When it comes to bathing your baby, it’s important to choose the right bathtub that provides safety, comfort, and convenience. With so many options available in the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the best one. That’s why we have taken the time to carefully evaluate the latest baby bathtub designs and features to bring you a comprehensive guide to the best baby bathtubs available.
From inflatable to foldable designs, we have selected the top bathtubs that cater to different needs and preferences, ensuring you can make an informed decision. Whether you’re looking for a tub that will grow with your child or one that is easy to store, you’ll find the perfect one on our list.
We understand that bath time can be a stressful and challenging experience for new parents, which is why we aim to make the selection process as simple and straightforward as possible so that you can enjoy stress-free and enjoyable bath time with your little one. You might enjoy including baby bath toys in your bath time also.
Our Top Picks
- Best Overall Baby Bathtub: The First Years Sure Comfort Deluxe Newborn to Toddler Tub
- Best Bathtub For Newborns: Angelcare Baby Bath Support
- Best Bathtub For Small Spaces: Puj Tub
- Best Inflatable Bathtub: Munchkin Inflatable Duck Bathtub
- Best Baby Bathtub For Sink: Summer Deluxe Baby Bather
- Best Sling Bathtub: Skip Hop Baby Bath Tub
- Best Bathtub For Newborn To Toddler: Summer Comfort Height Bath Tub
- Best Portable Bathtub: Intime Baby Inflatable Bathtub
- Best Bathtub For Showers: Stokke Flexi Bath Bundle
- Best Collapsible Baby Bathtub: Boon Naked 2-Position Collapsible Baby Bathtub
In This Article
HappyBabyHub’s Best Baby Bathtubs Picks
The First Years Sure Comfort Deluxe Newborn to Toddler Tub – Best Overall Baby Bathtub
- Baby fits very well in the sling
- Baby does not slip
- Grows with your small wiggly one
- Drain plug for easy emptying
- Does not have a hook to hang it from the shower rod for drying
This 3-in-1 tub is designed to evolve through three phases, ensuring your baby’s comfort and safety every step of the way.
In the first phase, the attached mesh sling provides extra support and comfort for newborns. The form-fitting netting is gentle on your baby’s delicate skin and helps alleviate stress for both the new parents and their infant during bath time. Plus, the deep ergonomic shape of the tub cradles your little one in a safe and secure position, making sure they feel snug and relaxed.
Once your baby outgrows the sling, the second phase of the tub reveals a baby bathtub with a padded headrest and a comfortable recline. The specifically developed bump on the tub’s baby side ensures that your little one won’t slide down.
Finally, in the third phase, the toddler side of the tub allows your little one to play freely and sit up securely. This means your child can grow and have fun in the tub as they develop into an energetic toddler.
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Angelcare Baby Bath Support – Best Bathtub For Newborns
- Compact enough to bath an older kiddo in the tub at the same time
- Has a lot of venting so it dries quickly
- The silicone backrest is grippy enough to make them not slip, but not harsh on their skin
- The silicone lining on the bottom helps prevent it from sliding on the tub floor
- Venting can tend to allow too much air and they can get chilly
This bather is designed to provide secure and comfortable support to your child while they enjoy partial submersion in the water. All you need to do is place the bather into the bathtub, and you’re ready to start bathing your baby.
The bather is crafted from lightweight yet durable plastic and is covered in a soft-touch mesh material that’s gentle on your baby’s delicate skin. The quick-drying mesh material also features drain holes, allowing you to rinse away any soapy water easily.
Cleaning up the Angelcare Baby Bath Support is a breeze. It comes equipped with a built-in hook for easy storage and quick drying, and its compact size means it’s simple to store inside the bathtub. And it requires no installation or setup, making it a hassle-free solution for parents.
Moreover, it is suitable for newborns, infants, and babies under six months who weigh less than 20 lbs. (9 kg).
Puj Tub – Best Bathtub For Small Spaces
- Easy to clean
- Lightweight
- Pretty comfortable for the baby
- It’s easy to pack into a suitcase or duffle bag
- It’s a little pricey
Looking for a compact bathtub that’s perfect for small spaces? This bathtub comes with a quick-dry mesh material that’s equipped with drain holes, making it super easy to rinse and clean. And the built-in hook adds to its convenience, allowing for quick drying and easy storage, even in the smallest of bathrooms!
But the Puj Tub isn’t just convenient – it’s also comfortable for your baby! The soft and flexible foam provides a supportive base for your baby to relax in during bath time, while the strong magnets in the tub ensure that it maintains its shape and structure for added security.
Munchkin Inflatable Duck Bathtub – Best Inflatable Bathtub
- The hot indicator is helpful
- After deflating it doesn’t take much room in a suitcase
- The suction cup under the ducktail is handy for hanging up to dry
- Good quality, sturdy materials
- Not the easiest to fill up
The inflatable design of this bathtub allows it to be inflated to different sizes, providing a safe and comfortable space for your little one as they grow. Plus, the cushioned construction of this tub ensures that your baby has a cozy and comfortable spot to relax during bath time, while the textured, non-slip surface offers added security and peace of mind for parents.
And the tub’s compact size makes it easy to handle and maneuver, so you can give your baby a relaxing and enjoyable bath experience anywhere.
Summer Deluxe Baby Bather – Best Baby Bathtub For Sink
- Lightweight and compact
- The plastic part is very easy to clean
- The sling is machine washable
- Space saving
- It’s not easy to fold it back up
With three different positions to choose from, this bather ensures that your baby is comfortable and safe during their bath. You can easily collapse it for storage when not in use, making it perfect for small spaces. And you’ll be happy to know that it can be used in both the sink and an adult bathtub.
The mesh sling of the bather securely holds your baby, while the soft headrest provides a stable and comfortable place for them to rest. Plus, the mesh fabric of the newborn sling is machine washable, making it easy to clean and maintain.
Skip Hop Baby Bath Tub – Best Sling Bathtub
- Easy to set up on a sink or in the tub
- Easy to clean
- The three stages are a nice perk as the baby gets bigger
- Cute
- The whale is huge making storage a little clunky
The highlight of this bathtub is its comfortable and secure sling that can be locked into two different positions, ensuring that your baby receives full-body support during bath time. The sling is made of dual-layered mesh material that cradles your baby from head to toe, providing optimal comfort and security.
During the early stages of your baby’s development, the sling can be adjusted to provide a cushioned seat that will support them as they learn to sit up on their own. The unique comfort-edge construction of the sling ensures that your baby is safe and comfortable at all times.
As your baby grows and becomes more confident in sitting up, you can remove the sling to give them more room to move around and play in the tub.
Summer Comfort Height Bath Tub – Best Bathtub For Newborn To Toddler
- Fast drainage
- Good Height for bathing baby in a bathtub
- Easy to use and clean
- The tub raiser can be used as a step stool
- The green part slides around
This innovative bathtub features an adjustable height setting that allows you to bathe your child at the ideal height for you, reducing the strain on your back and minimizing discomfort.
The detachable newborn bath support that comes with the tub can be used in either the sink or the bathtub, providing flexibility and convenience. And the inclined design of the support offers a comfortable and secure place for your baby to rest, and it can hold children up to two years old.
The strong platform of this tub safely lifts your infant to your level, making it much easier to bathe them without having to bend over or kneel down. Plus, the locking tabs on the bathtub ensure a tight fit between the tub and base, providing added stability and security during bath time.
Intime Baby Inflatable Bathtub – Best Portable Bathtub
- It’s very large but can be used for a small baby up to a toddler age
- Easy to inflate
- Usable within minutes
- Durable material
- It can get quite heavy and hard to empty without the drain on the bottom.
Designed to be compact and lightweight, this portable bathtub is easy to take with you on the go, so you can provide your child with a safe and enjoyable bath experience wherever you are.
This inflatable bathtub comes with spacious side pockets, which offer ample storage space for all of your baby’s bath essentials, as well as your items. This makes it a practical and convenient solution if you want to keep your hands free while bathing your children.
Additionally, the bottom of the tub can be easily hung on a wall for simple and space-saving storage. And despite its small size, the Intime inflatable bathtub still provides a roomy and comfortable space for your child to play and relax during bath time.
Stokke Flexi Bath Bundle – Best Bathtub For Showers
- Easily stored
- Minimal design
- Great for showers
- Infant seat makes bathing fun and safe
- The foldable part doesn’t have any clips to hold it up or in place
This bathtub’s unique design matches the natural shape of a baby’s body, ensuring that they are secure and comfortable during bath time. The bathtub folds flat, making it easy to store and it is made of high-quality materials that are durable and long-lasting. The bathtub has a non-slip base that prevents slipping and falling, making it perfect for use in the showers
Additionally, the heat-sensitive draining plug is another helpful feature, changing color to indicate when the water temperature is too hot. This visual cue provides you with peace of mind and ensures that your child is safe and comfortable during bath time.
Boon Naked 2-Position Collapsible Baby Bathtub – Best Collapsible Baby Bathtub
- It’s easy to clean
- The convenience of the hook to hang it wherever you need
- Great for small spaces
- It has legs that snap into place when in use and collapse back down for compact storage
- No non-slip at the bottom
One of the key features of this bathtub is its built-in hump, which provides a supportive recline that is perfect for baby bathing. This design allows for growing infants and young children to have ample space to sit upright on the broader side of the bathtub and play in the suds.
It also features revised legs that include easy-click mechanisms, making it simple to fold them down after bath time. Plus, the bathtub’s special foldable construction and swivel hook is perfect for drying and storage.
You’ll appreciate that the bathtub’s surface is not only easy to clean, but also free of any BPA, PVC, and phthalates, making it a safe and non-toxic option for your little one.
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How To Choose The Best Baby Bathtub?
- Age: Choose a bathtub that is appropriate for your baby’s age and size. Some tubs are designed specifically for newborns, while others can accommodate infants and young children up to a certain age.
- Safety: Look for a bathtub with a non-slip surface and a secure grip to prevent your baby from slipping. Additionally, choose a tub with a heat-sensitive draining plug to monitor the water temperature. You can also use a baby bath thermometer.
- Comfort: Ensure that the bathtub provides proper support and comfort for your baby. Some tubs come with built-in reclines, while others have adjustable slings that can be adjusted to the right position.
- Portability: Consider your storage space and the size of your bathroom when choosing a bathtub. If you have limited space, consider a foldable or inflatable tub that can be easily stored.
- Ease Of Use: Look for a bathtub that is easy to use, fill, and drain. Some tubs have large side pockets for storing baby’s bath supplies, while others have a bottom drain plug for quick water release.
Types Of Baby Bathtubs
- Infant Sink Inserts: These are small, plastic inserts that fit into your sink, providing a comfortable and secure space for your baby to bathe.
- Inflatable Tubs: Lightweight and portable, inflatable tubs are easy to store and transport. They can be inflated or deflated as needed and come in a range of sizes.
- Convertible Tubs: Convertible tubs grow with your baby, offering multiple positions and stages to accommodate their changing needs. They can be used as newborn bath support and then transition into a regular tub as your baby grows.
- Folding Tubs: These tubs can be easily folded and stored, making them a convenient option for families on the go or those with limited storage space.
Do You Really Need A Baby Bathtub?
While a baby bathtub is not a necessary item for every family, it can be a convenient tool for bathing your baby, especially during the early months when they are too small to sit up on their own in a traditional bathtub. Baby bathtubs provide a safe and comfortable space for your child to bathe in, reducing the risk of slipping and making it easier for you to handle your baby during bath time. Additionally, certain types of baby bathtubs can be adjusted to grow with your child, providing long-term value. However, if you have a large enough sink or traditional bathtub, you may not need a separate baby bathtub.
How Long Do Babies Use Infant Tubs?
Babies typically use infant tubs until they are old enough to sit up unsupported, which is usually around 6 to 8 months of age. After that, they can graduate to a regular bathtub or a toddler tub. The length of time a baby uses an infant tub can vary based on the child’s development and the size of the tub. Some babies may be able to use an infant tub for up to a year, while others may outgrow it sooner.
What Can I Use Instead Of A Baby Bath Tub?
You can use a regular bathtub or a kitchen sink for bathing your baby, instead of an infant tub. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests avoiding bath seats as these seats can easily tip over and your child can fall into the bathwater and drown (1).
Although the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) F1967 Standard Consumer Safety Specification mandates that infant bath seats meet certain safety standards, such as passing a stability test, having latching and locking mechanisms, and featuring a leg hole to prevent children from slipping through are good to use (2).
However, it’s important to keep in mind that not all kitchen sinks and regular bathtubs are the same sizes, so it’s essential to ensure that your baby is safely supported while bathing. Additionally, it’s recommended to avoid filling the bathtub with too much water and to keep a close eye on your baby at all times while they’re bathing.
How Many Days Can You Go Without Bathing A Baby?
Most pediatricians suggest bathing a newborn every two to three days, while older infants may be able to go a few days between baths. However, it’s important to note that, in general, it’s better not to let too much time pass between baths, as this can lead to a buildup of dirt and oils on the skin, which can lead to irritation or other skin problems.
Why Is A Towel Placed In The Bottom Of The Bathtub For A Baby?
A towel placed in the bottom of the bathtub for a baby provides a cushion for the baby to rest on, making the surface of the bathtub softer and more comfortable. It also helps prevent the baby from slipping and provides extra support for the head and neck. Additionally, having a towel at the bottom of the bathtub helps keep the baby warm and provides a barrier between the skin and the hard surface of the bathtub.