Bathing a baby is necessary, but is a baby bath seat necessary? As a parent, you'll quickly learn that a wet baby is a slippery baby. It is much easier to bathe a slippery baby when you're using your hands to hold that squirmy guy while soaping and rinsing him off at the same time. That's the reason why a baby bath seat or baby bath chair is a good idea. Before you run out to buy one, though, you should be aware of some serious warnings concerning baby bath seats.
Bath Seat Caution
You may think that since the baby bath seat is holding your baby securely, you can leave the room for a minute to answer the phone or get a towel. Don't put that much confidence in a baby bath seat. The Consumer Product Safety Commission found that in 90% of infant drownings, lapses in parental supervision were the culprit.
No matter how safely you think your baby is strapped or buckled into the seat, never leave your baby unattended, even for a second. Slippery babies can wiggle enough to turn over, get tangled or fall out and end up with their heads in the water if you're not there to keep them safe. Even a half inch of water is enough to drown an infant.
Tips for Buying
Infant bath seats: These should conform a bit to the shape of your baby and have a rubber or anti-slip mat in the bottom. Whether you use the infant bath seat outside or inside the tub, there should be rubber seals on the bottom to keep the seat securely in one place
Baby bath seats: Once a baby is sitting up, choose a bath seat that can be adjusted to the size of your baby's legs. Look for a seat that conforms to the shape of your baby's bottom (a saucer shape), a seat belt and a bar that goes between your baby's legs to hold the baby securely in place. The seat should also have a backto support the baby as she sits. Some have securely fastened toys to keep the baby entertained while you do the washing.
Be sure that the adjustable fasteners are easy for you to open and close, since you will be lifting the baby up to wash his bottom half. Infant bath seats usually don't have straps or fasteners.
Baby bath chairs are more upright than infant seats. This comes in handy when the baby is old enough to sit up and too big for the infant bath seat.
For less than $30, an infant or baby bath seat can make the job of washing your baby much simpler. For extra convenience, consider investing in a plastic caddy that can hold baby wash, shampoo and wash cloths within easy reach.
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