What is the Best Baby Bathtub?
As a parent you will soon discover that babies are messy, it’s unavoidable. Poop smears and food splatters are but a few of the many different substances you will need to wash off your baby. A baby bathtub could be just what you need to make washing your baby a super simple process. But what’s the best baby bathtub?
There are so many different types of baby bathtubs available, each claiming to be better than the next. How do you determine which is the best infant bathtub, and what makes it perfect for your baby?
I have created a super detailed guide on baby bathtubs that will provide you with all the information you need to find a tub that suits you and your baby. Once you have finished reading this guide you will be a baby bathtub expert.
Use the links below to jump to your preferred section or continue reading from top to bottom. It’s all great information.
With the introduction out of the way, let’s jump right into the good stuff.
Let’s start out by taking a closer look at a selection of great tubs, as we try to find the best baby bathtub available. These bathtubs are loved by parents all over the world and with good reason; they provide frustration-free bathing.
Best Standard Baby bathtub
PRIMO EuroBath, Pearl White
Sometimes it really is the simple things that are best. The EuroBath baby bathtub is a single molded piece of plastic that is very effective in allowing you to bath and support your baby.
Unlike the majority of baby bathtubs, the EuroBath is proudly made in the USA and is not only recyclable but also free from hazardous materials like BPA, lead, and Phthalates.
Suitable for newborns right through to two-year-olds, this bathtub comes with two seating positions:
- Reclining Infants are supported under the arms and legs with stoppers that prevent your little one from slipping underwater.
- Once your baby can sit upright, a safety stopper will sit between the legs, ensuring that he does not slip underwater during bath time.
Being made out of a single piece of plastic, the tub is incredibly easy to rinse and dry. There are no hidden areas that catch the water.
My only gripe is that this baby bathtub is big. Very big. In fact, it is the largest on the market, measuring 36 inches long, 21 wide, and 9 deep. This can make carrying the bathtub filled with water quite a challenge.
Best Convertible Baby Bathtub
The First Years Sure Comfort Deluxe Newborn to Toddler Tub Pink
One of the most popular baby bathtubs on the market. Simple, cheap, and most importantly, your infant will find it comfortable. If you’re looking for quality in a convertible baby bathtub, look no further. This tub starts among the best newborn bathtub designs and adapts from an infant tub to a toddler.
This convertible baby bathtub is designed to grow with your child and has three settings to suit each stage of your baby’s development.
- Newborn – A comfortable hammock holds your newborn baby in place while you wash him with a free hand.
- Infant – The mesh sling is removed and the backrest is lowered, allowing your baby to sit up at a supported angle.
- Toddler – The backrest is raised, allowing your baby to sit upright, unassisted, while still offering support.
Additional Features
The plush padding located on the backrest is non-slip, helping keep your baby comfortable and secure. The padding is also mold and mildew-resistant.
The drain located in the bottom of the bathtub allows you to easily drain the dirty water when bath time is over. It’s also a cinch to keep track of water temperature while bathing your baby. If the water is too hot, the drain plug will change color to white, providing you with a visual warning to be cautious.
The exterior of the bathtub is well-designed, featuring a smooth curved rim able to fit into single or double sinks.
It is worth mentioning that the drain does not release all of the water when the plug is removed. This allows you to remove the majority of the dirty water, making it light enough to turn over and rinse.
Best Modern Baby bathtub
Aquascale Digital Scale & Thermometer 3-in-1 Infant Tub in White
Okay, let’s be clear, this baby tub is gorgeous to look at. It is essentially the iPhone of baby baths and has a couple of luxury features that sets it apart from many of the other baby bathtubs.
A digital thermometer monitors the water temperature and will tell you to the nearest degree how hot your bathwater is. Additionally, there is a built-in digital scale so you can keep track of your baby’s weight while he is developing. A great feature.
My only gripe with this baby bathtub is that the digital thermometer runs on three AAA batteries. Guess what? No batteries are included with the bathtub. While it is more of a minor inconvenience than anything else, I would have expected batteries to come in the packaging of a premium baby bathtub. Otherwise, the ergonomic design (and one-piece design choice), mildew-resistant BPA-free plastic construction, and digital thermometer make this model the best baby bathtub overall, if you appreciate high tech.
Best Fold-up Baby bathtub
It may surprise you just how difficult it can be to store a bulky bathtub. For parents with limited space, the Baby Brielle collapsible baby bath folds up to a fraction of its former size, allowing you to easily store the tub away. It even has a hook should you choose to hang the tub up on the back of a door.
Unlike other fold-up bathtubs, this one is constructed in a single streamlined design. This makes cleaning the bathtub an incredibly simple task, as there are no grooves or textured surfaces that require scrubbing.
Even better is that the Baby Brielle is that it comes with a newborn cushion insert and a small water pitcher to help gently support and bathe your baby easily and comfortably.
Best Inflatable bathtub
I’ll be honest, I am not a fan of inflatable bathtubs. Not even those of the inflatable duck tub variety. I believe they are overpriced, not overly durable, hard to clean, and take time to blow up. If you are looking for the easy storage of a portable baby bath, stick with the fold-up variety.
That said, despite my opinion, people still continue to buy inflatable bathtubs. If I have not scared you away and you are determined to proceed down this route then you might as well buy the best.
The munchkin inflatable bathtub came out ahead being the most cost-effective inflatable solution. Many other inflatable bathtubs were two or three times its price.
Simply place the inflated bathtub into your regular bathtub, add water, and you have a ready-to-go baby bath. You can even blow this ducky up and use him as a playpen.
At the base of the tub is a temperature-sensitive disc. The disc will change color to indicate when the water is too hot for your baby (approximately 104 Degrees Fahrenheit). This feature is unique among inflatable duck tubs and inflatable baby bathtubs in general.
Best Cushion Baby bathtub
Leachco Safer Bather Infant Bath Pad, Bubble Bay
You may have noticed that the majority of baby bathtubs are made from plastic. Plastic is considered the best material to use for baby bathtubs as it is lightweight, holds water, and is easily shaped. The Bath ‘N Bumper baby tub bucks this trend and provides your baby with a soft and cushioned bath time.
This baby bathtub doesn’t actually hold water. I know it sounds weird, but hear me out. The bathtub is made from polystyrene balls covered in fabric. To use it, simply fill your regular tub up with water and add the cushion bathtub on top. The water will soak through the fabric, providing your little one with a soft and supportive baby bath.
Cushioned bathtubs are designed to be used by babies that can sit upright and the Bath ‘N Bumper is no different. This tub is not suitable for newborns.
It is vital that you completely dry cushioned bathtubs after each use since you not only have to wait for the exterior surface to dry but also the materials inside. Drying this bathtub takes a longer period of time than a plastic bathtub. Fortunately, the Bath ‘N Bumper comes with a hook, allowing the bathtub to be hung up to dry.
Best Baby Bucket
Leachco Safer Bather Infant Bath Pad, Bubble Bay
If your baby hates taking a bath then perhaps a baby bucket is the calming solution that your little one needs. Designed to emulate the womb, your baby sits upright in the bucket, while you wash around him.
Unlike other baby buckets, the WashPod comes with plastic support, making it much harder to tip over. The plastic itself is durable and easy to clean, making maintenance a simple task.
The WashPOD has a very limited range of use, only being suitable up until the age of 6 months. While this means that your newborn will not swim in the bucket, it does mean that this bathing option will quickly be outgrown. If you are looking for a product that will last a little longer, the Tummy Tub Baby Bath is a baby bucket option that suits babies from newborns up to 2 years (or 35 pounds).
Unfortunately, and this is a problem among all baby buckets, it is difficult to wash your baby’s bottom (the dirtiest part of any baby) and legs. While I don’t use baby buckets for this very reason, many other parents swear by them.
The different types of baby bathtubs
As you are about to discover, there are many different types of baby bathtubs available. Let’s take a look at the differences between the most common varieties.
Standard Plastic Baby Bathtub
When you think of a baby bathtub chances are you think of something that is little more than a plastic tub that sits on your sink. This baby tub comes with no bells or whistles, just a simple tub for you to wash your baby in.
More often than not these baby tubs will feature a sloped interior to help support your baby.
Hammock Baby bathtub
A newborn is unable to support his own body. As a parent with only two hands, it can be difficult to both support and wash your baby at the same time.
A hammock baby bath will hold your newborn in place, making it easy to use a free hand to wash over your little baby’s body.
Convertible Baby bathtub
Convertible bathtubs grow as your baby does. Suitable for newborns, infants, and toddlers, convertible bathtubs ensure you get the most value for money over the bathtub’s use.
Convertible cribs can be adjusted to two or more positions to suit the various stages of your baby’s development; newborn, infant, and toddler.
BabyDam Bathwater Barrier, Converts a Standard Non-Textured Bathtub
The Babydam, while not a true baby bathtub, is a nifty invention that acts as a barrier for any non-textured bathtub that allows you to “make” your own bathtub. It can be sized out to fit your baby properly as he or she develops from a newborn to a toddler.
The only two caveats are that the BabyDam barrier is truly designed for very, very young newborns so you will still have to support your baby in the tub, and that you need to have a flexible shower to properly fill it if you have a smaller toddler.
It’s unique size also allows you to save space on proper storage and it can be easily cleaned when compared to other baby bathtubs. Its unique design allows you to save money and space by not having to buy different sizes of baby bathtubs. It also has a hole in the middle so don’t overfill the tub for very young babies too!
Cushion bathtub
A cushion baby bathtub is different from other tubs in that it does not hold water. Instead, it supports your baby in your regular bathtub.
Simply fill up your regular bathtub with water, add the cushion tub and the water will soak through, providing a sectioned-off bath area for your baby.
Inflatable Baby Bathtub
These baby bathtubs arrive flat, taking up minimal room. Once filled with air, a bathtub is revealed that can hold enough water and a baby.
Inflatable baby bathtubs trade off their superior portability by being less durable than other bathing options.
Fold-Up Baby bathtub
Baby bathtubs can be surprisingly bulky. This can make storage difficult. When emptied of water, these bathtubs can be shrunk down to a fraction of their original size, allowing the tub to easily be tucked away in a cabinet or drawer. Because of the ability to collapse into a smaller product, fold-up bathtubs tend to be smaller than regular baby baths, making them a great option to take when traveling.
Luxury Baby Bathtub
Luxury baby bathtubs are on a whole other level. Generally operated by batteries, these tubs can include spa jets that swirl the water, automatic bubble machines, a mini shower nozzle with fresh water to rinse soap from your baby, a padded headrest, and much, much more. Luxury bathtubs are typically heavier than other baby bathtubs.
Bucket bathtub
Resembling more of a bucket than a bathtub, these plastic pails are designed to hold just enough water and your baby upright.
While it may seem like a tight fit, baby buckets can help calm a baby who hates being bathed. Baby buckets are used in many maternity hospitals throughout Europe.
What to look for when comparing baby bathtubs
It can be a difficult task to compare one baby bathtub to another. Below are some points to consider when deciding on the perfect bathtub for you and your baby.
The amount of water it holds
I know this seems like an odd point. Baby bathtubs were designed to hold water, right? Unfortunately, some baby bathtubs, even when filled to the brim, are quite shallow.
Not holding enough water is a common problem with fold-up bathtubs that sacrifice size for ease of storage.
Does the tub fit over a sink?
Many baby bathtubs are designed to sit over a single sink. This not only makes the bathtub easy to fill, but even easier to drain as well. Come the end of bath time, all the water simply empties down the drain of your sink.
Some baby bathtubs are designed to sit over single sinks, while others are designed to sit over double sinks. There are even customizable baby bathtubs that can fit over both.
If the bathtub is too big for your sink, you will have to make room on a flat surface to wash your baby. Remember, a baby bathtub filled with water can be heavy to carry, so it is often best to set it up close to a water source.
An easy way to drain the water out
Some baby bathtubs come with a drain and plug. By simply unplugging the drain plug, the water can easily leave the baby bathtub.
Drains can either be located in the base or the walls of the bathtub. Many drains will only remove the majority of water, leaving a little in the basin. This is by design, as the purpose is to make the baby bath light enough that you can easily turn it over for rinsing.
Temperature indicator
Certain models of baby bathtubs now come with a temperature indicator. A temperature indicator will help take the guesswork when determining whether the water is too hot or cold for your baby.
Temperature indicators will normally come in two different varieties:
- Sticker Strip – A temperature indicator that looks like a sticker. The sticker will change color according to the temperature. The problem with stickers is that they can be slow to react to the temperature change.
- Digital Indicator – A digital readout attached to a thermometer. The digital readout will tell you the exact temperature of the water at a glance.
Storage
Baby products and accessories can quickly take up space around the house. In apartments, space is a precious resource. Fortunately, fold-up baby bathtubs are available to solve this problem
As the name suggests, fold-up baby baths neatly collapse when not in use. This allows you to easily store the baby bath in cabinets or drawers. Fold-up bathtubs are suited to families who often travel.
Non-slip surface
It never ceases to amaze me just how slippery a wet baby can be. Many bathtubs come with a non-slip surface or even a built-in bath seat to help keep your baby in place during bath time.
The rim of the baby bath
Examine the rim of the bathtub. You are looking for two features:
- Smooth – The rim of the bathtub should be smooth without any jagged pieces. This will prevent you from scraping your baby’s skin when taking him out or placing him in the bathtub. A padded headrest is a nice feature to look for.
- Overhang – If the rim of the bathtub overhangs the walls then it will be much easier to carry, especially when filled with water.
Is the bathtub easy to dry?
A commonly overlooked feature of baby bathtubs is the ease in which they dry. Since you are going to wash your baby once or more each day it is vital that the tub quickly and easily dries. If any area of the tub remains constantly damp then you will have mold and mildew growing before you realize it. Look for tubs made of mildew-resistant materials whenever possible.
When shopping for a baby bathtub, look for areas or materials that may potentially absorb or hold water. If it looks like the tub could become perpetually waterlogged, then it is best that you steer clear of that bathtub.
Baby bathtub Alternatives
Feeling frugal? Don’t see the benefit of a baby bathtub? Don’t despair. You can bath your baby using products you may already have lying around your home.
Warning: Since many of these products will have alternate uses, make sure that they are thoroughly cleaned before using them to wash your baby.
- Large Bowl – Newborn babies are incredibly small. Believe it or not, you will be able to wash your baby in a large bowl. A large mixing bowl is a perfect infant tub for a newborn baby. When choosing a bowl, pick one weighty enough and hard to tip over.
- Bucket – As your baby grows, you’ll find a large bucket is perfect for keeping your little one safe and secure during bath time. Buckets are perfect for babies that can hold their own head upright, leaving you free to scrub your baby with both hands. Just add a rinse cup and parents will have everything needed to get the job done.
- Sink – Every house has a sink. While your baby is little you will be able to bathe him in the kitchen sink. With a drain and freshwater for rinsing readily available, the sink is a commonly used alternative to a baby bathtub.
- Laundry Basket – Yes, I know a laundry basket has holes. This is the exact feature that makes it perfect for a baby bathtub. Simply fill your regular bathtub up with water and add your laundry basket to the tub. The holes in the laundry basket will allow water to flow inside. You now have a sectioned-off area in which to bathe your baby.
Anything that can hold water can be used as an alternative to a baby bathtub. All you need is a bit of creativity.
How To Bathe a Baby: Baby Bath Safety Advice
Since a baby can drown less than an inch of water it is vital that you adopt safe habits when your baby is near a water source. Below are some safety concerns unique to baby bathtubs.
Never leave your baby unattended
It is vital that you do not take your eyes off your baby while he is in the bathtub. While baby bathtubs have features such as supports and slings that keep your baby’s head above water, they are not a substitute for your attention.
Plan ahead, make sure you have everything you need to bath your baby nearby before placing your baby in the bathtub. If you need to walk away from the bathtub, take your baby with you.
Place the bathtub on a flat surface
Ensure the location where you set your bathtub up is flat. You don’t want the bathtub to slip away while you are washing your baby.
Use washcloths to clean your baby
While sponges may seem like a great idea for wiping down your baby, it can easily end up in your baby’s mouth. If your baby bites on the sponge, tiny pieces may break off and become a choking hazard. Sponges also air dry, allowing bacteria to form. Washcloths do not have this problem since they go through the washer and dryer.
Don’t pick up the bathtub with your baby inside
If you are strong enough to lift a bathtub filled with water and your baby then you are much stronger than me. This should be avoided as not only could your baby’s head slip underwater while being transported, but you could also drop the tub resulting in a fall injury to your baby.
Set your tub up in its preferred location before adding your baby.
Final Review: The Best Baby Bathtub
I hope you have enjoyed reading my detailed baby bathtub guide as much as I enjoyed writing it. Do you use a baby bathtub? Let me know about your experience below.