Make Bath Time Fun With the Best Baby Bath Seat
Bathing an infant can be challenging for a parent, whether it's their first time or not. And why wouldn’t it be? There are a lot of things that can go wrong. Wiggly newborns are difficult to hold as is and the task becomes even more difficult once they’re wet. But adding a simple baby bath seat to your tub or sink can easily transform this daunting task into a safe and fun experience.
Baby bath seats have been a dividing topic among parents for a long time. Some are simply against using them while others are all for the convenience they bring. If you ask us, a baby bath seat is extremely useful, but you should always use it with care.
In this post, we’ll review the top-ranking baby bath seats of 2023. Each of these is carefully chosen for its safety and ease of use. We’ve also included a helpful buyer's guide and some safety precautions to make bath time a fun experience for you and your baby.
Buyer’s Guide: Finding Your Ideal Baby Bath Seat
The variety of baby bath seats is extremely vast and finding the right one for your little one is pretty tough. Here’s a buyer’s guide to make the task easier for you.
How To Choose the Right Bath Seat for Your Baby
While bathing your baby in the sink is an option, using the bathtub is more fun. Here’s how to choose the right bath seat for your little one:
Material
Like all baby-related items, you should always prioritize the bath seat’s construction, build and material. When looking at the different options, make sure to prioritize the ones that are made using non-toxic and skin-friendly materials.
A good consideration is bath seats made out of thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), which is gentle on the skin and quickly warms up to your baby’s body temperature.
Storage
Since you don’t want your baby’s bath seat sitting in your bathtub, or around your bathroom for that matter, you should also consider how you will store it afterwards. Look for a bath seat with a collapsible design that folds flat for easier storage. Or consider getting a bath pad that you can dry, fold and put away when not in use.
Stability
One of the biggest safety concerns regarding a bath seat is its stability. If it’s unstable, the seat can turn over with your baby’s slightest movement which is a serious hazard. But that doesn’t mean getting the heaviest bath seat you can find. You should search for an option that is lightweight yet stable enough to withstand uneven weight distribution.
Quick to dry
A wet surface serves as the breeding ground for bacteria and mold. If your baby bath seat remains wet for a long time it can be a potential source of infection. To avoid this, choose a bath seat that dries quickly. Look for materials like mesh that encourage airflow or plastic that you can wipe dry.
Contoured design
Since you’re getting the bath seat to support your baby when they’re unable to control their head, you should prioritize a model with a contoured design. This feature helps your baby sit upright so they can relax and enjoy the bath time.
Safety Precautions for a Fun Bath Time
- Never leave your baby unattended on their own.
- Keep your hands on the seat or on your baby at all times.
- Make sure the water is not too hot or too cold.
- Turn off the tap before starting the bath. Leaving it on can quickly alter the water temperature.
- Keep the surface of the tub clean and free of soap scum.
- Prepare your bath supplies beforehand.
- Always drain the bathtub after bath time.
What Is/Are the Leading Baby Bath Seats of 2023?
Summer Infant Bath Seat – Best Overall
Available in four colors — aqua, mint, blue and pink — the Summer Infant Bath Seat is one of the most secure options on our list. With its impressively ample size, you’ll have enough room to bathe your baby safely. Plus, there’s plenty of space for your little one to play during bath time too.
What’s more, this bath seat is one of the easiest options to install. Simply set it up by extending the rear arm and placing it inside the bathtub. After that, apply light pressure to attach the suction cups on the sides. With its stable structure, the bath seat gives you a hands-free experience so that you can focus your entire attention on your infant. The different color options, ample space and general stability make this bathing seat our top overall pick.
Pros
- Features a comfortable, supportive structure
- Easy and simple to install
- Hands-free functionality
Cons
- Only suitable up to 10-months-old
- Doesn’t work with all bathtub shapes
Fisher-Price Bath Seat – Most Durable
Featuring foam support for your baby’s back and head, the Fisher-Price Bath Seat is a great option for new moms. This tub is produced with high-quality materials that ensure durability and simple maintenance. Featuring an ergonomic tub-like design that easily accommodates your infant while providing support, this bath seat helps keep fussy babies steady making it easier to bathe them. You can either lay your baby down or, if they’re big enough, you can sit them up using the upright mode.
Plus, the hole on the bottom makes it easy to dry and store this tub. Lastly, this bath seat boosts your child’s confidence as they learn to grow and sit independently during bath time.
Pros
- Ergonomic and comfortable design
- Features an upright mode for sitting babies
- Comfortable back and head cushion
Cons
- Not suitable for babies over 9-months-old
- Only available in one color
Blooming Bath Baby Seat – Most Stylish
We like the Blooming Bath Baby Seat for its stylish poppy flower design. Available in two colors, seafoam and yellow, this bath seat is made using high-quality polyester. At 12 inches long and 13 inches wide, there is enough space to rest your baby comfortably during bathing. Just make sure to thoroughly clean the pillow after use to get rid of any soap residue.
The top feature of this seat is its soft, handmade materials. Designed with utmost attention to detail, this bath seat adds an element of fun to bathing time while ensuring the safety of your child. Lastly, it also helps your baby to transition from baby tubs to toddler tubs by providing additional support.
Pros
- Stylish, cute design
- Handmade from soft polyester
- Quick-dry fabric
Cons
- May be hard to clean
Vocheer Bath Pad – Most Travel-Friendly
Suitable for babies up to the age of 1, the Vocheer Bath Pad is another attractive option. Coming in seven colors — including gray, blue and pink — you can also choose between two different petal designs, rounded and tapered.
This bath pad is easy to use and store; simply fold it up and stow it away. It works well with most bathtubs allowing your baby to have an extremely playful bath time. Plus, its ample size makes it suitable for infants and babies of different ages. What’s more, this versatile bath seat also works well as a pillow cushion for traveling and car rides.
Pros
- Available in multiple colors
- Suitable for different bathtubs
- Lightweight and easy to store
Cons
- Difficult to clean and maintain
Angelcare Bath Seat – Most Versatile
Designed to comfortably hold your child, the Angelcare Bath Seat is another amazing option available on the market. Featuring a quick-drying mesh top to easily drain excess water, this unique bath seat fits inside most bathtubs and gives your baby a secure yet comfortable fit. Plus, with roomy dimensions, this spacious bath seat can accommodate infants of different weights and ages. Easy to store, simply hang it from the included hanging loop on the top.
We like this baby bather for its lightweight plastic construction. It’s not only easy to use but extremely durable as well. Plus, you can choose between three colors: aqua, gray and pink.
Pros
- Mesh easily drains excess water
- Convenient to store and easy to use
- No assembly required
Cons
- 20-pound weight capacity
People Also Asked
A: The age limit for baby bath seats varies from model to model. Some are suitable for babies up to 6-months-old while others can accommodate children aged 18 months or above.
A: There is a huge debate surrounding the safety of bath seats. If used correctly with supervision, a baby bath seat is safe.
A: Yes, it’s possible to use a baby bath seat in the shower. Just make sure that the shower is gentle and your little one is comfortable.
A: Absolutely not. You can bathe your baby in your full-sized bathtub. Simply sit with them in your lap and let them splash away.
