Best Baby Baths and Where to Find Them

If scouring the market to choose the best baby bath for your baby sounds agonising, be sure to check out my review of the best baby baths, their pros and cons and where to find them.

Introduction – Best Baby Baths

A baby’s bath time is an essential part of their daily routine, and finding the best baby bath can make a huge difference in their bathing experience, safety, and even a parent’s back. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the best one for you and your little one.

In this article, we’ll take a look at:  

  • The different types of baby baths available
  • The best types of baby baths
  • The typical cost of baby baths
  • Where to buy baby baths
  • Where to bathe your baby if you don’t have access to a baby bath
  • FAQ’s about baby bath safety
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There are so many different types of baby baths on the market now! Explore the options before you decide what’s best for you and your baby, as well as the available space you have.

Baby bath time can be enjoyable for both parent and baby. Tales of achy backs and bathtime mishaps can all be avoided by choosing the right baby bath tub and bathing method. Bath time is a must as we all know things can get messy with young babies. It can be daunting to know where to start when shopping for the perfect baby bath. That’s why I have cut out the hard work for you and collected the data and options for the best baby baths in Australia and where to find them both online and physically.

This comprehensive guide includes options such as traditional tubs, to inflatable ones. I have rounded up the top picks for any budget and even alternative options when the budget is a concern. This guide is a great resource for first-time parents and seasoned pros when choosing the best baby bath.

What are the Different Types of Baby Baths Available in Australia?

Until parenthood and as a new parent, you may never realize the vast assortment of baby bathtubs available, which ones are best for your space, and how the tub will either make or break bathtime. If a tub is positioned too low it can put added strain on your back when bathing. If it is too big, it may not be the safest option for a newborn baby. The choice is everything.

I have listed the different types of baby baths available along with need to know info.

1. Standard Hard-sided baby baths: These are the most common type of baby bathtubs and are usually made from plastic. They come in a variety of sizes and shapes, and some models have built-in seats, mesh inserts, or recliners to support your baby. The inserts can typically be removed later as the baby grows. Some of these plastic tubs have molded sides, or non-slip liners like BEABA Baby Bath’s1 design, for added safety. These types of tubs can easily sit in your existing tub, creating a smaller and safer baby bathing area.

The hard sided (standard design) baby bath by BEABA

2. Inflatable baby bath: These baths are just as they sound – inflatable baby baths are filled with air, and then deflated when finished. These come in different shapes, sizes, and designs. Inflatable baby tubs2 are ideal for portability, easy use, and storage. However, if it gets a hole from a toy or sharp object, that’s the end of that tub.

Inflatable baths, like this one sold on Temu can be a space saver but may not last very long

3. Collapsible baby bath: These baby baths are made from a soft, flexible material such as fabric or silicone, that can be folded up for easy storage.  In addition to being lightweight and easy to transport, they are a great option for families who are always on the go or who have limited space. These collapsible tubs3 may come with a soft cushion insert for newborns, a supportive, ergonomic design, and foldable legs for storage and mobility, and can be used both indoors, and outdoors if so needed such as on camping trips. Some are designed only for infants and some grow with your baby with adjustable space.

Foldable / collapsible tubs make a lot of sense if space is an issue – they are a very basic design though

4. Bath seats: Bath seats4 are not your typical baby bath, instead they are made to sit in your tub or bathing space as a baby bath support. They help the baby to sit up safely, and have non-slip grips that anchor to the tub walls. These bath seats are usually designed with plastic, silicone, and suction cups to keep the tub sturdy and in place. These are great to keep babies secure, especially supported and independent sitters as they are gaining back strength.

This bath seat from Dreambaby can support your baby in larger baths

5. Bucket baby bath: These are the cutest little baby baths, as the name states with a bucket-shaped bathing basin5. They are designed to be used from birth until your baby can sit up on their own. They are typically made from plastic, they’re portable, and are a great option for families with limited space. These are a very practical idea, perfect as a newborn bath seat and supports older babies as well, up until about 12 months of age.

The bucket baby bath by Shnuggle is a very popular design and makes bathing a lot easier

6. Bath supports: Baby bath supports can come in a variety of forms. They can be soft and plushy material, soft flexible mesh fabric, and more. These soft fabric baths are flexible and conform to your baby’s body. They are designed to be used in the bath to support your baby and wrap them in a soft and cozy surrounding, bringing calm to bathtime. One example of these bath supports is  Blooming Baby’s Lotus Flower6. These are great for small bathing spaces like a sink.

These bath supports such as the Lotus flower are a great idea for use in regular sinks or tubs

What Are the Best Types of Baby Baths?

Here I have listed (in my opinion), the top three baby baths as well as some pros and cons to compare:

Skip Hop Moby7 3 in 1 Baby And Toddler Bath Tub

Pros:

●     Drain Plug

●     Easily hang to dry

●     Mesh Smart sling included

●     3 stages of use – grows with baby

●     Non-slip interior

 Cons:

●     Weight limit of 11 kg (25 lbs)

●     Age limit up to 6 months

Roger Armstrong 3 in 1 Aqua Scale Bath8

 Pros:

●     Convertible Positions – Newborn & Toddler

●     Digital Scale (with or without water) for weight measurements

●     Anti-slip interior

●     Monitors water temperature continuously

●     Doubles as a tub and scale

 Cons:

●     On the pricey side

●     Bulky – may not be ideal for small storage spaces

 Available at BabiesRUS9 and on Amazon. Be sure to check out your local retailers, this one often sells out fast.

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The Roger Armstrong 3 in 1 Aquascale bath

Schnuggle Baby Bath5

Pros:

●     Built in non-slip support

●     Supports Upright sitting positions

●     Comfy Foam Backrest

●     Drain Plug

●     Minimum of 2 Litres of water

Cons:

●     Can be restrictive for older babies with long legs

●     Use only up to 12 months of age

 Other Specifications:

●     0-12 Months, (Toddler Baths also available)

The Shnuggle bucket bath

How Much Do Baby Baths Cost?

The price of baby baths varies from store to store depending on size, style, and material. Generally, baby baths cost anywhere from about $20 to over $100. What matters most is choosing the tub that is right for the baby, the parent/s, and lifestyle accommodations.

Where Can You Buy Baby Baths?

When choosing a baby bath you want to look for one that is sturdy, easy to clean and store in your home and has a non-slip surface for safety. Keep in mind the size and shape of the bath and whether it will fit comfortably in your selected bathing space. A built-in thermometer for water temperature is a great perk to look for when baby bath shopping, but you can also purchase a bath thermometer separately. When it comes to space saving, the collapsible tubs or inflatable tubs are great choices.

To help the shopping experience, here are the top five retailers to buy baby baths in Australia:

 1.    Amazon – Amazon has one of the widest selections of baby baths, with customer reviews, and comparisons, and offers the ease of online shopping with speedy delivery.

2.    Baby Bunting10 – Baby Bunting is another store with a wide variety of bathtub choices, the online store has reviews, delivery services, and payment plans for shoppers. Baby Bunting also has locations in various physical locations and is one of the biggest stores full of all the best baby gear!

3.    Babies R US Babies R US9 is a go-to physical store in Australia to find baby baths, bathtime accessories, and so much more. They also have a website to place orders for online shoppers. Baths at Babys R US start as low as $35 up to $99.

4.    Baby Kingdom – Baby Kingdom11 have a few physical stores (in Sydney only) as well as a larger range in their online store. They sell several baths and bath accessories and have a gift registry too.

5.    TargetTarget12 is a great place to shop for local and affordable baby baths and this store can be found in various places near you. They offer on-site and online shopping.

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Where Can You Bathe Your Baby if You Don’t Have a Baby Bath?

There come times in life when we don’t always have access to a bath, be it circumstance, space, or location. There are still options to bathe your baby if you don’t have a baby bath on hand. Always be sure to check that the area is clean and free of hazards, and that the water is at a safe temperature for your baby. These options work for baby bath time just as well:

  • The (clean) kitchen sink or laundry sink
  • A (clean) large bucket, basin, or large storage container
  • The Big Bathtub with adaptations

The Sink

The sink is no new notion when it comes to baby bath time. Many parents have bathed their little ones in a sink at some time. There are fabric bath inserts such as Skip Hop Moby Soft Spot13 or the Lotus Blooming bath6, that line your sink with a soft cushion that can be reused over and over again for small bathing areas. The fabric is fast drying, comfortable, and porous. These sink cushions are super cute and functional. When doing a sink bath be sure not to keep the water in the tap running because water temperatures in the tap can fluctuate.

The Bucket, Basin or Container Baby Bath

Another option when it comes to alternative baby bathing is simply a bucket, basin, or storage container. When bathing in alternative containers, be sure that the container of choice is clean, sturdy and stable, large enough to hold your baby comfortably, but not overly large. You could use a cup of water to rinse the baby off, a spray nozzle on low, or a washcloth. Always fully supervise your little one during bath time.

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The Big Bath Tub

If you’re using a regular large bathtub, you want to keep support and grips in mind. You can place a non-slip mat or a towel on the bottom to prevent your baby from slipping. You can also use a baby bath seat, which are supportive and affordable on top of being super handy! You can also use a bath support to help keep your baby in a safe and comfortable position. Never leave your little one unattended for even a moment.

FAQs About Baby Baths:

How often should you bathe your baby?

When it comes to bathing your baby, two or three times a week during their first year of life is sufficient. This is recommended because overbathing can lead to overdrying of their new and sensitive skin, and too much bathing can strip their skin of natural and protective oils in the skin. If your baby has a disposable or cloth nappy blowout, or has been excessively spitting up all day, it may be a good idea for a bath or even a light sponge bath.

“About 5-10 minutes is long enough for a baby bath.”

raisingchildren.net.au/babies/safety/bath-water-safety14

What should the water temperature be in a baby bath?

You want your baby to be as comfortable as possible in their bath water. Bath water should be not too hot, and not too cold, but just right. The right water temperature for baby bath temperature should be between 37°C and 38°C15. Scalding at bathtime is a huge risk factor when it comes to bathing babies.

Can you bathe a baby in a regular, fixed bath?

Yes, you can bathe your baby in a regular fixed bath. This is when those bath supports and inserts come in handy. If the baby is a sturdy sitter (6 to 8 months)  it is easier to bathe the baby in the tub with a little water and a cup, or hand sprayer. Leaning over a regular tub to bathe the baby can add strain on the parent’s knees and back. Newborns have to be constantly supported and held while bathing in a regular fixed tub, so a smaller space like a sink could be more efficient for newborns, and the same rules still apply when bathing newborns16 in any bath – they must be constantly held and supported.

Always make sure your young baby’s head is supported in the bath and NEVER leave a baby unattended in a bath!

Can you leave a baby alone in a baby bath?

No, not once and not ever should a baby be left alone in a baby bath or unattended, even for a moment. Infants can drown17 in as little as 1 or 2 inches or even 5 cm of water. Before starting a baby bath, be sure all your supplies are already out and within reach. 

Tragically, a child who was in my care at an early learning centre actually drowned in the bath tub at home after a family member left them alone for just a minute or two. It can happen in an instant, and a drowning is silent. NEVER leave a baby alone in a baby tub.

Summary – Best Baby Baths

Looking for the best baby bathtub is comparable to the tale of Goldilocks and the Three Bears; the baby bath must be the right size and shape, it must be comfortable for the baby, and has just the right amount of space for security, safety, and movement. The right baby bath is made with non-toxic materials, and special features such as temperature gauges, adjustable seats, and easy maintenance are key selling points.

A baby bath can also make a great baby shower gift or family gift.

Have you shopped for baby tubs before? What do you look for and what are some non-negotiables for you? Do you have suggestions on the best baby bathtubs? Let me know in the comments below and maybe I can add them to my review!

Reference List:

  1. https://beaba.com.au/products/cameleo-baby-bath-green-blue
  2. https://www.temu.com/au/moon_subject
  3. https://www.babyhood.com.au/product/folding-baby-bath/
  4. https://www.bigw.com.au/product/dreambaby-premium-bath-seat-blue-aqua
  5. https://www.shnuggle.com/products/shnuggle-baby-bath-newborn-support
  6. https://bloomingbath.com/products/blooming-bath-lotus
  7. https://www.babykingdom.com.au/skip-hop-moby-bathtub.html
  8. https://www.babiesrus.com.au/roger-armstrong-3-in-1-aquascale-bath.html
  9. https://www.babiesrus.com.au/baby-baths
  10. https://www.babybunting.com.au
  11. https://www.babykingdom.com.au/
  12. https://www.target.com.au/
  13. https://www.skiphop.com/skiphop-baby-essentials/
  14. Bath safety: babies and children, RaisingChildren.net.au. Accessed online at https://raisingchildren.net.au/babies/safety/bath-water-safety/bath-safety on August 22, 2023.
  15. Safety: Bath time, The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne. Accessed online at https://www.rch.org.au/kidsinfo/fact_sheets/Safety_Bath_time/#:~:text=A%20safe%20temperature%20for%20a,be%20comfortably%20warm%2C%20not%20hot on August 22, 2023.
  16. Bathing a newborn, RaisingChildren.net.au. Accessed online at https://raisingchildren.net.au/newborns/health-daily-care/hygiene-keeping-clean/bathing-a-newborn on August 22, 2023.
  17. Childhood Drowning, Kidsafe.com.au. Accessed online at https://www.kidsafetas.com.au/uploads/NCleanBlue/2015%20Updating%20of%20PDFs/Fact%20Sheets/Water%20Safety/Childhood%20Drowning%20fact%20Sheet.pdf on August 22, 2023.

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