Your Child’s Equipment
Bath seats
When your child is under 1 year of age, they typically use either an infant bath or bath seat to provide support and safety when bathing. As children grow, they learn to sit independently in the tub. Some children may benefit from using a bath seat if they outgrow the infant bath seat before they can sit independently.
Who needs a bath seat?
Your child may need bath supports for different reasons. Some children need a bath seat for a short period of time. This is to keep them safe in the tub while they’re learning to sit independently.
Others will need a bath support throughout their lives. These children often have limited independent mobility or balance issues. Using a bath seat helps keep them supported, safe, and allows them to participate in bath time.
Common reasons your child may need more specialized bath support:
- outgrown infant bath seat but still need support
- limited mobility or unable to sit independently
- help with independence in the bath
- short-term support after surgery
- safe positioning for parent and caregiver to limit injuries to back, shoulders, or knees
What types of bath supports are there?
There are different bath supports available for different needs. There are 3 common types of bath supports.
Supported sitting
This type of bath support is used to help your child sit and keep their balance. This level of support is for children who have outgrown their infant bath seats and have head control but aren’t yet sitting independently. Your child will be able to splash and play in the tub. This type of bath support allows parents and caregivers to have their hands free to wash and play with their child.
Full support
This type of bath support gives full body support and keeps your child safe if they have limited mobility and limited head control. These seats come in sizes from 1 year of age to adult. They may have accessories to support positioning and are adjustable in multiple ways. This allows parents and caregivers to have their hands free to help with washing.
Independence supports
Depending on your child’s abilities, they may need equipment to help them to be safe and independent in the bath. This can include bath chairs, grab bars, bath benches, and lifts. Bathroom equipment for independence may be short term after surgery or your child may need long-term supports for independence.
Shower equipment
There’s specific equipment available for roll-in showers. These are known as shower commodes.
When should you call for help?
Talk with your child’s therapist to determine what equipment will best support your child and work with your bathroom.
Contact your therapist if:
- Your child is not comfortable in the equipment.
- Your child has grown.
Contact the vendor if:
- There are broken parts on the equipment.
- Annual maintenance for moving parts.
To see this information online and learn more, visit MyHealth.Alberta.ca/health/aftercareinformation/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=custom.ab_childs_equip_bathseats_inst.
Related to Bath Seats
For 24/7 nurse advice and general health information call Health Link at 811.
Current as of: October 31, 2024
Author: Pediatric Rehabilitation Services, Alberta Health Services
This material is not a substitute for the advice of a qualified health professional. This material is intended for general information only and is provided on an "as is", "where is" basis. Although reasonable efforts were made to confirm the accuracy of the information, Alberta Health Services does not make any representation or warranty, express, implied or statutory, as to the accuracy, reliability, completeness, applicability or fitness for a particular purpose of such information. Alberta Health Services expressly disclaims all liability for the use of these materials, and for any claims, actions, demands or suits arising from such use.
