The Best Baby Bathtubs for Splashing and Scrubbing

Pros

• Ideal support from infancy to toddlerhood
• Can use on counter or in the bath
• Stores easily with built-in hook
• Great gift or registry add

Cons

• Smaller babies may slide down in mesh insert
• Tub (especially insert) must be cleaned and dried properly

Whether you’re a new parent or a seasoned vet looking for a baby tub upgrade, this Skip Hop set is a one-stop shop. In addition to the Moby tub, the bundle includes a mesh sling insert that parents call “safe and sturdy” for newborns, a spout cover and a rinsing cup. It meets all of Dr. Gator’s criteria for the ideal tub: ergonomic design “that offers adequate support for infants” and cradles your baby’s head and neck, a non-slip surface to minimize the risk of slipping and ease of use. “The lightweight design facilitates easy draining and compact storage.”

The Moby is the only tub you’ll need from infancy through toddlerhood. “[It’s] designed to accommodate growth, transitioning from newborns to toddlers,” explains Dr. Gator. Once your baby is able to sit independently, you can remove the sling and use it as a basin tub until your baby hits 25 pounds. You can also use it on a countertop or in the regular tub. And storage is easy; while the tub doesn’t fold, you can hang it from the built-in storage hook, keeping it out of the way when you’re not using it.

In addition to the tub, this bundle comes with a spout cover—something I’ve personally found more useful than I ever thought I would. Both of my sons have long been intrigued by the bath faucet and this has saved each of them from bonking their heads countless times. And speaking of things you may never consider until you’ve bathed a baby, there’s also a built-in plug to drain the water when bathtime is over. Instead of having to lift and dump a heavy tub, just pop open the plug to let it drain, something you can even do one-handed while holding a baby.

Because the tub works on the counter or in a larger tub, you can use it to bathe two children at once. (I’m often solo for bath and bedtime, so this is a big plus.) And it makes bathtime more comfortable. A Best Baby Products survey respondent called it an “elbow and knee saver” because it relieves you of having to maneuver awkwardly to bathe your baby in the larger tub or sink.

The two biggest downsides of the Moby are newborn positioning and maintenance. Some users said that their newborns slid down a bit in the sling until they got a bit bigger. (Note that this is a common issue across many baby bathtubs.) Others mentioned mold or mildew buildup, which can occur if the tub isn’t washed or dried properly. Revere suggests cleaning the tub after each use with a chemical-free cleaner or a vinegar and water solution. “And turn it over to dry,” she says.

Real Parent Reviews

“With the Skip Hop Bath Set, I can fill it up and use it on our counter or the bathroom floor so I have easier access to baby. It’s so easy to put together and adjust for each stage of baby’s growth. The mesh insert is soft but not slippery for safety in the newborn stage. The hook that this tub comes equipped with is such a nice feature. We have limited storage space in our bathroom so being able to hang this up to dry out of our way is a bonus. There’s also a little drain hole at the bottom so you don’t have to fully pick up the tub to empty the water. Save your time & back! I was also cleaning our tub every time we used the Angelcare Baby Bath Support, but with the Skip Hop set, she has her own space that is so much easier to clean and keep clean. We’ve been using it for a few weeks now, and we’re loving it.” — Victoria G.

“This is a great bath tub. My 15-month-old still uses it daily. Easy enough to transfer between the stages and can become a longer term solution (some baths have posts in the middle that make bathing bigger babies hard and are uncomfortable for little boys!).” — Elizabeth S.

“I really like how it comes with a device to pour water over the baby. It is very helpful. The only reason why I took away a star was because it slips around in the tub which can make bath time a little harder.” — Erin M.

Additional Specs

Pros

• Tub + bath seat hybrid
• Ideal for bathing with older sibling
• Easy to clean, lightweight and durable
• Affordable

Cons

• May not hold smaller babies in place well
• Some babies don’t like plastic backing
• Baby can get chilly unless tub is filled

Almost a quarter of Babylist parents named the Angelcare as their favorite tub, making it the overall winner for best baby bathtub in Babylist’s Best Baby Products survey. This tub + bath seat hybrid allows you to safely bathe your baby in a traditional tub. It’s popular with second-time parents, too, as it offers a safe way to bathe a baby and an older sibling together in a big tub.

What makes this hybrid tub so great? For one, it’s simple to use and clean and can be used in either the tub or most larger sinks. “I’ve used it for both of my kids and find it easy to use, comfy and supportive for baby and super easy to clean,” LaBracio says. “It’s a great compromise if you don’t want a basin-style baby tub but still need a little support in the big bath.” Dr. Purdy echoes this, calling this bath her favorite on the market. “This is a great option as a baby’s first bath! They can only be in this until about six months when they are not sitting up yet because you don’t want to risk them tipping over. However the inclined lay down position is a really good position for babies and it works great that they are not fully submerged in the water as the water can pass through easily.”

The mesh on this tub is mildew-resistant, so it’s one less thing to worry about cleaning. Some parents do note that this option isn’t as versatile or long-lasting as other baby bathtubs, as you won’t be able to use it once baby can sit unsupported. Others find it slippery; LaBracio suggests adding a washcloth or a thin blanket on top of the mesh for newborns to prevent this. And while you don’t need to fill up the tub to use this bath support, know that it can get a bit chilly for baby if you don’t. Revere suggests a shower wand or running continuous warm water from the tub spout and using a bath rinser, but you can also consider a swaddle bath, especially during the early weeks.

Real Parent Reviews

“This is my favorite baby bath. I’ve used it for both my babies and bought one for my friend expecting a baby. I think it’s the best for the start of baths till they can sit up. Great product, easy to clean, super light, dries so quick[ly], and durable. Still looks brand new” — Victoria

“Simple, affordable, effective. As someone who has tried 4 different baby tubs (including the more expensive Frida baby tubs), this is by far the best one. It is so easy to use, easy to clean (the other ones with the mesh can harbor mold), and gets the job done!” — Caroline

“We thought the Angelcare Baby Bath Support would be great because it has so many good reviews but we ended up returning it for a more versatile baby bathtub that would grow with our baby.” — A.B.

“Baby slips and slides around too much.” — C.N.A.

Additional Specs

Pros

• Ideal for small spaces and travel
• Machine washable, dries quickly
• Durable and stain-resistant

Cons

• Doesn’t offer as much structured support
• Challenging to fold and unfold
• Not ideal for newborns

When bathing my own babies, I’ve opted for sink baths for the first several months. I’ve used a few, but always come back to the FridaBaby for a few reasons. It unfolds seamlessly, dries easily and is machine-washable so I never worry about mold or mildew. It also folds up so compactly, making it easy to use for travel or to stash away in the bathroom to keep it out of sight.

Many parents find that the downside of sink baths is that they don’t offer as much head or neck support as traditional basin options. As a parent who has used both, I’d agree, especially for younger babies—but most parents haven’t found this to be the case with the Frida sink bath. “I generally prefer basin-style tubs over sink inserts because many sink baths put babies (especially younger ones) in slumped over positions,” says LaBracio. “That wasn’t the case at all when I used the Frida Sink Bath with my son. The origami-style insert conforms to most sink sizes and was easy to set up.”

Keep in mind that the utility of a sink bath will depend on the size and shape of your sink. Some sinks aren’t shaped in a way that offers babies enough support, especially younger ones—so even a good sink back won’t fix that.

Real Parent Reviews

“I absolutely love this product and highly recommend it to all new moms. I used this every night with my son and never had any issues. It’s important to regularly clean it and keep it dry between uses, but with proper care this is an amazing product.” — Ms.Staley

“I was worried about this sink [bath], but it works well and contours to fit my sink. It’s easy to clean and dries well. Stains don’t settle into the baby bath and it hasn’t shown any kinds of wear and tear even after constant use.” — AAAA

“This portable bath makes it so easy to travel with compared to bringing the big bulky bathtub. It folds up so it can easily be packed away and is super easy to put together for a quick bath. It held my baby comfortably and was very efficient.” — JGold

“Unfortunately this is a miss for me. The bath is easy to assemble, kind of like origami and with a few snaps of bottoms it’s put together and assembled. But once that’s done putting the baby inside of it is nearly impossible, it practically collapses on itself and holds no support.” — Meg M.

Additional Specs

Pros

• Great for both newborns and older babies
• Spacious
• Hook makes drying easier
• Includes accessories

Cons

• Drain plug is located under seat
• Too large for sink
• Difficult to store

Parents love this multimode tub for its affordability, but there’s a lot more to rave about. It checks all of the boxes you’d want or need in a basin tub: excellent infant support; grows with baby; easy to clean; and well priced. First-time parents call out its versatility and functionality and say it’s a “huge help” for bathing baby; preemie parents note that it’s supportive enough for even the tiniest of newborns.

“My favorite tub is the Fisher-Price Baby to Toddler 4-in-1 Sling ‘n Seat Tub,” says Revere. “Any caregiver can use this and it is budget-friendly. It grows with baby and is easy to store,” she explains. The tub works in a few different modes, including with a mesh sling designed specifically to support newborns and a removable insert to help position older babies who are learning to sit independently. It’s also worth noting that at almost 32 inches long, it’s larger than other options, meaning it will last longer than more compact options.

The removable (and washable) sling and sit-me-up insert keeps slippery babies more secure and comfortable. Parents also appreciate the thoughtful features like the hook to dry, drain plug and included accessories. Even so, this isn’t the most ideal option if you’re on the hunt for a bath that can easily be collapsed or tucked away in storage. Some parents also note that it’s awkward to drain, as the hole is located under the seat insert and can be challenging to reach when baby is in the tub. And while the size is a plus for many, it is too large for the majority of sinks, so you’ll likely want a different option if that’s your plan.

Real Parent Reviews

“This is so cute. I love that it has everything we need from the seat to the sling included. The added head pad is just a bonus. My favorite kind of baby bath. Very sturdy, easy to use, and clean, baby is always comfortable and fits great in it.” — Jessica

“This product is great for a newborn. We bought this years ago for my first baby. This time we decided to go with a different brand and we regretted that. We ended up purchasing this one after all. It is great for newborn babies. The mesh supports the head and keeps the baby from slouching or moving all over. Great size, grows with baby. Easy to use and clean. Does not leak. Light and easy to travel with.” — Lupita

“Newborn sling was fine and worked great but once he got older it was awkward and if he pooped in the tub [there was] no easy way to clean him or the tub.” — T.T.

Additional Specs

Pros

• Multi-stage and multi-function
• Made from non-toxic materials
• Aesthetically pleasing
• Can be used as a sensory bin or storage container long long-term

Cons

• Heavy
• Doesn’t store as easily as other options
• Plug can be tricky

This chic, modern tub from Lalo complements any bathroom space, but there’s much more to it than that. “I had the opportunity to test it out with my second son and was consistently impressed that the function matched the form,” says LaBracio. “Made from non-toxic materials, it’s sleek, beautiful and really easy to wipe down. It’s also multi-stage. The soft foam backrest and contoured support kept my little one comfortable and supported from day one. Once he started sitting independently, I switched him to the other side of the infant insert for more legroom, then popped out the insert altogether to turn the tub into a toddler basin.”

Another unique feature is that the tub doubles as a sensory bin or toy storage container once your baby moves on to the family bathtub. Because of this, though, it doesn’t fold up or store as easily as some other options. It’s also heavier and more expensive than other options.

Real Parent Reviews

“This has been such a lifesaver transitioning our son from sink to tub - our bathtub is HUGE, so this little insert gives me so much more peace of mind + he absolutely loves it! Plus, it looks so chic in our bathroom, even when you’re not using it! Another slam dunk, thanks Lalo!” — Anna-Kate M.

“Bought this tub after finding the one we received from our baby shower was impossible to clean and awkward for our baby to be in. To my surprise, my daughter who previously hated bath time now loves it! This tub [grants] her enough room to actually splash around while sitting in it! An investment I’m thoroughly satisfied with and hope to use for many more kiddos to come!” — Alyssa S.

“Love that Lalo redesigned their bathtub and that it’s versatile for all the different stages of bath time! Pros - you don’t have to fill up a full bathtub for this to work and it looks comfortable and is functional with the dual drain system. Cons - I wish the backrest was a little softer, maybe with a little head pillow. This depends on how long your babe is though, my guy is a tall one! My 3 month old kicks his legs straight out to touch the end and his head sort of rests on the edge of the tub. Overall a great and easy tub for bath time!” —Rachel W.

Additional Specs

Pros

• Folds flat
• Includes easy-hang hook for drying and storage
• Fast-emptying double drain

Cons

• Best suited from birth to 18 mos
• Doesn’t include additional newborn support

If you’re short on space or just appreciate the ability to tuck baby items away when they’re not in use, a foldable baby bathtub like this OXO option may be for you. (I wish I had been aware of foldable options when I welcomed my first son, as one would have been easier to use in his small bathroom and, ultimately, to store for our next baby.) The Splash & Store folds flat and compactly and includes a built-in hook for easy storage.

The interior offers two different options, an angled side to provide more head and neck support for younger babies and a flat end for older babies. It also features a handy double-sided drain to ensure speedy emptying.

While the tub’s small-space-friendly design is a major selling point, it is worth nothing that it’s still on the longer side at almost 31 inches, so keep that in mind if you’re measuring storage space. It also doesn’t include a non-slip interior or additional support for newborns. You can get around this by adding a washcloth or towel down in the tub in the early weeks and months, which is what Hulit recommends to prevent slipping. “Putting a warm wet cloth over your baby can [also] make bathtime more pleasurable,” she explains.

Real Parent Reviews

“Love this bathtub. Feels much more secure than other versions and I like that there is no fabric (so from a cleaning perspective it doesn’t get moldy etc). Easy to store and takes up less space if you don’t have a separate bath tub for your baby.” — Meghan

“I do not have the accessories, only the tub. The tub is useful however I am not a fan. I felt it needed better back support for newborns. I wish there were actually a chair or netting for the baby to lay on. There is a square in the middle of the top that would sit between the baby’s legs. As this is the only support for the baby in the tub.” — Shannon L.

Additional Specs

Pros

• Works travel or everyday use
• Built-in swaddle wings keep baby warm
• Inflates and deflates easily
• Good newborn support

Cons

• Cloth material can collect soap
• Dries slowly when hung to dry

If you’re traveling or looking for a lightweight, easily-storable option for your baby bathtub, this innovative inflatable Boon PUFF is a great choice. “For my third kid I expected to have everything, but this tub is so cozy, it’s portable and it’s easy to travel with,” one parent said in the Best Baby Products survey. Because it’s inflatable, you can pack it flat in a suitcase or tote and blow it up for bathtime. We love the cozy microfiber covering that’s machine-washable and swaddle wings that retain water to keep your baby warm during bath time. (Most babies, my own included, have trouble transitioning from a cozy swaddle to an unclothed bathtime—these bath wings can help a lot.)

In addition to being travel-friendly, this cushy tub can be used in most sinks or in the adult tub. Just note that to fully dry the microfleece cover, you’ll want to remove it and either toss it in the dryer or hang it up. If hanging is the only option, know that it does take some time to dry.

Real Parent Reviews

“I went through 4 different bathtub options [and] this was the winner! As a first time mom, bathing a newborn was super stressful because he slipped around in all the other options. This one was perfect because it’s cushioned and the cloth cover keeps baby from sliding around. The cover comes off for easy washing. We used it until he got too long for it.. about 3 months.” — Sarah Myrna

“We love this bath. It is compact and light to travel with in a suitcase. Quick and easy to inflate. Love that it is machine washable and dryer friendly. We have used it since the newborn age and are still using [it] 5 months later. Super soft and the wings are great for keeping baby warm in the bath. Warning - my baby has had significantly more bowel movements in this bath than others. I’ve even sat her in it outside the tub with a diaper on when constipated and she goes! Must be something about the hip position. Regardless, would highly recommend!!” — Karlee

Additional Specs