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The Best Baby Bathtubs to Buy


The best baby bathtubs are safe, comfortable, sturdy, and easy to use. All the tubs in this list are good choices and we’ve explained the strengths and weaknesses of each one. Let me say upfront that the PRIMO EuroBath is my top choice for a baby tub because you can use it for a long time and it has features that many don’t have.

Best Baby Bathtub:
Best Primo EuroBath:
Best Collapsible Bathtub:
Best Blooming Bath:
Best Baby Bath Seat:


Best Baby Bathtubs

The First Years 4 in 1, Fisher-Price 4 in 1, First Years Sure Comfort, and Summer Infant tubs all include infant inserts whereas the Puj Tub is only made for infants and includes no additional insert.

The First Years Deluxe Newborn to Toddler Tub

The First Years Newborn to Toddler Baby Bath Tub - Convertible 3-in-1 Baby Tub with Removable Sling - Ages 0 to 24 Months - Sure Comfort - Teal
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If you don’t like or don’t want a tub that has molded shapes in it, then you’ll need a sling. This supports smaller babies and keeps them safe in the tub. The inexpensive The First Years Sure Comfort Deluxe Newborn to Toddler Tub has a soft, adjustable mesh sling inside a large tub for use into the toddler years or up to 25 pounds.

What It’s Got

Let’s start with the tub itself. This tub can be used over a sink or in an adult tub. It’s a fairly large size, measuring in at 29 inches by 15.5 inches, and about 9 inches deep. The dimensions of the bottom part that will fit in the sink are about 17 inches by 11 inches. It has two sides that are each a different shape.

One side is padded and angled for newborns, while the other side is deeper and has a straight back for older babies and newborns. Behind this straight back is a built-in storage compartment. The mesh insert attaches on both sides. Here’s how to use the tub for all 3 stages:

The First Years Sure Comfort Deluxe Newborn to Toddler Tub, Teal Newborn stage: Use the secure, adjustable mesh sling to suspend the baby out of the water.[/caption]

The First Years Sure Comfort Deluxe Newborn to Toddler Tub, Teal Infant stage: You can loosen the infant sling to lay lower in the tub for smaller infants. For older infants, you can remove the sling and let them lay on the newborn side of the tub. The padded headrest and bump near the bottom help keep them from sliding down.[/caption]

The First Years Sure Comfort Deluxe Newborn to Toddler Tub, Teal Toddler stage: Flip the tub around and let the baby sit up against the deep, straight back and splash.[/caption]

Why You’ll Love It

Way back in 2014 and 2015, this tub by The First Years was voted as the best bathtub in BabyCenter’s Moms’ Picks. And it’s easy to see why. The design of this tub really works for all ages. The size is considerable, but I know my kids would easily outgrow it by age 2. The size does make it a challenge to store like other large tubs since it’s not collapsible or anything.

The plastic is sturdy and cleans up nicely. I was concerned about mold growing on the padding, but it hasn’t been an issue since the padding is mold and mildew-resistant. Plus, it’s BPA-free, which is a must. The sling is made from a comfy nylon mesh that’s easy to clean, too. I just wring it out and let it dry. Every few baths I throw it in the washer and let it drip dry.

This tub lets me bathe my baby without kneeling down. It fits nicely in my double kitchen sink because of the way the bottom is configured. While I’ve only used it outside of the actual tub a few times during the newborn stage, it’s nice to be able to have that option. I find it much easier to drain and clean when I use it in the tub. It makes less of a mess, although you will have to tip it over to get all of the water out since it’s not on an elevated surface. And I would definitely use this tub in either a sink or adult tub since the plug on the drain tends to leak a little bit.

Summer Infant Newborn to Toddler Bath 

Summer Infant Newborn-to-Toddler Bath Center & Shower (Neutral)
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I didn’t even think about showering my baby, until I saw this awesome Summer Infant Newborn to Toddler Bath! It’s got the best of both worlds, the size and shape of a tub with the added convenience of a baby-sized shower. You can use them together or apart, so you are getting a tub and a shower for one price.

What It’s Got

This bathtub/shower combo truly is a bathing center for your little one. The base is a large, sturdy plastic bathtub. It comes with a detachable, motorized baby shower with an ergonomic handle. It also comes with a soft, stand-alone baby sling. Here are the 4 stages/ways that you can use these baby bath staples together:

Puj Tub - The Soft, Foldable Baby Bathtub - Newborn, Infant, 0-6 Months, in-Sink Baby Bathtub, BPA Free, PVC Free (White) Stage 1: Newborn. You can use the newborn sling in the sink or tub when baby is small. The shower unit can be used, too.[/caption]

Puj Tub - The Soft, Foldable Baby Bathtub - Newborn, Infant, 0-6 Months, in-Sink Baby Bathtub, BPA Free, PVC Free (White) Stage 2: Infant. The soft sling can be placed in the included tub for a safe and fun bath time. The shower sits on the outside for more room or can be attached to the side of the tub.[/caption]

Summer Newborn to Toddler Bath Center and Shower (Neutral) – Bathtub Includes Four Stages That Grow with Your Child Stage 3: Older baby/Toddler. The sling goes away once baby can sit on their own. Attach the shower to the side of the toddler bathtub for a fun bath/shower or move it out for more space.[/caption]

Puj Tub - The Soft, Foldable Baby Bathtub - Newborn, Infant, 0-6 Months, in-Sink Baby Bathtub, BPA Free, PVC Free (White) Stage 4: Toddler. The shower unit can be used on its own in the adult bathtub.[/caption]

Why You’ll Love It

It’s easy to love such a versatile product. The bathtub itself is wonderful. The plastic is textured on the bottom of the tub so that baby doesn’t slip around as much. It’s got a lovely shape that reminds me of the old claw-foot tubs. It’s big and deep enough for babies to have fun, it measures roughly 30 inches by just over 17 inches, and about 10 inches deep. The sling is about 10 inches by 26 inches, so it works for younger babies. The size of the sling does make it hard to fit into a sink, but it is still possible since baby won’t be moving around much. It fits inside this tub or an adult tub with no problems. Cleaning and draining are no big deal, either.

The shower unit is a lot of fun. I really liked it for the newborn stage because I didn’t have to just dump water on my baby. I could gently rinse her. It made her slightly less cold and miserable for those first few baths. And it made a good toy for my older son. There’ are two things I don’t like about this shower. First, it needs a lot of batteries to run the pump. 6 AA batteries, to be exact. That gets expensive. Second, it only holds 8 cups of water, which isn’t a lot when you are bathing a bigger kid. And while we’re talking about the shower, it’s not a good idea to submerge it in the tub, even though Summer Infant says that it’s okay. You just don’t want to risk any battery leakage into the bathwater.

Puj Tub

Puj Tub - Soft, Foldable Baby Bathtub for Newborns, Infants, and 0-6 Months - In-Sink Baby Bath - BPA and PVC-Free - Compact and Portable Design - Convenient Seat Tubs for Babies (White)
Price$$$$
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All parents are tempted to bathe their kids in the sink, and some of us actually do! But there is an easier and more comfortable way to do that. Enter the Puj Tub. It’s a soft, foldable baby bathtub sink insert. It creates baby’s own little tub in the sink. It’s so soft and small, which is why it’s perfect for bathing newborns.

What It’s Got

The Puj Tub is made of a soft and sturdy foam that is thick enough to hold its own shape while being soft enough to be comfortable. It stays folded into the bathtub shape by using strong magnets that keep it in place. Once it’s in the bathtub shape, it creates a soft lounging shape that works well for small babies. They just lay back and you can wash around them.

To store the bath, just unfold it and let it drip dry. You can then store it in its flattened state to make things easy. Unfolded, it’s about 25 in by 26 in. It’s super lightweight, too. Storage couldn’t be easier.

The foam is durable and safe for sensitive babies. It’s non-slip so that baby won’t be sliding to the bottom with every bath. It is mold and mildew-resistant and quick drying. It doesn’t have any BPA, latex, or PVC. Best of all, it’s a closed-cell foam, so it won’t absorb anything like dirty water or cleaning agents. You can wipe it clean with a gentle disinfectant with no worries.

Don’t forget the lotion! Check out our Best Lotion for Babies with sensitive and dry skin article.

Why You’ll Love It

The size and shape of this bathtub make it perfect for newborns. It’s soft and keeps baby gently reclined back. It lets the water glide off of them so that they aren’t completely submerged, which is perfect for newborns who haven’t had their umbilical cord fall off yet.

I love that this tub can travel. If you are going on a trip with a little one less than 6 months old, then you could pack this in your suitcase and have the best baby travel bathtub! It would fit in most sinks that you would find in houses and hotels on your travels.

However, do be aware that this Puj tub won’t fit in every single sink. The ideal sink size is roughly 15 in by 12 in and at least 6.5 in deep. Anything smaller than that and the tub won’t be able to properly keep its shape.

Probably the best thing about this tub is the fact that you don’t have to bend down to give baby a bath. As a C-section mom, I had to give up baby baths for the first couple of weeks because I just couldn’t get down on the ground and lean over the tub. This would have been a lifesaver for me! Yes, it is on the pricey side, but it’s totally worth it.

The First Years 4 in 1 Warming Comfort Tub

The First Years 4 in 1 Warming Comfort Tub - Convertible Baby Bathtub for Newborns, Infants, and Toddlers - Baby Bath Essentials - Ages 0 Months and Up
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The list of bathroom accessories is a mile long. There are so many things that you’ll want and need to help bathe your kiddo. So what if I told you that you could buy one piece of equipment that does many bathroom jobs? The First Years 4 in 1 Warming Comfort Tub has a newborn bath support chair, a full-sized baby bathtub, and a step stool. Use them separately or together!

What It’s Got

There are 2 separate parts to this tub masterpiece, so let’s look at them separately.

The First Years 4 in 1 Warming Comfort Tub - Convertible Baby Bathtub for Newborns, Infants, and Toddlers - Baby Bath Essentials - Ages 0 Months and Up
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Removable infant insert: This first piece consists of a reclined seat for baby. It is made from non-toxic plastic that cleans easily. It has a foam piece on the back to keep baby safe and comfortable. There are drain holes where the bum goes, as well as a contoured shape and leg rest that keeps baby in place.

Bathtub: This is the most important part of the whole setup. It’s a large plastic bathtub that measures in at 15.38in by 28.38 in by 9 in. There is a drain hole and plug for easy cleanup. It works for toddlers up to 2 years old. 

You can use the two parts together or separately. This option allows you to use the kitchen sink or the bathtub to bathe your baby. Use it as a freestanding tub as well. 

Why You’ll Love It

The tub offers four uses. First, use it as a newborn tub with the insert cradle at the sink. Second, use the tub for infants with the insert in the included tub. Third, remove the insert and use it for babies then you can use the tub for the last stage as a support in the bathtub without the insert. 

Being able to use the parts all together or separately is a wonderful feature. The infant insert can be used in the regular tub or sink if you need it. It has grippers on the bottom. And the tub is reliable through it all!

One thing that’s kind of a bummer: using the tub without the support is a little sketchy. There isn’t any sort of grip to the bottom of the white tub, so you need the support’s grip to keep it from sliding. And when you drain the tub with the support on, it can get a little messy. Not a big deal if you use it in the regular tub, but a huge deal if you use it elsewhere!

Another thing to consider: this is a huge tub! When it’s all put together, it needs a lot of space to store. But, the large size equals comfort for you and baby, so it’s a tradeoff. Also, it requires bending on your part as its not at the right height for adults. 

Fisher-Price 4-in-1 Sling ‘n Seat Tub

To get your money’s worth, you definitely want to buy a baby bathtub that can work for many months and even years. The Fisher Price 4-in-1 Sling n Seat Tub product will work from baby’s first bath until that last bath before they decide that showering is cooler. You can use the toddler tub up until 25 pounds, or nearly 2 years old!

Fisher Price 4-in-1 Sling n Seat Tub

What It’s Got

This 4 stage tub has everything you need to bathe your child. You just bring the soap, the water, and the baby! Let’s look at the 4 different aspects of this tub:

Shnuggle Baby Bath Tub - Compact Support Seat for Newborns, Wash Infants and Make Bath Time Easy, 0-12m, Grey The Newborn Sling: This is how you will bathe baby when they are brand new. You use the soft mesh sling inside the big tub. The sling will support babies up to 10 pounds. It’s perfect for holding them while you clean their little heads. [/caption]

Cradle Cap? Grab some of the Best Shampoo for Cradle Cap from our review article.

Shnuggle Baby Bath Tub - Compact Support Seat for Newborns, Wash Infants and Make Bath Time Easy, 0-12m, Grey The Baby Stopper: This sounds epic, but it’s really just an insert that you can use to keep baby from sliding down into the tub. It’s the same piece that you’ll use in step 3, but you are using the other end of it. It essentially is a stopper that supports baby’s bum and keeps them from sliding down in the tub. You will find a foam surface where baby is gently reclined for their bath.[/caption]

Shnuggle Baby Bath Tub - Compact Support Seat for Newborns, Wash Infants and Make Bath Time Easy, 0-12m, Grey The Sit Up Baby Bath: That stopper piece that you used in stage 2? It becomes a baby seat for stage 3. It has a textured rubber design that helps keep baby’s bum in place during a bath when they reach the age where they want to sit up and help and be part of the process.[/caption]

Shnuggle Baby Bath Tub - Compact Support Seat for Newborns, Wash Infants and Make Bath Time Easy, 0-12m, Grey The Toddler Tub: Take everything out and what you are left with is a great toddler tub. It has a teardrop design with a sloped bottom that works for babies. It supports babies up to 25 pounds.[/caption]

There are a couple of bonus items that are included with this tub. You get a whale water scooping cup and a water squeeze bottle. You also get a plastic hook that attaches to the tub for easy storage and draining.

Why You’ll Love It

This tub truly is easy to use. The built-in drain plug, even though it sits under baby and takes maneuvering to get to, makes it really easy to drain. The storage hook means that you can hang it on the shower curtain rod to drip dry and to store. It looks ugly, but since baby will likely be grown out of it by about 18 months, it doesn’t matter in the long run.

The 4 different stages are seriously convenient. The newborn sling is an easy-to-care-for polyester that doesn’t mold easily. There’s not a lot of padding, but it still works just fine. And that water squeeze bottle is the perfect rinsing aide at the newborn stage.

Beyond the 1st and 4th stages, I didn’t find the other two stages anything too special. The tub stopper is nice, but it puts baby’s legs at a strange angle and really doesn’t leave much room for baby. The seat is really cool, but I wish it had better gripping power. Sticking a washcloth under baby’s bum really does help. And when you have the seat clicked in, it’s a beast to click out. Add in that whole under the seat drain thing, and the 3rd stage ends up being less convenient than expected.

This tub is highly rated, highly recommended, fairly priced, and multi-tasking. It does what it says that it will do, no more, no less.

Best Primo EuroBath

PRIMO EuroBath

Primo EuroBath 2-Stage Baby Bath Tub
Price$$$$
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When I say basic baby bathtub, you probably picture just a big, empty container to stick your baby in. This is not quite that. And while the plastic, molded PRIMO EuroBath tub might not have all the bells and whistles that other bathtubs have, it’s got all that you could ever need.

Big Enough for Babies and Toddlers

Let’s start with my favorite feature of this tub, the size. This thing is huge. It’s designed for babies from newborn to 2 years (or even older). It measures 36 in by 21 in and is nearly 10 inches deep, which is huge compared to most other baby bathtubs. Within the design of the tub are features for two main stages:

PRIMO EuroBath, Pearl White Newborn Stage: Baby lays down in the tub on one side. It’s got a built-in seat that supports baby in a reclined position. Their head is out of the water and they still have plenty of room to splash. It has two little spots for soap, sponge, etc. on this side too.[/caption]

Image of the PRIMO EuroBath, Pearl White
Toddler Stage: Baby can use this side as soon as they can sit up without help. It has a molded safety seat that supports baby’s back and keeps their legs from slipping out and away.

Why You’ll Love It

I like this tub because I have big babies that grow quickly. So many products are outgrown before they should be in my house. But not this PRIMO tub. It might be a bit big for the newborn stage, but you can simply support baby with some extra washcloths under them until they grow into it. Its size means that you really can buy only one baby tub and use it for all ages!

The tub itself is well made. The plastic is first and foremost easy to clean, albeit a little slippery. There’s no material for mold to grow on. The plastic is free from BPA, PVC, phthalates, and lead. It’s recyclable propylene that’s entirely non-toxic. On top of that, it drains easy and is lightweight. The size makes it a challenge to store, especially if you have a small bathroom, so do be aware of that. As long as you can fit it in your tub, it’s easy to drain, too. Just pull the plug!

In both positions, baby is kept at an ideal angle for bathing. The built-in molding means that there are no extra parts or inserts to keep track of. It also means that baby’s face and head are safely out of the water. Don’t worry though, there’s still enough water to cover them and keep them warm. And there’s plenty of room for bubbles!

Best Collapsible Baby Bathtub

Boon Naked Baby Collapsible Bathtub

Baby bathtubs are a great idea, but they aren’t exactly tiny. They require a lot of space to use and store. A collapsible tub is a great way to capitalize on all the baby tub benefits without sacrificing space. It’s secure and safe for newborns and toddlers alike.

What It’s Got

The Boon Naked Baby Collapsible Bathtub tub doesn’t look like much at first glance, but it actually has a lot of really handy features. It is made from one piece for easy cleaning and use. The base is really stable and fully supports the tub, so you can set it on nearly any surface. The plastic support brace rotates easily and secures to put the tub into one of 2 positions:

Boon Naked Collapsible Baby Bathtub Blue,Blue/White Position 1: Newborn. One part of the tub gets extended down, while the top part stays up. This creates a reclined surface for small babies to lay on during the bath.[/caption]

Position 2: infant and Toddler. Both ends of the tub are collapsed down to create a baby bathtub that’s about 6.5 inches deep.

Boon Naked Collapsible Baby Bathtub Blue,Blue/White Position 2: infant and Toddler. Both ends of the tub are collapsed down to create a baby bathtub that’s about 6.5 inches deep.[/caption]

There’s a drain plug in the bottom of the tub for quick draining. Then, you can collapse the tub, hang it to drip dry, and go on with your day. The hanging hook is even built into the tub! It’s not too big, measuring at about 18 in by 33 in, with a tub depth of 6.5 inches. It does weigh about 6 pounds, so it’s not as light as some other options.

Why You’ll Love It

The tub is BPA free, phthalate free, latex free, and non-toxic, so you don’t have to worry about baby being exposed to it on the daily. You will have to worry about baby slipping and sliding, so you may want to invest in some bathtub grip stickers to keep baby’s bum in place.

The age range with this tub is great. In the newborn stage, it keeps baby’s head above water. It doesn’t support baby very well, so it’s not ideal for actual newborns. I’d say that it’s better suited to babies who are a couple of months old. When fully extended in the toddler mode, the bottom of the tub touches the ground, so there isn’t a weight limit for the full tub. Many parents use this well into the second and third years to save water and minimize bathtime messes.

One final thing to consider is that this tub isn’t the highest quality. With careful use, you probably won’t have any problems. But the plastic is prone to breaking. The storage hook especially seems really weak and will break after some time. That’s as far as most of the breakage goes for most users.

Best Blooming Bath

Blooming Bath Lotus

Blooming Bath Original Baby Bath Seat - Sink Flower Bath Mat for Baby Newborn to 6 Months - Washer-Safe Infant Newborn Essentials - Baby Shower Gifts for New Mom (Blue)
Price$$$$
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Maybe you don’t want a full-on tub. Maybe you just want soft and gentle support for sink bathing your baby. This simple and sweet Blooming Bath Lotus will do just that. Not a lot of bells and whistles, but an effective way to give baby a bath.

What It’s Got

There isn’t much to talk about when it comes to this baby bathtub sink insert. It’s one big piece that looks like a flower. It’s made from a soft cozy material that is machine washable. It measures 33 inches from tip to tip, and the center circle/drain of the flower is 8 inches in diameter.

So how does it work? You simply pick whatever sink you are going to turn into a baby tub and put the stopper in. Put the Blooming Bath Lotus in, run the water, and let it get to the desired level. Bathe baby, drain the water, wring out the lotus, and pop it in the dryer for a few minutes to dry. Then, hang it using the sewed-on tab until it’s time to bathe again.

That’s it! Nothing much to discuss since it’s so simple!

Why You’ll Love It

The 4 big petals on this tub are so soft and supportive. Newborn babies will lay safely, while older babies will love the way it feels. You can control the water level to your baby’s liking. It works up to 6 months old.

It can fit a sink of almost any size. Small bathroom sinks and split kitchen sinks both works. You aren’t limited by needing a sink with a certain depth because the shape of the lotus really adapts to any sized and shaped sink. It won’t work in a big, farmhouse style sink because it does need something smaller than 33 inches to fit into so that the sides go up.

The crystal minky fabric is safe for baby (flame retardant, BPA, and phthalate free) and safe for the environment. You can machine wash it and dry it, which is amazing! It comes in 9 cute colors and really makes the ultimate baby shower present. The high rating that this product consistently receives makes a lot of sense.

Best Baby Bath Seats

The BEABA Tub and Munchkin Tub are both designed for babies 0-12 months. The Munchkin Tub is slightly larger and less expensive compared to the BEABA Tub.

Munchkin Sit and Soak Baby Bath Tub

Munchkin® Sit & Soak™ Baby Bath Tub, 0-12 Months, White, 25 x 16.25 x 15 Inch
Price$$$
Quality
Popularity

The Munchkin Sit and Soak Baby Bath Tub has a narrower fit side to side than many tubs that keeps your baby a little more secure. It is also a little deeper than most so you can have more warm water coverage for your baby.

This bathtub is very highly rated and popular as well as being more affordable than some on our list.

The Munchkin has a non-slip back and a little bump with a non-stick surface to sit on. A pull-out drain plug makes it easy to use. It will fit in most sinks and the handle can be used to hang it on a towel hook for storage. The underside has non-slip feet to keep it from sliding around in the sink or tub.

The manufacturer recommends this tub for babies zero to twelve months old and no more than 25 lbs. For little newborns, you’ll have to hold them carefully because of the more upright shape of this bathtub.

Munchkin says it meets testing standards but doesn’t claim that it is BPA-free.

BEABA Shnuggle Baby Bath Tub

BEABA by Shnuggle Baby Bath Tub with Little Baby Bum Bump Support and Cozy Foam Back Rest, Baby Tub, Infant Bathtub, Baby Essentials 0-12Mths Midnight
Price$$$$
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Bucket baby tubs are space-saving and they help to keep baby warm. They are an awesome way to get baby clean. The Shnuggle tub has a unique shape that gives the best of a regular baby bathtub and a bucket tub. It has unique support features that make it usable for the entirety of baby’s first year.

What It’s Got

This bucket tub doesn’t boast many features. It’s a simple bucket style tub that’s 24 inches tall at the tallest point. It’s roughly 15 inches by 14 inches in diameter. This deep design is meant to help keep baby supported upright so that you can use both of your hands to give the bath.

Baby won’t slip in this tub. There is a big foam piece that’s attached to the back of the tub so that baby has some traction. The built-in bum bump at the bottom gives a stopping point for baby’s bottom so that they don’t collapse to the bottom of the tub. The feet on the bottom of the tub also have grips, so even if the floor gets wet, this tub won’t slide around.

You can fit 2 litres, or just over a half gallon, of water in this tub. And since the tub only weighs about 2 pounds on its own, the whole thing still only weighs 7 pounds with water. That means that draining won’t require you to be a heavy-lifting Olympic athlete.

Why You’ll Love It

This isn’t fancy, but it is really great for baby. The shape can’t be beat. It’s not very wide, but it’s very tall. It holds baby at the perfect angle: not too upright and not so reclined that they keep getting water in their face. You might have to help hold up your newborn for the first couple of months until they gain a wee bit of muscle control, especially in their neck. But after that, it is wonderful. Even older babies can sit up in the water without face planting.

One piece might sound like it’s sub-par, but that’s far from true. Having one piece to clean and take care of and keep track of is just what busy parents need! There is one piece I wish this had: a drain plug. The size and shape mean that you can dump out the water without too many problems, but if this had a drain plug, it’d be perfect.

Tips for Baby’s First Bath

Baby Bathtub Comparison

The table below compares only the recommended products on this page. A low or high Price means it is low or high compared to the other products listed. The Popularity Score reflects how often readers click on and buy the product. The Quality Score is our assessment of the overall performance and satisfaction with the product compared to others in the table.


FAQs – Baby Bathtubs

Do you really need a baby bathtub?

fridababy 4 in 1 grow with me bathtub

This seems like a frivolous purchase, right? I mean, you can just stick a tiny baby in a big ole tub and be fine, right? Nope. Wrong. Since experts recommend that you avoid using bath seats to help bathe baby, you most certainly do need some type of baby bathtub or insert to help get the job done safely. Here are my top 4 reasons to get a tub for baby.

  1. Wet babies are slippery. That’s a no-brainer. Having a safe place to put a wiggling and wet baby while you wash and rinse will keep them from getting hurt and will keep you from going crazy.
  2. Bath seats aren’t safe. While they boast of being a cheap alternative to bathtubs, you get what you pay for. They can fold, tip, or tear and send baby into the water. Plus, most of them make it next-to-impossible to get baby at a good angle where they aren’t laying back too far or sitting forward too much. And in case you missed it, safety experts say to avoid them!
  3. Baby tubs will actually save you money! Think about it, you don’t have to fill up as big of a tub, so you’ll save on water costs. And with the water not spreading out and cooling so quickly as it does in a big tub, you won’t have to constantly “freshen up” baby’s bath with warm water.
  4. You can bathe baby anytime, anywhere. Don’t have a tub at your house or apartment? Buy baby their own! Low on space? Buy a baby bathtub sink insert! No matter your budget or needs, you can find a baby tub that will work for you.

What kind of baby bathtubs are there?

If only there were just one type of baby bathtub. Shopping would be so easy! But hey, I’d be out of a job because you wouldn’t need this guide! That said, here are the fruits of my labor in searching for the best baby bathtubs. Here are the types to look for, based on your needs:

  • Standalone Tubs. These are also called basin tubs. These are the regular bathtubs for baby which are, essentially, a miniature, plasticized version of your bathtub. You can use it in the tub, on the counter, on the floor, or even outside if you are adventurous. All of these tubs have a decent life span since most of them come with some kind of removable insert for infants, but then fit up to toddler sized kids. Within the standalone category, you’ll find a bunch of versions:
    • Hammock or sling baby tubs
    • Bucket baby tubs
    • Inflatable baby tubs
    • Convertible baby tubs
    • Collapsible/folding baby tubs
  • Bathtub Inserts. Think about it, your sink is the perfect size for a baby bathtub. But it’s not very comfortable. That’s why you buy a sink insert baby bathtub. It is usually made from a water-friendly foam that will conform to a soft shape to hold your baby up in the water. They work in both bathroom sinks and kitchen sinks. These don’t require as much cash, as much storage space, or as much kneeling and bending. But the bad news is that they don’t have a super long life span. Most are outgrown by the 6-month mark.
  • Bathtub Helpers. Since there are a lot of random items outside of the above 2 categories, I’ll just lump them together under bathtub helpers. These include things like bath seats, bath cushions, or bath chairs. These aren’t the best option as far as safety is concerned, but they can sometimes be helpful when baby can sit in the bathtub on their own, but need some help with stabilization (see links above).

How often should you bathe your baby?

Several times per week is usually adequate. Unfortunately, blowouts and other messes may tempt you to perform an emergency bathing too! Pay attention to the moisture in your baby’s skin. Bathing too often may dry the skin.

How long should a baby bath be?

Five to ten minutes is usually plenty of time for a baby bath. Babies don’t have a lot of surface area and you can get them clean pretty quickly.

How long will you need a baby bathtub?

Many babies transition from a baby bathtub to using a regular tub when they are around six months old. That’s when most babies can sit up safely on their own. 

Each bathtub will specify limits for the size or age of the baby and the bigger ones may handle children up to two years old.

skip hop moby bath spout cover
A cute moby bath spout cover for when our children grew out of baby bath tubs.

How important is baby bath time?

I’ve yet to meet a baby who doesn’t love bath time. The warm water, the bubbles, the silly songs about rubber duckies. It’s bound to be a good time!

Besides being fun, bath time is an opportunity for skin-on-skin touch. Every minute you spend with your infant builds the bond and baths help provide some variety during the week.

Baby body temperature drops slightly after a bath which can help them fall asleep if you arrange bedtime after bath time.

Sources

  1. Bathing Your Baby…, www.healthychildren.org
  2. The role of bathtub seats and rings in infant drowning deaths, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Hi there, I'm a proud mamma of 4 kiddos (ages 2, 4, and 8 plus one on the way!). We are Jesus-loving, homeschooling, curious adventurers and our home is never quiet! I want to help fellow moms find the best products to help their families thrive! In the tiny shreds of free time I get, I love to hike, sing, bake, and watch Netflix. Or sleep.



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