droolicious : bathtime

Meat Your New Favorite Bath Accessory

Aaron Burgess — Tue, 26 May 2009 13:00:00 GMT

Whether you're talking veggie dogs or all-beef frankfurters, nothing says summer like a freshly grilled hot dog -- you take into the bathtub with you.

Fear not, though: This Hot Dog & Bun Soap won't leave you smelling like paprika and garlic. The dog itself smells of bay rum, while the bun packs the scent of fresh-baked bread. And since the whole thing's made from vegan glycerin, it'll clean even the dirtiest vegetarian kid.

$8.99 from Perpetual Kid.

Revisiting the Tummy Tub

Aaron Burgess — Mon, 04 May 2009 15:00:00 GMT

When we first covered the Tummy Tub two years ago (11 years after the thing debuted, incidentally), the upright bathing unit from Europe seemed like just another kiddie curiosity: Note our enthused observation, which still makes me laugh today, that the tub basically just lets you "dunk baby like a deep-fried turkey." Well, be that as it may, the Tummy Tub has finally made a splash in the U.S. -- amazing what a little Today show segment will do for you.

Janis McKellar, the star of Friday's Today segment, didn't invent the Tummy Tub, but after discovering the Dutch invention via a Canadian retailer, she did take the initiative to start selling the Tummy Tub in the U.S. Today, McKellar is the sole Stateside distributor of Tummy Tubs and their accompanying stool sets (see above) via her website, Bathed With Love, which also sells a variety of other unique, hand-picked bath goods for babies.

As for the Tummy Tub itself, not much has changed since 1996: The ergonomically designed, non-toxic tub allows babies to sit upright in the fetal position, surrounded by warmer water for longer periods of time and generally feeling more at ease at bathtime. Yes, it still brings to mind a turkey fryer/paint bucket, but given the tub's mounting worldwide success, who's laughing now?

Tummy Tubs start at $44.95 (clear design) at Bathed With Love -- and if you already own one, you tell us: Is the Tummy Tub hype justified?

Wubbzy's Gone Soapity

JeanneSager — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 20:25:00 GMT

I should just come and say it: I'm a sucker for bath toys. Maybe it's all the good memories - the hours languishing in a tub as a kid getting good and pruney.

Suffice it to say, my kid is benefitting big time from my tub time treasure hunts. Our latest find? Let me just say Wow.

Because Wow! Wow! Wubbzy! has gone soapity - specifically Soapity Suds, the cuddly bath toy from Fisher Price that can double as a hugable buddy for the bath or a critter that oozes bubbly fun. Made for kids who dig bubble beards, Wubbzy's squishy body soaks in the soap and lets out a steady stream of foam "hair" when you give him a squeeze.

A good way to get bath-resistant kids to cover themselves in soap (yes, I'm devious), Wow! Wow! Wubbzy! Soapity Suds is available at Amazon for $14.99.

More Wubbzy fun:

Beyonce Shines on Wubb Idol

Spa Baby Tub for Your Little Upright Citizen

Aaron Burgess — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 16:00:00 GMT

One of only a few such European-inspired bathing gizmos we've seen, the Spa Baby Tub features a bucket-shaped design that allows wee ones to sit in a natural fetal position. You support baby's head, but nature and buoyancy do the harder work of keeping her at ease. (If only our grown-up tub could surround us with so much warm water..)

Oh, and unlike the $4 paint bucket you're about to pull out of the garage for the same purpose: Can't say we blame you, but it's worth noting that the polypropylene Spa Baby also arrives free of polycarbonate, BPA, paint and other potential health hazards.

$44.99 ($39.99 Canadian) from Spa Baby.

Float Clear Bath Ball Eats Tub Rings for Breakfast

Aaron Burgess — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 15:30:00 GMT

In theory, I love the idea of the Float Clear Bath Ball: The benign little orb floats about the tub, sucking up the dirt, oil and other ickiness the kids leave behind. In reality, the thing is around $38 more expensive than a can of Scrubbing Bubbles, and it doesn't dispose of the poop and pee that are the real banes of my tub-cleaning existence. Can I get an amen here?

$41 from Japan Trend Shop.

Some Doras are Still Little Girls

JeanneSager — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 20:25:00 GMT

Her tween counterpart might be making all the news lately, but Swim and Splash Mermaid Dora is very much your sweet regular bilingual gal.

Part of the Fisher-Price bath line, mermaid Dora earns points for being one of those one-size-fits all toys. Sure, she's made for water, but she does just fine on land thanks to fine hair for kids who like to groom their dolls (none of that molded tub toy plastic hair that steals that pleasure away).

Mermaid Dora still does her best exploring in the tub, where your little waterbug can spin her conch shell necklace and get her flipper a flipping. Because what little kid doesn't pretend to be a mermaid when they're swimming? Come on - girls AND boys buy into that one, and they did way before Ariel start singing and making you shell out for princess gear.

So let Dora take a dip in their tub while she's still a little girl.

Detox and Declutter the Bathroom

Heather Kuldell — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 21:23:00 GMT

After recent news of cancer-causing chemicals in shampoos, more than one parent I know weeded through the bathroom cabinets. The chance to clean out is also a way to get rid of extra bottles. Dr. Bronner’s Magic Organic Shikakai Baby Body Soap is a conditioning cleanser that is suitable for both body and hair. The cleanser combines shikakai seed-pod extracts, organic sugar and grape juice with a base of Dr. Bronner’s famous castile soap, a longtime staple of hippies’ households for its fair trade and no-animal-testing policies.

Though its available in a few different sizes, save yourself a shopping trip with a purchase of the 24-ounce pump for $14.99.

Sheep’s Milk Soap

Lisa Mulcahy — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 14:00:00 GMT

How ‘bout this sheep soap as an alternative to Easter basket candy?

This all-natural sheep-shaped soap, $10.20, from Design Within Reach, is made with almond oil, shea butter and sheep’s milk. The result is a yummy smelling soap that seems good enough to eat, but make sure little ones know it’s not white chocolate or some other kind of confection. Right now it’s on sale and there’s free shipping as part of DWR’s 15% off anniversary sale.

Aura Cacia Foam Baths Turn Tubs into Spas

Heather Kuldell — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 13:03:00 GMT

The magic of warm baths should not be overlooked. While aromatherapy may not treat every ailment, it can work wonders on fussy kids, cranky kids and even stuffy kids. Aura Cacia creates some particularly luxurious scents, using sustainable sourcing and avoiding 100%-synthetic ingredients. The Clearing Foam Bath, made with eucalyptus and citrus essential oils, brews a soothing, sinus-opening soak for little ones — anyone, actually. Each 2.5-ounce pouch sells for $2.99, and could be used for a bath or two, depending on how much foam you like. Baby bathers can try out their own blend of milk and oat.

Sweetheart Ducks For Your Valentine

Lisa Estall — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 20:37:00 GMT

Have a splashing good time with these rubber ducks. These sweetheart duckies stare loving at each other and

are paired together on a pink platform. The girl duck is of course the white one with the red lipstick. Do these lovebirds belong in your...

bathtub?

They are $5.95 and sold on mookiegifts.com

Get Clean with Mr. T

SunnyChanel — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 19:30:00 GMT

I pity the fool who doesn’t get clean in the bath. And to help you get your kid to wash behind their ears this duckish incarnation of Mr. T will intimidate them into cleanliness. Depicted in non-toxic vinyl, Mr. T is covered by his trademark gold chains, rings and bracelets and he just happens to have a bright orange bill. This Rub a Dub Dub with Stars in the Tub is available here for $11.95.

Brand New! Dr. Seuss Towel Set from Pottery Barn Kids

SunnyChanel — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 22:37:00 GMT

Your child’s aquatic adventures, those in the comfort of your own bathtub that is, can get a bit more fishy with this brand new Dr. Seuss Bath Towel set from Pottery Barn Kids. These Turkish 100% organic cotton towels celebrate One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish with bright images and embroidered trim. This set, along with the other Dr. Seuss goodies available from Pottery Barn will be available to ship after January 8th and will only be for sale a limited time. Prices range from $7 for a washcloth to $29 for a bath towel here.

BiBaBath Converts Any Shower Into a Kiddie Tub

Aaron Burgess — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 18:04:00 GMT

The U.K.-made BiBaBath unfolds into a two-seat tub that slides into most shower stalls and accommodates kiddoes up to age 7. And while the gizmo's $185 U.S. sticker price may seem a wee bit steep for a portable bathtub, the investment could be worth it if you're an apartment-dwelling family with only a shower to share.

The BiBaBath's aluminum frame collapses for easy storage, and even if you have your own bath at home, it seems like a handy way to keep a tub on-hand during travels. (All of the above, of course, could be said for a $10 Rubbermaid tub -- just saying...)

€ 139 -- order your own from BiBaBath online.

ABC Kids Expo 2008: New Skip Hop Bath Time Products

Chris Ford — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 18:33:00 GMT

We've already told you about the new bath toys and ladybug organizer from Boon, but Skip Hop was also showing off some new bath products at ABC. The Tubby toy organizer keeps the tub tidy and the Moby spout cover is a cool rubber duck alternative for the faucet.

The Tubby organizer is made of washable neoprene and mesh, and has suction cups to stick to your bathroom tile. The Moby spout cover is adjustable to 80% of tub spouts. Both will be available in January or February of 2009.

The Tubby will retail for around $20.00 and the Moby will retail for around $13.00. Check out other Skip Hop products at skiphop.com.

7 Days of Bath Time: The WashPOD

Aaron Burgess — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 15:04:00 GMT

Maybe you're of the mind that once baby's been ejected into this cold, cruel world, there's no need to keep him or her coddled in a womb-like state anymore. For the rest of us, the Prince Lionheart WashPOD at least helps to make bathtime a little closer to the cozy confines of Mama's belly.

The WashPOD is designed to slide babies up to 22 pounds into the fetal position, and despite looking a wee bit like a wastebasket from Target, it comes physician- and midwide-recommended as a boon for bathing. Just add warm water, and let the cooing ensue.

$28 from Baby Bliss.

Because Everyone Needs a Shampoo-Diverting Bath Helmet

Aaron Burgess — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 16:04:00 GMT

From the "If only we'd thought of this first" category: Lil Rinser, a $15 shampoo guard whose soft, form-fitting rim channels water away from your face, aims to make life easier for any parent who's ever had to deal with a screaming kid at hair-washing time. (Or at least any parent who's never heard of tear-free shampoo or used a downturned palm to redirect rinse water.) Just grip the handle, slide the rim onto your child's scalp, and rinse, rinse, rinse that mortal terror away.

Admittedly, I've not actually tested a Lil Rinser (my kids are mostly of the "No thanks, Dad, we'll wash our own damned hair" variety), but at least one lab has, and it's thumbs up all around. Oh, wait -- that was a test for chemical compounds. Whatever -- even if Lil Rinser ends up not doing the job for you, it makes a great hand-me-down for Ma-Maw:

Get your own Lil Rinser here.

Little Twig Organic Baby Care: Get it at the Shower, Use it in the Bath

Aaron Burgess — Thu, 15 May 2008 16:03:00 GMT

Little Twig makes some of the best-smelling natural baby soaps you'll find, but if you're not sure about which of the company's products to dive into first, try the Organic Baby Care Ultimate Starter Set, which includes a pair of soothingly scented washes and bodymilks alongside a bottle of extra-mild unscented baby powder and a plush, caterpillar-adorned washcloth. All three of the skin products are dermatologist-tested, pH balanced, and free of additives such as sulphates, paraben, phthalates, and artificial colors and fragrances. And if a whiff of the lavender/chamomile-infused baby wash doesn't get your little one chilled out and ready for bedtime, it'll do wonders to help you relax.

$40.25 from Delight.

Spit Up: Ghost Towel (Common Sense Not Included)

Aaron Burgess — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 15:16:00 GMT

Hey there, modern parental units. Tired of the kids kicking and screaming when it's time to get out of the tub? Looking for a quick way to unload your devalued U.S. dollars? Incapable of cutting two eyeholes out of an old bath towel? Well, get out the currency converter, Ward and June, and snag yourself one of these "ghost towels" at Lazybone. £23.99 or €47.35 if you're outside of the U.S.; $35.46 if you pay for things in dollars.

Petit Jour Elmer Elephant's in the Bath, Too

Mir — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 21:04:00 GMT

Earlier today I became enamored of this Elmer dinnerware, but now I've found something else I might love even more. Behold the Elmer Elephant squirting bath toy! Just as adorable as everything else Elmer, this one would be an excellent passive-aggressive gift for the new parent you just don't like very much. ("Oh, Junior got you all wet again? Wow, sorry to hear that.") $22 at Tiddley Widdley.

Green Baby: Giggle Goes Organic with Better Basics

Mir — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 13:03:00 GMT

Giggle has just unveiled their Better Basics organic layette, and everything you need is there -- onesies, bunting, blankets, washcloths, hats, booties, everything. Every last piece is made from certified organic cotton grown under Fair Trade practices, so not only is baby comfy in tag-free softness, you can feel good about your choices. Prices start at just $7.

Brave New Baby: Remote-Controlled Rubber Duck

Mir — Sat, 20 Oct 2007 13:04:00 GMT

Rubber ducky, you're the one,
You make bath time lots of fun!
Rubber ducky I'm so awfully fond of yoooouuuuuuu!

Forget low-tech ducks; on October 28th, 2007, this remote-controlled rubber duck will be released. Five minutes of charge gives you fifteen minutes of fun in the tub. (For an encore I suggest a unicycle-riding elephant in the crib.) You can pre-order only at Play.com for £12.99, but delivery is only available to UK addresses.

[Hat tip: Neatorama]

Elegant Baby Goes Camo, Ducky-Style

Mir — Fri, 07 Sep 2007 20:02:00 GMT

What's better than a rubber duck? Eight rubber ducks, of course. Make 'em this stylin' camo set ($14 from Urban Youngster) and you can have a squirting good time.

Spit Up: Shampoo Rinse Cup for the Cupless

Mir — Fri, 31 Aug 2007 15:03:00 GMT

Look, it's a pitcher (only $8.95 at One Step Ahead)! With a rubbery panel you can set down right on your darling's head! Absolute genius, I tell you. Yes. Because a normal cup (or a shower nozzle, or a bowl, or your cupped hands for crying out loud) cannot possibly rinse shampoo from your preeeeshus without getting it in her eyes. And a fancy pitcher is totally going to rescue her from that. You know, because kids never squirm and the shape of the pouring unit matters so much.

Free advice: Have her hold a washcloth over her face while you rinse. You're welcome.

Droolworthy: Ripple Shower Timers Save Your Sanity

Mir — Fri, 31 Aug 2007 11:01:00 GMT

If your kids aren't old enough to shower on their own, yet, mark my words: The day will come when you find yourself bemoaning your water bill. Kids left to shower without supervision (I'm talking about ones old enough to know better, y'all) are prone to spacing out and answering your half-hour-later call with "I'm just about to shampoo!"

And then your head will explode and you will die, but it saves you from the coronary the water bill might've caused.

Get yourself a handy little Ripple shower timer, though ($16.26 for various designs on the company website), and stroke out no more. It's waterproof, steamproof, and dawdle-proof. Set it and let your kids race the clock. They'll think it's a game, you'll think it's genius.

It's an Apron! It's a Towel! It's a Cocoose!

Mir — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 12:01:00 GMT

Coochi has solved both the problem of mom or dad getting splashed during baby's bath and snugly wrapping up a wet wiggleworm, afterwards -- the Cocoose is a large cozy towel which can be worn as an apron during the bath, then used to wrap baby up (it even has a hood) and hold him close when bath time is over. Order it from The Flower Stork for £19.99 (about $40 USD), or if you're more budget-minded, come on over to my house and I'll give you a clothespin for free. You're welcome.