There are so many accessories that can be added to bath time, one of which is a baby bath mat. Anyone that has had to bathe a baby regularly can confirm the amount of preparation that goes into bath time. Getting your baby settled long enough to complete the bath can be stressful, fun, or sometimes both.
So, it is no surprise that you are in search of a little extra help for bath time to go by smoothly. While there are several options to pick from, there is no strict guideline or official list of bath accessories that you have to get for your baby. That is why it is very helpful to understand the function and maintenance of any item you are considering.
In this article, we are going to explain what a bath mat is, how it is used, and simply provide all the information you’ll need to decide if you need it.
How Exactly To Choose A Baby Bath Mat?
A baby bath mat is a bathroom accessory that is placed in the tub to provide a non-slip surface for your baby to stand or sit on during bath time. Moving your baby to the big tub is a big deal, and it demands extra care. This is why some parents and childcare experts suggest the use of a non-slip bath mat. Keeping your baby calm enough for the bath routine in a plastic tub is an actual mission. They either can’t stop splashing or can’t stop resisting the bath. In a bigger tub? That’s simply more space for them.
The Importance Of Surface
We can all agree that kids like to get up to some fun at our expense. This would be adorable at a typical bath time. But the problem here is the surface they are playing on, which is a wider ceramic tub. If you used a baby bathtub before deciding to switch, then you are used to the sturdiness of the plastic. The general tub, on the other hand, is very different. The ceramic materials that most tubs are made of gives them a very smooth surface, which is easy to slip on.
Adults slip in the tub often enough so, what about tiny, squealing babies? Yeah, you can imagine the horror. But you don’t have to live through it, and no one should. It is very avoidable. Bath mats like this Munchkin Quack Duck bath mat are there to help you get your baby into the big tub with no risk of hurt. They are designed with a textured surface and excellent suction that gives a good grip on the tub. The textured surface keeps the skin from sliding on the slick surface of the bathtub.
What About The Size?
A baby bath mat for tubs is usually designed in a size that is about half the size of a standard tub. This gives your baby enough room to play around in the tub without leaving the area of safety, which is on the non-slip bath mat. You can also use a baby bath mat for sinks if that’s your preferred location for bath time.
Now that we’ve cleared up what a bath mat is, it’s time to answer the other questions on your mind.
Do You Really Need A Baby Bath Mat?
First and foremost, what does your bathroom look like? You probably have a corner in there dedicated to all the accessories such as baby towels, soap, and baby sponge, a bath mat won’t take up much room. While the choice is ultimately yours to make, there are some things to consider whether your baby needs a bath mat or not. Here are a few things you can consider to help you make an informed decision.
Baby’s Age
The most important part of selecting a bath mat is the age of the child (-ren) that will use it. As your baby is growing, outgrowing the baby bath tub is inevitable. When this happens, you will have to get them into the regular, big bathtub. When your baby is using the standard tub though, there are different risks, including slipping and injuries. All of which can be avoided with a suction-fitted bath mat to provide grip on the smooth surface of the tub.
Bathroom Size
If your bathroom doesn’t have the space for a baby tub, you may have to move your baby to the big tub earlier than expected. While using the kitchen sink is an option for some, you may need a bath mat either way. The smooth surface of the tub or sink poses dangers that can be prevented with a sturdy grip that bath mats provide.
Level of Activity
Children are very active, especially in the water at bath times. Keeping them under control is great for safety but, if done wrong, can impact the bonding process negatively. With a bath mat, you don’t have to worry about your baby slipping or getting injured while playing in the bathtub. The bath mat will help your baby find firm footing during the bath so you can be assured that they are safe.
Bath Time Duration
Having young children means bath time could stretch into hours for you. This could be longer if you have to physically hold on to your kids while trying to bathe them. A bath mat gives you the confidence to turn around and reach for the shampoo, knowing that your child won’t slip and fall immediately. If your schedule is tight and bath time keeps getting longer, you may want to consider getting a bath mat.
From these four factors, you should already know if you need to get a bath mat or not. To shed more light on the purpose of bath mats though, let us take a look at the benefits.
Benefits of Bath Mats
A bath mat is one of those tub extras that can help keep your baby entertained and gives them giggles, like this WARRAH Non-Slip Bath Mat. But their function is not just for laughter. There are different features that make them unique, mostly based on the specific manufacturer. However, the central design is to keep babies safe with the best non-slip bath mat for the baby while in the tub. So here are some of the benefits, which are common to most types of bath mats.
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Firm grip
The best baby bath mats have complete suction. This means that when you press the mat to the bottom of the tub, it stays in place. It should only move when peeled up on purpose. On a smooth surface, bath mats with full-coverage suction will give your baby a safe surface to stand and play during bath time. For the grip to be effective though, you cannot use the bath mat on a textured or rough surface. If the surface is not smooth, the grip of the mat may not hold well enough.
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Comfortable space to play
Most babies get very excited in the tub so the different designs and shapes of bath mats keep them entertained. With a foam baby bath mat, the mat is thicker for a more cushiony bottom where your baby can sit. The purpose of the bath mat is to prevent slipping and injury. It will be futile if the mat is the source of discomfort from a mat that is too textured for their sensitive skin. An adult bath mat may be too scratchy for a baby, making it necessary to have a separate baby bath mat for the tub.
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Reduce fear of falling
Good grip, comfortable space, and a catchy, fun design. If your baby has taken their first steps and is sitting/standing, you can add a little fun activity to bath time. The texture and graphics of the bath mat and your baby’s engagement with the designs or other bath toys are the best settings to do some parent/baby bonding. You can pair the baby bath mat with a seat, so the baby can sit comfortably without slipping around.
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Saves worry
Without a bath mat, you will have to constantly keep an eye and arm out to prevent your baby from slipping or slamming into the bathtub. This is very worrying and stressful. The suction from a bath mat gives your baby the confidence to move around in the tub without the risk of getting hurt. According to Experienced Mommy, the result is less stress and no injuries.
In Conclusion
There aren’t really any disadvantages to bath mats. So, the decision is all yours. You can choose to find the best bath mat for your child from our list of top choices or you can get an alternative to fulfill the same purpose. Just remember that the best part about a bath mat is how they keep your wriggling, giggling baby safe when it is bath time.
FAQs
· How To Clean A Baby Bath Mat?
Most bath mats are machine-washable so you can throw them in for a spin and then air dry. For manual cleaning, Creative Homemaking suggests soaking the mat in the tub with a mixture of water and bleach then cleaning with a scrub brush. Water and vinegar also work well as will most any cleanser, rinse well and air dry.
· How To Use A Baby Bath Mat?
Press the bath mat to the bottom of the tub, suction cups down and press so they adhere to the bottom of the tub, then add the water. Place your baby on the bath mat and that’s it! Remove bath mats after bath and dry before storing.
· What Type Of Baby Bath Mat Should I Get?
Get a baby bath mat that has great suction and is suitable for your child’s age, bathroom size, and budget. It is mostly a matter of taste. Many are made specifically with infants in mind, but an adult type of bath mat will work just as well.
· Is A Baby Bath Mat Important?
Yes, it is. Over at MomJunction, they stress that a bath mat is important for safety. Bathtub surfaces are slippery, especially when wet, add soap and they can be a catastrophe waiting to happen.
· Which Is The Best Baby Bath Mat?
There is a multitude of bath mats available for sale. You can check out our list of Top 10 Non-Slip Baby Bath Mats to find one that you like for your baby. There is no best for everyone. A baby bath mat for tub bathing can be colorful and engaging or a simple solid color to match your décor.
· How Do I Prevent Molds In A Baby Bath Mat?
The best way to prevent molds on your baby bath mat is to remove it from the bottom of the tub and let it air dry after every use. Mold and mildew cannot grow without moisture.
