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Tummy tub or baby bath, its pros and cons

A Tummy tub or baby bath, one of the questions for moms-to-be. As an almost mommy, you've probably already seen countless baby trousseau lists. In addition to the standard baby bath, many lists also include the Tummy tub. But what exactly is the difference between the two and do you really need to have them both? In this article we would like to tell you all the advantages and disadvantages of both the Tummy tub and the baby bath.

Table of Contents

What is a Tummy tub?

The Tummy tub is a transparent bath bucket especially for your newborn. Because of the shape and the warm water, the Tummy tub feels for your baby as if it is in the womb. This makes your child feel well protected and safe.

The Tummy tub is characterized by a wide rim. Handy, because this gives you good support when you get your child in and out of the tub and while washing. Clearly different from a regular bucket, if you think you can use it 😉 . In addition, the tub has a rubber edge at the bottom so that it is stable and cannot simply slip.

Unlike in the baby bath, your child sits upright in the Tummy tub. He can still move fine, but can feel the edges and bottom of the tub. This, in combination with the warm water, gives your baby the feeling of being back in the womb.

The water comes to about the shoulders of your child. The Tummy tub shows exactly how far you have to fill the tub with water. This way you can never put too much water in the bath bucket and you do not run the risk that the head goes under water or the bucket overflows.

Read also: baby release list; what do you really need?

Benefits Tummy tub

  • The Tummy tub offers your child security and feels 'safer' than a large baby bath.
  • The bucket is transparent so you can see your baby well. In addition, the Tummy tub gives a good idea of ​​how your baby was sitting in your belly as he assumes the fetal position in the tub. Very nice to take pictures of!
  • You use less water and the water stays warm longer.
  • The Tummy tub takes up relatively little space and can also be used as a normal bucket after the baby period.

Disadvantages Tummy tub

  • Your baby will soon be too big for the Tummy tub, so you can only use it for a short time.
  • It is often more difficult to bathe your baby in the Tummy tub than in a normal baby bath. You have to hold your child in a special way (by the neck) and really washing your child (for example, the bottom) is more difficult due to the limited space.
  • The Tummy tub must be able to stand firmly, but at a comfortable height so that you can reach it easily and not hurt your back. The changing table is often too high, so you quickly have to purchase a special Tummy tub standard.

Read also: Kids in the bath? Not every day!

The baby bath

When in doubt between a Tummy tub or baby bath, you will of course also need more information about the baby bath. A baby bath is actually a normal bath, but smaller. A baby bath is often made of hard plastic, light in use so that you can move it easily and is very comfortable for your child. The baby bath is almost standard on the baby layette list because it is one of the easiest ways to wash your baby. You can easily get your child in and out of the bath and a warm bath is also a wonderful way for your little one to relax. The latter of course also applies to the Tummy tub.

Advantages baby bath

  • Getting in and out is smoother than with a Tummy tub.
  • Because your baby is lying down instead of sitting, you can wash your baby more easily.
  • A baby bath often lasts longer than the Tummy tub because a bath is larger.

Disadvantages baby bath

  • In addition to a stand for the baby bath, it is also useful to buy a special hose with which you can drain the water from the bath (trust us:lifting a baby bath with water is impossible). These are additional costs.
  • You use more water with a baby bath and the water cools down faster.
  • A baby bath takes up a relatively large amount of space (unless you opt for a foldable or inflatable bath).

Tip:A bath seat is very useful because your child can then lie in the bath by itself so that you have both hands free. Of course you should always stay close to your child!

Would you choose a Tummy tub or baby bath?

The choice for a Tummy tub or baby bath is very personal. It is exactly what you, your partner and your child feel most comfortable with. Of course you can also borrow a Tummy tub from someone or, if you have the money, buy both. It's not that a Tummy tub is terribly expensive, but it is of course an extra investment.

Whether you opt for a tummy tub or baby bath, in both cases make sure that it is at the right working height for you. Nothing is more annoying than bending over too much or standing on your toes when you have to bathe your baby. And I speak from experience… we had the Tummy tub or the baby bath on a shelf on the bath. Nice and warm in the bathroom, handy to let the water run away, but I always had to bend over and that is very unpleasant.

The best bath products for your little one

In addition to choosing a Tummy tub or baby bath (or just both), it is of course extra nice to take care of your child with the best bath products. Many babies have barely to no hair so a shampoo is often not necessary, but a nice oil or bath or shower gel is definitely recommended. These bath products not only clean your baby's skin, but also ensure that the skin is optimally cared for and hydrated. In addition, many products smell very nice. Of course, these can be used in your Tummy tub or baby bath, it doesn't matter.

There are also plenty of products for sale for after bathing that moisturize and care for your baby's delicate and fragile skin. Use a special baby oil or body lotion that you gently massage into the skin. You will notice that your baby will completely relax through your warm touches.

In addition to the well-known Zwitsal products (which smell divine), we also see the emergence of more natural brands such as Naïf, Dokter Leenarts en Weleda. These products consist of only 100% natural ingredients of the highest quality. Great if your child has very fragile skin or if you like it yourself if your baby does not come into contact with (often unnecessary and) unnatural ingredients.

Tip:After bathing, it is of course time to wrap your baby in a nice romper. What do you think of these cuties? You can find them at Hema.

Image used via Shutterstock