Image: MomJunction Design Team
Make your little champs look forward to their bath time by getting them the best toy boats for toddlers. These toy boats are appealing and available in vibrant colors.
The toy boats are perfect for engaging your child in pretend play as they include interactive features. Furthermore, they help make bath time easier for you and them. So, check out the features of the best-selling and parent-recommended toy boats on this list and pick one for your munchkin.
Top Picks
11 Best Toy Boats For Toddlers
1. Best Lightweight:Munchkin Little Boat Train Bath Toy
Featuring six floating toy boats, the toys have funny faces and numbers for easy arrangement, counting, and ordering. The vibrantly colored Munchkin boat train is suitable for children aged four months and above. They can scoop up water and strain when turned upside down. Easy to stack, these lightweight toys provide your child a firm grip. This quality-tested toy playset can enhance hand-eye coordination and boost their learning and language development.
Pros
- Improves imaginative skills
- Introduces basic math
- Stimulates color recognition
- Made of plastic material that does not attract mold
Cons
- Boats may not stay together
- May have tiny holes at the bottom
Did you know?
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product boasts 12,217 reviews on Amazon, and many buyers have said they would purchase the product again.
2. Best Magnetic:3 Bees & Me Magnet Boat Set
3 Bees & Me set includes four non-toxic, BPA-free, colorful boats that can float. Equipped with a safely enclosed magnet, each boat can attach to the next one in line. This durable toy can enhance the child’s imagination and motor skills. Suitable for children aged 18 months and above, the tried-and-tested toy is easy to grasp, free of sharp edges, and comes with a 60-day return policy.
Pros
- Encourages creativity
- Helps in color and number recognition
- Fine detailing
- Easy to make boat train
Cons
- May trap some amount of water
- May not withstand rough use
"My son was thrilled to receive these boats as a birthday present. They're also easy to grip, and their magnetic feature adds to the fun. However, I’d recommend drying them thoroughly to prevent mold buildup."
Quick fact3. Best For Fine Motor Skills:Wonder Wheels By Battat Ferry Boat
Made from recyclable plastic and other safe materials, this toy is suitable for boosting children’s fine motor skills. The floating toy boat consists of two toy roadster cars and space to ferry other toys to the port. Suitable for children aged one year and above, the set also includes portholes, floatation devices, a wind-up propeller, and an anchor for your toddler’s imaginary commutes. Learn more about the tried-and-tested plastic bath toy set in this review video.
Pros
- Features a loading ramp
- Ideal for developing motor skills
- Bright and colorful
- BPA-free
Cons
- May catch mold
- Wind-up propeller may be flimsy
"This toy boat's built-in ramp and accompanying cars have made it my kid's favorite in no time. It's also durable, and the colors look vibrant. I did feel like the wheel mechanism could be smoother, but the overall size and sturdiness have made it worth it."
4. Best For Hand-Eye Coordination:Ubbi Boat & Buoys Bath Toys
The Ubbi bath toy boat set contains one boat and four buoys to ensure ample bath time fun. Made from silicone, the durable toys can easily float, scoop, and pour water with drain holes. Soft to grasp, the toy promotes children’s hand-eye coordination and imagination. The toy is top-rack dishwasher-safe and can be easily air-dried.
Pros
- Doesn’t catch mold
- Lightweight
- Free of BPA and PVC
- Stimulate creative play
Cons
- Rings may have a rough edge at the bottom
- Colors may be subtle
"The rain effect produced by this boat toy keeps my little one entertained throughout the bathtime. It even flats seamlessly in the tub, and the stackable design is a boon for storage."
Caution5. Best Recycled:Green Toys Rescue Boat With Helicopter
Suitable for toddlers aged two years and above, this engaging toy from Green Toys can enhance the toddler’s creative skills. Made from recycled plastic milk jugs, this quality-tested four-piece set includes a toy rescue boat, a helicopter, a Captain Duck, and a Pilot Bear. The floatable toy is safe for children as it is free of harmful chemicals such as BPA, phthalates, and PVC. Printed using soy inks, you can easily clean this toy in a dishwasher.
Pros
- Stimulates imagination
- Boat meets FDA food contact standards
- Sturdily built and floats easily
- Free from external coatings, dyes, and paints
Cons
- Figurine may be tiny and cause choking
- May attract mold
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
About 2,259 reviewers on Amazon have given their seal of approval to the product.
6. Best Food-Grade: Fun Little Toys Bath Boat Toy
The Fun Little Toys boat set includes a green speedboat, a red fireboat, and a blue sailing boat toy made of premium-quality, food-grade ABS plastic. Suitable for indoor and outdoor use, these fun speedboat toys can enhance the child’s sensory skills, creativity, and imagination, making them one of the funnest boat bath toy sets.
Pros
- Colored with non-toxic paint
- Boats have a flat bottom
- Features smooth edges
- Safe to play on the sand
- Easy to grasp
Cons
- May not be dishwasher-safe
- Plastic may be a bit thin
7. Best For Developing Imagination:Disney Junior Muppet Babies Tub Time Cruiser
The water toy from Muppets has an appealing design that includes a Captain Kermit water squirter and his floating toy pirate ship. Water comes out from the pirate’s outfit whenever squeezed. Suitable for ages two and above, the toy ship has three secret reveal windows to enhance the child’s creativity and imagination.
Pros
- Includes water strainer
- Has burr-free edges
- Well-crafted design
- Encourages role play
Cons
- Ship may require constant draining to make it float
- Water may get stuck in certain parts
"My toddlers love Muppet characters, so this Kermit toy was very well received. It does occasionally flip over, but the kids are delighted with it. Plus, it has made bath times less stressful."
8. Best Eco-Friendly:Yeonha Toys Light-Up Boat Floating Rubber Set
The set of six different brightly colored bath toy boats feature an appealing design and are suitable for toddlers aged six months and above. Made using premium-quality rubber, these floatable toy boat models feature two sensors at the bottom which immediately light up in the water. The safety-tested and eco-friendly toy is waterproof and easy to grasp and is designed to enhance children’s imagination and coordination skills.
Pros
- No-hold design
- Has a long battery life
- Suitable fish tanks
- Doubles as party decor
Cons
- Flashing of light may not be controlled
- May be smaller than expected
"The standout feature of these boat toys has been their flashing lights. They are smaller than expected, but they float upright and have held up well to the rough handling of my kids."
9. Best Inflatable:LianMan Toys Cochain Speed Boat Toy Set
LianMan bath and pool toys are made of high-quality, non-toxic plastic, with six colors. Inflatable in nature, this wind-up yacht toy is suitable for children aged three years and above. Convenient to grasp, the indoor and outdoor toy boat comes with a tail motor, a gas blowpipe, an inflator pump, and an instruction manual.
Pros
- Easy to assemble
- Convenient to fill the gas
- Comes in attractive bright colors
- Ideal for playing in lakes, pools, bathtubs, streams, and outdoor water
Cons
- Winding the motors in the water may be a bit hard
- Motors are not break-resistant
"With adorable designs and good floatation, these boats have become a well-loved addition to my daughter's bath toys. She took time to get used to its wind-up feature but can now use it independently. Overall, they've been a good purchase."
10. Best Sturdy:Matty’s Toy Stop Plastic Boats Set
Suitable for indoor and outdoor use, the toy boat set is ideal for children aged three years and above. It includes three lightweight and sturdy boats, a purple speedboat, a blue fireboat, and a red sailaway boat toy. These baby boat bath toys require snap assembly.
Pros
- Made of plastic material
- Smooth edges
- Well-crafted finish
- Lightweight design
Cons
- Boats may fill up with water quickly
- May have excess plastic left from the mold
"I've found these classic boats to be a delightful addition to my child's bath time. They are appropriately sized for her little hands, and she seems to be quite taken with them. They're also easy to clean and maintain, making bath times fuss-free and fun."
11. Best Educational:Liberty Imports Wall-Mountable Pirate Ship Bath Toy
The multifunctional pirate ship is a premium-quality, colorful bath toy with a small button under the cannon for operating the paddle. You can fill the adventure ship with water and turn the wheels to move the pirate captain. A long stream of water is released from the canon by pressing the large button. This educational toy ship is apt for enhancing the skills of children aged one year and above.
Pros
- Suction cups hold the ship firmly
- Features turnable radder
- Easy accessible buttons
- Improves hand-eye coordination
Cons
- May not float
- Water-pouring scoop may be smaller than expected
"This pirate ship bath toy brings fun to tub time, especially its swaying motion. It has also been perfect for facilitating imaginative play. The cannon can make bath times a little messy, but the joy it brings has made it worthwhile."
How To Choose The Right Toy Boats For Toddlers?
Here is a list of essential factors that can help you select the best toy boat for toddlers.
- Built: Choose a toy boat built using high-quality materials to make the toy durable and long-lasting. Consider a toy made of food-grade plastic for the best quality.
- Waterproof: Make sure the toys are waterproof and floatable to use in the bath.
- Age: Ensure the toy is apt for your child’s age and suits their needs.
- Safety: Ensure the toy is free of hazardous chemicals and toxins. Choose a toy boat made from eco-friendly and premium-quality materials.
- Multifunctional: Choose a toy that can enhance the child’s sensory skills, creativity, and imagination. You may also refer to reviews from other parents to learn more about a product’s features
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are toy boats safe for toddlers?
Toy boats made with non-toxic, BPA-free plastic materials, or child-safe materials are safe for toddlers. Moreover, they should not contain any loose parts or sharp edges that may pose risk.
2. How long do toy boats last?
The durability of toy boats differs for each brand and model. The quality of the material, its construction, working mechanism, and care and maintenance determine the toy’s durability.
3. How should I clean toy boats?
Toy boats are easy to clean as they are made to float in water. You can wipe these bath toys with disinfectant wipes immediately after the bath and allow them to dry before you store or use them next time. Some bath toys are dishwasher safe and are easy to clean; you may dip these boats in vinegar solution for deep cleaning.
4. Do toddlers enjoy toy boats?
Yes, toddlers enjoy toy boats as they make the boring bath time joyful.
5. Does the toy boat color fade out?
While this may not be the case with all bath toys, they might fade over time when exposed to direct sun for extensive periods.
Boating is a joyous activity for children, and boats, in general, are highly fascinating for them. So, if your little one seems amused by boats, this list of the best toy boats for toddlers may help you choose the perfect gift for them. For young children, choose lightweight, colorful boats made of non-toxic, BPS-free materials. Also, ensure the toy is easy to grasp and has no sharp edges. You could also opt for dishwasher-safe toys so you can easily clean them.
Infographic: How To Use An RC Toy Boat Properly?
RC toy boats facilitate thrilling and action-packed play, especially during bathtime for children. It’s crucial to follow essential precautions while using them to ensure the child’s safety and prolong the boat’s life. Explore the infographic below for valuable insights on the proper usage of RC toy boats.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
References
- Nevin Cetin Dag et al.; (2021); Children’s only profession: Playing with toys
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8430366/
Why Trust MomJunction?
Priti Bose is experienced in creating interesting content on children’s toys and games. In this post, she has put together a list of the best toy boats to keep your toddler entertained during bath time. The writer has scoured various websites and considered several user reviews to arrive at this selected list. She has ensured that the products are child-safe and has provided a buying guide to help you buy the right toys.
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