Birth Pool Comparisons & Chart
Use our handy birth pool comparisons chart to help you decide which birth pool to use for your water birth.
Whether you are planning to give birth at home in the water or you just want to labour in the water, birth pools offer incredible pain relief. For a memorable water birth for your baby, you can’t go wrong with one of our eco-friendly, non-toxic professional inflatable birthing pools.
Eco La Bassine (Made in Water) Birth Pool
Pros:
- Designed for birth and use inside the home
- 2 handles on the inside of the pool for extra support
- Holds less water than other birth pools, so less taxing on a hot water tank, and faster fill time.
- Takes up less space than a larger birth pool
- Purchased from Wondermum a liner is included!
Cons:
- Darker blue colour (or purple for the pro model) do not allow for the same visibility as a white bottomed pool
- Not height adjustable
- Some taller women may not get the total full immersion of their belly (or will have to fill it too full to do so and risk water tipping over the edge).
- Depending on size, sometimes there is not enough room for the partner to get in.
- No top or outside handles
- Lid is sold seperately
Birth Pool in a Box (The Good Birth Company Ltd)
Pros:
- Egg shape make some women feel more cocooned.
- 6 Handles for maximum versatility, on top and on outside of the pool
- Has a seat (regular & regular professional model only)
- Mini option available for smaller spaces/hot water tanks (but these have no seat)
- Comes with a liner included
- White bottom for better visibility
- Height adjustable
- Regular model is large enough for both partners
Cons:
- Slightly more expensive
- Regular model has larger water volume, so takes longer to fill and drain than La Bassine and Aquaborn
- Lid is sold separately.
The Aquarium/Paddling Pool (3 chambered standard pool)
Pros:
- Cheap.
- Holds less water, so less taxing on the hot water tank.
Cons:
- The biggest drawback: They are not toxin free & often smell. Keep in mind, you are filling this pool with warm water. When the plastic is heated it will leech these chemicals into the water (which can be unhealthy/dangerous)
- They are too shallow. Deeper pools allow for more buoyancy, and this allows for greater pain relief.
- Some of these pools have drain plugs on the bottom. This is a good feature if you’re playing in the back yard. It’s a really bad feature if the pool is set up in your living room and you accidentally kick the plug open in labour.
- The quality of material on these is variable. They also do not come with liners. Liners are useful as an extra barrier against leaks and prevent punctures while in use.
- These can be difficult to find in the winter, as they are a seasonal product.
- Not recommended for rentals
Aqua Doula – Usually available just for rental. A purchase would set you back about $2500
Pros:
- Can be used with a Heater. You should NEVER use a heater with an inflatable pool as it has been shown to increase risk of infections.
- Very sturdy and large, allowing for good movement and buoyancy.
- A rental usually will come with a lid and all the accessories.
Cons:
- Not as cushy as inflatables. Many women prefer inflatables for the comfort factor, especially if spending lots of time on your knees.
- Much harder to set up and take down, particularly if you have never done it before.
- No handles
- Can be taxing on smaller hot water tanks
- Used with plastic painters sheeting or other non-human grade liners (e.g. toxic and uncomfortable layers)
The Aquaborn Eco Birth Pool
Unfortunately these pools have been discontinued!
Pros:
- Green colour with a white bottom allows for maximum visibility.
- Height adjustable
Cons:
- Being discontinued, most hire options make use of non-food grade liners that contain phthalates and cadmium.
- Larger, deeper pool, so may be taxing on a small hot water tank and take a bit longer to fill
- No seat