In a nutshell

A tub-like bath designed to keep young babies feeling warmer and cosier at bath time. However, you mind find it harder to use than a standard lie-flat baby bath.

What we tested

  • Comfort for baby
    A star rating of 1.5 out of 5.
  • Ease of use
    A star rating of 1.0 out of 5.
  • Stability
    A star rating of 5.0 out of 5.
  • Ease of storing
    A star rating of 3.0 out of 5.
  • Durability
    A star rating of 4.0 out of 5.
  • Worth the money
    A star rating of 1.0 out of 5.
Overall Rating
A star rating of 2.6 out of 5.

Pros

  • Offers a womb-like bath time, uses less water than traditional baby bath whilst immersing more of your baby's body, soft foam insert for bottom

Cons

  • Difficult to use when baby lacks neck control, difficult to wash hair in this style of tub, you may find it hard to get your baby into position if they tend to push up when their feet touch hard surfaces

Working on the same principles as the well-known TummyTub, the Prince Lionheart washPOD is meant to give your baby a womb-like bathing experience. However, this kind of bath certainly won’t be liked by all parents.

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The Prince Lionheart washPOD has been designed to give babies under 6 months a secure, warm environment that’s a bit like the womb. In the washPOD, your baby is meant to sit in a foetal position, with the bucket style allowing the water level to come up higher on your baby’s body, without the need for more water. Being covered by more water is said to help your baby stay warmer and feel cosier than in a traditional baby bath.

The washPOD is very similar to the TummyTub, and just like the TummyTub, it says it’s excellent for premature and colicky babies. The biggest difference has to be that the washPOD comes with a soft foam insert that sits in the bottom, so your baby has a bit of padding. The washPod also has a one side higher than the other (37cm compared to 30cm). Presumably, this means the back of your baby’s head could rest against the side whilst your baby’s face remains a little more visible over the rim.

The Prince Lionheart washPOD has two water level stickers on the side, to help you fill it correctly.

Our tester mum Sally tried it out with her baby boy Milo, 9 weeks.

What we love

The Prince Lionheart washPOD feels stable, with the base being as wide as the top. It stands well when filled.

The moulded handles are a nice size and have a smooth curve, so it’s easy to lift.

The padded foam insert is a nice addition and does make you feel like it offers more comfort for small bottoms than a hard plastic base.

It’s a little easier to store than a traditional baby bath because it’s not long, but compact and squat. It’s probably best compared to a large bucket. However, it’s still not able to reduce in size in anyway – the size you see is the size it will stay.

What to watch out for

Sally didn’t find the washPOD easy to use at all.

Firstly, while the washPOD is recommended for premmie babies, newborns and babies under 6 month, baby Milo – at 9 weeks of age – didn’t have the neck control to comfortable hold his head while being washed. Mum Sally was worried he would bang his head against the washPOD’s sides, and couldn’t imagine using it with an even younger baby.

Secondly, when Milo’s feet touch a solid surface, he tries to push against it. This “jumping up” made it tough for Sally to hang onto him and wash him at the same time.

Washing baby Milo’s hair was also considerable more difficult in the sitting/foetal position, because he couldn’t be made to lie back, as can be done in a traditional baby bath.

In terms of style, our tester mum Sally compared it to an orange builder’s bucket! You’ll either love the bold, bright hue and striking shape, or feel it’s a glorified tub. It does come in a pale blue and white, though, if it’s the colour that bothers you.

Who is the Prince Lionheart washPOD best for?

Mums after a short-term bathing solution that offers a womb-like cosiness.

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MadeForMums verdict

The Prince Lionheart washPOD offers a way to immerse your baby deep in water for a womb-like bath time. While some mums and babies will love this experience, others will find it’s awkward to use with babies lacking neck control.

Product Specifications

Product
BrandPrince Lionheart
ModelwashPOD
Price£19.99
Suitable for
Child age (approx)Up to 6 months
Features
Where can it be usedBath
Integral plugNo
Non-slip baseYes
Features
  • Allows baby to adopt foetal position
  • allows for a higher water level than a traditional baby bath
  • Uses less water than traditional bath
  • Water level stickers of side as fill guides
  • Takes up less space than conventional baby baths
  • Bucket design with moulded handles means it is easy to fill and lift
  • Stable moulded base
  • Soft foam insert for added comfort
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