How to Choose a Baby Tub for a NYC Apartment
Space is limited in NYC apartments, so when choosing a baby bathtub, you want to think about your possible bathing areas, be they sink, tub, or shower, what sort of space they afford, and where you'll store the tub when it's not in use. You'll also want to make sure the material is soft, the drainage easy, and that it's possible to bathe your bub solo.
In this article, we'll tell you the five factors to think about when choosing a bathtub for your baby, so that you'll be ready to suds them up when the time is right.
TLDR
Five things decide the right tub for a NYC apartment: does it fit your sink, tub, or shower; where will it live when it's not in use; is the material soft and easy-draining; how long will it actually last; and can you bathe baby solo without a second pair of hands. Weigh storage as heavily as fit — a tub that measures perfectly but has nowhere to live becomes clutter fast.
Table of Contents
- Factor 1: Fit
- Factor 2: Storage
- Factor 3: Material & Drainage
- Factor 4: How Long It Lasts
- Factor 5: One-Parent Usability
Factor 1: Fit
Whatever tub you choose you'll want to first determine that it fits in your space. If you're choosing a sink tub, for instance, you'll want to measure your sinks to see where it will fit. Sinks are not always standard, so be specific to the sink you're intending to use. (Check out our article on Infant Sink Tub vs Infant-To-Toddler Tub if you're debating the two.)
As for infant-to-toddler tubs, again, you want to look to which tub, shower, or other space you're planning to use it.
Factor 2: Storage
You'll also want to scope out where you're store your chosen tub, so you have an easy plan when bathtime rolls around. Take a look at your under sink space, a nearby closet, a behind-the-door hook, or other spot that might work. Foldable, travel-friendly tubs (like the Stokke Flexi Bath) can be a great option for NYC apartments, as they can be tucked away with ease.
Factor 3: Material & Drainage
Next up, material and drainage. You want a sink that is made of a soft material that's easy to maintain and comfortable for your little one. You also want to make sure that it has easy drainage, so water doesn't sit and cause mildew.
Factor 4: How Long It Lasts
Next, find out the useful life of any tub you're considering; Does it work up to four to six months when baby is sitting up or hits 20 lbs? Or will it take you the distance, up to age four or six years, after which they'll be able to take a bath or a shower with less support.
Factor 5: One-Parent Usability
Lastly, figure out how easy it is to bathe your bub on your own. You always need one hand on the baby, so is it constructed so that your child is supported? Although it can be fun for the whole family to enjoy taking turns telling bathtime stories and sudsing up their hair, you want to be sure that you don't need another hand each and every time.
Bathtime with Babesta
Look for fit, storage, material, drainage, useful life and one-parent usability when choosing your tub (or tubs) for your registry. You want to make tub time as easy, safe and comfy for both you and your little one.
And, if you're ready to start choosing, we have some picks: check out our article on Babesta's favorite city-friendly bathtubs.
Don't lose your cool shopping tubs for your tot. Shop Babesta.
Additional Reading
- Bathtime Checklist: What to Add to Your Baby Registry
- Hooded Towel or Regular Towel: What do you Actually Need?
- Soft Infant Sink Tub or Infant-to-Toddler Tub: Which Do You Need First?
- Best Baby Bathtubs for NYC Apartments - Our Picks
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if a tub will actually fit my sink?
Measure your sink's interior length, width, and depth before you buy. Sink tubs are not one-size-fits-all, and city kitchen and bathroom sinks vary widely in shape.
What's the difference between choosing for fit vs. choosing for storage?
Fit is about whether the tub works with your sink, tub, or shower as-is: storage is about where it lives the other 23 hours a day. A tub can fit perfectly and still be the wrong choice if there's nowhere reasonable to stash it.
Can mold or mildew from poor drainage actually be a problem?
Yes. A tub that holds standing water, especially in a smaller apartment bathroom with less airflow, can develop mildew that's unpleasant and can be irritating to sensitive skin. Look for a design with a drain plug or slats that let water run off after each use.
Do I need a different tub for a newborn vs. an older baby?
Not necessarily a different tub, but a different setup. Many tubs offer a newborn insert or recline position that adjusts as baby grows, which is worth checking before buying two separate tubs.
Which factor matters most in a small NYC apartment?
Storage, more often than not. A tub that measures perfectly but has nowhere to live becomes clutter fast, so weigh it as heavily as fit when deciding.
