Baby Bathtub features From Consumer Reports

Baby bathtubs buying guide

Forget about the towel-lined sink you might have been bathed in as a baby. Although that's certainly still an option, there are plenty of portable bathtubs on the market these days that make bath time a whole lot easier and more fun for you and your baby.

Safety

Features

If you buy a baby bathtub, you probably will use it for less time than you might think. With that in mind, you might want to keep it simple. Here are some baby-bathtub features to consider.

Contoured design with padded lining

In lieu of a sling, a contoured design is a must for keeping a baby from sliding around too much.

A drain with an attached plug

This can make the tub easier to empty. A large drain plug allows for quicker post-bath cleanup.

Temperature indicator

Some bathtub models have a temperature indicator—a drain plug or a temperature strip changes color when the water is too hot for a baby. In our tests, we found these features to be impractical. It's too difficult to keep track of a temperature strip or the shade of a plug when you're bathing a baby. Don't bother with these high-tech extras when you're shopping.

Even with a temperature indicator, it's best to double-check the temperature by testing the water with your elbow before putting your baby into the tub or rinsing him off; it should feel comfortably warm. Your elbow is more sensitive than your hand, so it will give you a better sense of whether the water temperature is in a good range for your baby's sensitive skin.

Convertibility

Many tubs are made to last from newborn to toddler. Some models include a hammock-like padded infant cradle that you take out when your baby can sit up unassisted. Another is molded to support a baby under both arms; a crotch post keeps babies from slipping forward in the water. With this model, babies can be bathed in a reclining position from birth to 6 months. Then, from 6 to 24 months, they sit upright facing the other direction; the older-baby end of the tub has fewer infrastructures and more wiggle room. A convertible tub, though, probably won't last as long as manufacturers claim. As we mentioned, a convertible tub will probably buy you three additional months or so, but not much more.

Foldability

Some tubs fold in half for easy storage or travel. The downside? Some foldable tubs can be compact; your baby might grow out of it quickly. To make sure that a foldable tub won't leak, practice at first with a small amount of water.

An internal mesh sling/cradle

It's cozy and supportive, especially for a newborn. Some models come with a two-position backrest for added comfort. Some fabric slings have steel rods that support the infrastructure. We think that steel rods might become uncomfortable when your baby kicks his legs or moves from side to side. Other slings are hammock-like and don't have steel rods. Look for those.

Fresh-water rinse

Some tubs feature a separate, battery-powered shower unit that lets you rinse your baby with fresh water from the sink instead of using bath water. The style can be unwieldy because you may need more hands than you have—one hand on the baby, another to wash him, then two additional hands to use the shower feature. In our tests, we found that a showerhead might deliver water too slowly to get the job done fast and efficiently.

There are also shower units that sit inside the tub, but some parents report that those units get in the way, crowding their baby's legs. They ended up using the spray attachment from the sink or a plastic cupful of water at rinse time, which can be the best way to go anyway, in our opinion.

With one tub we tested, fresh water flowed from the sink or tub faucet into a collection area on the tub, over a temperature sensor and into a reservoir, and then departed through a sidewall drain. The design gives soapy water an exit route so that it's easier to rinse a baby, but you'll pay more for the privilege. At $40, this tub is among the most expensive on the market.

Easy storage

Some models have a handle or hook on the back to hang the tub up for draining or storage. That's a feature to look for if space is tight. Hang the tub upright from its hook in your shower, so water doesn't drip onto the bathroom floor.