Bath time accessories
Bathing toiletries
There are a variety ways to bathe your baby. Many people choose to use a special baby bath in the early months, while others prefer to use the 'big bath' (perhaps with a small amount of water for just the baby, or as a deep bath with mum or dad). You may decide to use the shower, bathroom basin or laundry sink. (Be sure to avoid using the kitchen sink for hygiene reasons.) You can read more in bathing your baby.
Standard baby baths are made of rigid plastic and come in a range of colours and shapes, but tend to be rectangular in shape, often with the top end being higher than the other (like a sort of back rest). You may buy just the bath or it may come as part of a set (including the bath, a nappy bucket and/or a training potty). Some baby baths are free standing while others are included as part of a change table, where the bath fits into a recess in the table. Alternatively, you can buy a baby bath that fits over your existing bath at home. Baby baths can be purchased from large retail and department stores and baby specialist shops.
NOTE: Baby baths that sit in a frame across a domestic bath can make emptying the baby bath easier but not all baths are designed to accommodate them. Also, depending on where your bath is positioned in your bathroom it can sometimes be quite awkward (possibly leading to back strain) when leaning over the bath to bathe your baby.
Other possible options for a baby bath can include:
- Using a large washbowl. You may already have one of these, or you might purchase one that could be useful in other ways when they grow out of it. (Remember, a baby bath is not used for very long, usually only 3 to 6 months.)
- A blow up bath that has soft edges. Make sure this is placed on a stable surface when in use. Again, you may use this as a wading pool later on when your baby is a toddler.
Bath time accessories