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Are bath seats for older babies and toddlers safe?
WHAT IS A BABY BATH SEAT?
A baby bath seat is generally used from six months onwards or around the time a baby can sit up unaided. They keep a child upright in the bath and are usually attached to the base of the bath with suction pads.
ARE BATH SEATS FOR BABIES AND TODDLERS SAFE?
The tragic case of a nine-month-old boy in Cumbria who died from injuries caused by drowning after being left briefly unattended in a bath seat has led to serious questions being raised about their safety.
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (Rospa) say:
Baby bath seats might look helpful, but by leaving your hands free they can provide a false sense of security. As babies can drown quickly, quietly, and in only a few centimetres of water, you’re better off without one – supervision really is key.
IS IT OKAY TO GET A BATH SEAT?
If you’ve been using a bath support to bathe your newborn baby, you may still want to upgrade to a bath seat for an older baby. The most important thing is that your child is never left alone. They must be supervised at all times.
What are the alternatives to a bath seat?
Once your child can sit up unaided, many parents just let them sit in the bath with no other device. The plus side of this is that it can be tricky to wash a child's bottom and the back of their thighs when they are in a bath seat. If you don’t use one, the only thing that is strongly recommended is a non-slip bath mat to prevent any falling accidents.
How to choose a baby bath seat
If you do decide to buy one, here are the features to look out for:
How it is secured: The vast majority have four suction pads, which are pressed onto the base of the bath or shower. Many have tabs or straps to easily remove it again.
Maximum water level indicator: These help you fill the bath to a safe level.
Comfort: It’s important for a baby to feel comfortable in their bath seat. Look for ones with a wide, ergonomic backrest and leg holes wide enough for the chubbiest of thighs. Some also have a cushioned seat and backrest.
Front opening. A bath seat with a seat that opens at the front will make it easier to get a baby in and out.
Heat sensor: This can be useful for getting the water temperature right for your child.
Storage: If you don’t have much space look for one that folds or partially folds. This can also be useful if you ever plan to take it away with you.
Longevity: Some have a much shorter lifespan than others and can only be used until a child is 10-12 months. Others can last until as long as four years old.
Bath seat tub: These are slightly different as they are self-contained tubs that the child sits in. They are great if you don’t have a bath or if you want to use less water.
THE MOST POPULAR BATH SEATS TO BUY
This list has been narrowed down to the very best with thorough research and the following considered:
Consumer reviews
Best-seller lists
Recommendations from industry experts
Award-winning products
Personal experience and the products loved by other parents.
The list is updated annually. It was last updated on 9 February 2024.
If you buy through a link, I may earn a small affiliate commission. 5% of profits are donated to UK Baby Banks to help parents in need of essentials.
1. Bebe Confort swivel bath seat
Very popular and well-priced bath seat, which can rotate 360˚, making it easier to get a child in and out of the seat.
Suitable for babies who can sit unaided and are between 7 and 10kg (around 6 - 12 months old).
Has four suction pads on the base to securely attach it to the bath.
An ergonomic backrest will support your child’s back.
There is a rotating ball to entertain the baby.
Comes in a variety of colours.
2. Dreambaby Super Comfy Bath Seat With Heat Sensing Indicator
This is very comfy seat, which has a padded cushion and backrest and wide leg holes.
Can be used from 6 to 24 months (6.5 - 13kg).
Secured with four suction cups.
Has a heat sensor which changes colour when the water is too hot.
The front opens and closes to make getting a baby in and out easier.
Folds partially for storage.
3. Dreambaby Premium Baby Bath Seat
This is very similar to the Dreambaby Super Comfy bath seat above. It has all the same features apart from the cushioned padding and the heat sensor.
Can be used from 6 to 24 months (6.5 - 13kg).
Available in pink and blue.
4. Rotho Babydesign Bath Seat
This bath seat opens at the front for easy transitions. There is also a child safety lock to keep the baby secure.
Can be used from 7 to 16 months (or a maximum of 13kg).
Four strong suction feet.
The seat has a matte, non-slip surface.
It has armrests and an extra-wide backrest.
The seat can be easily removed from the bath by pulling the side straps.
5. Angelcare Soft Touch Bath Seat
This ergonomically designed seat has a layer of soft TPE material, which warms up quickly.
Can be used from 6 to 10 months (or a maximum weight of 11kg.
Four suction pads secure it to the bath or shower.
The mesh seat surface dries very quickly and is mould-resistant.
Comes in blue, pink and grey.
6. Shnuggle Toddler Bath
If you don’t have a bath and don’t want to use the shower, this is a toddler version of the hugely popular Shnuggle baby bath. It can also be used in a bath or shower to save water.
Can be used from when a baby can confidently sit up unsupported until they are around four years old.
Padded backrest for comfort.
There is a plug so you can easily empty or refresh the water.
Features a maximum fill line indicator.
Measures W39cm x L54cm x H36cm (at highest point).
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