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Children’s bath time can be a joyful affair and help improve parent-child bonding. So, here’s our list of the best toddler bathtubs that allow your child to relax and have fun. Toddlers’ bath times tend to be filled with splashing and paddling, making the bathtub look like their playground.
With cute bath toys and gentle, aromatic soap and bubbles, bathtubs allow your child to sit comfortably without hassle. These bathtubs are available in several designs and sizes to fit your requirements. So, browse our list of options and features to make an informed decision.
Top Picks
15 Best Bathtubs For Toddlers
1. Best Whale-Shaped: Fisher-Price Whale Of A Tub Bathtub
Image: Fisher-price Make your baby’s bathtime more fun with this whale-shaped bathtub by 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.
Pros
- Contoured infant seat
- Padded back to prevent slipping
- Fits in the tub and most sinks
- Soft foam headrest
Cons
- May not be suitable for small bathrooms
- May not drain water completely upon removing the plug
2. Best Ergonomic: The First Years Sure Comfort Deluxe Toddler Tub
This tub by The First Years can accommodate a toddler with a maximum weight of 25lb. It is ergonomically designed and features a hammock swing made using washable fabrics. Check out this product review video to learn more.
Pros
- Accommodates growing toddlers
- Non-slip pads for optimum support
- Toddler can be reclined or seated for bath
- Spacious enough to engage in playtime
Cons
- Hammock may take time to dry
- May not be easy to store
3. Best Inflatable: Munchkin White Hot Inflatable Duck Tub
Image: Munchkin 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 video link to get more information on the product.
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
4. Best Easy-To-Drain: Mommy’s Helper Inflatable Bath Tub
Image: Mommyshelperinc 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, the tub’s saddle horn prevents the infant from wriggling around during the bath.
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
5. Best With Integrated Handshower: Summer Infant Toddler Bath and Shower Tub
Image: Summerinfant This tub has a flat bottom to place and move the toddler easily. Its integrated hand shower is completely detachable, and the tub includes a removable sling for convenience.
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
Image: Shop.mattel This large-sized bathtub is an ideal choice for growing babies as it accommodates weight up to 25lb (11.3 kg). It features a soft mesh sling for newborns, and the baby stopper ensures no slip or slide. Also included is a whale toy to keep your baby engaged during their bathtime.
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
Image: Skiphop The Skip Hop Baby Bathtub is designed to make bath time fun and safe 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.
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
Point to consider8. Best Travel-Friendly: Stokke Flexi Bath
Image: Stokke The Flexi Bath from Stokke is travel-friendly as it can fold flat for easy storage. It is made of high-quality silicone and is big enough to accommodate babies aged up to six years.
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
9. Best Multifunctional: Free Swimming Baby Bath Tub
Transform your child’s bathtime into a fun and interactive experience with this large bathtub. It can be used as a ball pit, toy pool, fishing game pool, and sand box as per your requirements. The anti-slip bathtub supports three stages of development–newborn, growing baby, toddler–by providing enough space to accommodate children of different ages. And if you plan to take it to the beach for your child to have a relaxing time, all you need to do is deflate it and store it in your beach bag.
Pros
- Made of durable PVC material
- Air columns prevent sliding
- Features a drain plug
- Sloop at the top for easy hanging
- Can be stored conveniently
- Available in two colors
Cons
- May take time to deflate
- Can be difficult to position infants
10. Best Ergonomic: Primo EuroBath Bathtub
Image: Primobaby 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 bathtub offers support to the baby’s head and back in infant position with its reclinable design.
Pros
- Features pommel to keep the infant from slipping
- Offers plenty of room
- Easy to clean
- Free of BPA, lead, and phthalates
Cons
- Might be bigger than expected
- May not be sturdy
11. Best Topple-Free: Infantino Whale Bubble Inflatable Bath Tub
Image: Infantino The Infantino Whale Bubble Inflatable Bath Tub has a high tub wall to prevent the toddler from toppling over. It is made of non-slip material and is designed to provide a snug fit for your little one while sitting.
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
12. Best Anti-Slip: Fisher-Price Rinse ‘n Grow Tub
Image: Shop.mattel This oval tub from Fisher-Price is designed to let your tiny tots sit comfortably with their legs stretched out. 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.
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 storage bag
Cons
- May not suit active babies
- May be slightly small
13. Best Double-Walled: Summer Infant The Summer My Size Tub
Image: Summerinfant Say yes to a safe and comfortable bathing experience for your baby with this Summer Infant 4-in-1 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.
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
14. Best Foldable: Boysea Inflatable Baby Bathtub
Image: Munchkin This cute foldable bathtub 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 water once you’ve used the bathtub.
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
15. Best With Pull-Tab Drain: Munchkin Sit and Soak Baby Bath Tub
Image: Munchkin 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.
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 A 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-skid surface prevents a fatal slip, thus ensuring the 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. It is a bonus if the bathtub has anti-skid material on the rim.
- Water-fill line: Choose bathtubs that show water level markings, telling 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). Bath tubs with digital temperature indicators are expensive but provide precise water temperature. Color-changing plastics are far 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 clearing the water hassle-free.
A good toddler bath tub will be lightweight and made from non-toxic materials.
Types Of Bathtubs
There are three fundamental types of bathtubs.
- Plastic bathtubs: These are conventional 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 he bathes.
- 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 toddler bathtub seat called bathtub ring. It makes sitting in a bathtub easier by providing support to the toddler’s torso.
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.
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 with a textured surface or sling is safer and more comfortable than a sink or plastic tub. 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, 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.
Investing in a toddler bathtub can improve the quality of time you spend with your little one as you bathe them. It also makes bath time more joyful and exciting for children as they get to splash in the water and move freely. Safety is always the biggest concern when buying a product for babies. So, make sure you look for a bathtub with a non-skid tub surface that prevents slips and falls. A smooth tub rim minimizes the chances of your child getting hurt while bathing. When you buy a bathtub of an appropriate size, bathing your baby will transform into a fun time from a daily chore.
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
Get high-quality PDF version by clicking below.
Download Infographic
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
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