Bathtime BFF: Wet Area Essentials for a Calming Bath Routine

Bath time is bonding time.

Bath time is bonding time, and when armed with the right essentials, sets a calming routine for families. These considerate bathing and grooming go-tos are most adored, relied upon and enjoyed, daily.

1. Bubba Blue: Hooded Towel

As voted for by The Community Advocate Maggie Chretien and Sleep Expert Dr Golly.

Did you know we lose most of our body heat through our heads? A hooded towel keeps baby safe after their bath and looks super cute too. Our pick is this one from Bubba Blue as it's ultra soft and comfy. Plus, since it's made with breathable bamboo, it is highly absorbent with natural antibacterial properties and will get your baby dry and cosy from head to toe.

What our judges say:

"These are genius and so practical… Plus, is there anything cuter than a baby or toddler wrapped up in these towels? I've never bathed my kids without one." — Dr Golly, Sleep Expert.

Hooded Towel 101:

Suitable for newborns - 2 years old
Made from breathable bamboo
Naturally antibacterial
Hood to keep baby warm
Machine washable

2. Angelcare: Bath Support

As voted for by The Community Advocate Maggie Chretien

An essential for relatively stress free bath time for bub. They make it look easy in the hospital, but when you get home you're all alone with a tub of water and your baby. The Angelcare bath support allows you to keep baby balanced and gives you the use of one hand to actually wash them. This is the best one to go for if you have a regular sized bath- just pop it inside for extra support. The unique design combines safe, sturdy sides and an angled area made from special soft material, so your baby can stay put.

What our judges say:

“I asked my community which bath/shower seat they’d recommend & this was the MOST recommended, as per usual they were right! Love it!” — Maggie Chretien, The Community Advocate.

Angelcare Bath Support 101:

Safe sturdy sides
Suitable for newborns - 6 months old
Ergonomic design
Quick-dry
Hygienic, mildew resistant material
Built-in hook for storage

3. Gro-To: Sud Bud

As voted for by The Nutritionist Jacqueline Alwill and The Holistic Birthing Expert Yahna Fookes.

The easiest way to make bath time more fun is with Gro-To's too cute baby bath wash & shampoo. Anything Zoe Foster Blake touches is genius, and Sud Bud is no different. It's gentle, plant-based and has plenty of bubbles, meaning bathtime might become their favourite activity. Specifically formulated for delicate baby skin, it'll leave them clean without stripping away moisture and wrapped in a delicious coconut, zingy orange and creamy honey scent.

What our judges say:

“It’s hard to find cleansing products on the market that contain no nasties but are still fun (read: bubbles!!!) for the kids. Gro-To teams these qualities together perfectly with super fun branding too.” — Jacqueline Alwill, The Nutritionist.

Sud Bud 101:

Plant-based body cleanser and shampoo
Suitable for delicate, sensitive skin
Softens, soothes and moisturises
Coconut, orange and honey scent
No silicones, parabens, PEGs, sulfates (SLS/SLES), GMOs, mineral oils, petrolatum, synthetic colours or animal testing.

4. Shnuggle: Bath with Plug

As voted for by The Sleep Expert Dr Golly.

The baby bath for you if you don't have a regular bath. It fits perfectly inside most kitchen sinks and is ultra portable, allowing you to move it around and store with ease. Its compact size means the water stays warm for longer and takes no time at all to fill. The uniquely designed bum bump helps you to support your baby and prevent them from sliding. The foam back rest is soft and warm against baby’s back and the rubber feet provide additional grip.

What our judges say:

"It’s not essential to bathe your baby every night but I highly recommend baths as they create beautiful cues to signify bedtime and long stretches of sleep for your baby. They also fit nicely into a good evening wind-down routine at any age. Any bath (or sink) will do, but many houses and apartments no longer have baths so portable baths can be a terrific option." — Dr Golly, Sleep Expert.

Shnuggle Bath 101:

Portable
Includes plug
Bum bump to prevent sliding
Rubber feet at base for extra grip
Foam back rest
Suitable for newborns to 12 months old
Rounded shape*

5. Skip Hop: Moby Waterfall Bath Rinser

As voted for by The Nutritionist Jacqueline Alwill.

Sure you could use a kitchen measuring jug, but the Moby Bath Rinser is a ton more fun! Designed to look like a whale, this handy bath rinser has interior fins that channel a steady flow of water. It's ideal for washing your baby's hair and they'll have fun playing with it too.

What our judges say:

“This is a great way to introduce your bubs and toddlers to water fun and build their confidence from bath to pool to beach in true Aussie style.” — Jacqueline Alwill, The Nutritionist.

Moby Bath Rinser 101:

Interior ridges create an even pour
Soft lip cushions baby’s head
BPA-free, PVC-free, and phthalate-free

6. Dreambaby: Bath & Room Thermometer Duck

As voted for by The Editorial Director Alexandra Whiting

When practicality meets cuteness overload, it gives you the rubber thermometer ducky from Dreambaby. Use it to quickly and accurately monitor the temperature of your baby’s bath or bedroom. The cute duck design floats in water and the small screen displays an accurate temperature reading.

What our judges say:

"You know how you always have your phone nearby, because you use it so much? At our house, the duck is like a phone. Every night he'd sit in the bath and tell us exactly when the baby could go into the bath water. It sounds simple, but how else are you meant to know what 37 degrees feels like?"