How to Buy: A baby bathtub

The lowdown on baby bathtubs

Rub-a-dub-dub — ready for the tub? Maybe not. Until your baby can sit up on his own, usually at around six months, bathing him in an adult-sized tub can be more trouble than it's worth. Many parents love to get right in the tub and bathe with their babies, but that can be dangerous, too — your baby could bonk his head on a hard surface or even drown if he slips out of your grasp. If you try to bathe him without getting in the tub, your back won't appreciate all the leaning over.

You may find it easier to keep your baby clean by bathing him in an infant bathtub, designed to make washing a wee body safe and fun. In addition to saving your back (baby tubs are designed for use in kitchen and other big sinks), baby bathtubs make it easier for you to handle a slippery, squirming infant by holding him safely in place.

What to look for when buying
You have a lot of choices these days: hard plastic tubs, foldable tubs, even inflatable tubs. Many tubs are contoured for comfort. Some are lined with a soft sponge interior.

There are many models to choose from, but this is one baby product decision you don't have to lose sleep over. If it holds water, you're in business. Of course, that hasn't prevented manufacturers from coming up with a multitude of designs and value-added features. Here are some points to consider:

• Look for thick plastic that won't buckle from your baby's weight or the weight of the water.

• Foldable tubs are more convenient for storing and carrying, while non-foldable types may be a bit more solid and sturdy.

• An infant-to-toddler tub may serve you longer, because it has adjustable features to accommodate a growing baby.

• A plug at the base of the tub makes for easy draining.

• Make sure it doesn't have any rough edges that can chafe delicate baby skin.

What it's going to cost you
Most baby bathtubs cost between $15 and $30.

source from http://www.babycenter.com/