bathing

Babies use little tubs from birth to about age 1, at which point they can just be loose in a regular tub. When babies are super tiny (as in, the first few months), they need additional support even in the baby tub. We used this sponge insert and it helped our baby stay warm (we'd pour warm water over it before we put the baby in) and stay put within the baby tub. We have a Fisher-Price Tub (slightly older, different model) that has a sling you can use instead of the infant sponge, though my view is that the infant sponge is much better. I also know people who have this Boon tub and like it a lot -- it collapses and makes for easier, less conspicuous storage. We bought the Puj Tub and never used it because it didn't work in our sink, but lots of people love that one. Many of the baby tubs are huge and take up most of the bathtub. If you are considering bathing two kiddos at the same time (either currently or down the road), consider getting something with a smaller profile, like the Angelcare Bath.

It's also helpful to have a rinser - we like this Skip Hop Whale Rinser because the yellow part is soft and contours to the baby forehead, for easy hair rinsing.

For travel, it's sometimes helpful to have an inflatable travel tub (if you can't rent or borrow one at your destination). We have the Munchkin Inflatable Duck Tub and it's small, easy to pack and especially useful if you're traveling to a place that only has showers. Lastly, call me a wimp, but I appreciate having a knee rest for my old bones.

Spout covers are a good idea for safety once the baby is sitting up and more mobile in the tub (to prevent any head bonks against hard surfaces). This Skip Hop Whale Spout Cover and Puj Snug are both great (the Puj is especially soft), but there are lots of other cute, functional options out there.

In selecting soap, we used this Gimme theGood Stuff Safe Product Guide on Baby Wash and went with Babo Botanicals Oatmilk & Calendula Baby Wash. The scent is really mild and nice (I found the primrose and berry scent of the same product too overwhelming). We also use the Babo Botanicals Oatmilk & Calendula lotion after the bath.