How secure is the Safety 1st Bath Seat?

Bathing a newborn can be a stressful task as many new mothers experience difficulties in handling a slippery baby. A safety 1st bath seat is of great assistance to parents as it secures the baby on the seat while bathing. The baby can be positioned in a reclined manner with his head comfortably resting on the cushioned pads to enjoy bathing.

Safety 1st bath seats are suitable for six month old babies, as they can be positioned properly on it. Adjustable rings or straps are provided with most safety 1st bath seats to hold the baby in a secured manner. The baby becomes very slippery when soap and shampoo are applied to them, so there is a fair chance the baby might slip. While bathing a baby, top priority must be given to safety procedures to prevent accidental drowning. Drowning incidents due to a lax in safety measures are commonly reported.

A baby bath seat should feature the minimum safety regulations to ensure the complete safety of the baby while bathing, i.e. the safety 1st bath seat should be secure enough in the bath to not topple over. .

New safety standards for baby bath seats have been enforced by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recently. Improved safety measures include sturdier baby bath seats, tighter leg fixing arrangement to prevent slipping and prominent labelling to ensure parents do not leave their babies unattended.

How secure is the safety first bath seat?

Unfortunately, no manufacturer to date has been able to come up with a safety 1st bath seat in compliance with the CPSC standards. The safety and security of the baby ultimately rests on the shoulders of the parents, so it is wise to check for the following safety arrangements before selecting a safety 1st bath seat.

• The safety first bath seat should be fitted well, with adjustable arm clamps to place the baby in a secured manner. The clamps make the seat sturdy and prevent it from tumbling in the water tub.
• The swivelling bath seat - with proper fitting arrangements - is ideal for a fussy baby who does not enjoy bathing. This type of bath seat enables the application of soap and water on all sides with little or no chance of the baby slipping on the seat.
• Adjustable straps in the safety 1st bath seats must be provided to keep the baby fixed. You can then clean the baby comfortably with your free hands, so check the quality of the straps so they do not snap off during bathing.
• Many safety 1st bath seats are provided with arm rests. The parents can place their arms comfortably on them and  ensure a firmer grip of the baby while bathing.

Bathing a baby can be a very enjoyable activity once the safety factors are taken care of. As babies get used to the bathing process they really enjoy it. To make baby bathing thoroughly safe, it is advised to keep the bathing kit and clothes within your reach, and never leave the baby unattended in the safety 1st bath seat.

Read more articles on Newborn Care