The Best Baby Bath Tubs

Whether you're about to have a new little human in your life or your little human is fully grown and having one of their own, you know: bath time is a source of soothing connection – as well as outright anxiety. The adorableness of a bathing baby almost makes you forget that their vulnerable little limbs are slippery and that not much keeps them from dropping down into the water. So it goes without saying that the number one item every new parent should have on their baby registry? A safe baby bathtub. With plenty of options out there, narrowing down your choices can feel a tad overwhelming, so we've gone and done it for you. Here's our team's list of some of the best baby bathtubs available today.

The First Years Sure Comfort Deluxe Tub

A Tub For All Stages

Keeping safety in mind at all stages, from newborn through toddlerhood.

Best Overall

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Ask any parent and they’ll tell you: the most important feature of a baby bathtub is safety. That’s why this bathtub, which has three different modes for three different stages, is such a winner. For a newborn, there’s a soft yet supportive sling that allows them to lay down, yet be above the water. The mesh fabric allows for the water to flow through it to the tub so that you can safely wash your new little one. The next step up is a reclined seating position with a safety grip material touting an anti-slip backing. For toddlers, there’s an upright seat that allows them to splash and play in the water in an enclosed seat that’s still totally safe.

Pros:

Small holder attached to the seat for shampoo, washcloth, etc.
Sets down safely into most sink dividers for security.
Easy to keep clean.
Ultra-portable, compact, and secure.

Cons:

The newborn hammock could stand to have straps and clips that are a bit thicker.

Mommy’s Helper Inflatable Bath Tub

Inflatable Tub for the Ultimate in Safety and Relaxation

Cushioned sides and an easy-to-inflate design makes this the ideal tub for comfort, safety, and portability.

Best Inflatable

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One of the major design flaws of baby bathtubs? They’re hard. And because water makes babies slippery, they can easily hit their heads on the hard surface of a bathtub. Not ideal. That’s why we love this adorable inflatable bathtub. Because it’s inflatable, it has a built-in air cushioning that makes for a safe, padded landing spot should your little one slip in the tub. Slipping is next to impossible with this design, however, as there is a saddle horn that keeps your bathing beauty in place as they splash about in their tub.

Pros:

Excellent travel tub, as it completely deflates when bath time is over.
Durable plastic that’ll resist popping.
100% phthalate-free.

Cons:

It would be nice if a pump came included to make it easier and less time-consuming to set up

Munchkin Sit and Soak Baby Bath Tub

A Comfortable Bath Experience For All

Making the bathing experience easier for everyone with its cradled back and anti-slip grip, you'll feel more at ease bathing your new little one.

Best Non-Slip

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Like a mini deep-claw foot tub but without the claw feet, this baby soaking tub is an excellent option for multiple stages. Because of the depth, you can fill the tub as much or as little as is safe for your little one. With a supportive bump and padded foam backrest, your babe will be comfy, secure, and safe as they soak away their busy day. When they’re done, there is an easy pull for draining the tub. The gentle scooped back helps to hug the littlest ones in, keeping them upright and secure.

Pros:

Easy-carry handle that doubles as a storage hook.
Latex-free.
Easy to clean.

Cons:

Unless you have a farmhouse-style sink, this tub is not ideal as a sink bathtub.

Summer Newborn to Toddler Bath Center and Shower

A Tub and Shower in One

Featuring an easy-rinse portable shower station, this tub has multiple functions for making bath time easier.

Best Multi-Functional

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With four separate stages, this baby bathtub has a little bit of everything. In the first stage, there’s a detachable newborn sling that’s ideal for bathing in the sink, especially during those first few months of bathing. For the second stage, the tub can move into an adult-sized tub for safe bathing. Stage three becomes more of a toddler tub, with the removal of the sling. And finally, the fourth stage allows for extended use with the removable shower unit in an adult tub. And because the shower center is totally optional, you can just use the tub as a tub.

Pros:

Easy rinsing with the removable baby shower.
Made of durable, easy-to-clean plastic.
Shower unit is removable and portable.

Cons:

The angle of the head area for stage two is almost a bit too gradual. It only allows for shallow water, which can quickly become cold.

Summer My Bath Seat

The Bath Tub High Chair

Designed to fit in the bathtub as a bathing chair, this is ideal for toddlers who just can't stay put for bath time.

Best Bathing Seat

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For use in an adult size bathtub or in a sink, this seat keeps your babe safely seated in the water. Wiggle worm? No problem. The seat design of this tub is a wonderful option specifically for parents of kiddos who have a difficult time staying safe in the tub. With completely secure suction cups that extend to the side of the tub, this bathtub seat acts as almost a high chair in the water. In addition to safely seating a little wiggle worm, this seat allows parents to use both hands for bathing. And as anyone who has ever bathed a baby knows, this is huge.

Pros:

High back seat for comfort and safety.
Will fit in any standard rectangular tubs that are 21″-24″ wide.
Portable tub option for traveling.

Cons:

This type of bathtub seat definitely won’t work for newborns or infants.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are baby bathtubs safe?

While baby bathtubs are certainly safe, they are only safe with strict supervision. As is the case with all bodies of water, babies should never be left unattended.

How long should you use a baby bathtub?

While this depends on the type of bathtub that you have for your baby, many baby bathtubs work for little ones from infancy through to one year old. However, you don’t have to use the bathtub for that long. Once your little one is safely sitting by themselves, they can take baths in the sink or adult bathtub. Really, it depends on your baby and your comfort level.

How often should I bathe my baby?

Since bathing your baby too often can quickly dry out their new, sensitive skin, it’s best to avoid bathing your little love every day. Instead, about three times a week is optimal for both keeping their skin clear and not too dry. Once they become more mobile and are eating sticky food and getting dirty, bathing more frequently might be necessary.

What’s the best way to hold my baby in the tub?

Bathing your baby can be a wonderful time to bond with them. Additionally, it can be a soothing part of a bedtime routine (provided baths don’t energize them, that is). But it can also provoke a bit of anxiety in us parents, too. Water makes babies slippery, after all, and holding onto a slippery wiggly baby can be harder than you’d think. So how do you hold them? Wrap one arm around the back of them, supporting their head properly. You can hold their arm, side, or thigh with your hand, as well, keeping them totally secure. As they grow, you’ll feel much more confident bathing them – we promise.