Image: MomJunction Design Team
Keep your baby safe and help prevent them from slipping over during bath time with the best baby bath mats. It is an essential bath time accessory that can stop your baby from slipping and falling on the hard tub. Check out our list to find the most suitable bath mat for your baby from the different variants available online. Also, read about the other benefits of baby mats and the factors to consider while buying them.
Top Picks
11 Best Baby Bath Mats
1. Best Multi-Purpose: Aprice Non-Slip Bathtub Mat
This bath mat is multi-purpose and quite versatile.
Pros
- There are 277 suction cups at the base of the bath mat for the best grip in a bathtub.
- The durable bath mat is machine washable since it is made from flexible PVC material.
- The suction cup bath mat has attractive duck illustrations on top and is available in three color options.
- The mat can be used in the tub, or even under the shower for toddlers and young kids to use.
Cons
- The mat may not stick to tubs with a textured base.
"This mat offers commendable coverage and has been the perfect find for my textured bathtub. Although the mat was curled initially, frequent use has made it flat. The mat is super easy to maintain, and the multiple suction cups allow my little one to stand and sit slip-free during bathtime."
2. Best Utilitarian: IKEA Patrull Bathtub Mat
This non-slip mat from IKEA has a utilitarian design that is appealing even to children.
Pros
- The mat is shaped like a crocodile. Small textures on the mat represent the crocodile’s scales but also work as a grip for the baby.
- Multiple suction cups at the base of the mat prevent it from shifting under the baby’s feet.
- The easy-to-clean bath mat is made entirely of rubber.
Cons
- Some buyers noted that mold and mildew tend to grow around the suction cups and the rubber textures on the top.
"Besides being fun, this crocodile-shaped bath mat is super effective in keeping my little one from sliding in the bathtub. The size may be small for older babies, but easy maintenance and the suction binding mechanism more than make up for it. The vibrant green color is super attractive."
Quick tip3. Best Anti-Bacterial: Hermosa Collection Square Shower Mats
It is a simple yet highly useful bath mat for babies and toddlers.
Pros
- The tried-and-tested mat is square-shaped and occupies only that part of the tub where your baby sits in the bath.
- The baby mat rolls and folds for easy storage. The mat is also machine washable.
- It is free from BPA, latex, and phthalates. It also has an antibacterial coating.
- The manufacturer provides a limited 12-month warranty, which is adequate for a product like a bath mat.
Cons
- The mat may not fit edge to edge in a bathtub due to its unconventional square shape. You will have to turn and adjust the mat to find the ideal fit.
- Some buyers felt that the grip offered by the mat’s suction cups was not adequate.
"This mat’s large size, non-slip surface, and powerful suction are perfect for me and my little one. It does have a polymer smell, but it's pretty negligible. Its raised edges offer a soothing massage effect, and as a busy mom, I love that this mat can be washed in the washing machine."
4. Best With Textures: Munchkin Quack Duck Bath Mat
The bath mat’s unconventional shape and bright color is probably its most unique selling point.
Pros
- The mat is shaped like a duck. The various parts of the bird – the eyes and the wings work as textures to provide excellent grip to the child seated on the mat.
- Despite the shape, the grip bath mat can be rolled for easy storage when not in use.
- This adorable non-slip bath mat has skid-resistant suction cups at the base to prevent it from sliding off its place.
Cons
- The mat is small and will not cover the entire floor of the bathtub.
- It has a chemical, plastic-like smell when you remove it from the packaging for the first time. You can soak it overnight in the bathtub to get rid of the strong smell.
"This mat has been a big hit with my little one, who loves anything with a ducky design. It had a rubber smell when new, but that disappeared after a few days. The stain-resistant bath mat has brought joy to my little one's bath time and even eliminated my fears of him slipping."
Do remember5. Best Machine-Washable: Warrah Baby Bath Mat
This is a colorful bath mat with a lot of illustrations to excite a baby or a toddler.
Pros
- The surface of the bath mat is textured with ridges to provide maximum grip to a baby seated on it.
- There are several suction cups at the base of the mat to provide a solid grip even in a tub full of water.
- You can wash the mat in a washing machine for easy maintenance.
- The mat has passed the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission tests for bath mats and is ASTM-certified. The flexible vinyl safety bath mat does not contain BPA, phthalates, lead, and latex.
Cons
- The suction cups will not work if the base of the bathtub is textured. The surface has to be smooth for the suction cups to stick.
"The clear bathmat with sea animal designs has made it easy to keep my little one entertained during bathtime. The mat also came with suction cups for easy installation. It has been useful for my baby as well as my toddler, so I'm pretty pleased with this purchase."
6. Best Functional: Munchkin Dandy Dots Bath Mat
This adorable little bath mat from a tried-and-tested brand has a colorful, cute pattern that the baby may find appealing.
Pros
- The rubber bath mat for babies features an attractive design with several colorful dots and creates a non-slip surface.
- Offers ample floor coverage and is ideal for different kinds of bathroom decor.
- The dots are functional since they work as bumps, which provide friction to the baby and prevent sliding.
- There is an array of suction cups at the base of the mat for maximum grip.
Cons
- If your bathtub has a non-stick coating on its surface, the suction cups are unlikely to stick.
- Some parents noted that the dots tend to peel off over time.
"My tots and I adore this item so much that I have even gifted it to friends and family. Getting the suction cups operational took a bit of elbow grease, but once fixed, they stand robust. The vibrant colors have also been a hit and made bath time more fun."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The tried-and-true product has earned over 4,089 good reviews on Amazon.
Quick fact7. Best Flexible: Liuba Baby Bath Mat
You can make bath time fun for your baby with this bath mat from Liuba.
Pros
- It is made entirely out of PVC, which is flexible and durable.
- Parents reported that the colorful illustrations of fish on the mat keep their little one engrossed during a bath.
- Many users liked that the mat fits quite perfectly in most bathtubs.
Cons
- The suction cups at the base of the mat will not stick on textured surfaces.
- The mat may have some chemical odor when you remove it from the packaging for the first time. You can soak it in water within a bathtub overnight before the first use.
"This bath mat is a fun and functional addition to my little one's bath time. Not only does it keep my child secure, but it also serves as an attractive learning tool. The suction is fantastic."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The 1,425 positive customer reviews on Amazon attest to the product’s quality.
8. Best Attractive: Kikkerland Bath Mat
It has an attractive whale design and is made from high-quality materials.
Pros
- The anti-slip kid’s bath mat is made from natural rubber, which keeps the baby firmly seated in a bathtub.
- There are suction cups at the base of the bath mat, which prevents sliding.
- No latex used in the making of the bathmat.
Cons
- Parents reported that the mat tends to get discolored and moldy after a few months of use. You must wash the mat thoroughly after every use to prevent this.
"This natural rubber bath mat has served me and my daughter well for over a year without molding or peeling. It gets stained at times, but that can be fixed with a quick wash. All in all, it's a solid, safe, and cute item that matches our whale-themed bathware."
9. Best Multifunctional: Infantino 2-in-1 Bath Mat & Storage Basket
This turtle-shaped kids’ bath mat from Infantino serves more than one purpose, which makes it a highly functional product.
Pros
- Infantino’s mat works as a conventional bath mat. Once done using it, you can fold it to form a basket. You can store small bath toys and other items in it. Many parents were impressed by the mat’s multi-functionality.
- The quick-drying bath mat comes with a handy hook. You can stick the hook to the wall and suspend the mat for drying.
- The multiple suction cups at the base of the mat prevent it from shifting in a bathtub.
Cons
- Some parents did not find the wall suction hook very strong.
"The suction feature on this turtle bath toy storage keeps it dry and slip-free. Cleaning the small holes can be challenging, but overall, it functions nicely. The fact that it doubles as toy storage helps me keep the bathroom organized and the bath toys mold-free."
10. Best Slip-And-Skid-Resistant: Salinka Ocean Anti Slip Baby Bath Mat
This ASTM-certified durable PVC bath mat for babies can be a source of entertainment for the little ones during bath time.
Pros
- The comfortable, expert-approved kids’ bath mat is made from high-quality PVC material and has no toxic materials such as phthalates and lead.
- The textured non-slip surface of the bath mat offers extra comfort and prevents the infant from slipping while seated in the tub.
- Suction cups at the base keep the textured bath mat in its place and prevent skidding.
- Children will love the colorful illustrations of animals on the mat’s top surface.
Cons
- The mat emanates a chemical smell when you first remove it from the package. However, the smell goes away after a few days of use.
- The design of the mat may result in water accumulation around the suction cups. You will have to thoroughly clean the mat and leave it to dry after each use.
"I'm quite fond of this colorful, sea-themed bathmat. It sticks well to a wet tub and adds texture for grip, giving me some peace of mind while bathing my toddler. Although it had a bit of an odd scent initially, it disappeared after a wash."
11. Best Non-Toxic: Hevea Bath Mat
Here is a simple, easy-to-use bath mat with sustainable, environmentally friendly features by Hevea.
Pros
- The portable kid’s bath mat is made of natural rubber derived from the sap of rubber trees and has no toxic materials such as phthalates, BPA, triclosan, and PVC.
- This B Corporation-certified bath mat is biodegradable, which ensures no microplastics are washed out into the water during bathtime.
- The mat is made of soft and durable material and has over 200 suction cups, making it slip-resistant.
- It comes in an attractive cardboard tube packaging, making it an excellent option for baby shower gifting purposes.
Cons
- The suction cups might not work if the base of the bathtub or shower is textured. The surface has to be smooth for the suction cups to stick.
- The mat is small and may not cover the entire floor of the bathtub.
"Bathing my toddler feels safer with this toxin-free bath mat. Although slightly smaller for my large-size tub, the functionality it offers is commendable. It has a pleasant vanilla smell, and the suction cups provide a firm grip."
What Are The Advantages Of A Baby Bath Mat?
A baby bath mat is placed at the base of a tub to provide a good grip to the baby’s feet. A simple baby bath mat can provide several vital benefits that we talk about here.
- Prevents the baby from slipping: Babies and toddlers may get excited or annoyed with the idea of a bath and may get restless while in a bathtub. A bath mat keeps the baby steady even when they move a lot and prevents them from sliding. A baby bath mat significantly mitigates dangers by creating friction at the base of the tub.
- Can make bathtub comfortable: The floor of the tub can come across as cold and hard for the baby. The soft bath mat works as an insulated, clean surface, making it comfortable for a baby to sit in a tub.
- Makes bath time fun: Bath mats for infants and toddlers come in a variety of colors and designs. Some come with an activity or a few toys that the baby can play with during the bath.
Bath mats are highly practical and are one of the must-haves during bath time, according to the experts (1). It is, therefore, essential to pick the right bath mat for your baby depending on the requirements.
How To Pick The Right Baby Bath Mat?
Here is what you should consider when purchasing a bath mat for your baby.
- Baby-safe materials: Mats are made of rubber, PVC, or a mixture of these materials, which are usually safe for the baby. However, avoid mats with materials such as latex that could have the potential to cause allergies. Also, choose mats that do not have BPA and phthalates.
- Size and shape: The bath mat should fit into your bathtub and offer maximum coverage. Check the length, width, and shape of the mat before making a purchase.
- Thickness: The mat should be thick enough to keep the child comfortable through the bath.
- Suction cups: Several baby bath mats contain suction cups that form a vacuum with the base of the bathtub, removing the risk of the mat moving when the baby moves.
- Easy to clean: The design and the material should be such that it is convenient for you to clean. Damp and unclean bath mats can become a breeding ground for mold.
- Holes for quick drying: Bath mats with drainage holes can dry faster and are easy to maintain.
- Less prone to bacterial contamination: A bath mat with an antibacterial surface is likely to prevent bacterial propagation. Go for expert-recommended bath mats that state they contain an antibacterial surface.
, an interior designer, home expert, and founder of The Home Guidance, says, “Not all baby bath mats are created equal, and therefore, it’s important to check the quality of the materials, the slip-resistance, and the size of the mat before buying one. A quality baby bath mat can make bath time safer, more comfortable, and more enjoyable for you and your baby.”
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do mats stick to a slightly textured bathtub?
Since most baby bath mats stick via the means of suction cups, they may not be compatible with textured bathtubs.
2. Are bath mats phthalate-free?
A lot of brands manufacture PVC mats that are free of phthalate, BPA, latex, and other toxic substances. You can go through the product details provided by the manufacturer for a better assessment.
3. When will my baby be old enough to take a bath in a full-sized tub?
Ideally, most babies can be bathed in a full-sized tub by the time they are four months old (1). The main caution is to never leave them alone in the tub.
4. Is a bath mat the same thing as a bath rug?
No, a bath rug is plusher and adds to the aesthetic appeal of the bathroom. It’s placed outside the tub or bathroom. Whereas, a bath mat can also be used inside a tub, making the tub non-slippery, especially for babies.
5. Do I have to have a bath mat in the tub for my baby?
Yes, because bathtubs are slippery for babies. A typical baby bath mat comes with a textured, anti-slip surface, which helps keep the baby in place and doesn’t let the baby skid or slip in the tub.
6. What type of bath mat material is best?
Most baby bath mats are either made of PVC or rubber. Toxin-free rubber might be more comfortable to use, but safe PVC mats are easier to clean and maintain and quick to dry.
7. Do bath mats carry bacteria?
Bath mats don’t carry bacteria per se. If they are not cleaned and dried properly on a regular basis, they can easily harbor mildew and bacteria.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Wedetso Chirhah is a product writer specializing in household items. He creates well-researched content to provide you with updated information for your convenience. His list of the best baby bath mats has been compiled after going through multiple user reviews and includes high-quality, slip-resistant, safe, and durable products. These mats are available in several designs and sizes to suit your needs. He has also included the pros and cons of each product and a buying guide to offer you a better shopping experience.
The Bottom Line
Everything babies do turns into a fun-filled experience. And their bath time is no different! Buying the best baby bath mats can enhance their joy without compromising on safety, as they reduce the chances of slipping in a bathtub. You may get anti-skid bath mats like the BPA-free Hevea Bath Mat or the classic Munchkin Quack Duck Bath Mat. The machine-washable Warrah Baby Bath Mat could be a good choice for easy maintenance. Some mats can emit an odor; therefore, stay away from such products to keep your baby happy and healthy.
Infographic: What Are The Advantages Of Using Baby Bath Mats?
Baby bath mats provide babies with a safe and comfortable surface during bath time. Their colorful designs and added features make bath time enjoyable and worry-free for babies and parents. Dive into the infographic below to explore the numerous benefits of using baby bath mats and understand why you should purchase one instantly.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
Do you use a baby bath mat? Tell us about it in the comment section below.
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