s durability.
Water temperature should be comfortable: According to the American Academy of Paediatrics, a toddler’s bath water should not be warmer than 120ºF (48.9ºC) (2). Check the bathwater with the back of the wrist or the elbow. A toddler’s bath water should be preferably lukewarm to warm. Most modern toddler bathtubs come with some form of temperature indicator.
Use anti-skid mats if necessary: Most toddler bathtubs use non-slip build material and have an anti-skid pattern at the bottom. Nevertheless, if you feel the base is too slippery, then buy an aftermarket anti-skid or non-slip mats for the bottom of the tub.
Bathtub seats can provide support: Alternatively, you can also use toddler bathtub seat called bathtub ring. It makes sitting in a bathtub easier by providing support to the toddler’s torso.
Constant supervision is crucial for a toddler’s safety in the bathtub. Good bathtubs ensure that your toddler is safe, enjoying his bath, playing and splashing away the water. It also makes the baby happy and less cranky. So, invest in a bathtub that has all the right features. Some safety precautions and a good bathtub is all the toddler needs to be squeaky clean!
What is your baby’s bathtub story? Tell us in the comments section below.
