Best baby bath seats and supports from birth right up to age 2

Some baby bath seats are designed to support little ones as they sit up, while others cradle them in a reclined position. There are products which fold away for storage and travel and others which feature attached toys to help add a little extra joy to bath time.

Best baby bath seats and supports at a glance

• Best bath support for newborns: Angelcare Bath Support, £27.99 £20.99 at Amazon (Save £7 or 25%)
• Best budget bath seat: Baby Plus Non-slip Bath and Feeding Chair, £16.99 £14.39 at Amazon (Save £2.60 or 15%)
• Best bath seat for bigger babies: BabyDam Orbital Bath Seat, £26.99
• Best bath seat for longevity: Thermobaby Aquababy Bath Seat, £45.74
• Best bath seat for wriggle toddlers: Rotho Babydesign Bath Seat, £34.95
• Best heat-sensing bath seat: Dreambaby Deluxe Bath Seat with Heat Sensor, £36.99 £32.99 at Very (Save £4 or 11%)
• Best for a baby bath with a built-in seat: Shnuggle Baby Bath, £25.95 £20.95 at Amazon (Save £5 or 19%)
• Best bath support for small baths: BabyDam WarmWave Bath Support, £19.99 £10.19 at Amazon (Save £9.80 or 49%)
• Best bath seat for growing with your baby: Angelcare 2-in-1 Bathtub, £20

While bath seats offer helpful support, it’s important to remember that babies should never be left in the bath unattended. If you’re looking for more advice, we’ve put together some top tips on bathing from some of our MFM parents as well as clear, step-by-step advice on how to bath your baby, including newborns, as we know it can be surprisingly daunting!

For more handy bath time products, we’ve also found some of the best baby baths and baby bath accessories, as well as baby bath towels to get them cosy and dry afterwards.

• What to consider when choosing a baby bath seat
• How to use a baby bath seat or support safely
• General safety advice for bathing a baby

For more parenting essentials, check out our roundup of the best baby Black Friday deals, as well as our list of the best Black Friday toy deals.

Here's our pick of the best baby bath seats for 2024:

1. Angelcare Bath Support, £27.99

Best for newborns

Age suitability: 0 to 6 months | Maximum weight: 9kg | Dimensions: 23 x 34 x 56cm | Colours: Blue, pink, grey | Awards: Bronze – Baby bathtime product, MadeForMums Awards 2022

Pros:

• Easy to clean
• Dries quickly
• Hygienic
• Ergonomic design
• Soft and comfortable for baby

Cons:

• Only suitable up to 6 months
• Pricey

This Angelcare bath support is great for newborns.

The water level indicator advises you how far to fill the bath for optimal safety. The bath support is made from a TPE material which warms very quickly to your baby's body temperature and is gentle on their skin.

MFM home tester Nildeniz, mum of 1, loved that it has "a non-slippery surface which is soft, so felt safe while using it in the shower/bath. Also, the top part supports the head well which is important especially with newborns. It's very easy to clean, dry and store".

"It's really soft and comfy, I love that she just lies on it but doesn't roll as the way it's curved keeps her in the middle of the seat. I'm never worried that her face will go under the water which is always a worry in a stand alone bath. It sits in the bath perfectly with room for her brother the other side of the bath too. The holes mean it dries quickly, it's easy to store and it's easy to clean," said MFM home tester Aimee, mum of 2, aged 2 year and 16 weeks.

MFM home tester Hayley, mum of 2 boys, also loved that it was soft and comfortable and warmed up to the temperature of the water. However, "a second setting where you could put your baby into more of a sitting position would be a great added feature," mentioned Hayley. "I've recommended it to all mum friends as it doesn't use up too much water in the bath and can be hung on the door or wall so doesn't take up too much space," she continued.

Available from: Mamas & Papas, Amazon and John Lewis

2. Baby plus Non-slip Bath and Feeding Chair, £16.99

Best budget buy

Age suitability: 6 to 12 months | Maximum weight: 13kg | Dimensions: 33 x 32 x 27cm | Colours: White/grey

Pros:

• Sturdy
• Gated opening for easy access
• Strong suckers
• Good value

Cons:

• Only last until 12 months
• Basic design

Offering plenty of safety features at an affordable price, the Baby Plus bath seat folds open and close at the front, making it easy to place your baby inside. There's a safety lock that stops your baby from opening it themselves mid-bath, so you won't have to worry about any bids for escape.

It has 4 suction pads to secure it in place and an ergonomic shaped backrest to support your baby's back. It's light and easy to carry, as well as doubling as a feeding chair when fixed securely to the floor.

MFM home tester Stacey, who tested this with her 6-month-old son (pictured above), was impressed with the quality of the bath seat considering the price: "The plastic appears tough and durable and the suckers on the bottom ensure that the seat remains stuck to the bath, relieving any anxieties about the seat moving." Helping to support her son in a comfortable seated position for bathtime, Stacey liked how the Baby Plus seat "provided him with more opportunities to explore his bath toys as he was in a more upright position."

Overall, it's a simple, yet effective baby bath seat that's competitively priced.

Available from: Ebebek and Amazon

3. BabyDam Orbital Bath Seat £26.99

Best for bigger babies

Age suitability: 5 months to 10 months | Maximum weight: N/A | Dimensions: 31 x 28 x 23cm | Colours: White

Pros:

• Comfortable
• 360 swivel
• Neutral colours
• Removable armrest

Cons:

• Can only be used from 5 months
• Pricey

Offering a great option for slightly older babies, this bath seat has a removable armrest for easy access in and out and a 360° swivel design, which makes it easier for parents to get into all the little nooks and crannies for a thorough wash.

This seat does not have a maximum age or weight specification like others on the list, but the manufacturer advises that it's suitable to 10+ months, or when your child is getting more confident in the water and can sit unaided on their own.

MFM home tester Laura, mum of a 6-month-old baby, said, “My baby is well supported, comfortable and able to play safely in the bath sat in this seat. He is 7 months old and between the 91st-98th percentile and I feel he still has room to grow in the seat.”

Available from: Amazon and BabyDam

4. Thermobaby Aquababy Bath Seat, £45.74

Best for longevity

Age suitability: 7 to 16 months | Maximum weight: 13kg | Dimensions: 32.5 x 23.5 x 32cm | Colours: Grey

Pros:

• Has a toy feature
• Large weight capacity, strong suction
• Non-slip seat
• High back support

Cons:

• Have to place baby in through the top
• Only available in 1 colour
• Can only be used from 7 months

The Aquababy bath seat is great for bigger kids, as it can hold up to 13kg meaning you may be able to use it long past the recommended 16 months, depending on your child's size.

This bath seat is ideal for when your baby starts to sit up. It has strong suction pads and a non-slip seat surface, aiming to keep your baby secure on the seat. The rounded shape and high back should hold your baby securely whilst allowing them the freedom to move around and play.

It's also got 3 little swivel toys attached to the front bar to entertain your child whilst you wash them.

Available from: Amazon

5. Rotho Babydesign Bath Seat, £34.95

Best for wriggly toddlers

Age suitability: 7 to 16 months | Maximum weight: 13kg | Dimensions: 35 x 31.3 x 22cm | Colours: White/green/blue, grey/white/green, silver/white

Pros:

• Opens at the front to get baby in and out
• Durable
• Child safety lock

Cons:

• Pricey
• Can only use from 7 months

This structured seat features a wide backrest and arm rest to keep your baby comfortable and secure.

The bath seat fits in standard bathtubs and showers and features 4 suction feet to grip securely to otherwise slippy surfaces. Although a pricey option, the thick walls and base should also mean it's a more durable choice.

Available from: Amazon

6. Dreambaby Deluxe Bath Seat with Heat Sensor, £36.99

Best for heat sensing

Age suitability: 6 to 24 months Maximum weight: 13kg | Dimensions: 36 x 32 x 26cm | Colours: White/blue

Pros:

• Heat sensor feature
• Padded, non-slip seat
• Strong suction
• Opens at the front to get baby in and out
• Can be used up to 24 months

Cons:

• Only 1 colour available
• Pricey

This nifty bath seat has a heat-sensing star on the front to let you know if the bath water is too hot for your baby.

Similar to the Rotho bath seat, this too has a hinge opening on the front to make it easy to get your baby in and out of the seat.

MFM parent tester Jennifer, mum of 2 daughters, aged 10 and 1 said, "the Dreambaby bath seat was an absolute lifesaver for us as my daughter is a very active baby. The suction pads are super strong and have a little tab on each pad for easy release and they are far enough away from your baby's arms so there's no risk of them playing with them. The Dreambaby opens at the front meaning it wasn't a struggle to get them out of the seat and it's safe enough that they can't undo it themselves."

Available from: Very and The Range

7. Shnuggle Baby Bath, £25.95

Best for a baby bath with built-in seat

Age suitability: 0 to 12 months Maximum weight: 12 months | Dimensions: 40 x 60 x 30cm | Colours: White

Pros:

• Uses less water
• Can bath wherever
• Water stays warmer for longer
• Longevity of use

Cons:

• Not as much support as a regular bath seat or support
• Quite big to store instead of a little seat or support
• Only 1 colour

Yes, this is actually a freestanding baby bath, but it was impossible not to include this in the list as a large majority of our MFM parent testers recommend and use this baby bath with its built-in bath seat.

The Shnuggle baby bath is a compact size, meaning the water stays warmer for longer than it would if you placed a bath seat or support in a standard bath. You can put this bath in your own bathtub too, so it conserves water and space.

The bum bump in the baby bath supports your baby and prevents them from sliding around. The foam back rest means your baby can sit comfortably against the back.

"I really loved that you only use a small amount of water and it has the built-in bath seat for your baby to perch against. However, it can be a bit awkward getting the hold of your newborn baby right in the bath at first as the seat is a funny size/angle for when they are really small," said MFM home tester Lucy, mum of 3 year old boy and 7 month old girl.

Fellow MFM home tester Kirstie, mum of 2 girls also uses the Shnuggle bath and said, "it's padded on the back and has a wedge at the bottom so even little babies are wedged in and you only need one hand to hold them".

We’d recommend only using this bath on the floor or in your bathtub, like our testers, but you can purchase a stand for it. If you do, it’s really important that you use the stand in conjunction with the safety strap (which should be supplied with your product). If you find your stand doesn’t come with a safety strap (there has been a safety notice about this regarding batches with the SKU of SHN-BTH-FST2) then you should order one for free.

Available from: Boots, Samuel Johnston and Amazon

8. BabyDam WarmWave Bath Support, £19.99

Best for small baths

Age suitability: 0 to 6 months | Maximum weight: N/A | Dimensions: 24 x 19 x 52cm | Colours: White, grey, pink, blue, yellow

Pros:

• Can fit into smaller baths and baby baths
• Raises baby up
• Encourages eye contact
• Strong suction cups
• Choice of colours
• Good value
• Lightweight
• Easy to clean

Cons:

• Can only be used up to 6 months

With its compact design, this baby bath support is suitable for both a regular sized bath, a traditional baby bath, or even use in the shower. The support is designed to raise your baby’s head, shoulders and back up while bathing, helping to encourage eye contact as well as avoiding the symptoms of acid reflux..

The built-in bottom support provides a secure and comfortable position for your baby at bathtime, and the 4 strong suction cups make sure this bath support won't move a millimetre.

"I absolutely love this product!" raved MFM home tester Rachel, who tested this with her 4 month old (pictured). "I wish I'd found this with my first child. It's study, well made and a very useful and efficient product. It makes bathtime with my baby and toddler together a lot easier."

Available from: BabyDam and Amazon

9. Angelcare 2-in-1 Bathtub, £20

Best for growing with your baby

Age suitability: 0 to 12 months | Maximum weight: 11kg | Dimensions: 40 x 26 x 71cm | Colours: White

Pros:

• Multi-use, longevity of use
• Mildew-resistant
• Anti-slip feet
• Doesn't require much water
• Matches baby's temperature
• Stylish
• Lightweight

Cons:

• Only 1 colour option
• Pricey

Despite what the name might suggest, this is still very much a baby bath support. Suitable for use from birth to 12 months, this adaptable support transitions with your baby from a lying position to sitting up for bathtime.

MFM home tester Charlotte, who tested this with her 8 month old, praised the "well made, stylish and good quality," bath, which she felt would "look good in most bathrooms due to its simple and clean design." Easy to use with clear guidelines for maximum water capacity, it's a great investment to last the first year of baby's life. It's also very lightweight so perfect for taking with you on family weekends away.

Available from: John Lewis, Amazon

For more standalone baby baths, see our 10 of the best baby baths

What to consider when choosing a baby bath seat

To help guide you on which baby bath seat or support is best for you we asked Susan Wallace, Cheeky Rascals product safety expert and owner of baby sleep consultancy Settled Petals, what you should consider when buying a bath seat.

Age suitability – These bath seats and supports all have different age suitability. It's vital to check the age suitability of the bath seat you intend to buy before purchasing. It may be a good idea to get one that will last you quite a bit longer than your child's current age.

Whether your child can sit upright unaided – If your baby cannot confidently sit upright on their own then you should opt for a bath support. However, if your child can, then a bath seat may be a better option for you.

Weight restrictions – Most of the bath seats and supports have a maximum weight restriction, it's important to check this before buying to ensure that your child is not too heavy for it and also, whether it will last you. If your baby is almost at the maximum weight, it may be a good idea to get one that will last until they are bigger.

Ease to clean – A lot of the bath seats and supports are made from mould resistant materials. It's a good idea to check this and consider how easy it will be to clean after each use.

Non-slip surfaces – Most bath seats/supports have non-slip surfaces but it's a good idea to double check before choosing which bath seat you're going to purchase so your baby is not slipping and sliding all over the seat.

Space to store it – Some of the items listed below are smaller and easier to store than others. For example, the some can fold away to be stored. The dimensions have been listed with each product below to assist you in you choice. If you only have a small bathroom, you may need to opt for the smaller bath seats/supports.

For further safety advice to consider when buying or using a baby bath seat or support, keep reading below our list of products.

How to use a baby bath seat or support safely

It's important to know that a baby bath seat or support is not a safety product, you mustn't leave your child unattended whilst they're in the bath and should always use bath seats with care and caution. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) stresses how bath seats should only be used if the child is within arms reach at all times.

RoSPA say bath seats can lull parents into a false sense of security as they do not have to use their hands to hold their baby up. Leaving your child in a bath seat or on a bath support for as little as 30 seconds can be fatal.

Therefore, to provide you with the best advice on using a bath seat or support safely, we asked Susan Wallace, Cheeky Rascals product safety expert and owner of baby sleep consultancy Settled Petals, a few important questions to assist you when using a bath seat.

What age can a baby use a bath seat/support?

"Bath supports are often suitable from birth, but check the individual model you are using," says Susan Wallace.

When it comes to a bath seat, "the baby must be able to sit up confidently. Most babies learn how to sit between 6-9 months. But as individual children meet this milestone at different ages, it is better to wait until they are able to sit confidently before introducing a bath seat, as opposed to focussing on a set age," advises Susan.

Always check the individual bath seat to see if its minimum or maximum age and weight restrictions.

How do I stop my baby from slipping on the bath seat?

Most baby bath seats have anti-slip seats and bases to keep your child securely on the seat. However, Susan says, "if you find that your baby instinctively slumps down and is unable to maintain an upright sitting position, they may be better suited to a reclined bath support".

General safety advice for bathing a baby

It's important to know how to bath your baby safely and understand any risks there may be so we asked our support expert, Susan Wallace, her top safety advice for bathing a baby:

• "Children should always be supervised whilst in the bath, with parents immediately beside them. They should not be left unattended for any length of time.
• "Bath supports are not safety products. They are not intended to keep a baby safe in the bath, but are rather an aid to make bath time easier. Parents should remain mindful of this and always be available to support their child as required.
• "Babies have delicate skin. The batch water should be warm, not hot. Lotions, cream and washes are not recommended for at least the first 4 weeks.
• "It is recommended that a towel, clean clothes and nappy are placed beside the bath before a baby is placed into it. This ensures that they can be kept warm on leaving the bath, and a parent does not have to leave them to obtain such".

NHS guidelines also suggest not to bath your baby just after feeding or if they're hungry or tired.

Read more:

• Bath seat safety - what you need to know
• Is your home safe for your toddler?
• Best toiletries for newborns, babies and toddlers