The best baby bath seats and supports 2024

best baby bath seats and supports

by Stephanie Spencer |
Updated on

For a fun and comfortable bath time experience for babies and parents, investing in the best baby bath seats or supports can be a huge help and really make a difference to support the both of you during bath time, whether you're using a baby bath tub or just in the big tub.

We all know just how slippery a baby in the bath can be, which is why using a bath seat during your bath time routine can help you keep baby in one place while you wash them. Usually made from plastic, a baby bath support is a waterproof seat that can be put in the bath. They offer more grip between your precious bubba and the tub, which lessens the chance of them slipping and sliding around the tub and potentially hurting themselves. However, it's important to emphasise that they should never be left alone in the bath at any point.

Editor's choice:

• Best overall baby bath support: Angelcare Soft Touch Baby Bath Support, £23.95
• Best baby bath seat for comfort: Rotho Babydesign Baby Bath Seat, £20.76
• Best baby bath seat for older babies: Bebeconfort Swivel Baby Bath Seat, £16.99
• Best rotatable baby bath seat: BabyDam 360° Swivel Orbital Bath Seat, £29.99
Best baby bath for design: Stokke Flexibat, £24

Just like a baby thermometer, a bath seat is not essential but is an extra many parents choose to use when bathing their baby. A seat can make it much easier for parents to play with their little ones during bath time as it's an amazing bonding experience for you both. It also makes it easily for you to incorporate more bath toys into your bath time routine as you may have an extra hand free for some fun! Remember, the NHS advise you should never leave your baby alone in the bath, even for just a second.

How to choose the best baby bath seat for you

When it comes to choosing a bath support for your little one, there are several factors to keep in mind before making your purchase.

Strong suction cups – These are ideal for securing the seat in place, which helps with fidgety toddlers.

Your baby's size and weight – These seats all have different age suitability, so it's vital to check the age suitability before purchasing for your baby. You should also note that many of these seats also have maximum weight restrictions so make sure your baby isn't too heavy for their seat. If they're at the top end of the size and weight limits then you may want to opt for a larger seat that will last your growing baby a lot longer.

Weight – A lightweight option will be easier to put in and out of a bath and be easier to clean.

Non-slip surfaces – Most of these bath seats and supports will feature non-slip surfaces to help prevent baby from slipping about in the seat.

Cleaning – Many of these seats are made from mould resistant materials to make your life easier when it comes to cleaning so it's worth checking the cleaning and care instructions before purchasing.

Storage space – When buying a baby bath seat or support, you also need to consider the space you have to store them, as once you have storage for bath toys, it leaves a little less room.

How we chose and tested the best baby bath seats and supports

With several mums on the team, Mother&Baby is best placed to find the best baby bath seats as used and tested in real life by our own babies. Plus, we have a huge panel of real mums who test products every year for the annual Mother&Baby Awards, meaning we get to find out the best award-winning products that have been put through their paces thoroughly and independently by our readers. For the best bath seats our mum and dad testers were looking out for how slip resistant they were, how comfortable their baby found the seat, how easy they were to clean and store away and whether or not they were worth the money.

The Mother&Baby Awards parent testers are provided with some guidelines while testing, so that they take into consideration four key areas: usability, design, quality and value for money. We ask them to score each of these out of 10, as well as give their overall impression of the product.

Find out more about how we test and what considerations we take into account in our testing process.

How to use a bath seat or support safely

Bath time with baby is supposed to be fun, but there are a few safety factors parents and any care givers should keep in mind when bathing little ones. According to the NHS, you should never leave your baby alone in the bath, even for a second. They also advise not to allow older children to look after your baby in the bath, and babies and young children of any age should always be supervised by adults while in the bath. Remember, even if they're in a bath seat you should still support baby with one hand in case they or the seat slip.

You don't need to bathe your baby every day, but if they really enjoy it, there's no reason why you shouldn't. Just remember it's best not to bathe your baby straight after a feed or when they're hungry or tired. Before you even run a bath, make sure the room you're bathing them in is warm and ensure the water is warm but not hot or cold (you can purchase a special thermometer to check this). You should also be sure to turn the tap off before you put your baby into the bath. Finally, have everything you need at hand (you'll thank us later) including a baby bath or clean washing-up bowl filled with warm water, 2 towels, a clean nappy, clean clothes and cotton wool.

Types of baby bath seats and supports

Foldable – Ideal for smaller bathrooms as you can store them away very easily.

• Seat – Better suited to older baby's who can confidently sit up by themselves. They provide a great transition to using the bigger bath tub but can restrict their legs a little.

• Support – These help you to keep baby in a comfortable laid down position while still allowing them to feel the water and move their little arms and legs freely.

Rotatable – Another one that's better suited to older babies, these are particularly ideal for baby's who are interested in seeing everything!

Best Baby Bath Seats 2024

Bath time can sometimes be daunting for parents. However, a baby bath seat can help to take the stress out of it and turn it into a relaxing and fun bonding experience for you and your little one. So, for your own peace of mind, why not check out the best bath seats for babies, most of which have been tested by mums.

Best overall baby bath support

Designed to fit snugly into a regular sized bathtub, the Angelcare Soft-Touch Baby Bath Support provides ergonomic support for your little one, allowing you to keep your hands free for washing and bonding with your bubba during bath time.

Made with a soft mesh material, it cradles your baby comfortably while preventing slips, for a safe and fun bathing experience for both, with our mum tester Becky noting how it stopped her from getting back ache after bathtime. “Before this product arrived, I would get an aching back during every bath time trying to support my baby in the bath and wash him with one had. This removes the problem completely and has made bath time 100% more enjoyable.”

Easy to clean and durable, mum testers found this really stood the test of time as it didn’t mould over time. Some did however find the storage of this bath seat to be an issue, particularly for those with limited storage as it doesn’t fold away. As our mum tester Becky points out, she would have also liked the addition of some suction cups, especially when bathing two tots at the same time! “The non-slip base seems to work well but suction cups would give greater peace of mind, especially with an enthusiastic toddler  in the bath too! It’s also quite big, taking up a lot of space in the bath and does not collapse or fold, which makes storage complicated although it does come with a loop so that it can be hung up.”

Read our full Angelcare Soft Touch Baby Bath Seat review.

Pros

  • Easy to clean
  • Mould resistant
  • Suitable from birth

Cons

  • It's bulky, so could be difficult to store

Best baby bath seat for comfort

The Rotho Babydesign Bath Seat is a fantastic choice for transitioning your baby from their smaller baby bath to the regular tub. Designed with safety in mind, this seat features a fold-out ring with a child-lock mechanism, ensuring a secure environment for your little one.
One parent tester noted how suitable it was for larger babies in particular, highlighting the spacious front opening and sturdy construction. “I spent ages looking for a bath seat for my 6-month-old. He is huge for his age, and I struggle to fit him in some seat designs, so the opening front on this seat is great.” The neutral colour scheme also blends seamlessly with any bathroom decor, and the robust suction pads provide reliable stability in any bath.

It also features an extra-wide backrest and armrests to make sure your baby remains comfortable during their bath. Its non-slip seat surface enhances safety so your baby won’t slide around in their seat, while the four strong suction feet keep it firmly anchored to the bathtub or shower floor, although some parents said this could have been stronger. 

Made from high-quality, BPA-free plastic, this bath seat is durable, recyclable, and tested for chemical safety. Its dimensions and compatibility with standard bathtubs and showers, making it suitable for travel. The seat's easy removal via side straps and child-lock equipped ring simplifies bath time routines, allowing for seamless transitions in and out of the seat. With both hands free, parents can focus on washing and playing with their little one, making bath time a joy. One mum tester however said these side straps aren’t very easy to open it, especially with one hand, commenting, “It's a bit stiff to undo, but seems it may loosen up and closes easily.”

Pros

  • Extra wide backrest
  • Non-slip seat
  • Suitable for larger babies

Cons

  • Many parents found the suction pads weren't strong on their bath surface

Best for older babies

This fun swivel bath seat allows your baby to explore every corner of the bath, making it ideal for growing babies. With its vibrant lime green color and engaging roller ball toy, it’s designed to make bath time fun. Parents also loved the sturdy construction and high-quality materials for a safe and secure bathing environment for their baby. Mum tester Ellie said. “My little boy is 7 months and can sit unaided really well. He absolutely loves it! He can splash and kick away happily. It’s very stable and sticks to the bath well.”

Securing the seat in the bath is a breeze, thanks to the four strong suction pads that keep it firmly in place. These suction pads perform best on flat surfaces rather than textured ones, so be careful if your bath has a textured surface. This allows parents to have their hands free to focus on bathing their baby without worrying about the seat slipping or moving.

The highlight of this bath seat has to be its 360˚ swivel feature, which allows you to gently turn your baby during bath time, making it easier for them to reach for toys. Mum tester Lizzy found her little one loved this feature, commenting, “Great seat for my baby who is 6 months great the way it swivels around for the price is very good.” The swivel can also be locked in place when needed, so you don’t have to struggle cleaning a spinning baby. 

It’s important to note that this seat is designed for babies who can sit independently and it offers them a good level of back support for added comfort during bath time.

Pros

  • 360 swivel seat
  • Ergonomically shaped backrest
  • Four suction pads for stability

Cons

  • Not suitable for babies who can't sit up unsupported

Best rotatable baby bath seat

Another seat offering a 360° rotation is the BabyDam 360° Swivel Orbital Bath Seat. This sturdy and supportive seat is ideal for older babies age 6 months and up who can sit up unaided, offering stability and back support for them while simplifying your bathing routine.

This seat allows you to effortlessly move your baby around while washing them and the fully removable armrest gives you easy access to your child during bath time. Mum tester Jade loved this feature for her baby. “The bath seat is very comfortable and has plenty of room. She is a big baby at 21lb. I love how the front comes off as it's easy to put her in and out of the seat.” She commented. 

The powerful suction cups ensure a secure attachment to any smooth bath or shower surface for your peace of time and the neutral soft white and cool grey colours blend seamlessly into any bathroom decor, while the wipeable surface and removable base make cleaning a breeze. One mum tester did note that the suction was a bit temperamental, commenting, “the suction doesn't always stick perfectly straight away but once stuck its very sturdy and secure.”

Pros

  • Easy to fit in bath
  • 360-degree spin
  • Removable arm rest

Cons

  • Some thought it was too firm under little one's bottom

Best baby bath for design

Designed to accompany Stokke's foldable bathtub, this bath support is designed to conveniently hook over the end of the foldable tub, ensuring secure positioning throughout bath time. This also makes it an ideal choice for smaller spaces where storage is an issue. 

Suitable for newborns and babies up to 8 months old, this support is made to mimic your baby's natural body shape and contours, this support offers a safe and comfortable bathing experience, particularly for newborns, allowing them to relax and enjoy their bath time to the fullest.

Parents loved how supported this was for their babies, allowing them to be free to have fun, with mum tester Caroline saying, “I bought this insert separate to the bath after realising I needed extra support when bathing my baby in the bath. In hindsight I wish I had bought from the start as it has made it so much easier for parent and child.” Despite initial concerns about red marks on the legs, another parent found the support worked really well, commenting, “I wasn't sure whether to order after reading about red marks on legs. I found this only happened once when my baby slid to one side and was wriggling a lot but never happened again (he's 4 months, so still a bit young, but the seat works really well).”

Pros

  • Designed to fit babies' natural shape
  • Ergonomic support
  • Suitable from birth

Cons

  • Only compatible with Stokke Foldable bath

Best standalone baby bath

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Featuring a cleverly designed bum bump to prevent slipping and ensure babies are comfortably supported in an upright position, the Shnuggle Baby Bath Support has a soft foam backrest and non-slip feet make bath time less stressful for parents and more enjoyable for babies.

They highlight its water-saving benefits, compact size, and quick and easy cleaning process, making it a convenient choice for busy parents. Our mum tester Catherine found, “It uses less water than bath supports, so is quicker to fill and wastes less water and bubble bath.” The added plug feature allows for effortless water drainage, ideal for postpartum recovery or those with limited mobility.

Although our mum tester Claire felt that “the grips on the bottom weren't sturdy enough and should have been bigger,” parents liked how durable and versatile this bath was for making bathtimes easier.

Read our Shnuggle Baby Bath review.

Pros

  • Practical plug
  • Bum bump to help prevent slipping
  • Suitable for birth up to 12 months

Cons

  • Newborns may need a bit of extra support

Best ergonomically designed baby bath seat

Allowing your baby to sit up securely without assistance in the bath, the Angelcare Soft Touch Baby Bath Seat features an ergonomically shaped seat with soft material that quickly warms to your baby's body temperature, making bath time more comfortable for them. Mum tester Holly found her baby remained very comfortable during bathtime in this seat, commenting, “the suction is really strong and my baby can’t move it when he pushes on the bottom of the bath with his feet. The bit they sit on is silicone which looks much more comfortable than the ones that are hard plastic.”

With a maximum weight capacity of 30 lbs (14 kg) and recommended for babies up to 6 months of age, it is also free from harmful chemicals like DEHP, BBP, and DBP, prioritising your baby's safety. This bath seat is also hygienic and mould-resistant, with a mesh material that allows water to drain easily and ensures quick drying after use.

The main downsides are that some parents found their bath was a little too narrow for this tub and also that bigger babies struggled to fit their legs into this seat.

Pros

  • Ergonomically designed
  • Hygienic and mould resistant
  • Soft touch material that warms to bath temperature

Cons

  • Can move if not stuck down before running bath

Best baby bath seat for easy storing

With its front opening design, getting baby in and out of the Dreambaby Premium Bath Seat is effortless, while the contoured non-skid seat ensures baby stays securely seated without slipping or sliding around, despite some parent testers finding their tot did slip around a little.

Designed for children aged 6 to 24 months, this bath seat provides generous leg space and a supportive backrest for added comfort during bath time. Its compact dimensions make it easy to store away when not in use, and its stylish design adds a modern touch to your bathroom. Parents very much appreciated the sturdy construction and strong suction cups that keep the bath seat firmly in place. One mum tester said, “Love this bath chair very sturdy clips and plenty room for growing. Less awkward than other chairs to get baby in and out.”

They did however say that at times, the suction cups were that strong, it was a bit of a challenge to remove the seat, with one parent tester commenting, “the suction is good..almost too good. It does the job and isn't easy for children to operate themselves.”

Pros

  • Opening front section
  • Contoured seat for comfort
  • Folds for convenient storage

Cons

  • Not suitable for narrow baths

How old should a baby be to use a bath seat?

Baby bath seats are ideal for babies that can sit up, so for many babies, that's when they're about six months old until around the time they start to walk. Once they exceed the maximum weight for their seat or support, then they should be fine sat in the bath without the use of a support or seat and instead have a parent or adult carer there to support them.

Can you put a baby bath seat in the shower?

We know not every home has a bath, and if you're on holiday, it's sometimes rare you'll get a bath in your hotel room. The good news is bath seats can still be used in showers safely if you want to wash baby using the shower head. Just remember you may want to opt for a seat with good suction and always make sure you have a hand free to support your tot in their seat.

Why does my baby not want to sit in the bath tub?

While a nice warm bath might seem like our idea of heaven, for baby, the change in temperature new sensations and the smells can be a bit overwhelming, causing many babies to dislike bath time.

If this is the case for you and every bath time seems like a battle, try minimising any sensory overload by dimming the lights, removing toys for now and using a softer voice at bath time.

For older toddlers, make bath time fun by bathing their baby toys as a game to make things more exciting and try incorporating some new toys. They may also feel more at ease if you start bathing with them so they don't feel as alone.

How to keep a baby bath seat and support clean

It's important to make sure that you empty the bath as soon as your little one is finished. This way, the seat or support isn't sat in the water for too long and can be left to drain and dry.

When you clean your baby bath toys, you can also clean the bath seat the same way. Simply fill your bath with warm water, throw in a sterilising tablet and after a few hours, drain and rinse the seat and allow to air dry.

Stephanie Anthony is the deputy digital editor at Mother&Baby and auntie to four aged 7 to 2 months old. With a particular interest in health, she loves discovering products that make parent's lives easier.

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