One of the big jobs is picking out the best bath toys for babies. Most turn out slimy and moldy, which could be more fun and gross during bath time. Being a parent, I’ve seen many bath toys go bad. Foam blocks get weird spots, and entertaining character floaties get dirty patches. My most prominent wake-up call was a ballerina elephant squirter. It shot greenish-black flakes into my toddler’s bathwater. That is when I knew I had to find better toys.
We researched hundreds of best bath toys and tested more than 50 with our family. Now, we have a list of the top 15 bath toys that are well-designed, fun to play with, and easy to keep clean. They’re fantastic for multiple age groups, but consider what is ideal for the child’s age when selecting a toy. While no bath toy is immune to mold and fungus, our selections are far superior in their resistance to growth. Unlike most cheap toys on the market, such as the not-so-good Elephant in a Tutu, these toys benefit the bath.
Best Baby Bath Toys
Check out our top 15 picks of bath toys if you wish to make bath time more enjoyable for your child. These play items allow children to learn and explore through playing. Here is a list we have compiled; they are fun for kids, easy to clean, only take up a little space, and fun for kids. Gear up for toy-soaked fun baths that are perfect for your child and easy on the pocket.
Best Overall
Green Toys TugBoat
Pros
✔️Eco-friendly material
✔️Sturdy construction
✔️Lightweight design
✔️Safe for kids
Cons
✖️Handle too short
✖️Limited color options
Key specs
- Dimensions: 15.75 x 9.75 x 9.5 inches
- Weight: 7.7 ounces
- Material: 100% recycled plastic
- Age range: 1-5 years
Best for: Toddlers and preschoolers (Ages 1-5)
Promising Review: Parents rave about the Green Toys Tugboat, a super-durable, earth-friendly ride-on made with 100% recycled plastic. This heavy-duty TugBoat is 100% kid-friendly; it can hold up to 50 pounds of toys, which can be inside and outside. Again, it is easily maneuverable by the kids since it is not heavy, and the handle for pulling is made to fold for space saving. Due to its bright color and no sharp edge, it is very safe and enjoyable to use and play with. Children love to use it to carry their toys, sand, or small snacks during playtime. It is also safe as there is no presence of such chemicals as BPA or PVC in the construction of this wagon.
Why we suggested it: This is a fun, valuable green wagon for active families for nature.
Best Squeeze Toy
Skip Hop Zoo Light-Up Baby Bath Toy
Pros
✔️Water-activated multicolor lights
✔️Soft and squeezable design
✔️Easy to clean
✔️Fully sealed to prevent water entry
Cons
✖️Limited to two designs (unicorn and dinosaur)
✖️Lights might not last long
Key specs
- Dimensions: 4.25 x 2.7 x 3 inches
- Weight: 2.4 ounces
- Material: Rubber
- Age range: 9 months and up
Best for: Babies and toddlers (Ages 9 months and up)
Promising Review: I’ll admit that I was initially apprehensive about the Skip Hop Zoo Light-Up Baby Bath Toy Unicorn. Was it wise to introduce something into the kids’ bath that shines and glows brightly? However, my heart quickly melted for this sweet 4-inch plastic unicorn with gentle, rounded features (also available in a dinosaur). As soon as the toy comes into contact with water, it lights up in different colors, thanks to the water-activated sensors on its base. It is sealed so tight that no amount of water could get inside. The glowing colors never got old for my daughter, but since it’s a straightforward toy, it’s probably best for younger kids.
Why we suggested it: Cute, safe, and fun for young kids, this can make bath time an enjoyable experience for the little one because of its soft, squeezable body and water-activated lights.
Best Water Toys
Wild Republic Rubber Ducks
Pros
✔️Mold-free design
✔️Durable material
✔️Floats well without tipping
✔️Unique and fun design
Cons
✖️Limited to zebra and a few other designs
✖️Smaller than traditional rubber ducks
Key specs
- Dimensions: 4 x 4 x 4 inches
- Weight: 2.11 ounces
- Material: Hard, smooth plastic
- Age range: 3 years and up
Best for: Kids aged three years and up
Promising Review: A classic among bath-toy reviews, the Wild Republic Rubber Ducks has found great popularity. When properly sealed, it stands up and floats without tipping over. This bath toy has stayed new after a year and is made of complicated and smooth plastic. While natural rubber would seem significant, many of the tested floating toys made from it—such as Kala the Whale and the Oli & Carol Origami Boat—tended to get slimy quickly and form mold. Although this zebra duck is not your everyday rubber-duck style, it’s still kind of fun and very unique. Wild Republic has other marvelous designs like peacock duck, cobra duck, T-rex duck, and even the zombie duck.
Why we suggested it: This zebra rubber duck bath toy is challenging, fun, and safe for kids. The free design ensures no mold growth water-ins and makes it perfect for use during bath time.
Best Buckets of Fun
Skip Hop Baby Bath Toy Buckets
Pros
✔️Mold-free design
✔️Easy to clean
✔️Encourages motor skills
✔️Stackable for easy storage
Cons
✖️Smaller than expected
✖️It may not appeal to older children
Key specs
- Dimensions: 7 x 3.25 x 5.5 inches
- Weight: 9.9 ounces
- Material: 95% ABS, 5% PP
- Age range: 9 months and up
Best for: Babies and toddlers (Ages 9 months and up)
Promising Review: Stacking cups are stacking cups. There can’t be that much variance. The starfish-shaped Green Toys Stacking Cups were promising but became mold magnets with deep crevices. The Mushie Stacking Cups, though stylish, had an annoyingly hollow lip that gathered gunk. The Skip Hop Baby Bath Toy Buckets were just right, though. These five-handled buckets are free of tricky notches and are made from smooth, hard plastic that wipes clean easily. Each bright, 3-inch-tall bucket has a cheerful animal face and a different perforated pattern on its base that drains water—fun during bath time and useful afterward for drying.
Why we suggested it: Stackable buckets are great fun for bath time and help develop basic motor skills in your child. They encourage coordination and sorting and are designed to clean and store easily.
Best Fun Play in The Bath
Haba Bubble Bath Whisk
Pros
✔️Encourages sensory play
✔️Helps develop motor skills
✔️Durable and sturdy
✔️Fun and engaging design
Cons
✖️It doesn’t create new bubbles
✖️Can cause splashing
Key specs
- Dimensions: 10.24 x 3.74 x 2.56 inches
- Weight: 3.59 ounces
- Material: Plastic
- Age range: 3 years and up
Best for: Children 3 years old and up
Promising Review: This HABA Bubble Bath Whisk is by far an entertaining bath toy that gets a lot of giggles and splashes. Roughly 10 inches tall, this yellow-and-orange gadget—with an aqua-and-green version—works like a rotary egg beater. When you turn the crank handle, the paddle spins fast, making waves in the bath.
It won’t make new bubbles but will move the ones already there. However, using it too close to the tub’s edge could get you wet. Our sitter came out looking like she’d just been at SeaWorld! Still, the happiness this whisk brings is worth it, and you can always use it in the play kitchen if needed.
Why we recommend it: This bubble bath whisk makes bath time more entertaining and engaging. It helps kids understand cause and effect while improving their motor skills, proving to be exciting and educational at the same time.
Best Storage Bag
Green Toys Tide Pool Bath Set
Pros
✔️Made from recycled materials
✔️Dishwasher safe
✔️Encourages sensory play
✔️It comes with a storage bag
Cons
✖️Limited color options
✖️Smaller than expected
Key specs
- Dimensions: 10 x 5 x 9 inches
- Weight: 14.1 ounces
- Material: 100% recycled plastic
- Age range: 6 months and up
Best for: Infant, Baby, and Toddler (Ages 6 months and over)
Promising Review: This Green Toys Tide Pool Bath Set is a fantastic collection of bath toys that bring the ocean to your tub. It’s got quite a selection for starting with bath toys or bringing along on vacation or to a relative’s house.
This one even has a rigid storage basket complete with handles. The set comprises three shells and a starfish, but the actual stars are the squid and jellyfish. Their legs spin, and their hollow heads can be dunked and drained. Like other Green Toys products, these are made from thick, pleasing-to-the-touch plastic that’s BPA-free and dishwasher-safe.
Why we recommended it: This bath set is perfect for ensuring that bath time is enjoyable and even helpful in teaching the child something simultaneously. It enables sensory play to enhance motor skills and make the children active. Also, it is environment-friendly and relatively simple to wash.
Best Overall Bath Toy
Munchkin Fishin Bath Toy
Pros
✔️Includes three sea creatures to catch
✔️Sea creatures are sealed to prevent water entry
✔️Develops hand-eye coordination
✔️It makes bath time fun and interactive
Cons
✖️The fishing pole and bobber have holes and small nooks
✖️The line does not reel up
Key specs
- Dimensions: 8 x 2.5 x 11 inches
- Weight: 8.2 ounces
- Material: Plastic
- Age range: 2 years and up
Best for: For ages two years and above
Promising Review: The Munchkin Fishin Bath Toy adds exciting fishing fun to bath time. The colorful fishing rod lets Your child catch three floating magnetic sea creatures. The reel even makes a fun clicking sound, so it sounds just like an actual fishing pole for added fun. The toy not only occupies the child but also assists them in learning more about hand gestures while attempting to capture the swimming animals. This is perfect for bathing, and not only that, it’s excellent for water fun even outside the tub.
Why we recommended it: An ideal set of bath toys appropriate for children who like to play as they bath, the design of toy has been designed in a way that will foster the development of their motor skills, eye-hand coordination among other skills, all while having as much fun as they can during bath time.
Best Eco-Friendly Submarine
Green Toys Submarine
Pros
✔️Can float or submerge
✔️Easy to hold
✔️Propeller spins
✔️Made from recycled materials
Cons
✖️Cannot dismantle to clean thoroughly
✖️Some water may remain inside after use
Key specs
- Dimensions: 10.25 x 5.25 x 4.5 inches
- Weight: 6.3 ounces
- Material: 100% recycled plastic
- Age range: 6 months and up
Best for: Infants and toddlers (6 months and up)
Promising Review: When it comes time to bathe, plunge into the water for an excellent time with this Green Toys Submarine! This great toy will easily stay above or submerge under the water. When submerged, the propeller spins when held. It is also interactive since water can flow in and out of the portholes and its nose. Its top handle makes it easy to maintain and move around in the tub. Not to mention, it’s 100% made from recycled plastic, with no BPA, PVC, or phthalates. We love the idea of Green Toys using recycled materials since less will be wasted in our landfills.
We recommended it: This submarine bath toy is perfect for imaginative and interactive play. It promotes motor skills development and is eco-friendly and easy to clean.
Best Budget
The First-Year Stack & Count Cups
Pros
✔️Fill, pour, stack, or nest
✔️Easy to dry
✔️Nest for easy storage
✔️It helps develop motor skills and counting
Cons
✖️Eight cups to keep track of
✖️Possibility of losing pieces
Key specs
- Dimensions: 3.5 x 3.25 x 2.5 inches
- Weight: 4.8 ounces
- Material: Plastic
- Age range: 6 months and up
Best for: Infants and Toddlers (6+ months)
Promising Review: The First Years Stack & Count Cups are more than their name might lead you to believe. This set of eight colorful cups is a classic children’s toy that fulfills a child’s desire to fill, pour, stack, and nest in the bathtub. Every cup in this set has holes, but they are each placed uniquely on the cup so that every cup can fill up and make rain or waterfalls.
These cups are straightforward to clean, dry off quickly, and provide easy storage. Even though there are eight cups, the set has a convenient flower-shaped clip to hold them together, minimizing the chances of losing one. This low-priced option is enjoyable and perfect for families with babies or toddlers.
Why we recommended it: This set of stacking cups is perfect for making bath time fun and educational. It would help develop coordination between hands and eyes, counting skills, and problem-solving ability with an easy-to-clean and store unit.
Best Multicolored Toys
Boon Cogs Water Gears Bath Toy.
Pros
✔️Spin individually or link together
✔️Turn by hand or with water
✔️Promotes motor skills and coordination
✔️BPA-free
Cons
✖️Suction power is not always dependable
✖️Nooks and crannies to clean
Key specs
- Dimensions: 6 x 1 x 9 inches
- Weight: 4.5 ounces
- Material: Plastic, Silicone
- Age range: 12 months and up
Best for: For Babies and Toddlers (12 Months to 3 Years Old)
Promising Review: The boon Cogs water gears bath toy is a set of five colorful, gear-shaped toys that stick to the bath or shower wall and turn by hand or with water. They can spin individually or link together. Our preschool-age tester had a blast creating different gear configurations and learning to suction them to the wall. To clean, rinse the gears thoroughly and let them air dry entirely after each use. Occasionally wash with warm, soapy water and be alert for mold.
We recommend these bath toys, perfect for mini-engineers and curious kids. They will promote motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and cause-and-effect discovery by turning bath time into a playtime bonanza.
Best Mold-Resistant Toy
Munchkin Bath Bobbers
Pros
✔️Simple and entertaining
✔️Easy to clean and dry
✔️Sealed design to prevent mold
✔️Lightweight and easy for little hands to operate
Cons
✖️May float out of reach in a large tub
✖️Limited to two characters
Key specs
- Dimensions: 3 x 2 x 3.5 inches
- Weight: 6.1 ounces
- Material: Plastic, Silicone
- Age range: 6 months and up
Best for: Infants and toddlers (6 months and above)
Promising Review: Munchkin Bath Bobbers is a fun set of bath toys that features a polar bear and a penguin. The two bob around the bathtub independently, spinning randomly, making their way from one end of the tub to the other, eliciting tons of smiles and giggles during the bath. The baby and toddler testers loved these sweet little creatures. It’s one of the best features: bobbers are sealed up tight, so there are no holes or notches for mold to grow into. They’ll be straightforward to clean and dry out.
We recommended it: The Munchkin Bath Bobbers provide easy and amusing fun at bathtime. Easy to clean and dry, the toy helps develop motor skills and imaginative play.
Best Fun Bath Toss-Game Toy
Nuby Floating Purple Octopus
Pros
✔️No holes for mold
✔️Easy to clean and dry
✔️Engages imagination and motor skills
✔️BPA-free materials
Cons
✖️Too small for younger babies
✖️Rings can pose a choking hazard.
Key specs
- Dimensions: 6.8 x 7 x 5.5 inches
- Weight: 6.7 ounces
- Material: Silicone
- Age range: 18 months and up
Best for: Toddlers (18 months and above)
Promising Review: The nuby floating purple octopus is quite vibrant and presents a lot of entertainment when taking a bath. It is an adorable floating octopus without holes or crevices that keep hidden mold, making it easy to clean and dry. This one has three brightly colored toss rings that can be tangled on its legs, making it an enjoyable plaything for toddlers. This fun and developmental toy integrates hand-eye skills and imaginative play as your little one enjoys it.
Why we recommended it: They help make bath times fun and valuable for helping the child grow and develop. It supports developing motor skills and hand-eye coordination while being cleaned easily and mold-free.
Best Good Pull and Go Toy
Skip Hop Pull And Go Monkey Submarine Bath Toy
Pros
✔️Fun to watch
✔️Bright colors
✔️Helps motor skills
✔️No batteries needed
Cons
✖️Hard to dry
✖️Might get moldy
Key specs
- Dimensions: 3 x 3.75 x 4.5 inches
- Weight: 1.92 ounces
- Material: ABS Plastic
Age range: 12 months and up
Best for: Kids 12 months and above who love to play with fun bath toys.
Promising Review: This is an excellent, fun bath toy. It is brightly colored with a cute little monkey captain that your kids will love to look at. When you pull the string, this submarine zips across the tub, making bath time exciting. They also learn the basic skills of pulling and pushing, suitable for kids’ development. However, it may be tricky to completely dry, possibly resulting in mold if not handled with care. Apart from that, it’s one of those fun toys that make learning and play go hand in hand.
Why we recommended it: A fun, educational bath toy that helps develop the motor skills of children at an early age and makes them have fun in the bathtub.
Best Squirting Kids Bath Toys
The First Years Disney Finding Nemo Bath Toys
Pros
✔️Fun squirting action
✔️Easy for small hands
✔️Bright and colorful
✔️Features favorite characters
Cons
✖️Risk of mold
✖️Small size
Key specs
- Dimensions: 4 x 2 x 2 inches
- Weight: 0.64 ounces
- Material: Plastic
- Age range: 6-18 months
Best for: Infants and young toddlers between 6 months and 18 months who enjoy playing in the water and are fans of the recognizable characters.
Promising Review: The First Years Disney Finding Nemo Bath Toys make bath time a step further for little ones. These fabulous toys feature well-known characters like Dory, Nemo, and Squirt from the famous movie Finding Nemo. They fit well into babies’ tiny hands, making grasping and playing with them easy.
Further, the squirting action attribute of the toys makes the game enjoyable when kids play around in the tub. Furthermore, due to the bright colors used, they entice children’s attention and sensory play. The only drawback is that since these toys are significant and must be cleaned in a particular manner, mold may grow in them over time. These toys remain an excellent way to allow for fun and exciting bathtime experiences.
Why we recommended it: Combines fun with the chance to learn by bringing some of Disney’s best-loved characters into bathtime, making it an enjoyable and educational experience for the child.
Best Toddler Bath Toy in Water
Munchkin Float And Play Bubbles Bath Toy
Pros
✔️Engages senses
✔️Easy to hold
✔️Stays mold-free
✔️Builds coordination
Cons
✖️Small size
✖️Limited variety
✖️No squirting feature
Key specs
- Dimensions: 6.5 x 2.5 x 7.25 inches
- Weight: 6.7 ounces
- Material: Plastic
- Age range: 4 months – 5 years
Best for: Babies and toddlers, four months to 5 years old, enjoy playful and sensorial bath experiences.
Promising review: The Munchkin Float & Play Bubbles Bath Toy is perfect for making bathing time fun and imaginative. Four floating bubbles contain a different interior toy, each with a sound feature—it rattles, spins, or even sparkles. These features keep your baby engaged and help develop their senses. The bubbles are just the right size for little hands, so it’s easy for a baby to grab and play with them.
While the textured rings circ in a perpetual motion around the bubbles, they add an extra dimension of fun and make it a great way to build hand-eye coordination. And the mold-free design means you won’t have to worry about cleaning them too much. The small size and low variety of the set have a few downsides. Still, these bubbles would make bathing time fun and educational for your little one.
Why we recommend: These are all excellent bubbles, which provide a dual fun-learning experience through your child’s development of significant motor skills, ensuring that the time taken for a bath is safe and fun.
What to Consider When Getting Bathtub Toys?
Safety is first when considering the best bathtub toys/best bath toys. Look for those made of materials free of BPA, phthalates, and other toxic materials. An intelligent choice is a mold-resistant toy because that child will stay safe, clean, and healthy. Consider the toy’s recommended age range, ensuring it is safe for your kid and that they will have much fun. Bath toys often come into contact with water and are roughly played with. Further, go for those that can be grasped and let your child use other senses to learn as they play. Finally, go for toys that are easy to clean and dry after use.
How We Picked and Tested Bathtub Toys?
We consulted leading models from reputable brands to locate the best bathtub toys. We focused on toys with high ratings and positive reviews that are safe, durable, and suitable for different age groups. After receiving the list, we tested the toys with babies and toddlers to determine how well they operated in actual bath situations. We also checked for ease of use, the level of fun the kids had with them, and whether the toys promoted both learning and sensory play. We also considered the ease of cleaning the toys and whether they dried quickly to avoid mold. After collecting parents’ feedback and evaluating our results, we recommend the best bathtub toys to provide a safe, fun, and enriching experience during your kid’s bath time.
About Baby Shops Review Why to Trust At Baby Shops Review.
We aim to give parents recommendations they can rely on, truly and honestly. Comprising experienced parents and child-rearing authorities with backgrounds in parenting, caregiving, and child development, our team researches and field-tests each product with the most significant degree of thoroughness. Our main goal is safety, quality, and value in ensuring our recommendations are of the highest standard. We are transparent in showing the downsides of products that we review. You can be assured that Baby Shops Review is where you can get accurately researched and reliable information to make the best selection for your child’s safety and enjoyment.
FAQs About Baby bath toys.
How often do I have to clean the bathtub toy?
Clean the bath toy every time it is used; it is lovely. That’s to keep out bacteria and mildew growth. Rinse the toys in water, squeeze out trapped water, and let them air dry completely. For a deeper clean, you could soak them in a solution of water and vinegar about once a week.
Are squirting toys safe for babies?
Squirting toys can be fun, but they always seem to trap water inside, which can lead to mold. Clean and dry them entirely after your little one’s bath.
What materials are best for bath toys?
The safest bath toys are made from BPA-free, phthalate-free, and non-toxic materials. Silicone and hard plastic are good choices since they’re durable and easy to keep clean.
All about this article
Here are some crucial aspects to consider while choosing the appropriate bathtub toys for your child. Great toys are fun and teach sensory playing and motor skill practice. Safety first is always critical; hence, get non-toxic, mold-resistant toys. You will have met their needs when you choose a toy with your kid’s age and interests in mind. Make bath time a particular time for learning and fun by making wise choices.