In Perth, Australia, back in 2013, a mother used a Bumbo seat in the bathtub for her six-month-old son. When she stepped away for a brief moment, she returned to what every parent fears: her child dead in the water.
So, if you’re asking, “can you put a Bumbo seat in the bathtub?” The answer is an emphatic no! While you may be able to find some hacks to make the seat safer, the response is still a resounding no! The manufacturer states specifically their seats should never be in a bathtub.
Besides, there are plenty of bath chairs on the market for your biddy bundle of joy. These are specific for use in water, complete with secure design features to keep your child safe.
What is a Bumbo Seat?
A Bumbo seat is the manufacturer of orthopedic and ergonomic seats, chairs and bath implements for babies and toddlers. They’ve been around since the turn of the 20th century out of South Africa and they’re a pioneer in creating products that help alleviate the challenges associated with parenting.
One of their most popular models is the Multi Seats for babies and toddlers. These keep your little angels safe and secure on the floor, in the car, at the table and so much more. Regardless of the type of seat, Bumbo makes theirs incredibly comfortable for kids and convenient for parents with many useful applications.
What Makes a Bumbo Seat Dangerous for the Bathtub?
While Bumbo provides a great line of children’s seats, the company clearly forbids their use in a bathtub. This is because the material of the seat will be lighter than the child is. You will be wrestling with both hands during rubber ducky time, holding the seat with one while trying to wash with the other.
As mentioned at the beginning of this article, there are some horror stories of parents leaving their baby alone in the bath strapped to one of these things. The bottom of the seat will tilt forward and this results in a heartbreaking scene of finding the child drowned facedown into the water.
Are There Any Hacks to Make a Bumbo Seat Safer in the Bathtub?
There are some hacks to potentially make the Bumbo seat safer in the bathtub. If you peruse various online forums, some suggest connecting suction cups to the bottom of the chair. However, this is not advisable. Doing this alters the original product and you will lose your warranty.
So, if you opt for such an addition, you do so at yours and your child’s risk. When it comes to the safety and wellbeing of your child, it’s not worth attempting.
What Is the Best Use for a Bumbo Seat?
Bumbo offers several types of seats that have varying purposes, which are convenient, sturdy and reliable. None of them, however, are advisable for use in the bathtub. Therefore, apply each seat only to its intended and stated purposes.
- Highchair: For children between six months and three years old, Bumbo’s highchair is ideal. It’s lightweight, soft and comfortable while also being adjustable, portable and stable. It comes with a five-point safety harness and there are no sharp edges.
- Floor Seat: An excellent chair for babies three to 12 months old, it helps them sit upright until they can do so on their own. It has soft and cushiony contoured support with a three-point safety harness. This is useful during playtime or feeding.
- Multi Seat: Bumbo’s Multi Seat is ideal for babies between six and 36 months old and its design lends itself to adaptation of the growing demands of your child’s body. This seat is best for when they can already sit up on their own.
- Booster Seat: This is a very soft and comfortable yet sturdy seat to elevate toddlers 18 months or older at the table. Because of it’s supple, squishy material it’s easy to clean and it won’t scratch furniture. It’s very portable, so it’s convenient for going to restaurants or over to family’s houses.
- Elipad: The Elipad is best for children who are 2 years or older, appearing in the shape of an elephant’s rear end. It’s a soft kneeling pad for parents and also a nice seat pad for children.
What Should You Look for in a Quality Baby’s Bath Seat?
When looking for a quality baby or toddler bath seat, you should find one specifically designed for it that’s appropriate to your child’s age range. You also want to consider the bathtub you’re using, where the spout sits and the type of material that comprises the bathtub itself.
Also factor things like the seat’s material and whether it’s waterproof or just water resistant. In general, if it’s only water resistant, the chances of mold and bacteria developing on the surface become likely.
In regards to considering the seat’s adherence with the tub’s material, things like suction cups may not do well in a porcelain bathtub. However, they are ideal for laminates. In some cases, you may want to consider a seat that has weight to the bottom with anti-slip features.
What Are the Best Bath Seats for Babies and Toddlers?
The following contains three of the most popular bath seats on the market today:
- Lotus Bath Seat: Comprised of the softest plush material, this seat by Blooming Bath is excellent for newborns six months and older. There are four contoured petals in the shape of a lotus flower, which provide a fun and safe bathing surface.
- My Bath Seat: Summer Infant provides a bath seat for children five to 10 months and older. It keeps the child secure in the chair during bath time and comes with a cute mobile toy to hang above your precious little one.
- 4-in-1 Grow-with-Me Bathtub: While this isn’t a seat, this portable bathtub by Frida Baby changes the whole game of bath time. It can handle both babies and toddlers easily and comes with four different positions.