The benefits of bathing your baby in a bucket
See here all the benefits of using a bucket bath tub with your newborn.
Most babies find it difficult to adjust to the new world outside their mother's womb. Many of the new stimuli end up agitating them, and one of the most relaxing moments for them is bath time.
At bath time, there are parents who prefer to use a sink, or even balance the baby in their arms in the shower itself. Although the kitchen sink is a good option, baby bath tubs offer more support and stability, making bathing safer and more tranquil. There are many types of baby bath tubs available on the market, but in recent years the bath that resembles a bucket has won the hearts of parents.
Specially designed to simulate the mother's womb, it offers better conditions for the baby after birth. Its shape recreates the protected and warm environment of the womb and, thus, the baby feels safe and protected.
How did it come about?
The Tummy Tub, a pioneer in the market, was created in 1996 by a young Dutch mother, Anita Belderok. The idea came about from a real life situation, when her own baby couldn't settle in the bath and a midwife suggested she try bathing him in a bucket.
For Dutch midwives and nurses, this "bucket therapy" was already common practice, as they had discovered that newborns felt a lot more comfortable being bathed in a bucket than in the "mini version" of the adult bath, commonly used since the 1950s, but never introduced commercially.
When it worked with Anita's baby, she questioned "Why isn't a product available that mimics this form, has even softer curves for a baby, is made of BPA-free plastic and offers a safer design?". The Tummy Tub was the answer.
The bucket bath is recommended and used by maternity clinics, doctors and paediatricians all over the world. It helps premature and newborn babies to calm down, as well as relieving stomach aches and states of anxiety.
Benefits
The therapeutic benefits of the bathtub can be experienced from birth to six months. As they grow, from 12th to 16th week, babies have greater control over the neck muscles and it becomes easier to lean to the sides. The bathtub will help you stay in a comfortable position for your back.
•Newborns are gently positioned as they used to be in their mother's womb, to feel calm, happy and relaxed;
•They can choose the position they like best and are not forced to lie down;
•Babies are not afraid of sinking. Their little feet always find a reassuring support at the bottom of the bathtub;
•They are completely surrounded by soft, warm water for longer;
•The rounded edges bring more comfort and safety;
•It prevents back pain during bathing;
•It allows better visual contact with the baby;
•It saves water and energy, because the small amount of water needed remains at the ideal temperature for much longer;
•Easier to fill, empty and transport when full of water;
•Allows you to hold the baby better;
•Very stable and will not tip over;
•When the baby grows up, it can be filled with sand or water to play with or can be a useful container, toy box, plant pot, etc.
Why not use a regular bucket?
Many parents can be extremely confused when buying a baby bath in the shape of a bucket when there are various buckets available on the market. Parents, it's not the same thing. The baby bath buckets from specialized brands are free of toxins, BPA and phthalates, are made of non-toxic materials to ensure your baby's safety.
BPA (bisphenol-A) is a chemical compound present in plastics, used to harden plastic, and is harmful to health. In the case of babies, there are concerns about the possible effects, because until the age of 6 months the baby still does not have a BPA elimination system as developed as that of an adult.
How's the bath?
If you want to see how the bath works in practice, watch this video and see this cuteness.
Use recommendations
The ideal water temperature for bathing corresponds to the mother's body temperature (between 36 and 38 ° C). Remember that in the case of babies and premature newborns, the water should cover their shoulders.
•Always keep baby supervised by an adult;
•Never allow other children to substitute for adult supervision;
•Check water temperature before placing baby in bath;
•Stop using product if it is damaged or broken;
•Never lift bathtub with baby in it;
•Never place bathtub in adult tub or sink water;
•Avoid using buckets for bathing baby as they are not safe;
•Beware of cheap knock-offs that may not comply with safety regulations above and therefore may be potential safety hazards.
Where to buy?
If you're interested or want to know more, check out the options available on Amazon.
1. Baby bath bucket Shnuggle
This Shnuggle Baby Bath is an essential item for every little one! The Bum Bump helps to prevent your baby from sliding in the water, whilst the padded backrest adds warmth and comfort. The upright position can help ease colic and reflux, and the water level indicator ensures that only the minimum two litres of water is needed. This bath is compact size, keeping water warmer for longer, and is BPA Free and suitable from newborn to 12 months plus. It has even been shortlisted for the Best Bathtime Product in the 2021 Mother & Baby Awards.
Features that may help you
•Newborn support: Bum bump prevents baby from sliding in the water;
•Comfort: Padded backrest for warmth and comfort;
•Eases colic and reflux: Keeps baby in more upright and comfortable position;
•Plug: To empty and refresh water;
•Compact size: Keeps water and baby warmer for longer;
•Water level indicator: Minimum of two litres of water needed;
•BPA free: Suitable from new-born - 12 months plus;
•Shortlisted for Best Bathtime Product in 2021 Mother & Baby Awards.
2. Baby bath bucket Nuby Sit me up
The Nuby Sit me Up Baby Bath is the perfect choice for parents wanting to bath their baby with ease and comfort. Featuring a soft cushion backrest and a built-in anti-slip bump to help keep baby in an upright position, this bath seat is suitable from 0-12 months+. It requires only 2 litres of water and comes with a handy rinse cup and soft silicone plug. Baby will feel safe and cosy in this snug bathtub seat and you can rest assured that your little one is in a safe and secure position during bathtime.
Features that may help you
•The Nuby baby bath seat makes bathing baby easier for parents and comfier for baby.
•The bathtub's high sides, cushion backrest and seat are all designed to help baby stay in a snug and safe position during bathtime.
•The compact upright design requires minimal water, which stays warmer for longer, while baby feels cosy and snug.
•This bath seat baby comes with a handy rinse cup which neatly attaches to bath for easy storage.
•The seat in the base of this sit me up baby seat has a bump to help baby sit in the upright position as well as preventing newborn babies from sliding down.
•The soft foam cushion back rest is soft and warm against baby’s back for added comfort. A handy soft silicone plug is gentle against baby's delicate skin and makes emptying and refilling the water easier.
