Getting a squirmy baby into the bathtub can be a daunting task.
Not to mention, trying to keep them entertained while you get them clean can feel like an impossible feat.
With the best bath toys for babies and toddlers, bath time can be just as fun (and clean) as playtime. From sticky letters to colorful crayons and a bubble-making kitchen set, these toys will keep your little one occupied and happy – so you can focus on getting them squeaky clean.
Eleanor Meireles
How to Clean Bath Toys
It's important to clean baby bath toys regularly because they can harbor bacteria and pose a health risk.
To clean baby bath toys, first remove any detachable parts and rinse them under warm water. Next, fill the sink or bathtub with warm water and add a small amount of dish soap. Submerge the toys in the soapy water and use a soft brush to scrub them clean. Rinse the toys thoroughly with warm water, then air dry them.
You could consider purchasing a mesh netted bath toy organiser to keep your toys tidy and allow them to air-dry, as they are breathable. This can help to prevent mould.
Some bath toys are dishwasher friendly so make sure you check the notes from the manufacturer to see if this is an option.
If you only have a shower at home and want to allow baby all the benefits and fun of bath time, you can check out my blog on the best baby baths here.
How I Choose – Best baby bath toys
Usually I base my findings on reading through thousands of user reviews and star ratings but, seeing as my kids love bath time so much, I’ve enlisted my own little reviewers for this blog as well! I’ve combined my kids’ opinions with other parents’ reviews, recommendations from parents and speaking to plenty of Mums myself to come up with the top bath toys for babies.
Munchkin Gone Fishin' Rod & Reel
Why Parents Love It
Kids seem to love the idea of using this little rod for fishing and plenty of parents stated that their little ones love bath time for playing with this. My 11-month-old couldn’t look past chewing on the little fish, but it’s meant for older kids anyway.
My almost-three-year-old got the general idea of fishing with the rod but preferred to make up her own games with it, that being putting the fish ‘to bed’ on the side of the bath under a flannel. But if it distracts them from the hair washing, it works, right?!
What You Need to Know
Size 20.3 x 6 x 28 cm
Made from plastic
Suitable for 24 months and over
Bath toy set contains one magnetic fishing rod and three underwater bobbing characters
Nuby Foam Bath Letters and Numbers
Why Parents Love It
To us adults, a pack of letters and numbers may not seem like they’re going to hold much interest with our babies. We’d be wrong!
My kids were both entertained for (it could have been hours if I’d left them to it, I’m sure) the duration of bath time. I managed to wash hair, brush teeth and soap them down without so much as a whimper. That’s a big win from me, making these my best bath toy so far!
Other parents gave similar feedback with these being a huge hit with their kids of all different ages. Simple, effective and a great gift idea!
What You Need to Know
Size 13.97 x 15.88 x 5.08 cm
Made from foam
Includes 26 letters (A-Z), and 10 numbers (0-9)
Helps develop spelling and counting skills
BPA free
Toomies Bubble & Bake Bathtime and & Munchkin Bath Time Toy Crayons
Best for creative play
Toomies Bubble & Bake Bathtime and & Munchkin Bath Time Toy Crayons
Why Parents Love It
This set of two toys includes a Bubble Kitchen Time and Bath crayons.
The Bubble Kitchen Time was a huge hit with my daughter who just loves playing kitchens and it was a great change from the usual watering can bath toy. It got a lot of use both in and out of the bath and other parents agree that it is great for creative and role play. The suction pads weren’t the best, which other parents agree with, but it didn’t really seem to take any of the enjoyment out of the item.
The crayons were also a big hit with my daughter, my 11 month-old ignored them until he realised he could draw on his sister with them, then it was hours of bath time fun! While both my kids enjoyed them in the end, I did find that they slipped out of the case quite easily so I had to remove them before my 11 month-old started chewing on them. The colour was super easy to wash off the walls though and I loved the little drawings.
What You Need to Know
Bubble and bake bath time includes includes a hob, pan, oven, pie, sink, saucepan and ladle pourer
Suitable for 18 months plus
Crayons include five crayons: red, blue, yellow, orange and green toys, encouraging active play and developing
Suitable for 36 months plus
Encourages creativity, imaginative play and fine motor skills
Water Flutes
Why Parents Love It
Anything that makes a loud and annoying noise seems to be a winner with my kids and these were no exception! Some parents thought they were a little annoying to fill with water to get the different notes but we took a more laid back approach and used them as scoops, wands and of course, to be put to bed.
Yeah, my kids don’t necessarily play with toys the way they’re supposed to.
That said, they enjoyed playing with the flutes and other parents agreed their kids enjoyed them.
What You Need to Know
Size 27.43 x 19.05 x 4.06 cm
Made from plastic
Suitable for 36 months plus
Includes 5 Water Flutes and a song sheet
If you're looking for some awesome animal themed bath toys, then you can check out this great guide on luckslist.com:
Eleanor Meireles
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FAQs
I have put together a list of the most asked questions to help you figure out which bath toys are best for you little one, when they should be introduced, how they should be cleaned and much more!
What age do babies have bath toys?
While there is no definitive answer to this question, bath toys are typically recommended for babies who are at least six months old. This is because it is safer for baby to play when they can sit up independently.
Bath toys can help to keep babies entertained during baths, and they can also help to teach them about the different properties of water.
How can I make my baby's bath fun?
There are plenty of ways to make your baby's bath fun, and the toys above are all a great start! Another way is to fill a few plastic containers with different colors of water and let your baby play with them.
Some parents also sing songs or tell stories while their baby baths. Whatever you do, make sure to keep a close eye on your baby at all times. Babies can easily become overwhelmed or even slip under the water if you're not paying attention.
How do you keep bath toys from getting mouldy?
One way to keep bath toys from getting moldy is to make sure they are thoroughly dried after each use. You can either air dry them or use a mesh storage bag so that they air dry themselves.
Another way to prevent mold from growing is to store them in a sealed container or bag when not in use.
How do you know if bath toys are safe?
There are a few things to look for when trying to determine whether or not bath toys are safe. First, check to see if the toy is labeled as being phthalate-free. Phthalates are chemicals that can be toxic and potentially harmful, so it's best to avoid toys that contain them.
You can also look for a label that indicates the toy is BPA-free. BPA (bisphenol A) is another chemical that can be harmful, and it's been linked with health problems like cancer and infertility. Toys made of rubber or vinyl are more likely to contain phthalates and BPA than those made from other materials, so steer clear of those types of toys if you're concerned.
Do you need bath toys for newborns?
There is no need for bath toys for newborns. In fact, you should avoid giving your baby any type of toy in the bathtub until he or she is at least six months old.
Until your baby is six months old, the best thing you can do is to keep him or her safe and occupied in the bathtub by using your hands. Splash water on your baby's face and body to keep him or her entertained. Talk to your baby while you're bathing him or her, and sing nursery rhymes. And be sure to gently wash your baby's hair and scalp with a wet washcloth.
How long should baby play in bath?
It's generally recommended that babies shouldn't stay in the bath for more than 10-15 minutes at a time, as they can easily become cold and their skin can become irritated. It's also important to make sure that they're kept safe in the bath and that they're not in any danger of slipping under the water.
What are 3 important things to remember when bathing a baby?
1. Babies must be bathed regularly, but too much bathing can dry out their delicate skin. A bath every other day should be sufficient for newborns.
2. Use a gentle, unscented soap or bubble bath on your baby's skin and avoid harsh scrubbing.
3. Make sure the room is warm and draft-free before bathing your baby and keep the water at a comfortable temperature - not too hot or cold.
At what age can baby sit in bath without seat?
There is no definitive answer to this question as it will depend on the specific child and the bathing situation. That said, many experts suggest that babies can sit in a regular bathtub without a bath seat around 6 to 8 months old.
When bathing a baby, always be sure to keep an eye on them at all times and never leave them unattended in the bathtub. Also, make sure the water is not too hot - it should be comfortably warm, not hot. And lastly, use only gentle soap products specifically designed for babies when bathing them.
What is the black stuff that comes out of bath toys?
The black stuff that comes out of bath toys is most likely mould. Mould can grow on any surface that is damp and dark, so it's no surprise that it would show up in the nooks and crannies of bath toys.
Mould is a type of fungus that can cause respiratory problems, skin irritation, and other health issues. So it's important to clean any mouldy toys thoroughly and preferably discard them altogether. Prevention is key, so make sure to keep your bath toys as dry as possible when not in use.
Should I throw out moldy bath toys?
Ideally mouldy bath toys should be thrown out! Not only can mould be dangerous to inhale, it can also cause skin irritation. If there are any visible signs of mould on a toy, it's best not to take any chances and just get rid of it.
Why do they put holes in bath toys?
The holes in bath toys are put there to allow the water to drain out, so that the toy can be dried and reused. Bath toys can get mouldy if they are not allowed to dry completely, so the holes help prevent that from happening.
Do you need to sterilize bath toys?
Yes, it is advisable to sterilize bath toys on a regular basis. This is because bath toys can often be a breeding ground for bacteria and other harmful organisms.
One way to sterilize bath toys is by placing them in the dishwasher. Another way is by boiling them in water for several minutes. Finally, you can also use a disinfectant spray or wipe to clean them. It is important to make sure that all of the nooks and crannies are scrubbed clean, as this is where bacteria often likes to hide.
Conclusion
You are now armed with the knowledge of what the best baby bath toys for your specific needs are so that you can make an informed decision.
All of the baby bath toys above are available on Amazon so click ‘Check price on Amazon’ to see which toys work best for you and baby so you can shop today!
Thanks for reading!
