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Whether you’re planning baby’s first bath or you’re after an infant bath tub for a growing baby, our mamas of Peanut have all the best baby bath tubs so you can choose the right one for you and your little one.
There are so many to choose from, so how do you choose? And do babies even need their own baby bath tubs?
Come to think of it, how do you bathe a baby in the first place?
Relax, mama. We’ve got the lowdown on the best baby bath tubs and everything you need to know to keep baby squeaky clean.
In this article: 📝
- Which bath tub is best for baby?
- How much does a baby bathtub cost?
- Are baby bathtubs worth it?
- How do you use a newborn bathtub?
- How often do newborns need a bath?
- Where do you put a baby tub?
Which bath tub is best for baby?
So what is the best baby bath tub? And what baby bath tub accessories will you need?
Well, it depends on baby’s age, where you’re planning to bathe baby, your budget, and whether you want something portable, so you can bathe baby while you’re on your travels.
Let’s dive in.
Best infant bath tubs from newborn to toddler
Some of the best infant bathtubs can be used from birth (or a few months) through to toddlerhood, with a few adjustments.
If you’re after a baby bathtub that will last for as long as possible, these are the toddler bath tubs for you:
1. Fisher-Price 4-in-1 Sling ’n Seat Baby Bath Tub This is one of the highest-rated baby bathtubs among our mamas of Peanut.
If you’re after a newborn bath tub, bathtub for 6-month-old, or even a bath for toddlers, this adjustable tub is the one for you.
And baby will love that it comes with two bath-friendly toys for them to play with!
2. Skip Hop Baby Bath Tub, 3-Stage Smart Sling Tub
Similar to the 4-in-1 Fisher-Price baby bathtub, the Skip Hop Moby bath tub adapts as baby grows.
Plus, it comes in a super-cute whale shape, to make bath times extra fun!
3. BEABA by Shnuggle Baby Bath Tub
This is one of the best options for a baby bath tub for showers ‒ the BEABA bathtub is space-saving and compact, and can still fit most babies up to 12 months.
If you want a baby bath tub that isn’t too garish and looks more modern, the Shnuggle baby bath tub is perfect, and highly rated, too!
Baby bath seat
If you don’t want to invest in another baby bath tub or storage is at a premium, how about a baby bath seat for your tub?
With a baby bath chair, you can sit baby in your regular tub to give them a bath.
And as they grow, they can easily get used to using a full-size bath tub.
4. Puj Tub In-Sink Baby Bath Seat for Newborns and Infants
This Puj baby tubs seat is foldable for easy storage, soft for baby’s delicate skin, and can work in sinks or full-size tubs.
Easy to clean and mold-resistant, you can be sure it’s a safe, clean option for baby bath support.
5. Angelcare Baby Bath Support
The innovative mesh design on the Angelcare bath tub seat means you can wash baby without having them sit in water for too long.
If you’re after a baby bath seat that fits comfortably in your normal bath tub, be sure to add the Angelcare bath tub seat to your baby registry list.
6. BLANDSTRS Baby Bath Chair with Thermometer
Our mamas of Peanut love the unique design of the BLANDSTRS baby bath chair and the fact that it comes with a thermometer so you can make sure the temperature is always right for baby’s sensitive skin.
However, because of its design, this is a bath seat for 6-month-olds through to 18 months.
In case your little one is a wriggler, you can rest assured the suction cups on the bottom of this baby bath seat will keep your water baby safe and secure.
Collapsible baby bathtubs
Short on space? Or planning to travel with baby?
Then you’ll want a foldable baby bath tub that you can pack away easily.
Luckily, our mamas on Peanut have some stellar collapsible baby bathtub recommendations:
7. Boon Naked 2-Position Collapsible Baby Bathtub
This foldable travel baby bath collapses down to just 4.5 inches tall, making it the perfect space-saving baby bath tub option for mamas in apartments or smaller spaces.
The Boon Naked baby bath tub also has a tapered top with secure legs, so baby can lie back and relax while they’re getting their bath (jealous).
8. Goodking Portable Infant Toddler Bathing Tub
If you’re after a compact travel baby bathtub that grows with baby, how about the Goodking inflatable infant bath tub?
With a non-slip base and support for baby’s head, while it can take a while to deflate and re-inflate it between uses, you can always leave it inflated for quicker access.
9. W WEYLAN TEC Large Foldable Infant Bath Tub
This first years bathtub is best for bigger kids ‒ from toddlerhood through to older children, ideal for mamas who have showers but want to give their kids a bath.
Out Peanut mamas love that this foldable baby bath tub can easily slide into tall cupboards between uses, hidden from sight!
Baby sink bath
For newborns or smaller babies, sink baths are much easier ‒ no more leaning over or kneeling to bathe your little one.
So here are our Peanut community’s favorite baby sink baths for you to choose from:
10. Puj Flyte Compact Infant Bathtub
Another travel baby bath tub, the Flyte Puj baby tubs are also great for baby sink baths.
Keep the Puj baby bath tub tucked away when you’re not using it, then simply unfold and set it in the sink for a quick and easy baby sink bath set up!
11. 4moms cleanwater™ tub
The 4moms infant bath is a little pricier than some others on our list, but our mamas of Peanut love the way that dirty bathwater is easily filtered out, keeping baby nice and clean.
Plus, it fits into most kitchen sinks and can be moved into an adult-sized tub as baby gets older.
12. Blooming Baby Bath Tub Gray/White Lotus
Looking for Walmart baby bathtubs you can pick up during your next shop?
Well, the Blooming baby bath tub is the one to go for!
Highly-rated, adjustable to fit most kitchen sinks, and with a cute design, what more could you ask for in a baby sink bath?
Baby bath stand
Gone are the days of kneeling next to your little one while they’re in the bath.
Now, you can save your aching back with these top-rated baby bath stands, tried and tested by our mamas of Peanut:
13. Primo Folding Baby Bath Stand
Sturdy, strong, and foldable, the Primo Folding Baby Bath Stand does everything you want a bath stand to do!
Plus, the handy shelf is convenient for storing baby’s shampoo, bath toys, towels, and anything else you need for baby’s bath time.
14. Summer Right Height Baby Bath Tub
After a baby bath tub with stand built-in?
Then the Summer RIght Height Baby Bath Tub is the one for you!
It’s super flexible and can be used from newborn through to toddlerhood as an infant bath tub or as a step-stool for older kids.
15. Primo Euro Spa Baby Bath Tub and Changing Table
While on the more expensive side of baby bath tubs, the Primo Euro Spa doubles as a changing table ‒ not bad for just over $200.
It’s long-lasting, too ‒ for newborns all the way through to 24 months.
Baby bath mat for tub
If baby’s a little more grown-up and can sit themselves up without support, you might be after a non-slip baby bath mat for your regular-sized bath tub.
Here are the best baby bath mats, as chosen by our mamas of Peanut:
16. Sheepping Baby Bath Mat Non-Slip Extra Long
Affordable, durable, and very highly recommended, the Sheepping baby bath mat does all you want, all in a range of colors.
With suction cups to keep baby secure, machine washable for convenient cleaning, there’s a reason this is a hit with our Peanut mamas!
17. BEEHOMEE Baby Bath Mats for Tub Kids
Looking for something more colorful?
How about the BEEHOMEE baby bath mat?
Easy to stick, non-slip, and with a cute design ‒ both you and baby will love it!
18. Skip Hop Non-Slip Baby Bath Mat, Moby
If you fell in love with the Skip Hop Moby bath tub, here’s the matching baby bath mat!
Its drainage hole means there’s no excess water so baby doesn’t slip, and the tail doubles as a hook so you can hang it to dry between uses.
How much does a baby bathtub cost?
Most baby bath tubs on the market tend to range from about $15 to around $100, depending on what type of infant bath tub you want.
However, some baby bath tubs have more bells and whistles, or double as other baby essentials, so a few can even cost up to $250.
Are baby bathtubs worth it?
Well, bath tubs for babies are not fundamental baby essentials, although baby bath tubs can make bathing your baby significantly easier.
Some mamas of Peanut opt to take a shallow bath with baby sat on their lap, while others choose to have a baby bath seat that works for newborns through to toddlerhood, until they can sit without support.
In the end, it’s up to you, mama.
Can you bathe baby in tub?
Yes, you can bathe baby directly in a regular-sized bath tub, although you’ll have to take some precautions.
Baby may not be able to hold their own head up or sit by themselves just yet, so keep their head and back supported while they’re in the bath ‒ a baby bath seat can help with this.
Keep the water levels shallow and between 90-100°F, and be sure to avoid strong soaps or shampoos, as baby’s skin may be sensitive to harsh chemicals and scents.
🛀 Dive deeper: How to Sponge Bathe a Newborn
Why is it important to bathe a baby?
There are a few benefits to bathing baby regularly (although you don’t have to bathe them every day):
- It keeps their skin and hair clean.
- Regular bathing 2-3 times a week can help prevent rashes from excess moisture (as long as baby is properly dried afterward).
- A mini baby massage during their bath can help promote healthy circulation.
- Bathing baby is an excellent bonding experience for you and them.
- It can be soothing as part of a bedtime routine.
- The stimulation of bathtime also helps develop baby’s hand-eye coordination and get their minds whirring.
How do you use a newborn bathtub?
Now, how to use a baby bath tub.
There are some recommendations by the American Academy of Pediatrics that you should follow when bathing your baby:
- Get your baby bathing supplies ready before they’re in the baby bath tub.
- Always supervise baby when they’re in the bath.
- Fill the basin with 2 inches of warm water (using your elbow to feel the temperature before you put baby in). Water shouldn’t be hotter than 120°F, ideally between 90-100°F.
- Once baby’s undressed, make sure they’re in the tub or wrapped up in a towel, so they don’t get too cold.
- You may not need to use soap at all, but if you do, use a mild, pH-neutral soap, rinsing it from the skin as soon as you’ve gently applied it.
- Don’t feel the need to disturb baby’s cradle cap, if they have any ‒ it won’t cause them damage, and will heal by itself usually.
- When rinsing baby’s hair, cup your hand over their forehead so they don’t get water or soap in their eyes.
- If baby’s enjoying their time in the tub, let them stay for a little while ‒ it’s great to get them used to bathing and stimulates their mind.
- Once they’re out of the baby bath tub, get them dried off by patting them dry.
How do you bathe a baby without a bathtub?
If you don’t want to buy a baby bath tub, you don’t have to ‒ instead, you can sponge bathe your newborn for as long as you want.
As long as baby’s clean and healthy, it’s all your choice, mama.
Sponge bathing baby only really requires washcloths, cotton pads or balls, and some warm water.
Want the full scoop on bathing your baby without a bathtub? Check out our comprehensive guide: How to Sponge Bathe a Newborn.
How to clean baby’s bathtub
It depends on the manufacturer, as some baby bath tubs can be washed in a washing machine (particularly inflatable ones), while others can be wiped down with multi-purpose, anti-bacterial cleaners.
Avoid using bleach, as it can stick around and harm baby’s delicate skin.
What age can babies bathe in tub?
When can baby bathe in regular tub?
Once baby’s able to sit by themselves, unsupported, and hold their head up, they should be able to use a regular bath, although it can be beneficial to use a baby bath seat to help them stay upright.
If baby’s in any size of bath tub, always make sure they are supervised, at all times.
What age can baby sit in bath without seat?
It’s totally up to you, but if baby can sit up by themselves and support their own head upright, they should be able to sit in a regular-size bath tub without a baby bath tub seat.
This is usually around 4-6 months old ‒ but baby should still always be supervised if they’re using any type of bathtub.
Can I take a bath with my 1-month-old?
Yes, you can bathe with your 1-month-old baby, supporting them in your lap, if you’re more comfortable than using a baby bath tub.
It’s totally your choice, mama ‒ as long as you and baby are supported and comfortable, you do you!
How long does a baby use a baby bath tub?
It’s totally up to you whether you use a baby bath tub at all, but you can use them anywhere from 0 months through to 24 months, for some more adaptable models.
However, most baby bath tubs are designed to be used from birth to 12 months.
How often do newborns need a bath?
You don’t need to bathe baby every day in a baby bath tub ‒ instead, opt for 2-3 times a week.
But you will have to make sure they’re kept clean for diaper changes, using baby wet wipes, muslin cloths, or warm water and cotton wool.
Where do you put a baby tub?
For baby bath tub storage, it depends on whether you have a foldable baby bath tub or not.
Collapsible baby bath tubs can be easily slid between cupboards, hooked in showers, or even slid underneath your bed!
Non-collapsible baby bath tubs, however, can be a little harder to store ‒ if you have space, they may fit into a cupboard, or it could stay in your regular bath tub when you’re not using it.
When you’re using a baby bath tub, you can put them on a flat surface on the ground, in your regular bath tub or shower, in your kitchen sink, or on a specially-made baby bath tub stand.
Avoid using a baby bath tub on any slippery surface or on anywhere off the ground like a table (unless it’s specially made for that baby bath tub).
Best of luck in finding your perfect baby bath tub, mama ‒ and be prepared to get splashed!
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