Raising kids in the big city can be fraught with challenges.
One of the major concerns for London parents is storage space. I got an email from Rob, one of our readers, wondering if we could help him in the search for a portable toddler bath.
‘We’re about to move into a new place that only has a shower – though it is quite a big cubicle and will be an opportunity to get our LO used to using it! – she does love her baths and it would be good to keep the option.’
As you know, we love hunting down baby products. And it didn’t take long to come up with what seems like a tidy solution to Rob’s problem.
The Flexibath is an award-winning portable bath that’s sturdy enough to be safe for kids aged from newborn to 4 years old. It folds flat making it a winner for space constraints and at just over 1.5kg, very useful for travel. Sounds like a bargain at under £25!
Buy Flexibath from £23.99 via Amazon UK
Other Options
Summer Newborn to Toddler Foldaway Bath (£19 on sale at Kiddicare)
This bath is aimed at newborns with an infant recline that can then be adapted to suit toddlers up to 2 years old.
Its compact fold and carry handle makes it easy to travel with and store away.
Born in the USA?
O’Blue Baby and Toddler Bath and Shower System ($24.95 at One Step Ahead)
This clever contraption adapts a tap (faucet!) or shower flow with a converter to suit a newborn to growing baby. A simple switch flips it back to a regular shower for adults. It can be used for bathing in the sink, bathtub or big shower.
Money no object?
BibaBath (€139 at Bibabath)
The BibaBath will transform any shower into a full-sized bath to fit one or more children.
It’s easy to fit, the bag is fully washable and the bath can be used outdoors for fun in the sun. Sure it’s pricey, but it will last until your kids are 7 years old.
African Style?
Growing up in Nigeria where water shortage is common, practically everyone from babe to full-sized adult gets used to the bucket bath.
Simply fill a plastic bucket with water, pop your toddler in bath or shower and use a small bowl or container to scoop and pour water over your child as you sponge her down. This might not be the ideal solution in colder months but it can be splashy fun for babes in warmer climates. Plus it’s definitely your cheapest, most eco-friendly solution! (Photo via Compassion.com blog)
Luschka @ Diary of a First Child
I must admit, nice as these are, they are totally unnecessary. Like all first time parents, we had the baby bath, and did the back breaking job of bathing Kyra in it in the bath and tipping it out. She didn’t have a bath on day one, choosing instead to let her natural oils do their thing, her second day she used the baby bath, and from the third day on she was in the big bath, on her back, with just enough water in it to keep her warm. That worked perfectly, and at the inlaws by five days she was in the shower with me, and in a hotel at 11 days, bathed in the sink!
The only time I agree that these fold up baths are ESSENTIAL is when you’re going camping. Try a campsite shower, with an 8 month old when there’s no where to put anything down without it getting soaked. You’re naked, your 8 month old escapes under the shower door – picture one times naked mama streaking through the co-ed shower room after equally naked baby. At least it was Belgium, so they didn’t mind too much ;P
Next camping trip that will DEFINITELY be going along.
Oh, and I have a super cute photo of my brother bathing in a bucket in a Herero (Namibian people) camp. ;)
Maria @verybusymama
the flexibath is a life saver! we live in a flat that doesn’t have a bath and it is just perfect! Also easy to put away for storage. By the way, did you change the layout of your site? looks good! xx
Uju
Hi Maria, thanks for popping by and confirming Flexibath is a winner. It does seem like a solid product. I’ve not changed the site but I am planning a few interesting tweaks and content updates so watch this space :-)