Do You Actually Need A Baby Bathtub?
Baby bathers are common favorite baby shower gifts and are probably already at the top of your baby gear list.
Although you can survive motherhood without getting one, infant tubs (aka bath seats) can make your life easier. Especially if they offer a bath mat, non-slip seats, or suction cups to help keep the tub securely in place.
Baby bathtubs make it easy to bathe your baby in the kitchen sink or bathroom tub.
Here are important things to keep in mind when choosing, buying, and using baby bathtubs:
Bathtime Safety
Here are some things to look out for when choosing a tub for your little one:
- It should have anti-slip surfaces because babies tend to be slippery and might be difficult to hold
- Durable, mildew-resistant plastic materials free from toxic chemicals such as BPA (bisphenol A)
- Drain plug that your baby can’t open or get their fingers or other body parts stuck
SAFETY WARNING: Never leave your baby unattended in the bath, even if they don’t know how to roll over yet or the water level is still low.
Babies can drown in as shallow as 1-2 inches of water because they don’t have neck and muscle control yet. It can happen silently and within seconds, even if only a small amount of water blocks and enters their nose and mouth. (1)
Also, always check that your baby’s bath water temperature is within 90°F to 100°F (32.2°C to 37.8°C).
Your Baby’s Comfort
- Backrest, especially for newborn babies
- Bath seats for leg openings for older babies
- Adjustable seat height or support
Your Convenience
- Folding or inflatable tubs can be great for small spaces or traveling
- Newborn bath support to fit your sink or regular tub
- Bath toys to distract your baby and make bath time more fun
Our Top 10 Recommendations For The Best Baby Bathtubs & Accessories
- Summer Infant Comfort Height Bath ($34.99) – Baby bathtub with newborn bath support and an extra removable platform that converts into a toddler step stool
- Fisher-Price 4-In-1 Sling ‘n Seat Tub ($62.99) – Four-stage convertible bath center with mesh sling for newborns, baby stopper, bath seat, non-slip back support, and bath toys (squeeze bottle and a whale scoop rinser)
- The First Years Sure Comfort Deluxe With Sling ($22.99) – Budget-friendly 3-in-1 bathtub with a form-fitting mesh sling cradle, specially designed bump to support your baby’s bum, a recline with a padded headrest, plus a built-in accessory tray for the washcloth, soap, or bath toys
- OXO Tot Splash & Store Bath Tub ($69.99) – Ergonomically designed, collapsible, and portable baby bathtub with extra leg support, a quick-drying dual-sided drain, and a 360° swiveling hook
- Blooming Bath Lotus Baby Bath ($39.99) – Stylish in-sink bathtub with four foldable cushion petals made of high-quality polyurethane foam with a soft, plush polyester top
- Püj Foldable Baby Bath ($44.99) – Non-slip, mold-and-mildew-resistant, portable in-sink bathtub that collapses flat for easy storage
- Stokke Flexi Bath with Newborn Support ($69) – Large but light, foldable, and portable baby bathtub with a non-slip base, unique space-saving design (folds flat), and a heat-sensitive plug
- Munchkin White Hot Inflatable Duck Tub ($13.49) – Large, budget-friendly inflatable duck bathtub with a heat-sensitive safety disc
- Summer Infant My Bath Seat ($54.99) – Bath seat with a removable tray, suction cups with adjustable supports, crotch separator, high backrest, and bath toys
- Angelcare Baby Bath Support ($24.99) – Mold-and-mildew-resistant, hygienic, and portable in-sink baby bath support with a built-in hook for convenient storage
Continue reading for more info about each baby bathtub.
1. Summer Infant Comfort Height Bath
Price
- $34.99
What Makes It Special?
- Best features: Baby bathtub with an extra removable platform and newborn bath support
- Type: Multi-use and convertible standalone tub
- Capabilities: Three-part tub with newborn bath support, a large tub that supports toddler use, and a platform base that converts into a toddler step stool
- Portability and storage: Bulky but can still be portable
Materials & Safety Features:
- Material: Polypropylene plastic
- Safety: Locking tabs for a safe and snug fit between the tub and the base; free from BPA, PVC (polyvinyl chloride), phthalates, lead, and cadmium
Other Specifications & Special Features
- Dimensions: 29 x 9.5 x 17.5 inches
- Warranty: 90 days from purchase date
- Quality/safety certifications: Not indicated
Product Recall
- None
Cons
- Some complaints about design flaws in the drain plug location and possibly uncomfortable or painful crotch area
- Newborn bath support doesn’t suction and easily slips into the bigger tub portion
2. Fisher-Price 4-In-1 Sling ‘n Seat Tub
Price
- $62.99
What Makes It Special?
- Best features: Four-stage convertible bath center with mesh sling for newborns, baby stopper, bath seat, non-slip back support, and bath toys (squeeze bottle and a whale scoop rinser)
- Type: Convertible and multi-use standalone bathtub
- Capabilities: Soft mesh sling for newborns, Sit-Me-Up Support for unsteady sitters (also doubles as a stopper for younger babies), and a roomy toddler tub
- Portability and storage: Bulky and not foldable, but can still be carried around; hook for hanging
Materials & Safety Features:
- Material: Plastic
- Safety: Non-slip back support
Other Specifications & Special Features
- Dimensions: 18.5 x 30 x 8.5 inches
- Warranty: Not indicated
- Quality/safety certifications: Not indicated
Product Recall
- None
Cons
- Some complaints on Amazon about the drain’s location under the seat insert and babies’ toes getting wounded by the stopper
3. The First Years Sure Comfort Deluxe With Sling
Price
- $22.99
What Makes It Special?
- Best features: Budget-friendly 3-in-1 bathtub with a form-fitting mesh sling cradle, specially designed bump to support your baby’s bum, a recline with a padded headrest, plus a built-in accessory tray for the washcloth, soap, or bath toys
- Type: Multi-use, convertible standalone bathtub
- Capabilities: Newborn mesh sling that cradles your baby, built-in toddler bath seat, and a bathtub
- Portability and storage: Not foldable but still small enough to be portable
Materials & Safety Features:
- Material: Plastic
- Safety: Non-slip back support
Other Specifications & Special Features
- Dimensions: 29.75 x 15 x 11.25 inches
- Warranty: Not indicated
- Quality/safety certifications: Not indicated
Product Recall
- None
Cons
- Some complaints that the drain plug doesn’t allow water flow when the tub is put on a flat surface
4. OXO Tot Splash & Store Bath Tub
Price
- $69.99
What Makes It Special?
- Best features: Ergonomically designed, collapsible, and portable baby bathtub with extra leg support and a quick-drying dual-sided drain
- Type: Standalone baby bathtub
- Capabilities: Narrow end for newborns and smaller babies without a need for a separate infant insert, and a wider end for older babies who can sit up without support
- Portability and storage: Collapses flat for portability or compact storage with a 360° swiveling hook
Materials & Safety Features:
- Material: Plastic
- Safety: Bathtub legs for added support and stability to prevent tipping over
Other Specifications & Special Features
- Dimensions: 9.3 x 17.8 x 30.8 inches
- Warranty: Not indicated
- Quality/safety certifications: Not indicated
Product Recall
- None
Cons
- Pricier than the other bathtubs on our list
- Some complaints about the slippery bottom section
5. Blooming Bath Lotus Baby Bath
Price
- $39.99
What Makes It Special?
- Best features: Stylish in-sink bathtub with four foldable cushion petals made of high-quality polyurethane foam with a soft, plush polyester top
- Type: In-sink bathtub
- Capabilities: Support your baby during bathtime
- Portability and storage: Foldable, portable, and easy to store even in tight spaces
Materials & Safety Features:
- Material: BPA-free polyester and polyurethane foam
- Safety: Soft bathtub without any sharp parts
Other Specifications & Special Features
- Dimensions: 33 x 33 inches
- Warranty: Not indicated
- Quality/safety certifications: Not indicated
Product Recall
- None
Cons
- Some complaints that this product is difficult to hang dry, making it prone to mold growth
6. Püj Foldable Baby Bath
Price
- $44.99
What Makes It Special?
- Best features: Non-slip, mold-and-mildew-resistant, portable in-sink bathtub that collapses flat for easy storage
- Type: In-sink bathtub
- Capabilities: The PUJ tub can easily convert from flat to a baby bathtub with durable magnets to keep the tub’s shape while in use
- Portability and storage: Collapses flat for easy storage and portability
Materials & Safety Features:
- Material: Soft foam
- Safety: Mold and mildew resistant; free from BPA and PVC
Other Specifications & Special Features
- Dimensions: 25.25 x 26.25 x 1 inches
- Warranty: Not indicated; with a 45-day return policy
- Quality/safety certifications: Not indicated
Product Recall
- None
Cons
- Some complaints that the product can easily come apart in the sink and doesn’t stay folded
7. Stokke Flexi Bath with Newborn Support
Price
- Bundle (tub with newborn support) – $69
- Newborn support only – $24
- Tub only (regular size) – $49
- Tub only (XL) – $65
What Makes It Special?
- Best features: Large but light, foldable, and portable baby bathtub with a non-slip base, unique space-saving design (folds flat), and a heat-sensitive plug
- Type: Convertible and multi-use portable bathtub
- Capabilities: Newborn insert to support younger babies and a large tub to accommodate older babies up to four years old
- Portability and storage: Folds flat for compact storage and portability
Materials & Safety Features:
- Material: Plastic
- Safety: Non-slip base and a heat-sensitive plug
Other Specifications & Special Features
- Dimensions: 25.2 x 9.4 x 13.4 inches
- Warranty: Not indicated
- Quality/safety certifications: JPMA (Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association) certified
Product Recall
- The newborn support bath aid was recalled in Australia in September 2013 because the warning label for drowning hazards (required for all bathtubs, bath seats, and bath inserts) could detach. (2)
Cons
- It had a recall in Australia over safety warning labels
- Pricier than most of the baby bathtubs on our list
8. Munchkin White Hot Inflatable Duck Tub
Price
- $13.49
What Makes It Special?
- Best features: Large, budget-friendly inflatable duck bathtub with a heat-sensitive safety disc
- Type: Standalone portable bathtub
- Capabilities: Easily portable, inflatable tub without using a high-pressure compressor or pump
- Portability and storage: Easily deflates and folds into a small, easily portable pack
Materials & Safety Features:
- Material: Lead-free plastic
- Safety: Textured, non-slip surface with padding and a heat-sensitive safety disc
Other Specifications & Special Features
- Dimensions: 2.75 x 9.5 x 9.25 inches
- Warranty: Not indicated
- Quality/safety certifications: Not indicated
Product Recall
- None
Cons
- Some complaints about the product easily getting damaged or punctured, resulting in a deflating duck tub
9. Summer Infant My Bath Seat
Price
- $54.99
What Makes It Special?
- Best features: Bath seat with a removable tray, suction cups with adjustable supports, crotch separator, high backrest, and bath toys
- Type: Bath seat
- Capabilities: Bath seat for babies 5-10 months old
- Portability and storage: Small enough to be portable
Materials & Safety Features:
- Material: ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) plastic for the whale toy and starfish, and PVC for the blowfish squeeze toy
- Safety: Suction cups with adjustable supports to keep this bath seat in place
Other Specifications & Special Features
- Dimensions: 17 x 9.75 x 16 inches
- Warranty: 90 days from purchase date
- Quality/safety certifications: Not indicated
Product Recall
- None
Cons
- The other toys are made of non-toxic ABS materials, but the blowfish squeeze toy is made of PVC.
- Pricey bath seat
10. Angelcare Baby Bath Support
Price
- $24.99
What Makes It Special?
- Best features: Mold-and-mildew-resistant, hygienic, and portable in-sink baby bath support with a built-in hook for convenient storage
- Type: In-sink or in-tub baby bath support
- Capabilities: Portable and can be used in your sink or regular bathtub
- Portability and storage: Small enough to be portable
Materials & Safety Features:
- Material: Lightweight PP (polypropylene) and TPE (thermoplastic elastomer)
- Safety: Soft mesh material that rinses and dries easily; free from latex, BPA, BBP (benzyl butyl phthalate), DEHP (diethylhexyl phthalate), and DBP (dibutyl phthalate)
Other Specifications & Special Features
- Dimensions: 22 x 13.5 x 8.75 inches
- Warranty: One year
- Quality/safety certifications: Not indicated
Product Recall
- This product was recalled in Australia in February 2020 for not complying with the mandatory marking requirements that warn parents and consumers about potential drowning risks. It’s a requirement for all bath products. (3)
Cons
- It had a recall in Australia over safety labeling issues.
- Some complaints on Amazon that this product isn’t ideal for newborn babies because it can be rough on their delicate bodies
Summary & Recommendations
Choose Summer Infant Comfort Height Bath ($34.99) if:
- You prefer a baby bathtub with newborn bath support
- You want one that has an extra removable platform that converts into a toddler step stool
Choose Fisher-Price 4-In-1 Sling ‘n Seat Tub ($62.99) if:
- You need a four-stage convertible bath center with a mesh sling for newborns, a baby stopper, bath seat, and non-slip back support
- You like one with bath toys (squeeze bottle and a whale scoop rinser)
Choose The First Years Sure Comfort Deluxe With Sling ($22.99) if:
- You prefer a budget-friendly 3-in-1 bathtub with a form-fitting mesh sling cradle, specially designed bump to support your baby’s bum, and a recline with a padded headrest
- You want one with a built-in accessory tray for the washcloth, soap, or bath toys
Choose OXO Tot Splash & Store Bath Tub ($69.99) if:
- You prefer an ergonomically designed, collapsible, and portable baby bathtub with extra leg support
- You need one with a quick-drying dual-sided drain and a 360° swiveling hook
- You don’t mind the high price tag
Choose Blooming Bath Lotus Baby Bath ($39.99) if:
- You want a stylish in-sink bathtub with four foldable cushion petals made of high-quality polyurethane foam with a soft, plush polyester top
Choose Püj Foldable Baby Bath ($44.99) if:
- You want a non-slip, mold-and-mildew-resistant, portable in-sink bathtub that collapses flat for easy storage
Choose Stokke Flexi Bath with Newborn Support ($69) if:
- You need a large but light, foldable, and portable baby bathtub with a non-slip base, unique space-saving design (folds flat)
- You prefer one with a heat-sensitive plug for your baby’s added safety
Choose Munchkin White Hot Inflatable Duck Tub ($13.49) if:
- You want a large, budget-friendly inflatable duck bathtub
- You prefer one with a heat-sensitive safety disc
Choose Summer Infant My Bath Seat ($54.99) if:
- You need a bath seat with a removable tray, suction cups with adjustable supports, crotch separator, high backrest, and bath toys
Choose Angelcare Baby Bath Support ($24.99) if:
- You want a mold-and-mildew-resistant, hygienic, and portable in-sink baby bath support with a built-in hook for convenient storage
Buying Guide: What To Look for In Baby Bathtubs
Safety: Are Baby Bathtubs Safe?
To prevent deaths, injuries, and other accidents, your baby’s safety should always be the priority when choosing a bathtub.
Manufacturers and importers are required to: (4)(5)
- Test for compliance at third-party laboratories accepted by the CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission)
- Comply with federal laws such as the CPSIA (Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008)
- Certify compliance in a CPC (Children’s Product Certificate)
ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) F1967-19 standards set specific requirements for bath seat safety, including: (5)
- Latching and locking mechanisms
- Permanent warning labels
- Suction cups to stick to the bathtub or tub surface
- Leg opening with a passive crotch restraint (prevents your baby from sliding through the front or sides of the seat)
- Limited seat space to prevent slumping or getting trapped in a reclined position
It’s also good to check for products that are free from toxic materials, including:
- BPA
- PVC
- Phthalates
- Lead, cadmium, and other heavy metals
- Latex
- BBP
- DEHP
- DBP
Quality
Although you will need baby bathtubs for only a couple of years, it’s important to pick a high-quality product that can keep your little one safe with repeated use.
It’s good to read reviews and physically inspect your baby’s bathtub before each use.
You can also monitor for product recalls.
Type: What Are The Different Types Of Baby Bathtubs?
In-Sink Baby Bathtubs Or Sink Insert Baby Bath Seats
Advantages
- Narrower than standard baby bathtubs and designed to fit a standard sink
- Narrower than standard baby bathtubs and designed to fit a standard sink
- Usually flexible to fit in your kitchen sink
- Lets you bathe your baby while you’re standing up
- Some inserts are designed to work directly with your sink.
Disadvantages
- Babies can easily outgrow these smaller bathtubs.
Stand-Alone Baby Bathtubs Or Basin Tubs
Advantages
- Products designed to stand unsupported
- Can be used in regular bathrooms, inside regular bathtubs, or even outdoors
- Some models are collapsible for easy storage
Disadvantages
- Some models might be too bulky and not ideal for small spaces.
Convertible Tubs
Advantages
- Includes a removable newborn bath support and/or toddler bath seats
- More capabilities than the other types
Disadvantages
- Usually pricier than other models
Dimensions: How Big Should A Baby Bathtub Be?
There aren’t specific guidelines for the size of your baby bathtub, but make sure you don’t put more than 2 inches of water. (4)
Consumer Reports doesn’t recommend putting your baby’s bathtub in a bigger, regular bathtub filled with water because that can cause the smaller tub to float and possibly tip over. That increases your baby’s drowning risk. (4)
Price: How Much Does A Baby Bathtub Cost?
The prices of baby bathtubs can vary depending on their brand, type, and features.
From our recommendations above:
- The cheapest is Munchkin White Hot Inflatable Duck Tub ($13.49)
- The most expensive are OXO Tot Splash & Store Bath Tub ($69.99) and Stokke Flexi Bath with Newborn Support ($69)
What’s The Average Cost Of A Baby Bathtub?
The average cost of baby bathtubs is from $20 to $40.
Portability
Because babies only spend a few minutes in their bathtub, portability is important. You can easily move their unused bathtubs to your storage area or put them away for drying.
Portable bathtubs are also ideal if your family loves to travel.
FAQs
Which Type Of Bathtub Is Best For My Baby?
It depends on your baby’s age and needs. Newborn babies are best bathed in bathtubs with infant support, while older babies can sit in the tub using a bath seat or directly on the tub’s bottom.
When Should I Stop Using A Baby Bathtub?
It depends on your baby’s growth and development. The bathtub’s capacity also matters. Often, they’ll only need the small bathtubs with newborn inserts until they’re around six months old.
Some bathtubs are small and can only support babies less than a year old. Always check the label.
Many babies can graduate to a large basin or your regular bathtub when they begin to sit on their own at around 6-8 months old.
SAFETY WARNING: Even if they can sit up unsupported, never leave your baby unattended in a bathtub or basin.
REFERENCES
(1) https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/at-play/Pages/Infant-Water-Safety.aspx
(2) https://www.productsafety.gov.au/recalls/stokke-as%E2%80%94flexi-bath%E2%84%A2-newborn-support
(3) https://www.productsafety.gov.au/recalls/valiant-enterprises-%E2%80%94-angelcare-baby-bath-seat-bath-support-and-bath-support-fit
(4) https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/baby-bathtubs/buying-guide/index.htm
(5) https://www.astm.org/f1967-19.html
