What to look for when buying

Because of the controversy surrounding bath seats and rings, few new models are on the market these days. But there are some general things to look for when buying:

• Make sure the seat has a T-bar or strap that runs between your baby's legs.

• Check out display models in a store — do they seem sturdy and well-made? Might they tip easily?

• If it's a model that clamps to the side of the tub, measure the thickness of your tub's wall to make sure the clamp will fit.

• Will your baby fit into it? Bath seats come in one size, but not all babies are built alike — yours may not fit comfortably into it, or be able to be pulled from it without difficulty.

• Consider a seat that comes with spinning toys to make bath time fun.

• Watch out for any rough edges that might scrape your baby's skin when you pull her in and out of the seat.

• As with any children's product you buy or receive as a gift, check our product recall page regularly to make sure it hasn't been recalled.