So your little one is ready to take a “real” bath – you'll want a baby bath seat to use for bathing. Lots of parents get by without a seat, but it's really a time-saver and makes it more comfortable for you and your baby. Bath seats can be found at local baby and children's stores, as well as online. Check out products, reviews and prices online before you buy.
Bathing with your little one can be a rewarding experience, and a bonding time for mother and baby. It gives you a chance to have more interpersonal contact with your child. With your baby in a bath seat, you can play together, splash about, have fun and give your child a massage.
When babies are young, some new parents prefer to bathe them in a smaller tub. After your baby can sit without constant holding, he won't want to lie still anymore, he'll want to be involved with whatever you are doing, including your bath time. You can bathe a young child in a sink, too, but sometimes it can be hard on your back, and washing with you in the tub can be easier.
Parents may buy bath seats for their babies because the children tend to wiggle around a lot when you're bathing them with you in the tub. Bathing is best done by Mom or Dad, rather than leaving it for the babysitter while they are at work. It can be good personal time together.
You might also be attracted to a baby bath seat that is attractive and that has toys for your child to play with. You may buy one just for occasional use, and perhaps you'd rather bathe with your child in the tub most of the time. Bath seats can still be handy when you need them, though.
There has been some opposition to the use of baby bath seats, and some people have even spoken to the US Consumer Products Safety Commission about the seats. Most of the incidents actually occurred when parents were not using the bath seats correctly, so the problem was not a design flaw. Parents should never leave a child unattended in a bath seat.
Of course, your baby will never be left alone in the bath, whether or not you use a bath seat. When you use bath seats, make sure that you can easily reach your baby, and of course you would never leave the room with your baby in the seat.
When you select a bath seat, look for a new one, not a used one. Choose one without suction cups and with regular leg holes. Make sure it fits your child well, as children can change a lot from year to year. Avoid models with rough edges, as these tend to scratch the skin of your baby.
The unit should be stable, and fix it properly into the tub. Don't use the seats if your tub's bottom is textured, only use it on the smooth parts of tubs. Be sure that you read all the instructions that come with your baby bath seat, and be sure that the age and weight match your baby's.