Bathing your baby in a regular-sized bath can be very inconvenient for you both. Normal bathtubs are too large for infants and babies, so there will be plenty of space for your little one to wiggle about.
On the other hand, some people tend to bathe their babies under the sink in their kitchen – that’s a bit more practical, but it’s safe to say that there are better ways, right? Let us introduce the best baby bath tub by reviewing the top 5 on the market and looking into what makes them the best.
Baby baths, or baby bath tubs are specifically engineered tubs which perfectly fit toddlers and infants – these miniature tubs are made of special, gentle materials and they come with baby-friendly features (such as integrated bum-bump, lightweight construction, and others).
This article will, hopefully, give you all the information you need before you buy your first baby bath. We’ll talk about the benefits of owning one, how to use it, how to pick the best, and we’ll suggest several models (which we deem are best) in the “Reviews” section. Without further ado, let’s get straight to it.
Top 5 Best Baby Bath Reviews
Fisher-Price Whale of a Tub Bathtub
Quick specs and features
Fisher-Price’s “Whale of a Tub” features a contoured seat complemented with a padded seat which signifiantly helps against sliding or slipping. The baby seat is optional (removable), so you could always bathe your baby without it, so as to make more room.
The non-slip surface substantially reduces the risk of things going awry, as it promotes safety before all else. This is, perhaps, the single most important factor you should consider – consult the “Buying guide” for more info.
There’s a convenient flush-drain plug – this feature further simplifies the cleaning process, all the while making your baby comfortable. This tub is fairly small, so it could easily fit under a regular-sized sink or a tub, although some assembly is required.
The “Whale of a tub” weighs only five pounds – that’s not too much or too little, but it’s safe to say that this baby bath is “lightweight” when compared to similar products.
What we liked about this tub
The optional back seat is contoured, so there’s no doubt your baby will feel very comfortable in this sink. What’s more, the design is pretty innovative, and the outlook of the “Whale of a tub” will certainly appeal to your little one.
Furthermore, the surface of this tub is characterized as “non-slip” – this quality is extremely important, as babies tend to be little daredevils in nature, so you want to control their mobility as much as possible and, luckily, a non-slip surface helps with that.
What’s more, this tub is perfectly safe to use. Knowing that babies are yet to develop their bones and bodies, we all know they’re pretty fragile, so keeping them safe must come before everything else.
Lastly, the flush-drain plug will help you clean afterward. It’s very easy to use, and it comes in handy in any number of situations.
What we thought could be improved
Objectively, the durability of “Whale of a Tub” leaves a lot to be desired. The materials used in the construction process are flimsy and of poor quality. On the other hand, you’ll need to assemble this tub before you can use it.
Even though this baby bath tub can fit under regular-sized tubs and sinks, the kitchen sink is an exception. Lastly, the “Whale of a Tub” is slightly more expensive than other models we labeled as “best baby bath tubs”.
What is this bathtub perfect for?
People who don’t mind paying extra attention while using this bath will find it as pretty valuable, given its flimsy construction. On the other hand, it’s quite spacious, and the non-slip features are pretty convenient. This might be our best-looking tub which certainly lacks in few departments, but excels in aesthetics and practicality.
Pros
Looks rather amazing
Contoured, highly comfortable seat
Non-slip features
Convenient flush-drain plug
Easy cleanup
Cons
Minor assembly required
Costs a bit more when compared to other baby bath tubs
Moderate durability
The First Years Sure Comfort Deluxe Newborn To Toddler Tub
Quick specs and features
First Years’ Comfort deluxe tub is certainly among the best baby bath tubs in the budget price range. It comes in two color variations, and it features an ergonomic design which provides a substantial amount of comfort to your precious little one.
There’s a padded mesh sling with a complimentary headrest which provides additional support, as well as mildew-resistant pads for durability.
This baby bath tub is virtually weightless, weighing only 2.35 pounds. It features a “medium” size, its precise dimensions being 29” by 15” by 9”. The Comfort Deluxe toddler tub is made of BPA-free materials.
What we liked about this tub
Its simplicity is, perhaps, the key factor why most moms simply adore this baby bath tub. It features a simplistic one-piece design which is perfect for all stages of your infant’s growth. The sling was added for extra safety, and it’s easily adjustable – just one of the features you’ll come to love in no time.
Just like with the previous model (“Whale of a Tub”), the Comfort Deluxe toddler Tub features a drain plug which allows you to quickly drain the water from it, making cleanup a breeze. There’s the built-in basin which can hold toys or other supplies you need to wash your baby.
The pads provide security from slippage, they’re mildew resistant, and, on top of all, comfortable. It’s safe to say that your toddler will be able to use it until it reaches 25 pounds of weight, regardless of age.
What we thought could be improved
Most people report that there are minor issues regarding the design of Comfort Deluxe toddler tub – the center appears to be troublesome, as it will hump up once the baby stops playing with the sling. This is quite common, but it’s a flaw regardless of the fact that most tubs face the same problem.
The sling, on the other hand, isn’t built with quality in mind – it’s more of an additional cosmetic feature than a usable one. The third thing you might not like about this tub is the storage- it’s quite bulky and, even though it’s weightless, it will take up a lot of space, no matter where you put it.
What is this bathtub perfect for?
Essentially, this is a budget tub – it belongs to the “affordable” price point category, and it feels like the brand wanted to accentuate the low price as one of this tub’s top qualities. There are plenty of things you will love about it other than its cheapness, though.
First of all, this baby bath tub, even though it’s built from relatively cheap materials, come with numerous safety pads that prevent slippage and provide additional security. On top of that, the sling’s easily adjustable, which means that you’ll be able to control the majority of the bathing process.
Last, but not least, the convenient shelf you’ll find at the very bottom of the Deluxe Comfort Toddler tub will be able to store your little one’s toys or bathing essentials.
Pros
Very affordable and valuable for the money
Padded, anti-slip design
Adjustable sling
Easy to clean and drain
Convenient shelf for bathing essentials
Cons
Humped center after mere months of usage
Sling offers little support
Bulky and hard to store
Shnuggle Baby Bath Tub
Quick specs and features
Shnuggle’s baby bath, just like the “Whale of a Tub” is a moderately priced baby tub. It comes in three color variations you can choose from – the “white with blue”, “white with grey”, and “white with pink”. Basically, the base is always white, the color variations regard the color of the back seat. Even though aesthetics are of little concern, this particular model is among the best-looking ones.
The design of this baby tub features a compact size – bulky sinks and tubs are the reason why you wanted to switch to a baby buth tub in the first place, right?
What’s more, this baby bath tub is very lightweight. The manufacturer states that this tub weighs 7.3 pounds with two litres of water, it only weighs 3 pounds when empty. The backrest features foamed non-slip materials which are puprosefully and vividly colored, so that your baby get attracted to it and feel more inclined to use it.
What we liked about this tub
As you could’ve probably guessed, we liked how this baby tub looked like before we even considered other specifications and potential benefits. This is, by far, the best baby bath tub in the field of aesthetics.
On the other hand, the compact design will certainly benefit you – combined with the lightweight construction, it’s safe to say you won’t have any problems bathing your little one.
Furthermore, the bum-bump support reduces the risk of uncomfortable and potentially harfmul events, so safety’s on point without any doubt. The non-slip features are, as we’ve said already, common, but they’re both a pro and a necessity.
What we thought could be improved
The first thing you won’t like about Shnuggle’s baby bath tub is the price. Namely, it doesn’t come cheap, but it certainly doesn’t cost a fortune. On the other hand, we’ve found no convenience features (such as, for example, bathing necessities stool, protective mat, or similar). Regardless, there are some features that feel convenient and helpful standalone.
Lastly, there’s no drain plug – the models we’ve reviewed so far all come with this feature, so you’ll have to invest extra time with the cleanup.
What is this bathtub perfect for?
Parents who stick by the rule “safety first” should definitely consider this baby tub. It’s as safe as can be, although you won’t be able to utilize any helpful features, as it comes with none. Be it as it may, this tub boasts a massive value for the cash, despite the fact that it costs quite a lot.
Pros
Perfectly safe to use due to protective features
Padded, vividly colored backrest
Ergonomic and compact design
Excels in aesthetics
Available in three color variations
Cons
Doesn’t feature a drain plug
Overly simplistic design
Fisher-Price 4-in-1 Sling N Seat Tub, Multi color
Quick specs and features
Fisher-Price Sling N’ Seat tub is among the most versatile baby bath tub models on the market. It comes outfitted with a gentle mesh sling – the materials used in the construction process of this tub are both soft and decently durable (although not too sturdy, per se).
The special “Baby stopper” features inserts that prevent slippage and sliding – although only segments of the tub’s surface are anti-slip, this feature is quite convenient, as it helps your baby remain still in an innovative way.
This remarkable tub also features a special “sit-me-up” feature which supports infants and toddlers who are yet to get accustomed to walking and standing on their own. Furthermore, the tub itself is quite roomy and spacious, so even if your baby is daredevillish in nature, it will have plenty of space to go about.
What we liked about this tub
We really liked the addition of the whale scoop and the squeeze bottle as complementary features. Even though they’re toy-like, these features will keep your toddler occupied and entertained during the entire bathing process.
The design of this baby bath tub, on the other hand, is quite genuine and quite great regarding the colors and patterns. The plug drain will allow you to easily clean up afterwards while the hook can be used for easier drying, as well as saving some space during storage.
What we thought could be improved
This baby bath tub is just a bit too big for most infants and toddlers. Surely enough, it’s roomy and all, but the more space your toddler has, the greater are tha chances it might slip or get hurt.
You’ll have to invest extra time if you want to take out the seat, though – employing force might be necessary. Furthermore, the drain plug shouldn’t have been put right underneath it. This feature provides convenience, but it’s a shame that it’s so hard to get it out before you could use the latter.
What is this bathtub perfect for?
This tub is absolutely perfect for toddlers who are not so easy to entertain. The colorful design, as well as complementary toys will help you still your child in the easiest way possible. The tub itself is roomy, and the anti-slip design will ensure your baby is safe from any harm.
Pros
Very roomy
Lots of complementary features
Looks very entertaining and exquisite
Superb value for the cash
Cons
Taking out the green seat is hard
The plug is right underneath the (hard-to-take-out) seat
Summer Infant Comfort Height Bath Tub
Quick specs and features
This is the last baby bath tub in our review, and it just might be the best baby bath for the buck. It’s decently affordable (although not cheap), and it comes equipped with very convenient features, such as the raised center, bath support, a sturdy latform, locking tabs, and more.
First of all, the raised center will make it easier foy rour child to be at the height you want it to be. The bath support allows for a more comfortable recline – this can be blaced at both sink or a regular bath tub.
Secondly, the platform features a set of reinforced supports – these features are incredibly important due to the raised center which destabilizes the construction by itself. Lastly, the locking tabs will make sure your baby feels comfortable as the bathing begins.
What we liked about this tub
You will find numerous models with a raised seat, but only a handful of them will be stable enough to actually feel safe. The “Summer Infant” bath tub represents such an exception.
On the other hand, we really liked the price of this one – even though it’s not cheap, it certainly doesn’t cost too much.
Thirdly, the roomy design of this tub is quite something – there’s space for the toddler, as well as numerous other convenient features.
What we thought could be improved
The first thing Summer Infant tub needs is the draining plug – the cleanup process is always messy and long without it.
Now, the lack of a plug is not a real problem – the bulky, overly-sized design might be. Even though plenty of room couldn’t hurt, storing this bath tub is one hell of a job.
What is this bathtub perfect for?
Large toddlers or obedient kids who won’t try jumping or running around in this toddler – that’s the idea, at least, given the humongous size of Summer Infant bath tub. It’s pretty great overall, but there are a couple of flaws that makes it good for some toddlers while others (energetic daredevils) might end up hurting themselves in it.
Pros
Great outlook
Stable and safe to use
Raised center
Locking tabs
Highly comfortable to use
Sturdy platform
Cons
Long cleanup
Nearly impossible to store
How to choose the best baby bath tub?
Picking the best baby bath tub shouldn’t be too hard, but it’s certainly a tough job. There’s a plethora of models on the market for you to choose from, but only a handful of them can bear the title of the “best” ones. Let’s see what things you should consider before picking your first baby bath tub.
Size
Size is, perhaps, the most important factor as it is tightly correlated to “bathing safety”. Namely, the size of your baby bath tub will determine how much space your toddler will have in it. Simply put, you should avoid the extreme variations (too big or too small), although both of them have certain benefits and cons about them.
For instance, smaller tubs might feel uncomfortable, but they will ensure that your baby is restrained, nearly eliminating the risk of it getting hurt. On the other hand, big and roomy tubs will appear like a playground for your baby, and only those with non-slip features might be taken into consideration.
Lastly, overly spacious baby bath tubs are very hard to store. Note that once you’re done bathing your toddler, you’ll have to put it somewhere, and that will be very hard if its size is too great.
Durability
Nearly all baby bath tubs are made of plastic-grade materials. The logic behind it is quit simple – all other materials are simply too dangerous for a toddler. That’s why we separate the “good tubs” from the “bad tubs” by picking a sturdy one.
It doesn’t take much to recognize a durable baby bath tub – simply inquire about the build materials with the manufacturer, or sift through the reviews. Needless to say, our top picks of the best baby bath tubs all feature a high durability rating.
Anti-slip features
Baby bath tubs absolutely must have anti-slip features if they are to be labeled as “safe to use”. Babies and toddlers have troubles standing still on their own, so they will often slip, even if you pay close attention.
That’s where anti-slip features come into play – various non-slip mats, grips, tabs, or locks that will keep your toddler on its feet as you bathe it.
Price
The price is certainly not the most vital factor, but it can be taken into consideration, especially if you’re having second-thoughts.
Most high-quality baby tubs come at a fair price which spans from approximately $20-$30, so it’s safe to assume that everything below (as well as above) might not be worth your time and money.
Lets Wrap Up
All things considered, the best baby bath tub is the one that features a high durability rating, the one which will feel comfortable to your baby, and the one that doesn’t cost a fortune. Anti-slip features are a necessity, and you should try finding the one which won’t be too small (or too large) for your toddler.
Keep in mind that we, as parents, always strive to provide the best for our little ones, so don’t underestimate the importance of a tub, regardless of how simple these items are.
