Baby bath seats can be helpful aid during bath time. They support your baby in an upright position and can make it easier to wash them.
But, baby seats are not safety devices and they do not prevent drowning.
Babies can drown in very shallow water - it can happen quickly and silently, which is why adult supervision is vital. Always stay within arm’s reach of your baby when they are in or near water.
Between 2019 and 2025, in England, 14 babies under 1 year old drowned in the bath. Of those, at least nine were using a bath seat at the time.
This is a reminder that bath seats do not prevent drowning and should never replace adult supervision.
Bath seats are not safety devices
Bath seats are designed to support your baby in the bath. They are not designed to keep your baby safe if they are left alone.
A baby can slip, wriggle or move into a position where they are no longer properly supported. Bath seats can become loose or tip over.
They should never be used as a replacement for close adult supervision.
Stay within arm’s reach
Many people think a drowning baby will make lots of noise and splash around. In reality, drowning is silent. Babies do not splash, cry or make noise if they are in difficulty.
Never leave a baby alone in the bath, even for a moment. If you need to leave the bathroom, take your baby with you.
Never rely on other children to supervise a baby in the bath.
Using a baby bath seat safely
If you choose to use a baby bath seat:
- Purchase from a trusted retailer and check for a UKCA or CE mark
- Read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions
- Check that it is suitable for your baby’s age and size
- Make sure any suction cups or fittings are secure before each use
- Stop using it if it becomes damaged.
Get ready before bath time
Before bath time, make sure everything you need is within reach. This could include:
- A towel
- Soap or baby wash
- A clean nappy
- Clean clothes
Having everything nearby means you are less likely to need to leave the room during bath time.
Avoid multitasking and distractions such as mobile phones or answering the door.
Top tips
- Baby bath seats are not safety devices
- Never leave a baby alone in the bath. Always stay within arm’s reach.
- Get everything you will need ready before bath time.
- Avoid distractions during bath time.
- Never rely on older children to supervise a baby.
- If you need to leave the bathroom, take your baby with you.
Baby bath seats can be a useful bathing aid, but they do not prevent drowning.
The best way to keep your baby safe during bath time is to always stay within arm’s reach of them.