Update, a year later...
This was definitely a great purchase. We used it for several months without any issues of mold or mildew, funny smells, or any quality issues. It provided a great platform for my kiddo to play. Looking at current reviews, I don't see how anyone has a problem with this not supporting their baby, unless they are using it on a baby who isn't sitting upright yet. It is assistance to keep a baby who can sit up from flopping over.  Regarding buoyancy issues - it fills with water which weights it down and keeps it from bobbing around and throwing an unstable little one off balance. Using a few inches of water in the tub - all I still use with my toddler - works perfectly. He was able to sit, reach, play, splash, and enjoy his bath in comfort. It was much safer than me trying to hold on to a slippery baby in the tub, and softly supportive. I figured out an easier way of draining the water from it - I would let the tub drain while drying and dressing baby, then jump in and walk on it to get the excess water out. Then, put the hook through, give it a hoist and hang it from a hook in the shower. Worked great. It may not be everyone's cup of tea, but I think this was exactly what my precocious little one would have picked for himself.<br /><br />Old Review: We have been using this for a couple of months now and I love it. We got it before my son had perfectly mastered sitting by himself (around 5.5 months) and it provided the perfect amount of support. Now that he can sit well and is confident, the bottom of the hug tub keeps him from sliding around and provides a nice platform for him to explore. This is also great for combining bath times with an older sibling. Pay attention to care instructions which say not to use washes with lotions or oils because they will prevent the hug tub from drying completely. We hang it over the tub to dry and occasionally throw it in the dryer on low to get it dry and have had no problems with odor or anything. Hanging it outside to finish drying is an even better option. It is really heavy when wet (fresh from the bath, but you can squeeze most of the water out by squishing it in the tub, and it drains quickly and becomes easier to move much faster). When it is nearly dry (several hours or overnight) I put it in the dryer for a few minutes to finish it off if I need to (I live in higher humidity). Also some other reviews mentioned that the front is open and the risk to your baby, but this is a bath aide, not a safety device. I sit right by the tub and I have never had a problem preventing him from falling into the water when he gets excited, but this is so much better for dealing with a squirmy slippery baby than a lot of the other things I've tried. Not to mention that it is soft, comfortable, and grants him a little more freedom. The tummy option, letting him play with the water while propped over the back of it, is nice, too, but my kiddo loves being able to sit up and play in the tub. I highly recommend this.
Rating: 5 stars