How to Select a Bathtub for Special Needs Babies
Finding a bathtub to accommodate the needs of any baby can be quite a challenge. When you're the parent of a special needs baby, however, every detail becomes magnified. By stressing quality, convenience and ease of use, you will be able to select the right bathtub for special needs babies, whether they are premature, mentally or physically handicapped or recovering from surgery.
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Instructions
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Select a bathtub for your special needs baby that is made of thick, durable plastic that will not crack under the weight of the water over time or bend at the edges, making water spill. A well-made tub should have an even and consistent strength at every point.
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Choose a bathtub with a non-skid or slip-resistant surface on the bottom, which will keep it from moving around during the baby's bath. A good design should allow you to keep both hands on your baby, and not on the sides of the tub. Alternatively, you can also select a compact bathtub caddy that will allow all your baby's toiletries to be easily accessible.
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Pick a bathtub that has indentations or compartments in the side to hold items such as soap, shampoo, lotion or baby oil. This will help to keep all bathing accessories close so that you won't have to take your eyes off your baby for a single second.
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Require that the level inside the bathtub be at a slight incline, so that water will collect toward the bottom of the tub, away from the baby's head, or from any casts or bandages. You may want to select a tub that allows for an adjustable incline, since some special needs babies need to lie flat on their backs in order to accommodate underdeveloped muscles, mending bones or recent surgery.
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Avoid purchasing any accessories that go inside of the bathtub, such as water toys, bath rings, cushions or flotation devices. These items can get in the way and cause you to lose your grip on a very wet and slippery baby.
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Ask your doctor or pediatrician about additional tips on how to select the right bathtub for special needs babies, and how to specifically bathe your child.
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Tips & Warnings
Gather everything you need, including soap, towels, baby lotion and baby powder before you place the baby in the water. That way you can concentrate on the needs of your baby without being distracted.
