Original Tummy Tub Tub white

All of your child’s needs were catered to in the warm embrace of your womb. Birth brings about lots of changes and new experiences, like hunger, thirst, bright light, unfiltered sound, cold and the full force of gravity.
In the early 90s, midwives in the Netherlands discovered, that babies benefit from baths that emulate what it feels like to be inside the womb. The tummy tub® has been developed by professionals – this unique bath tub is made to emulate the womb and makes it easier for your baby after the birth to adjust to the stress and unfamiliar experiences in the world around them. It provides complete warmth and support, helping your baby to relax and remain calm in a prenatal position.

Bonding by bathing
Intense skin contact after birth, calming, stroking and the gentle sound of a motherly voice strengthen the bond between a mother and her newborn, work to calm them and provide a sense of security. Bath time can be a very special time in which the baby’s connection to their parents is strengthened and in which the father can also play a big part.

Ages & stages

Premature and newborn babies

The tummy tub® is used as the first baby bath in many hospitals. It is the perfect alternative to traditional baby baths, in which it is quite common for your baby’s heart rate and breathing to increase.
Newborns are not dirty – that is why this bath is mainly used for relaxing, calming and building up your connection with your little one. Newborns will often fall asleep in the tummy tub®.

Babies (up to 6 months)

The therapeutic use of the tummy tub® is perfect from birth up to the 6th Month. In this time, it is not uncommon for e.g. bloating pain and restlessness to occur, and these are soothed by the bath. However from the 12th to 16th Week, babies have more control over their neck muscles and find it easier to lean against the sides of the tummy tub®. Between the 2nd and 3rd months, babies usually
try to use the buoyancy of the water to stand up in the tummy tub®. Studies show that babies develop their motor skills quite early on.

Older babies (6 to 12 months)

This is where the real fun starts! This is the age in which many babies no longer wish to lie down in a traditional bathtub. That is because they are learning how to sit up at this age, and this upright position is positive for them. The rounded walls keep your baby safe and help them stay in this new position.

Toddlers

The tummy tub® can be safely used by kids that weigh up to 17.5 kg. Many kids still enjoy using it until they are 2 or even 3 years old. At this age, they can stand or sit when being washed, or carry it around and play with it when it is not being used. This is how easy bathing is with tummy tub

Fill it with warm water

As a guideline, especially for the first bath: Fill the tummy tub® up to the water fill mark. During the first week, it is important for your baby that the water comes up to and over the shoulders, while its little bottom is firmly on the floor of the tummy tub®.
The perfect water temperature for bathing newborn babies is the body temperature of the mother (36 to 38 °C). Even if you are using a thermometer: Thoroughly check the temperature again on your wrist or elbow.

Option 1: The “sponge bath”
If you are using the tummy tub® for the first time, or have a newborn baby, then it is recommended to wash it with a natural sponge before you place your baby in the tummy tub®. Fill the tummy tub® with warm, clean water and place it close to your changing table. This water can be used for washing with a natural sponge. Wring it out until it is only just damp. Carefully clean your baby’s face. Then continue to the rest of the body. Make sure that you clean the nappy area last.

Washing hair
Make sure to definitely wash your baby’s hair before their nappy area. Take a small amount of baby shampoo onto your washcloth and make it damp. Gently massage this on their little head, while your baby is still laying on the changing table. You can rinse it out when your baby is in the tummy tub®.

Relaxing in the tummy tub®

Once you have finished washing them with the sponge, your baby can finally relax in the tummy tub®. Keep a tight grip on your baby and slowly lower them into the water, until they are securely on the floor of the tummy tub®. Position your baby in such a way that it has its back leaning on the wall of the tummy tub®.
The little legs should also be facing forward towards the other wall. Support the little head under the chin with one hand so your baby doesn’t swallow any water.

Option 2: The “full bath”
After trying a few different washing methods, you will probably prefer to offer your baby a full bath in the tummy tub®. It makes sense to leave out the previous pre-washing method with the sponge for babies that have better control over their heads and necks. You can
however wash newborns this way in the tummy tub® with a little bit of practice.
Start washing your baby from the top, starting with the face, then the hair and work your way down from there. Use water without any soap in it for the face and a natural, gentle washing lotion for the body. A small cup and a natural sponge or wash cloth can be used to rinse the hair. Your baby will love the feeling of the warm water.
Drying off and getting dressed
After the bath, gently lay your baby on the changing table. Take another towel to completely dry off your baby. Then you can put a nappy and clothes on the baby. When you are finished using it, clean the tub out as soon as possible with clean water. Don’t clean it with harsh cleaning chemicals.

* Babies do not need to be washed every day. Experts say that 2 to 3 times a week is more than enough to protect their delicate skin from drying out. But you can of course just place them in the tummy tub® without any added soaps to help your baby relax.
* Keep your baby in their bath towel as long as possible after their bath to keep them cosy and warm.
* The tummy tub® offers incredible health benefits for babies that suffer from bloating, colics and sleeping problems. The tummy tub® also helps to calm premature babies.
* Don’t worry if your baby tries to stand up in the tub. This is aided by the buoyancy of the water and is a positive sign of your baby’s improving motor skills.
* To promote sitting down, sit your baby in the tub with its bottom directly on the floor and the legs positioned out facing the wall.
* If your baby can support its own little head, then it will be able to lean on the sides of the tub alone. You will then need less water. This makes washing easier, as you have both hands free.
* Do not use the tub anymore if it gets damaged or broken!


Frequently asked questions

What makes the tummy tub® different to other bath tubs?
The original tummy tub® has been copied many times, but the function and quality has never been matched. Details about the shape and materials are made to provide secure bathing comfort to your baby. The tummy tub® is developed e.g. to prevent it from tipping over and making it more sturdy when it is filled with water.
The original tummy tub® was the first bathtub of its kind and its shape as well as design are patent protected in many countries. Its womb-like shape is completely unique. Aside from its other properties, the tummy tub® is the owly bath tub with a rubber ring on the bottom to prevent it from slipping on smooth, wet surfaces.

Why can’t any household bucket be used for bathing?
* Household buckets do not have non-slip bases
* A normal bucket is not rounded and doesn’t provide any grip for your baby
* Pigments in the plastic can contain dangerous toxins
* The handle on a bucket can injure your baby’s fingers
* Normal buckets are too narrow and tight
* Household buckets have sharper edges and can damage your baby’s delicate skin

Is the tummy tub® safe?
Yes! The tummy tub® has passed an unparalleled amount of safety tests. It has
been successfully tested by numerous international testing institutions.