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12 best bath seats for newborns, little babies and toddlers
Because anything that makes bath time easier is a win in our book.
Shopping for a new baby bath seat? Similar to high chairs, these nifty infant chairs are specially designed to keep your little one supported and entertained while you go about making them spick and span in the tub, without needing to continuously prop them up. But, finding the ideal bath support for your baby can be challenging. What's best for newborns, is size important and how can you ensure your precious bubba stays safe in the tub?
If you want to get clued up on how to keep your water baby safe and happy, you’ve come to the right place. From recliners for newborns to interactive play seats for distracted toddlers, we've rounded up the best tub accessories on the market to make bath time plain sailing.
What type of baby bath seat is best?
So, how do you choose the best baby bath seat? 'Make sure it's suitable for your baby’s age and weight,' advises Jumaimah Hussain, parenting expert at Kiddies Kingdom. 'And ensure it has sturdy surface attachments, good quality suction cups and a strap or safety bar in the middle to prevent slipping and sliding in the bath.' Here are a few points to consider before purchasing your first baby bath seat:
• Age
While bath supports and recliners are aimed at newborns, seats are designed for slightly older tots, ‘Most baby bath seats are recommended to be used once your baby can sit up unassisted at around six months, and usually until they reach two years old.’ says Hussain.
• Budget
Prices can vary so it's worth shopping around. If you want a bath support that comes with all the bells and whistles including safe suction cups and interactive elements, you should expect to spend a little more. But if you just need the basics, depending on your budget, there are plenty of quality offerings to choose from that will suit both you and your little one's needs.
• Longevity
Do you want a baby bath seat that will last for years and help keep several members of your growing family clean, or a trusted newborn recliner that you can use for a shorter time period before upgrading to a bigger size when your baby learns to sit up?
• Style
From neutral tones that suit minimalist decor, to brighter shades for statement bathroom suites, there’s plenty to pick from to match your interior, so shop around until you find the style that fits.
Baby bath seat safety tips
Provided you're always within arms reach, baby bath seats are generally safe to use. But it is worth keeping the following tips in mind:
- Is my baby safe? The NHS advises to never leave your baby alone during bath time, even when using a seat for support. ‘It is important to never leave your baby unattended in the bath, even for a few seconds,' agrees Hussain. 'The biggest danger of bath seats is that they can give parents a false sense of security, which could tempt them to leave the baby unattended.'
- Check the temperature: It's also essential that you check the water and room temperature before bathing your baby. Aim for bath water around 38C and use a bath thermometer to double check (we love this White Hot Safety Bath Duck) and make sure the bathroom is warm enough, too.
- Wrap baby up: Babies can get cold pretty quickly after a bath, as they haven't yet learned how to regulate their body temperature. Pop them in a towel as soon as they're out of the tub. We've big fans of this hooded towel from Cuddledry that fastens around your neck for extra support.
- Is my baby secure? It's worth being mindful of the quality of the bath surface attachments, so make sure they are sturdy and that the bath seat surface is non-slip — particularly for newborns and young babies. ‘Suction cups on the bottom of a bath chair can also become detached from the tub, so make sure the bath seat has good quality attachments,' says Hussain.
The best baby bath seats to shop now
From Angelcare's newborn bath support to Thermobaby's toddler chair, keep scrolling for our pick of the best baby bath seats available to buy now.
Angelcare Soft Touch Bath Support - Aqua
Angelcare Soft Touch Bath Support - Aqua
The go-to bath support for little babies, this one gets rave reviews in parenting circles and our mum tester gave it the thumbs up, too. Designed specifically for newborns and babies up to six-months-old, it has a unique contour that will keep your little one reclined and comfy during bath time. It also comes with a sturdy, anti-slip base and an indicator to ensure optimal water height.
Ages: Suitable from birth up to 6 months.
Kidly That's Mine Bath Chair
Kidly That's Mine Bath Chair
Simple and streamlined, this easy-clean baby bath seat supports babies that can confidently sit upright on their own. It has four sturdy suction cups to keep it stable on the bath's surface, and there's not a gaudy toy in sight. The stylish design is ideal for parents who prefer minimal décor.
Ages: Suitable from 6 months upwards, or when baby can sit up unaided.
Aquarel Deluxe Fluid Bath Seat
Aquarel Deluxe Fluid Bath Seat
Best suited to babies over six-months-old, the Deluxe Fluid bath seat from Spanish baby brand Jané World is sturdy. The soft base provides additional comfort, while the drop-down front means your little one can get in and out with ease. If you’re short on storage, fret not, the bath seat can easily fold up after each use, too.
Ages: Suitable from 6 - 18 months.
Dreambaby Super Comfy Bath Seat With Heat Sensing Indicator
Dreambaby Super Comfy Bath Seat With Heat Sensing Indicator
This nifty bath seat comes complete with a clever heat-sensing star on the front to let you know if the bath water is too hot for your baby. It also comes with a padded, non-slip seat with plenty of leg room. It's best suited for babies who can sit up unaided and the hinge opening on the front makes it easy to get your baby in and out of the seat with no-fuss.
Ages: Suitable from approximately 5 months upwards, or when baby can sit up unaided.
J-ouuo Baby Bath Seat
We know that travelling with your little one can be daunting, so finding a portable bath seat that keeps your baby safe and happy will take the pressure off. Designed for tots between six to 12 months, this bath seat from J-ouuo features a backrest to support your baby’s spine and a steering wheel for play time. In addition, the durable material allows for easy transportation making this one ideal to take on your travels. It's also available in pink or green.
Ages: Suitable from 6 to 12 months.
Shnuggle Baby Bath
Shnuggle Baby Bath
This is technically not a bath seat, as it incorporates the whole bath! But if you have a curious little one who likes the idea of sitting up to watch the world go by (but still needs support to achieve this) or you live in a flat that has a shower instead of a tub, it's the perfect solution. Simply fill it up, pop baby in and get scrubbing!
Ages: Suitable from birth until baby can sit up unaided.
Summer Infant My Bath Seat Soft Support
Summer Infant My Bath Seat Soft Support
A great option for wriggly babies, this bath seat from US brand Summer Infant comes with three sturdy arms that can be screwed into the bath sides for 360° support, so it will secure your little one in place and free up your hands for an easier bath time.
Ages: Suitable from 5 months up to 9kg, or when baby can sit up unaided.
Safety 1st Swivel Bath Seat
Safety 1st Swivel Bath Seat
If your mini-me is not a fan of bath time, this fun and interactive seat from Safety 1st will be just the ticket. Suitable for babies aged between six and 12 months, it's bright, funky and comes with a central roller ball bath toy to provide a welcome distraction for little people. We also rate the four sturdy suction pads that secure the seat to the bath's surface.
Ages: Suitable from 6 months upwards, or when baby can sit up unaided.
Rotho Babydesign Bath Seat with Hinged Ring and Child Safety Lock
Rotho Babydesign Bath Seat with Hinged Ring and Child Safety Lock
A high backrest and hinged ring complete with child safety lock make this seat from Rotho Babydesign a strong choice for keeping wriggly babies safe at bath time. It comes in four colours, has a matt seat to prevent slipping, and four suction feet on the base.
Ages: Suitable from 7 to 16 months or up to 13 kg.
Belupai Baby Bath Pad
Belupai Baby Bath Pad
This is not a baby bath seat as such, but a floating, foldable pillow that's travel-friendly and will keep your newborn supported during bath time. The mesh cloth top makes it non-slip for really small babies, plus, it's machine-washable and quick-drying too.
Ages: Suitable from birth until baby learns to sit up.
Skip Hop Moby 3 Stage Baby Bath - Grey
Skip Hop Moby 3 Stage Baby Bath - Grey
Not quite a bath seat, but a worthy bath time investment that will grow with your little one. Skip Hop's Moby baby bath will see your baby from the newborn stage, right up to 6+ months. It features a mesh sling that offers full body or lower body, seated support. When your baby is able to sit unaided, the support sling can be removed and transformed into a spacious tub.
Age: Suitable from birth to 6+ months or up to 25 lbs.
Thermobaby Aquababy Bath Seat Grey
Thermobaby Aquababy Bath Seat Grey
Perfect for babies who are learning to sit up and beyond, this bath seat from French brand Thermobaby features three swivel toys for keeping little hands occupied and a non-slip seat surface. It also has a high back for extra support and four suction cups on the base to hold everything in place.
Ages: Suitable from 6 months upwards, or when baby can sit up unaided.
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