When your child reaches the point when they can sit up on their own usually that also means that they are too large to be bathed in a baby bathtub. The best thing that a parent can do in this situation is to switch to using a children’s bathtub chair.
This kind of seat will ensure that they stay in the right position when bathing because they will have a tendency to slip down into the water especially when they are wet and slippery and when they are still having a hard time balancing their body. Some people feel that using a bathtub chair for infants is an unsafe practice. Some parents unfortunately have the tendency to leave the child unattended in the water thinking that it is safe to do so, which is something that should not be done even for a few seconds.
Some groups have been demanding that the use of bath tub chairs for infants be forbidden, but that has not been considered by most governments yet. Still parents should bear in mind that these chairs are not safety devices, they are merely tools for assisting in the bathing of infants and young children.
Bathtub chairs do have their uses and they can make a parent’s life a lot easier. Here are some of the things that parents need to keep in mind when they want to buy a bathtub chair for their child:
1. Newer models are better than the old ones and second hand bathtub chairs. Because of the clamor for banning these chairs manufacturers have made it a point to create chairs that are safer to use than the old ones.
2. Get a chair that has a strap or maybe a T-bar that runs between the legs of your child when they are seated.
3. When you are looking at the models on display at a store, check if they seem stable and sturdy enough. If you feel that there is a chance that it might topple down then don’t buy that model.
4. There are some bathtub chairs that can be clamped to the side of a bath tub. Before you head out to a store make sure that you get an accurate measurement of the thickness of your tub.
5. Think of getting something that can prove to be entertaining to your child while bathing, like a spinning toy or something along that line.
6. Make sure that your baby will fit into the chair. Don’t assume that they will, be certain about that.
7. Check the model for any sharp edges or anything that might pose as a danger to your child.
8. If you still have the time, research the product that you are considering before buying. Check if there has been some common complaints about it. A common complaint about a certain product can mean a defective design or component. Better to stay away from a chair that has common problems from user reviews.
These are just some of the things that you need to keep in mind and look out for when you are shopping for a children’s bathtub chair. Remember however, that as we said before, there is never a reason to leave a child unattended in the bathtub. If the phone rings don’t answer it. If you feel you have to answer it then take the child out of the bathtub and carry them with you. A child can drown in a ridiculously small amount of water. Don’t risk it.