Your baby won't be able to wriggle and splash as much as in an adult bath (you may consider this a pro rather than a con!). Because we believe parents who have been there before know best and are honest about what they like, we looked at recommendations from Mumsnet users themselves. We trawled the Mumsnet forums for posts about which baby baths they rated highly and why, and which left them a little lukewarm.

We have a blow-up bath. It’s been a lifesaver. We put it in the shower tray. We also take it on holiday when there's only a shower, and you can fly with it and inflate it when you get there’ - recommended by Mumsnet user, Windsorthewashingbasket Our verdict Make sure it’s safe, solid and unlikely to tip over. Although you’ll never leave your baby in the bath, drowning can happen in a matter of seconds. We liked the design of this bath, with its grooved base helping to soothe tired limbs. It’s available in blue and pink options, and is big enough to bathe all the kids in one go! Do be aware that its size means it will take longer to drain than some of the others on our list, so you’ll need to factor in time for that when out and about. Type: Bath support | Suitable from: Birth to 6 months | Dimensions: 33.5 x 58.5 X 22.5cm What we love

Shaped like an old-fashioned metal tub, these are small baths, usually made from sturdy plastic that you can use on the bathroom floor or in your baby’s nursery. They are typically shaped to support your baby’s head and shoulders and sometimes have a built-in seat for extra comfort. Bath supports are usually made of a towel-type fabric or foam, whereas bath chairs are often made of plastic. The support looks like a very simple type of reclining seat with a wire frame. Your baby's head is supported above the water. It's possible to bathe both baby and toddler at the same time with your baby in the baby bath and your toddler in the adult bath. I have the flex bath, it's great, we don't have a bath, just a shower and are low on space, so it was a godsend for us as it folds down. Still in use now at two years old” - recommended by Mumsnet user, DeadButDelicious Our verdict

In 1865 a Bombay report had been greeted by ToI with cautious approval, though the paper ridiculed its plans of showers that had to be filled by individual pumps. (One patent design from that era had the bather working a pump with a step machine, so he had the benefit of exercise as he bathed). This will of course depend on your lifestyle, budget and home. We hope our list gives you some options of what could work for you and your baby. We chose the Shnuggle Baby Bath as the best baby bath of 2023 as it’s lightweight, easy, comfy, can be used anywhere and popular with Mumsnetters. How we choose our recommendations Have everything ( baby shampoo, a baby towel, nappies etc) to hand first because you mustn’t leave your baby in the bath unattended, even for a second. Ashenburg explains that, technically, piping water into buildings, even on higher floors, had been possible since the mid 18th century, but reluctance to bathe lead to no demand for this. It took the new medical theory, and the increasing urbanisation of the Industrial Revolution to change showering sentiments.

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Not an essential buy as many parents find they prefer using a bath support or bath chair in an adult bath (see below), or even a washing-up bowl. Usually made out of something squishy like foam or soft plastic, these fit straight into the sink. What to look for in a baby bath If you have a heater in the bathroom, turn it on to make sure the temperature outside the bath water isn't jarringly cold. Running the bath with the bathroom door closed can also help create a warm environment. Ensure the heater doesn't get wet.