Introduction
A baby bath is one of the most significant nursery purchases of the first few months. Get it wrong and you pay for it in back pain, avoidable accidents or an accessory left at the back of a cupboard. This comparison guide reviews every type of baby bath available in 2026, the essential safety criteria and the questions to ask yourself before buying.
1. The different types of baby bath
The classic sit-on baby bath: placed in the family bath, in the sink or on a changing table. Low entry price (€20–40). Major drawback: it forces the parent to bend over at every bath, has no built-in thermometer and no drainage system – carrying a full baby bath puts your back at risk and can lead to spills.
The baby bath on a stand: the parent stays standing. An ergonomic position for your back, easier access and better stability. From €50–70. Drawback: it takes up space permanently and is hard to store in small flats.
The foldable baby bath on a stand: combines the benefits of standing up with easy storage. 85 cm tub, built-in digital thermometer and a 120 cm drain hose so you never have to carry a full bath. The most complete solution: foldable baby bathtub with stand
The bath seat / bath recliner: holds your baby in a semi-reclined position. According to Ameli.fr (the Assurance Maladie website, French national health insurance), it is only suitable for babies under 8 kg and under 70 cm – and it never replaces active supervision by an adult.
2. The non-negotiable safety criteria
EN 17072 certification: the European standard specific to baby baths. It assesses structural strength, stability and the absence of harmful substances. Any model without this certification should be ruled out.
Independent laboratory testing: CE marking is self-declared by the manufacturer. Testing by Intertek or Eurofins provides an extra guarantee. The Treelys bathtub has been tested to EN 17072 by Intertek and also tested by Eurofins.
Free from BPA and phthalates: the REACH Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 sets strict limits on plasticisers in childcare articles.
Rock-solid stability: test it yourself or check customer reviews. A model that wobbles when your child wriggles is a direct risk.
3. The bath thermometer: a must
The ideal bath temperature is exactly 37°C. Above 38°C, the risk of scalding is real – a newborn’s skin is 5 times thinner than an adult’s. A digital thermometer shows the temperature in real time.
Options: a separate floating thermometer (€8–15) or a thermometer built into the bath (the most practical solution, as you can never forget it).
4. The drain hose: the underestimated criterion
A full baby bath weighs 8 to 15 kg. At 3 baths a week over 12 months, that is more than 150 lifts – a common cause of postnatal lower back pain. A 120 cm drain hose lets you empty the water straight into the toilet, shower or sink without moving the tub: foldable baby bathtub with stand
5. The 3 models compared
Classic sit-on baby bath – Ergonomics: poor / Storage: compact / Thermometer: no / Drain hose: no / EN 17072: varies / Price: €20–40 / Use: 0–8 months
Rigid baby bath on a stand – Ergonomics: good / Storage: bulky / Thermometer: rarely / Drain hose: rarely / EN 17072: varies / Price: €50–80 / Use: 0–12 months
Foldable baby bath on a stand – Ergonomics: good / Storage: compact when folded / Thermometer: built-in / Drain hose: built-in / EN 17072: yes (Treelys) / Price: €80–120 / Use: 0–18 months
6. Up to what age?
Most baby baths are designed for babies from 0 to 12–18 months. After that, children can move into the family bath with a suitable seat and under constant supervision.
Conclusion
The most important criterion is neither design nor price – it is safety (certifications) and ergonomics (standing position, draining without lifting). Discover our model: foldable baby bathtub with stand – FAQ: our frequently asked questions
