New Baby: Advice on carseats and bucket style baby bath

[Jzee]

I am looking into purchasing a car seat for a new baby, but would also like one that could be used for a few years rather than stored is this possible? I have heard that some of the new ones are better than others with regards to side impact can anyone suggest any makes or models? Also, I've seen a baby bath in the NCT catalogue that looks like a bucket. Has anyone had any experience with this type of bath and was it a success?

[Tissy]

We used a bucket bath until dd was about 9 months old. Not the NCT one, which looks rather small, but one we got from another catalogue- maybe Urchin/ JojoMamanbebe? We liked it- for several reasons. Dd seemed to enjoy her baths in it, as the water was deeper it seemed to stay warmer longer, and it didn't take up too much space in our tiny bathroom- it stowed comfortably under the basin when not in use. We had to stop using it when dd was 9 months old, not because she outgrew it, but because she used to stand up holding the edge and refuse to sit down! We now use it for storing bath toys, and the occasional quick bottom-wash!

[whellid]

Another vote for the 'bucket' bath. We bought one from the maternity ward for £12 when we had ds, and after I'd tried the traditional bath, which I hated. The midwife recommended them.
Ds loved the bucket bath, and really did cry when he had to get out! I found it so much easier when he was little, as you don't have to support his weight on your arm, just keep your hands under their chin.

[leese]

Jzee - we used a bucket bath - but it was just a big bucket for £1.99, with rounded edges (no sharp bits). I'm sure it worked just as well as the baby buckets which are sold for a specific purpose. Dd loved it

[Maudy]

didn't use the bucket but just thought I would recommend the floating bath pad - if you have a bath. You fill the bath with water and the baby lies on it - -a bit like a lilo. My DS2 loved it and I wish I had got one for DS1.

Traditional baby baths are rubbish. They are heavy when filled with water and you always make a eal mess.

[Gem13]

We had a bucket bath and DS seemed happy in it for the first few weeks. We were quite tentative with him in it and I didn't really like using it when I was on my own (although that could just have been new mum nerves) as I felt I didn't really have a good hold of him - especially when trying to get him out.

He was very long at birth though and was quite happy when we put him in the normal baby bath. I preferred this as he could have a good kick and splash and we were hands free.

The best thing we found was one of those cotton sun lounger type things (in the NCT catalogue) that goes in the baby bath. This was a 'best buy' from the early months and went into our bath until he was big enough to lie on his own back in the shallow water.

Bathtime has always been the highlight of his day!