How does using stage three support mobility? Once your baby is sitting up independently they will move into and out of sitting and soon try to pull themselves up to standing and supported walking. Babies at this stage are bigger, more active, mobile, independent and less controllable. With so much happening all at once, things can seem overwhelming but you can rest assured that the Stand and Play Bathtub will support you and your baby well during this time.
This post will take you through 4 steps:
- Check that you are ready
- Assembly
- Usage
- Storing
Check that you are ready
Before using stage three, be sure your baby has reached the point where they are sitting up independently. This means that they can sit without tipping over and can also move into and out of being seated on their own. If they are not yet at this point, continue using stage two and stay by their side to spot them in case they start to tip.
Assembly
Stage three is easy to assemble if you take a minute to watch how it’s done. Please watch this short video to see how it’s done: https://youtu.be/SmBBgQPTaEE When snapping together, don’t be afraid to give a strong sharp “thwack” at each of the snap locations. You want to be sure the pieces are firmly attached. You can check that they are properly attached by looking inside to see there is no gap between the pieces and by lifting it up and vigorously shaking.
Usage
When using Stage Three for the first time, you may want to introduce it to your baby before bathtime. You may choose to place it (dry of course) in a play area and let them approach it on their own so they can become familiar with it. Pay close attention to your baby’s face and their reaction and respond accordingly. Explain to them what it is and how it will help them as they move and play in the water. Explain to them that there is no need to worry about getting hurt if they fall.
- Always stay present and attentive when bathing your baby.
- Fill and prepare the bath as you have before when using the previous stages.
- Stage Three must be locked in the fully upright and open position any time a child is inside.
- Never carry your baby in any bathtub.
- Use as bath or open the drain and use with your hand shower
- Small appropriate bath toys are great fun and allow your baby to have independent play time
Slowly and reassuringly place your baby in the water. Stay close and in contact as you have when using the previous stages. Introduce a handshower and one or two small bathtoys if you like.
You’ll find that shampooing and bathing is much easier when they are standing up so encourage standing while they hold onto the top frame. With time you’ll see babies gain confidence to move on their own and as they do, feel free to take a few steps away from the bath and just watch them as they play. Because this stage is typically used the longest, often for more than a year, your bath experience can now become more relaxed, easier and more enjoyable.
Storing
This short video shows how Stage Three snaps together and folds for storage.
Make bathtime a Moving Experience!
One Response
Very useful! Thanks!