Best Baby Bath Tub: Expert Buyers Guide

Jess-Miller-Sunglasses
Published by 
Jess Miller
Last updated: 
April 13, 2023
Best Baby Bath Tub: Expert Buyers Guide

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 bath tub?

There are so many different types of baby bath tubs available, each claiming to be better than the next. How do you determine which is the best infant bath tub, and what makes it perfect for your baby?

I have created a super detailed guide on baby bath tubs 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 bath tub expert.

Use the links below to jump to your preferred section or continue reading from top to bottom. It’s all great information.

1. Best baby bath tubs
2. The different types of baby bath tubs
3. How to compare baby bath tubs
4. Alternatives to baby bath tubs
5. Baby bath tub safety advice

With the introduction out of the way, let's jump right into the good stuff.

What is the Best Baby Bath Tub?

Let's start out by taking a closer look at a selection of great tubs, as we try to find the best baby bath tub available. These bath tubs are loved by parents all over the world and with good reason; they provide frustration-free bathing.

Best Standard Baby Bath Tub

Sometimes it really is the simple things that are best. The EuroBath baby bath tub 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 bath tubs, 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 bath tub comes with two seating positions:

  1. Reclining Infants are supported under the arms and legs with stoppers that prevent your little one from slipping under water.
  2. Once your baby can sit upright, a safety stopper will sit between the legs, ensuring that he does not slip under water 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 and hide water.

My only gripe is that this baby bath tub 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 bath tub filled with water quite a challenge.

Best Convertible Baby Bath Tub

One of the most popular baby bath tubs on the market. Simple, cheap and most importantly, your infant will find it comfortable. If you're looking for quality in a convertible baby bath tub, look no further. This tub starts among the best newborn bathtub designs and adapts into an infant tub, to toddler.

This convertible baby bath tub is designed to grow with your child and has three settings to suit each stage of your baby’s development.

  1. Newborn - A comfortable hammock holds your newborn baby in place while you wash him with a free hand.
  2. Infant - The mesh sling is removed and the backrest is lowered, allowing your baby to sit up at a supported angle.
  3. 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 bath tub 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 bath tub 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 Bath Tub

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 bath tubs.

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 bath tub is that the digital thermometer runs on three AAA batteries. Guess what? No batteries are included with the bath tub. 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 bath tub. Otherwise, the ergonomic design (and one-piece design choice), mildew resistant BPA free plastic construction, and digital thermometer make this model the best baby bath tub overall, if you appreciate high tech.

Best Fold-up Baby Bath Tub

It may surprise you just how difficult it can be to store a bulky bath tub. 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 bath tubs, this one is constructed in a single streamlined design. This makes cleaning the bath tub 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 newborn cushion insert and a small water pitcher to help gently support and bath your baby easily and comfortably.

Best Inflatable Bath Tub

I'll be honest, I am not a fan of inflatable bath tubs. 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 east storage of a portable baby bath, stick with the fold-up variety.

That said, despite my opinion, people still continue to buy inflatable bath tubs. 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 bath tub came out ahead being the most cost-effective inflatable solution. Many other inflatable bath tubs were two or three times its price.

Simply place the inflated bath tub into your regular bath tub, 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 bath tubs in general.

Best Cushion Baby Bath Tub

You may have noticed that the majority of baby bath tubs are made from plastic. Plastic is considered the best material to use for baby bath tubs as it is lightweight, holds water and easily shaped. The Bath ‘N Bumper baby tub bucks this trend and provides your baby with a soft and cushioned bath time.

This baby bath tub doesn’t actually hold water. I know it sounds weird, but hear me out. The bath tub is made from polystyrene balls covered in fabric. To use it, simply fill your regular tub up with water and add the cushion bath tub on top. The water will soak through the fabric, providing your little one with a soft and supportive baby bath.

Cushioned bath tubs 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 bath tubs after each use since you not only have to wait for the exterior surface to dry but also the materials inside. Drying this bath tub takes a longer period of time than a plastic bath tub. Fortunately, the Bath ‘N Bumper comes with a hook, allowing the bath tub to be hung up to dry.

Best Baby Bucket

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 a 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 baby’s 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 bath tubs

As you are about to discover, there are many different types of baby bath tubs available. Let’s take a look at the differences between the most common varieties.

Standard Plastic Baby Bath Tub

When you think of a baby bath tub 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 Bath Tub

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 Bath Tub

Convertible bath tubs grow as your baby does. Suitable for newborns, infants, and toddlers, convertible bath tubs ensure you get the most value for money over the bath tub'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.

The Babydam, while not a true baby bath tub, is a nifty invention that acts a barrier for any non-textured bathtub that allows you “make” your own bath tub. 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 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 bath tubs. Its unique design allows you to save money and space by not having to buy different sizes of baby bath tubs. It also has a hole in the middle so don’t overfill the tub for very young babies too!

Cushion Bath Tub

A cushion baby bath tub is different from other tubs in that it does not hold water. Instead, it supports your baby in your regular bath tub.

Simply fill up your regular bath tub with water, add the cushion tub and the water will soak through, providing a sectioned off bath area for your baby.

Inflatable Baby Bath Tub

These baby bath tubs arrive flat, taking up minimal room. Once filled with air, a bath tub is revealed that can hold enough water and a baby.

Inflatable baby bath tubs trade off their superior portability by being less durable than other bathing options.

Fold-Up Baby Bath Tub

Baby bath tubs can be surprisingly bulky. This can make storage difficult. When emptied of water, these bath tubs 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 bath tubs tend to be smaller than regular baby baths, making them a great option to take when traveling.

best baby bath tub

Luxury Baby Bath Tub

Luxury baby bath tubs 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 bath tubs are typically heavier than other baby bath tubs.

Bucket Bath Tub

Resembling more of a bucket than a bath tub, 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 bath tubs

It can be a difficult task comparing one baby bath tub to another. Below are some points to consider when deciding on the perfect bath tub for you and your baby.

The amount of water it holds

I know this seems like an odd point. Baby bath tubs were designed to hold water, right? Unfortunately, some baby bath tubs, even when filled to the brim, are quite shallow.

Not holding enough water is a common problem with fold-up bath tubs that sacrifice size for ease of storage.

Does the tub fit over a sink?

Many baby bath tubs are designed to sit over a single sink. This not only makes the bath tub 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 bath tubs 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 bath tub is too big for your sink, you will have to make room on a flat surface to wash your baby. Remember, a baby bath tub 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 bath tubs come with a drain and plug. By simply unplugging the drain plug, the water can easily leave the baby bath tub.

Drains can either be located in the base or the walls of the bath tub. 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 bath tubs 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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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 accessories can quickly take up space around the house. In apartments, space is a precious resource. Fortunately, fold-up baby bath tubs 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 bath tubs 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 bath tubs 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 bath tub. You are looking for two features:

  1. Smooth - The rim of the bath tub 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 bath tub. A padded headrest is a nice feature to look for.
  2. Overhang - If the rim of the bath tub overhangs the walls then it will be much easier to carry, especially when filled with water.

Is the bath tub easy to dry?

A commonly overlooked feature of baby bath tubs 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 bath tub. 

Baby Bath Tub Alternatives

Feeling frugal? Don't see the benefit of a baby bath tub? 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 fresh water for rinsing readily available, the sink is a commonly used alternative to a baby bath tub.
  • Laundry Basket - Yes, I know a laundry basket has holes. This is the exact feature that makes it perfect for a baby bath tub. Simply fill your regular bath tub 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 alternative to a baby bath tub. All you need is a bit of creativity.

How To Bathe a Baby: Baby Bath Safety Advice

Since a baby can drown than 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 bath tubs.

Never leave your baby unattended

It is vital that you do not take your eyes off your baby while he is in the bath tub. While baby bath tubs 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 with you need to bath your baby nearby before placing your baby in the bath tub. If you need to walk away from the bath tub, take your baby with you.

Place the bath tub on a flat surface

Ensure the location where you set your bath tub up is flat. You don’t want the bath tub 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. Wash cloths do not have this problem since they go through the washer and dryer.

Don’t pick up the bath tub with your baby inside

If you are strong enough to lift a bath tub 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 under water while being transported, but you could also drop the tub resulting in a fall injury to your baby.

Set your tub up in it’s preferred location before adding your baby.

Here are some more of our Baby Bath Safety Advice.

Final Review: The Best Baby Bath Tub

I hope you have enjoyed reading my detailed baby bath tub guide as much as I enjoyed writing it. Do you use a baby bath tub? Let me know about your experience below.

Related Resources

Baby proof a regular bath tub

Are baby bath tubs essential?

More baby bath tub safety

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