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 bathtub 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 bathtime routine can help you keep your 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.

As Katrina Phillips from the Child Accident Prevention Trust notes, “Bath seats help to make bath time easier, but please remember they won’t keep your baby safe. Your baby needs you to always keep them within arm's reach when they’re in the bath. If you need to pop out of the room, lift your baby out and take them with you.”

The best baby bath seats and supports at a glance:

Just like a baby thermometer, a bath seat is not essential; it is an extra item 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 easy 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 their 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 the 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 that are used and tested in real life by our 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 a baby is supposed to be fun, but there are a few safety factors parents and caregivers 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 the 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, two 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 babies who can confidently sit up by themselves. They provide a great transition to using the bigger bathtub but can restrict their legs a little.

• Support – These help you to keep the 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

Expert rating:
4.5
Angelcare Soft Touch Baby Bath Support in a bath tub©MOTHER&BABY
Price: £37.64
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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 aches 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 hand. 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
Size:H22 x W57.5 x D31cm
Suitable for ages:From birth
Maximum weight: 9kg / 20lbs
  • Ergonomically designed for optimal support
  • Soft touch
  • Mould resistant
  • Water level indicator

Best standalone baby bath

Expert rating:
4.5
Shnuggle Baby Bath Support and Cosy Foam Back Rest on the floor©MOTHER&BABY

Rrp: £54.95

Price: £10.00
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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, making 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 it is quicker to fill and wastes less water and bubble bath.” The added plug feature allows for effortless water drainage, which is 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
Size:L40 x W60 x H30cm
Suitable for ages:Newborn+
Maximum weight: 11kg
  • Suitable for birth to 12 months
  • Large, warm foam backrest
  • Gripped, non-slip feet
  • Suitable for use in a bath, shower or on the floor
  • Water level indicator
  • Plug to empty

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 aged six 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. 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, it's very sturdy and secure.”

Pros

  • Easy to fit in the bath
  • 360-degree spin
  • Removable armrest

Cons

  • Some thought it was too firm under the little one's bottom
Size:31 x 28 x 23cm
Suitable for ages:5+ months
Maximum weight: 11kg
  • It can be used from 5 months
  • Innovative 360-degree swivel action
  • Removable armrest
  • Suction pads to keep secure

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 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 hard plastic ones.”

It has a maximum weight capacity of 30 lbs (14 kg) and is 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 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
Size:40.6 x 37.6 x 22.8cm
Suitable for ages:From when baby can sit unaided
Maximum weight: 11kg
  • Ergonomically designed
  • Soft-touch material warms quickly
  • Mould-resistant material
  • Lightweight

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 supportive this was for their babies, allowing them to be free to have fun. Mum tester Caroline said, “I bought this insert separately from the bath after realising I needed extra support when bathing my baby in the bath. In hindsight, I wish I had bought it from the start as it has made it so much easier for parents and children.” 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 it never happened again (he's four 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
Dimensions:23 x 13 x 46cm
Suitable for ages:Newborn up to 8 months
Maximum weight: 8 kg / 17.5 lbs
  • Ergonomic support for your newborn
  • Suitable for newborns and babies up to 8 months
  • Mimicks the support of a steady arm

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 make 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 ones, making bath time a joy. One mum tester, however, said these side straps aren’t very easy to open, especially with one hand, commenting, “It's a bit stiff to undo, but it seems it may loosen up and close 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
Size:35 x 31.2 x 22cm
Suitable for ages:7 to 16 months
Maximum weight: 13kg
  • Suitable for 7 to 16 months
  • Non-slip matte seat
  • Four powerful suction feet

Best baby bath seat 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 colour 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 babies. Mum tester Ellie said. “My little boy is seven months old 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 six 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
Size:N/A
Suitable for ages:6+ months
Maximum weight: 10kg
  • Suitable for 6-12 months
  • Safe and secure sticky feet
  • 360-degree swivel base that rotates full-circle
  • It let your baby sit upright in the bath, leaving your hands free

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 of 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 so strong that 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
Size:D22.9 x W40.6 x H38.1cm
Suitable for ages:6 to 24 months
Maximum weight: 15kg
  • Suitable for 5 to 10 months
  • Changes colour when the water is too hot
  • Opening the front section allows the baby to get in and out easier

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 sitting 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 the 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 bathtub?

While a nice warm bath might seem like our idea of heaven, for babies, the change in temperature, new sensations, and 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's 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.

About the expert

Katrina Phillips OBE is the Chief Executive of the Child Accident Prevention Trust. The Child Accident Prevention Trust is the only UK charity to focus on preventing death and serious injury to children from avoidable accidents. It was set up 40 years ago by two consultant paediatricians who could not bear to keep treating the same injuries day after day and who knew that many of the deaths and life-changing injuries they were treating were needless. They empower families to keep children safe from harm, spreading knowledge, building confidence and supporting changes in behaviour.

Stephanie Spencer is the hub editor at Mother&Baby and auntie to four. With a particular interest in health, she loves discovering products that make parent's lives easier.

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Mother & Baby is dedicated to ensuring our information is always valuable and trustworthy, which is why we only use reputable resources such as the NHS, reviewed medical papers, or the advice of a credible doctor, GP, midwife, psychotherapist, gynaecologist or other medical professionals. Where possible, our articles are medically reviewed or contain expert advice. Our writers are all kept up to date on the latest safety advice for all the products we recommend and follow strict reporting guidelines to ensure our content comes from credible sources. Remember to always consult a medical professional if you have any worries. Our articles are not intended to replace professional advice from your GP or midwife.