Rub-a-dub-dub in the Tummy Tub! (Tummy Tub)

Member Name: alirigby

Product:	Tummy Tub
Date:	02/08/07 (144 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Unusual design, comforting for some babies

Disadvantages: Expensive, doesn't suit every baby

What is it?
The tummy tub is basically a see through plastic bucket that you can bathe your baby in. It is designed to be similar to the womb environment that baby is used to and therefore be calming and comforting, at the same time you can have both hands free.
The tummy tub was designed in the Netherlands by childcarers to mimic the mother’s womb environment theoretically making the transition to the ‘outside world’ easier for babies. It is endorsed by doctors, midwives, health visitors and midwives and it’s currently used by more than 150 maternity hospitals in the UK.

Cost/value for money:
The tummy tub cost us £19.99. Personally I don't think it's worth the money seven if she had liked it she would have outgrown it quickly anyway.

What age range is it for?
The tummy tub is intended for babies from birth – 6 months old.

How much water do you use?
There are water level markings on the bath to use as a guide for how much water you need to use, but you will need to see if this is enough or too much for your baby.

How does baby fit in the bath?
Basically you bathe baby in a sitting position, because baby is quite constrained he/she should be well supported and you should have one hand free for washing him/her. You fill the bath with water at the correct temperature (between 35C and 37C) and lower baby in. You support baby’s head under the chin and the bath should support the rest of his/her body.

Is it easy to clean?
It can be cleaned with a mild detergent, being plastic it is easy enough to clean.

Where can I use it?
Compared to a conventional baby bath the tummy tub is pretty portable – it can be used on the floor, a table and basically any flat surface – it has an anti-skid base to prevent slipping. You can purchase a stand separately which will raise the tummy tub up to a level where you can sit in a chair and bathe baby making it easier on your back.

What is it made out of?
The tummy tub is a plastic bath, it is made from a Polypropylene material which means it’s transparent and you can see your baby easily.

What colours are available?
The original tummy tub is clear/transparent. Blue and pink versions have recently been launched.

Where can I buy it?
The tummy tub is available on the highstreet (we bought ours in Mothercare and it's also available at John Lewis) and online. You can pick them up second hand on ebay.

Advantages?
The design/shape of the tummy tub means you can bathe baby in the foetal position which is familiar and therefore meant to be relaxing/comforting for them. The design also allows baby to be immersed in water up to shoulder level keeping them warm, secure and reassured during bath-time. It is recommended for premature babies.
Because the surface area of the water is smaller than in a conventional baby bath the water should stay warmer for longer.
It is supposed to make bathing easier for parents as you don’t need to support baby as much as in a conventional bath. Its shape also makes it easier to carry around than a conventional baby bath, it has a wide rim and hand grips and is lightweight.
The tummy tub is also supposed to help with windy/colicky babies as it is meant to be a soothing environment – this should also help babies with sleeping problems. However it has not had a helpful effect on our baby.

Disadvantages?
We have actually found the shape has not suited our little girl as she is obviously too constrained – she loves to kick out and move around in the bath and the tummy tub does not allow for this.
It is also very expensive for what it is.

My Opinion:
We bought one for our little girl and tried it out when she was 4 weeks old. We had been using a standard baby bath, but thought she may prefer being able to sit up whilst being immersed in the water.
Unfortunately she hated it and screamed as soon as we put her in, we think this is because she likes being able to kick her legs about in the normal bath and the tummy tub restricts the movement so we have reverted to the standard bath again. If you have a baby that likes to move about, I don't think they will like this bath.

For more information check out the tummy tub website: http://www.tummytub.co.uk/

Summary: A bucket shaped baby bath intended to soothe babies and make bath time less stressful