Your toddler has graduated from the baby tub to the full-size bathtub. But you're still concerned that with all that wiggling and giggling, squirming and splashing that your son or daughter is liable to become injured in the tub. A safety mat can help minimize slips. Many parents, in fact, find it an essential piece of equipment for this stage of life. It's not a bad idea for adults, either.
The Big Gripper
The Big Gripper, by One Step Ahead, is an extra-large bathmat that measures 39 1/2 inches by 16 inches--enough to cover the tub from end to end, leaving no slippery spots at the edges. It's made of mildew-resistant machine-washable vinyl, and is covered with 200 suction cups on the bottom to help it stay put. The top surface is cushioned for comfort. This product has no frills, no colorful whimsical designs--just pure practicality. Note that the suction cups won't stick to textured tub bottoms.
Munchkin Surf Friends
On the other end of the spectrum, colorful Munchkin Surf Friends bathtub mats come in either a surfboard or a flip-flop design to suit your style-conscious needs. The top is textured, and the bottom is secured with heavy-duty suction cups. Dimensions are generous, at 26 by 14 inches.
Especially For Baby
Especially for Baby, by Toys R Us, is another no-frills tub safety mat that measures an extra-long 17 by 36 inches. The mat is machine-washable and secured by suction cups to the tub floor. Its mesh design lets water drain through the mat rather than pooling on the surface, helping to keep it safe and non-slippery for your baby or toddler.
Vita Futura
Vita Futura offers several safety bathmat designs, but the one that Cookie Magazine recommends to parents is the "Free" design made of latex rubber. It's all-natural, PVC-free, and measures 14 1/2 by 36 1/3 inches. It features a durable design and secure suction cup bottom. The mat is offered in three colors--white, beige and blue.
Ace Hardware Living Accents
If you're looking for a green, bargain choice in bathmats, Ace Hardware's Living Accents Deluxe bath mat is phthalate-, latex- and PVC-free. Ace offers a simple design in white, clear or tan. Its dimensions measure 16 by 28 inches. This bathmat is also remarkably inexpensive.
