Our pick for most familiesBirth to ~4 years
Stokke Flexi Bath
A sturdy baby bath that folds flat to a few centimetres, so it fits small bathrooms and travel.
Bath & care
You don't need much: a stable baby bath or the big bath with a few centimetres of water, a soft towel, mild wash and nail clippers or a file. The rule that matters is constant adult supervision, because babies can drown in very little water and very quickly. Bath water should be at body temperature or a little lower — check it with your wrist or elbow, or a bath thermometer. Baby bath aids such as seats and supports must carry a mandatory warning under Australian law, because they are not safety devices and can tip or let a baby slip. Fold-flat baths suit smaller homes.
Budget pickBirth to about 12 months
IKEA LÄTTSAM baby bath
A plain, stable plastic baby bath for the price of a takeaway coffee and a snack.
Also goodBirth to ~5 years
Nail Snail Baby Nail Trimmer
A trimmer, file and under-nail cleaner in one small tool, for babies who wriggle away from clippers.
Things we don’t recommend, and why
- Bath seats, rings and supports used as a way to step away. They must carry a mandatory warning because babies have drowned in them when left alone, even briefly. Source: ACCC Product Safety: Baby bath aids mandatory standard, IKEA Australia: Safety tips for bathing and changing your baby
- Leaving a baby in the bath with an older sibling in charge. An adult needs to stay within arm's reach the whole time. Source: ACCC Product Safety: Baby bath aids mandatory standard
Price bands for this category: $ < $30 · $$ $30–80 · $$$ $80–150 · $$$$ > $150. Prices change — check the retailer.