Children’s bath time can be a joyful affair with splashing and padding to help improve parent-child bonding and allow your child to relax and have fun. With cute bath toys and gentle, aromatic soap and bubbles, safe and effective bathtubs allow your child to sit comfortably without hassle.
Natalie Perez, a parenting blogger and influencer, says, “Toddler bathtubs are a great place to let your toddler enjoy a safe and fun bath if you do not have a full-sized tub at home. Give your child some of their favorite bath toys when they are in it and make bath time fun and engaging for them.”
Browse our list of options and features to make an informed decision. These bathtubs are available in several designs and sizes to fit your requirements.
Top Picks
14 Best Baby Bathtubs And Bath Seats Of 2024
1. Best Whale-Shaped: Fisher-Price Whale Of A Tub Bathtub
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The whopping 1,471 positive reviews on Amazon reflect the superior quality of this product.
Make your baby’s bathtime more fun with this whale-shaped bathtub by the trusted brand Fisher-Price. It weighs 3.2lb and is ideal for newborns and babies aged up to one year. The innovative flush drain plug is designed to keep your little one comfy while ensuring fast and simple cleanup, making it one of the favorite options for parents.
Dimensions: 28.5 x 17.3 x 9.25in| Material: Foam| Item weight: 3.2lb| Maximum weight recommendation: 25lb
Pros
- Contoured shape infant seat
- Padded back to prevent slipping
- Fits most tubs and basins
- Soft foam headrest
Cons
- May not be suitable for small bathrooms
- May not drain water completely upon removing the plug
2. Best Convertible:FridaBaby 4-In-1 Grow With Me Bath Tub
The baby bathtub by FridaBaby is designed to offer versatility and is suitable for your child at various growth stages, from the newborn phase to when they reach 24 months. This pack includes a convertible bath sling and a bathtub that can be adjusted to various sitting positions, ensuring your child’s safety and comfort.
Dimensions: 28.8 x 18.64 x 9.37in| Material: Plastic| Item weight: 7.93lb| Maximum weight recommendation: 50lb
Pros
- Bathtub includes an easy-release plug
- Non-slip feet offer stability
- Features a built-in hook for easy drying
- Made of quick-drying material
- Machine-washable for easy maintenance
- Easy to assemble
Cons
- Material may be thin for some
- May not be mold-proof
Review:
One of the reviewers mentions, “The FridaBaby Grow With Me Bath Tub is versatile and adaptable for my baby’s growth. The cloth-like material keeps my baby warm, and the adjustable seat positions are helpful. However, the foam seat insert requires improvement for better newborn support.”
3. Best Inflatable: Munchkin White Hot Inflatable Duck Tub
The compact foldable design makes this an excellent portable bathtub for toddlers. It has a textured lower surface for adequate cushioning, which prevents the toddler from slipping. It accommodates toddlers up to 24 months of age. Take a look at this product review video to learn more about the dad-and-mom-tested baby gear.
Dimensions: 29.75 x 15 x 11.25in| Material: Vinyl| Item weight: 0.44lb| Maximum weight recommendation: 80lb
Pros
- Uses thick, high-quality rubber.
- Built-in indicator warns if the water is hot
- Lead-free
- Great for travel
Cons
- May take a long time to inflate
- May not be easy to clean
Review:
According to a tester, “I’ve found the Munchkin Inflatable Duck Tub to be a great addition to my baby’s bath time. Its smart design easily transitions from a functional tub to an engaging toy. The temperature indicator is a nice touch for added safety. On the flip side, keeping it properly inflated can be a bit of a task, and it feels slightly flimsy at times.”
Fisher-Price Whale Of A Tub Bathtub Best Whale-Shaped | FridaBaby 4-In-1 Grow With Me Bath Tub Best Ergonomic | Mommy's Helper Inflatable Bath Tub Best Easy-To-Drain | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Foam | - | - |
| Color | White | - | - |
| Weight | 3.2 pounds | 7.79 pounds | - |
| Dimensions | 28.5 x 17.3 x 9.25 inches | 9.35 x 18.66 x 28.8 inches | - |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 1,471 | 652 | 2,738 |
| Price | $29.99 | $49.97 | $18.99 |
4. Best Easy-To-Drain: Mommy’s Helper Inflatable Bath Tub
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 2,738 buyers on Amazon have said the product lives up to the hype.
Froggie Collection Inflatable Bathtub is designed to keep your little one safe and comfy during bathtime. Its air-cushioned tub keeps the baby secure and provides padding for extra comfort on any surface. Moreover, this dad-and-mom-approved tub has a saddle horn that prevents the infant from wriggling around during the bath.
Dimensions: 27 x 18 x 6.5in| Material: Polyvinyl chloride| Item weight: 1lb| Maximum weight recommendation: 34lb
Pros
- Attractive design
- Base plug for easy drainage
- Phthalate-free
- Easy to drain and clean
- Easy to carry
Cons
- Can be tedious to inflate the bathtub
- Might be a little slippery
Review:
A parent says, “Using the Mommy’s Helper Inflatable Bath Tub has genuinely enhanced my baby’s bathtime. Its portability came in handy for our trips, and after figuring out the right technique, inflating it was a breeze. It offers stability and safety, though it’s worth noting that more active babies might need extra supervision.
5. Best With Integrated Hand shower: Summer Infant Toddler Bath And Shower Tub
This infant tub has a flat bottom to easily place and move your baby. Its integrated hand shower, which is connected by a cord, is completely detachable, and the tub includes a removable sling for convenience.
Dimensions: 28 x 17 x 8in| Material: Plastic| Item weight: 6.19lb| Maximum weight recommendation: NA
Pros
- Has a textured base
- Grows with the baby
- Made of lightweight plastic
- Showerhead makes it easy to rinse
Cons
- May not suit newborns
- Shower unit may develop molds
Caution6. Best Non-Slip: Fisher-Price 4-In-1 Sling ‘n Seat Tub
This large-sized bathtub is a boon for parents with chubby babies, as it accommodates a maximum weight of 25lb (11.3 kg). It features a soft washable fabric mesh sling for newborns, and the baby stopper keeps it from slipping or sliding. Also included is a whale toy to keep your baby engaged during their bathtime.
Dimensions: 18.11 x 31.5 x 9.06in| Material: Mesh| Item weight: NA| Maximum weight recommendation: 25lb
Pros
- Includes a detachable toddler bathtub seat
- Features a hook to hang for convenient storage
- Includes a plastic bathroom mug and squeeze bottle for toddler shampoo
- Made of non-slip plastic
- Sit-me-up support
Cons
- Head support may not be as comfortable
- Does not come with a drain
7. Best Adjustable: Skip Hop Baby Bath Tub
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 1,658 independent reviewers on Amazon have acknowledged the product's durability and functionality.
The Skip Hop Baby Bathtub is designed for a fun and safe bathing experience for your little one. The smart sling adjusts to two positions — full-body or seated support– and its dual-layered mesh with comfort-edge construction securely cradles your baby. In addition, the sling can be removed for older babies, and the tub has no uncomfortable plastic bumps, making it a trusted choice.
Dimensions: 19 x 11.6 x 27.5 inches| Material: Polyester PP| Item weight: 3lb| Maximum weight recommendation: 25lb
Pros
- Has a drain plug, swivel hook, and non-slip interior
- Offers adjustable support for different stages of development
- Easy to use
- Ensures safety
Cons
- May take up more space in the bathroom
- May not be suitable for babies weighing above 25lb
Review:
According to a tester, “I’ve found the Skip Hop Baby Bath Tub to be convenient for bath time with my little one. The mesh seat provides excellent support and comfort. Certain features, like the drain plug and the hanging hook, add to its convenience. However, its large size is more suitable for older children and not for babies who still need support.”
Point to consider8. Best Travel-Friendly: Stokke Flexi Bath
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has earned its stripes, with over 545 reviews on Amazon.
The Flexi Bath from Stokke is a portable tub that can be folded flat for easy storage. It can be trusted by moms as it is made of high-quality silicone and is big enough to accommodate babies aged up to six years.
Dimensions: 25 x 3 x 9in| Material: Polypropylene| Item weight: 3.74lb| Maximum weight recommendation: 46lb
Pros
- Includes a removable and heat-sensitive plug for easy draining
- Lightweight and portable
- Has a non-slip base
- JPMA-certified and meets ASTM standards
Cons
- Edges may be difficult to clean, making them prone to mold build-up
- Users may have to tilt the tub from on side to drain the water
Review:
One of the parents observes, “The Stokke Flexi Bath’s compact fold and easy-to-clean design make it a standout choice. While the XL size isn’t as large as expected, it suits my toddlers well and offers longevity. The centrally placed drain can be a bit tricky for frequent water changes.”
9. Best Ergonomic: Primo EuroBath Bathtub
This innovative bathtub by Primo is ideal for babies transitioning to the toddler phase. It features a two-stage design, including an infant position for zero to six months and a toddler position for six to 24 months. The ergonomically designed, baby-friendly bathtub offers support to the baby’s head and back in infant position with its reclinable feature.
Dimensions: 36 x 21 x 12in| Material: Polypropylene| Item weight: 3.59lb| Maximum weight recommendation: 30lb
Pros
- Features pommel to keep the infant from slipping
- Offers plenty of room
- Easy to clean
- Lead-, phthalates-, and BPA-free
Cons
- Might be bigger than expected
- May not be sturdy
10. Best Topple-Free: Infantino Whale Bubble Inflatable Bath Tub
The Infantino Whale Bubble inflatable bath tub has a high tub wall to prevent the toddler from toppling over. This tub is made of non-slip material and is designed to provide a snug fit for your little one while sitting.
Dimensions: 30 x 18 x 6in| Material: Polypropylene| Item weight: 1.49lb| Maximum weight recommendation: 20lb
Pros
- Lightweight and portable
- Includes ten floating balls for the little one to play with
- Has a quality plug to drain water
- Suitable for children transitioning to a large tub
Cons
- Air pump not included for inflating the tub
- May be smaller than you expect
11. Best Anti-Slip: Fisher-Price Rinse ‘n Grow Tub
This baby-friendly oval tub from Fisher-Price is designed to let your tiny tots sit comfortably with their legs stretched out, making it one of the top options for parents. It includes two bathing mugs that can double up as toys. The tub also has a built-in pouring spout and drain plug for easy draining.
Dimensions: 25.71 x 19.21 x 10in| Material: Mesh| Item weight: 0.22lb| Maximum weight recommendation: NA
Pros
- Made of non-toxic plastic
- Includes a detachable sling that is machine-washable
- Children can recline on the hammock for fun bath time
- Sling can be converted into a bath toy attachment bag
Cons
- May not suit active babies
- May be slightly small
12. Best Double-Walled:Summer Infant The Summer My Size Tub
Say yes to a safe and comfortable bathing experience for your baby with this Summer Infant four-in-one bathtub. It features a uniquely-designed newborn sling made of compression-molded foam. You can reposition the sling as an upright infant support seat as your baby transitions to infancy.
Dimensions: 28.73 x 19.35 x 14.15in| Material: Polyurethane foam| Item weight: 6.75lb| Maximum weight recommendation: 25lb
Pros
- Comes with a chrome-styled faucet
- Supports three bathing stages–newborns, infants, and toddlers
- Detachable sling
- Comes with a detachable shower sprayer
Cons
- May be larger than you expect
- Hose may be short
13. Best Foldable: Boysea Inflatable Baby Bathtub
This cute foldable baby tub comes with an air pump to let you easily inflate it during your baby’s bathtime. The two-stage bathtub features a separate air valve that allows you to inflate the bathtub as per your child’s comfort. Its convenient drain plug makes it easy to drain out the water once you’ve used the bathtub.
Dimensions: 35.4 x 21.6 x 11.8in| Material: Polyvinyl chloride| Item weight: 2.31lb| Maximum weight recommendation: NA
Pros
- Made of non-toxic material
- Free of phthalates
- Padded space
- Can be used for children up to five years of age
- Features a saddle horn to keep the baby from sliding down
- Can be folded for easy storage
Cons
- Might be smaller than expected
- May have a peculiar smell initially
14. Best With Pull-Tab Drain: Munchkin Sit And Soak Baby Bath Tub
Suitable for babies up to 12 months of age, the Munchkin Sit And Soak Baby Bath Tub comes with a handle that you can use to carry the tub around and use as a storage hook. Its unique non-slip design allows your baby to sit upright.
Dimensions: 25.5 x 16.25 x 15in| Material: Foam| Item weight: 2.5lb| Maximum weight recommendation: 25lb
Pros
- Innovative pull-tab drain allows easy cleaning
- Has a padded backrest for additional comfort
- Latex-free
- Compact build to keep the baby upright
Cons
- May not suit newborns
- May require holding the baby’s neck while giving a bath
How To Choose The Right Toddler Bathtub?
Bathtubs for toddlers come in an array of designs and attributes. Here are some features that should be a part of your checklist:
- Non-skid tub surface: A soapy and playful toddler can get tough to handle. It increases the risk of slippage. Having a bathtub with an anti-slip bottom prevents a fatal slip, ensuring your toddler’s safety.
- Smooth tub rim: The rim of the bathtub should be smooth and devoid of sharp edges. As the toddler holds the edge for support, a sharp rim can be precarious. Apart from being made of durable material, it is a bonus if the bathtub has an anti-skid surface and has been safety-tested.
- Water-fill line: Choose bathtubs that come with water level markers, showing you how much water they can hold.
- Easy to clean material: Bathtubs are made from different kinds of plastics with varying textures. Select those that are easiest to clean and have a lesser tendency to develop mineral scales from water. If the bathtub has inserts, then it should attach neatly without leaving any wide gaps where dirt and moisture can accumulate.
- Water temperature indicators: Babies should be bathed in warm water, and you should always check the water temperature before putting the little one in the tub. Choose tubs with built-in water temperature, which could be digital or small pieces of plastic that change color as per the water temperature (2). Bathtubs with digital temperature indicators are expensive but provide precise water temperature. Color-changing plastics are far more common since they are relatively inexpensive.
- Plugged drain hole: When the toddler is done bathing, the last task is to get rid of the used water. Bathtubs with pluggable drain holes make cleaning hassle-free. So choose a toddler bathtub with a well drainage system.
A good toddler bathtub will be lightweight and made from non-toxic materials.
Types Of Bathtubs
There are three fundamental types of bathtubs.
- Plastic bathtubs: These are conventional and regular bathtubs made from plastic and may have a molded surface to easily place the baby in the tub. It can have a place to hold the toddler’s toys while you bathe them.
- Inflatable bathtubs: These look like miniature versions of inflatable garden swimming pools. Inflatable bathtubs for toddlers are easy to carry, wash, and store, thanks to their flexible plastic material.
- Foldable bathtubs: As the name suggests, these bathtubs are foldable. Portability is their USP, and they are an ideal travel bathtub for the toddler. These tubs are made from flexible, water-resistant polymer attached to a wire frame that collapses and makes the tub easy to store.
Safety Precautions When Using Toddler Bathtub
Bathtubs are fun for toddlers, but they could be dangerous too. Slip of a leg or arm could take time to heal. Therefore, follow these safety precautions to avoid any unpleasant experiences in the tub:
- Never leave the toddler alone in the bathtub: When bathing a baby, give him your undivided attention. Gather all the necessary bathing things, such as towel, diapers, soap, powder, etc., before you begin to bathe your baby. According to the American Academy of Paediatrics, drowning is a leading cause of deaths in toddlers, and it can happen even in a bathtub (1). A toddler does not have the necessary muscle control and dexterity to lift himself up from a fall. During a bath, the toddler can fall flat or roll back even when supported with a ring seat. The risk of drowning then becomes imminent. Therefore, always place one hand on the toddler and never leave him alone in a bathtub.
- Do not overfill the tub: Every toddler bathtub manufacturer recommends the maximum tub water level through conspicuous markings. Even if there is an extra room for more water, never overfill the tub. It can cause soapy water to splash into the toddler’s mouth and nose. In the case of foldable bathtubs, overfilling can strain the hinges and joints thus affecting the tub’s durability.
- Water temperature should be comfortable: According to the American Academy of Paediatrics, a toddler’s bath water should not be warmer than 120ºF (48.9ºC) (2). Check the bathwater with the back of the wrist or the elbow. A toddler’s bath water should be preferably lukewarm to warm. Most modern toddler bathtubs come with some form of temperature indicator.
- Use anti-skid mats if necessary: Most toddler bathtubs use non-slip build material and have an anti-skid pattern at the bottom. Nevertheless, if you feel the base is too slippery, then buy an aftermarket anti-skid or non-slip mats for the bottom of the tub.
- Bathtub seats can provide support: Alternatively, you can also use a toddler bathtub seat called a bathtub ring. It makes sitting in a bathtub easier by providing support to the toddler’s torso.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How should I clean a baby bathtub?
It is best to clean the bathtub after each use and dry it for the next use. You should also scrub the bathtub once a week to prevent mold or mildew buildup.
Avoid using any harsh disinfectants; instead, you can clean the bathtub using hot water and vinegar. Soak it for a few minutes in the diluted vinegar and scrub it with a microfiber garment to remove all the soap scum and dirt.
2. Is a baby bathtub necessary?
A bathtub makes the task of bathing your baby hassle-free. Bathtubs with a textured surface or sling are safer and provide superior comfort and support compared to a regular bathtub. Choose bathtubs that are manufactured on or after October 2, 2017 to ensure they meet all safety standards (1).
3. How should I toddler-proof a bathtub?
Using a non-slip bath mat and a baby-proof bathtub separator or a bath seat that can be attached to the existing bathtub can greatly reduce the risk of falls and injuries. Besides this, testing any new bathtubs and providing constant adult supervision while maintaining shallow water level is also important.
4. How can I make my baby’s tub less slippery?
You may line the bathtub with a bath towel or use non-skid baby bathtub mats to make your baby bathtub less slippery.
5. Should I use a baby bathtub mat?
Investing in a baby bathtub mat is worth your baby’s safety as it can reduce the risks of slipping and falling in the bathtub.
The Bottom Line
Investing in a toddler bathtub can improve the time you spend with your child as you bathe them. It also makes bath time extra relaxing, fun, and exciting for children as they splash in the water and move freely. Safety should be top priority when buying a baby product. So, make sure you look for a bathtub with a non-skid tub surface that prevents slips and falls. With features such as slip prevention and easy drainage, the Fisher-Price Whale Of A Tub Bathtub is our top pick. With a versatile and adjustable design, the FridaBaby 4-In-1 Grow With Me Bath Tub ensures your child’s safety and comfort. Another great option is the Munchkin White Hot Inflatable Duck Tub, with inflatable convenience for easy storage and portability and a hot water indicator. A smooth tub rim minimizes the chances of your child getting hurt while bathing. When you buy a bathtub of an appropriate size, When you buy a bathtub of an appropriate size, bathing your baby will transform from a daily chore into a fun time.
Infographic: Finding The Ideal Toddler Bathtub For Your Little One
A toddler in soapy water could mean a messy affair. But not when you have the right bathtub. Bathing your toddler in a good bathtub could be a fun and safe experience. Check out this infographic for key features to look for in a toddler bathtub for a safe bathing experience for your child. Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
References
- Bathing Your Baby
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/bathing-skin-care/Pages/Bathing-Your-Newborn.aspx - Household Safety: Water & Drowning Hazards
https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/safety-drowning.html
Why Trust MomJunction?
We have carefully compiled this list of the best toddler bathtubs based on their features and user reviews. A buying guide is also included, which offers all the important product specifications to help you make the right choice. We have also offered some information on the types of bathtubs, the features you should consider before choosing the right one, and some safety precautions to follow while using them.
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