The Best Baby Bath Sets For Avoiding Back Ache

Copyright (c) 2010 Ashley J Downs

How many parents use bath time as an event to signify a calming period in the run-up to bedtime? Warm water and bubbles all contributing to a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere.

Well no, not always, if we're honest. Far from being a gentle start to the bedtime routine, bathing can often be a hideous battle with a slippery, squirmy and very upset baby that leaves a parent's nerves in tatters and ears ringing.

For older babies there are lots of nifty things around to help make bathing easier as little ones grow, from full length supports that hold them snugly as they lie back to seats that stick to the tub and prevent slips and topples. These are perfect for bigger bubbas that have learned to love their nightly splash, also known as the soak mum/dad session in my house, but sadly, no good for tiny infants.

It's not really the baby's fault, they've recently emerged from nine months in the best bath ever. If we then put them into a huge bright space with an inch of water in the bottom and struggle to juggle them, soapy stuff and a flannel or sponge can we really blame them for letting us know they're miffed? It's like you being whipped out of a warm jacuzzi and lowered into a near-empty swimming pool! The case rests, m'lud.

But your back doesn't rest though. Because, instead, we use baby bath sets - mini baths which can be placed inside the main bath or directly onto the floor.

Occupational therapists despair at the positions we adopt to keep our slippery newborns safe in the water. Even someone with the strongest core muscles is going to put strain on their back bent over at an awkward angle with both hands supporting the weight of a baby whilst, simultaneously washing it - any woman that's not long given birth will tell you it's agony and no, you can't have gas and air!

But, finally, an inspired designer has come up with the solution to all these problems. It's called a Tummy Tub and it's an upright bath that is shaped like a womb, holding baby in the familiar foetal position, warm and cocooned right up to the shoulders. Despite this, a standard sized baby bath uses considerably more water, so it is heavier to lift and far less ecologically friendly.

There's even a stand that lifts it to the perfect back-saving height then turns into a step as baby turns into independent tiddler then a box for them to store their treasures in after that. No wonder it's won awards, it's one of those things that makes you wonder why someone didn't think of it years ago. Maybe because we were all busy clinging to slippery babies then holding our aching backs, huh?

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