Osteopathy and Childhood: What Are the Benefits for Supporting Your Child’s Development?
July 5, 2026
The first years of life are an extraordinary time of discovery, learning, and change.
A baby bath mat is one of the most underrated safety accessories in the bathroom. Yet every year, thousands of household accidents involving young children occur in the bathtub. A good non-slip mat significantly reduces this risk. Here’s how to choose the right one, when to use it, and what mistakes to avoid. 🛁
The enameled or acrylic surface of a bathtub becomes extremely slippery when wet and soapy. Babies and young children, whose reflexes are not yet fully developed, are particularly at risk of falling. According to Santé Publique France, falls in the bathroom are one of the leading causes of household accidents among children under 5.
The non-slip bath mat creates a grippy surface that reduces this risk—while making bath time more comfortable for your baby, who can sit and move around without slipping.
The most common format. Dozens of suction cups on the underside attach to the surface of the bathtub. The top surface is textured to provide a secure grip. Machine washable, easy to install and remove.
Whale, hippo, duck, octopus: these mats turn bath time into a playground and help reduce resistance to bath time among reluctant children. The shape visually defines the safe area of the bathtub.
Non-slip stickers shaped like stars or fish that can be applied directly to the surface. They don’t cover as much area but are practical for small bathtubs or showers. Resistant to limescale and common cleaning products.
The mat should cover the area where the baby sits and plays. For an infant in a small baby bathtub, a compact mat (40×25 cm) is sufficient. For an older child in an adult bathtub, a large mat (90×40 cm) is preferable.
The more suction cups there are, the better the grip. Choose suction cups made of silicone or natural rubber—they stick better and last longer. A mat that’s securely anchored shouldn’t lift easily when you pull on it.
A rug that doesn't dry quickly and can't be washed will develop mold. Choose a rug that is machine-washable (30–40°C) and dries quickly when hung up.
To turn bath time into a truly enjoyable experience, check out our selection of baby bath toys and our tips for bathing a newborn.
As soon as your baby can sit up in the bathtub—usually around 6–8 months. Before that, your baby is in a bath seat or hammock that supports them. The mat really comes in handy once your child is mobile in the bath.
Absolutely not. The mat reduces the risk of slipping but is never a substitute for adult supervision. Children under 5 or 6 years old should never be left alone in the bath, not even for a few seconds.
The two are complementary. The bath seat keeps the baby in a stable sitting position. The non-slip mat secures the surface under and around the seat. Together, they provide maximum safety for babies aged 6 to 18 months.
Suction cups do not adhere as well to textured surfaces. In this case, opt for permanent adhesive anti-slip pads or a mat with extra-large suction cups specifically designed for textured surfaces.
Non-slip bath mats with suction cups, cheerful animal designs, and adhesive dots: PetitMaxou offers a selection of products for a safe and fun bath time. CE-certified, phthalate-free materials. Free shipping throughout the EU.
→ See all baby bath accessories PetitMaxou
A bath mat isn’t chosen solely for functional reasons—aesthetics matter too, especially for children who resist bath time. A mat shaped like a blue whale, a green frog, or a multicolored octopus transforms the bathtub into a play area. Children who are afraid of bath time are often more willing to get into a tub when there’s a “friendly” animal at the bottom. Our selection of baby bath mats includes several animal designs loved by parents and children alike. To make bath time even more magical, pair the mat with our light-up bath whale —a cohesive theme that’s sure to create a fun atmosphere.
A well-maintained bath mat (rinsed after each bath, hung to dry, washed weekly) can easily last 2 to 3 years. The main reasons for replacement include: suction cups that no longer stick (irreversible), mold that won’t come off despite cleaning, and tears in the material. To extend its lifespan, choose a model made of natural rubber or TPE rather than low-quality PVC.
To summarize this guide on baby bath mats in a few key points:
PetitMaxou selects all of its products based on these strict criteria. Our team is available to help you if you’re having trouble deciding between several models. Free shipping throughout the European Union; returns accepted within 14 days.
Our blog is full of practical guides to help you through the first few months with your baby. Here are a few articles on this topic that might interest you:
Parents who have chosen our products regularly share their feedback. The most common comments are about the quality of the materials, how easy the products are to use on a daily basis, and their long-lasting durability. Many parents use our products for their second or third child after a positive first experience. This encourages us to maintain our rigorous selection standards. Feel free to check out the customer reviews on each product page to learn from parents whose babies are the same age as yours. Reviews are verified and published without moderation.
The first years of life are an extraordinary time of discovery, learning, and change.
Baby sunscreen is one of the summer essentials for new parents —