Bathing a baby is sold to us as this magical, bonding experience when, in reality, it’s more like trying to wrestle a soaking wet octopus. One of the ways to limit the stress (and the mess!) is to have the right tools to hand. There are some items which are obvious, such as a baby bath and some soap to clean them, but what do you clean them with?
If you feel overwhelmed looking for the best baby bath sponge, you’re in the right place. We’ve rounded up the best baby sponges available at the moment. Anything to make your parenting journey that little bit easier!
Table of Contents
What is a baby sponge?
Think about the difference in texture between a sponge and a flannel. One is softer than the other right? When I’m showering, I use a bath sponge on my body and a flannel on my face, purely because I find the flannel is better at exfoliating my face before I apply serums and moisturiser.
I wouldn’t want to use something on my newborn that is going to potentially be too rough on their sensitive skin. A bath sponge for babies can be made from a variety of materials but none feel the same as a flannel or washcloth.
Sponges are also handy for getting into the rolls on your baby, especially if they’re teething or weaning. Baby sponges are very pliable, meaning you can squish them into any space and they should get rid of any dirt or build up that could be irritating your baby.
Flannels and washcloths are good for a top and tail bath on older babies but when you want to thoroughly wash your baby, pick up the best baby sponge for you.
Best baby bath sponges
Now the difference between flannels and sponges have been explained, it’s time to run through the best baby sponges available at the moment. Read through the pros and cons of each and make a decision on which one you think would suit your baby the most.
Naroa Natural Baby Sponge
Best overall
Made from unbleached sea wool, the Naroa Natural Baby Sponge is sustainably handpicked from the Caribbean Sea. The divers cut the sponges from the root, making sure they can regrow which is great for the ecosystem of the ocean.
Each sponge is unique and they are very soft to the touch, ideal for sensitive skin, and because they’re made from sea wool, they’re fantastic at soaking up water.
However, because no two sponges are the same, be prepared for some inconsistencies in size. For example, one sponge might fit in the palm of your hand while another one could be a lot smaller. This might not be an issue for you but it’s worth bearing in mind if you like it so much that you decide to repurchase.
For the price you pay, this sustainable sea sponge is a great option for your baby. It comes in a little cotton bag which makes it ideal for baby shower gifts. Some people have also said that the sponges still smell of the sea when they’re wet, something that I personally would love.
Check Price: Amazon
Ubbi Jellyfish Multipurpose Sponges
Best silicon sponge
In three bright colours, these 100% silicon sponges from Ubbi are perfect for use on the body and hair. They’re ideal for babies who need a proper scrub down, after eating some bolognese for example, as the soft bristles get into any hidden nooks and crannies.
Each sponge comes with a suction hook on the back and they’re mould and mildew resistant, something that is a worry with most sponges and washcloths. However, if you feel like they’d benefit from a deeper clean, they’re also dishwasher safe.
It does seem that some of the suction cups aren’t as sticky as others, meaning one of the key selling points becomes useless. This can be fixed easily though, if you’re willing. Simply replace the dodgy suction cups with better ones and they should be good to go.
They’re also harder than a traditional sponge which might not be ideal on newborn skin.
Brightly coloured and shaped like little jellyfish, they’ll grab the attention of babies at any age. They’re not ridiculously expensive either, less than £10 for three sponges, which seems like a bargain to me.
Check Price: Amazon
Calypso Natural Sponges
Best hypoallergenic sponge
Available in two colours, yellow or pink, the Calypso sponge is made from cellulose, cotton and linen. These materials are naturally soft so they won’t be too rough to use on your baby’s skin.
Each sponge has a high porosity which means they can hold a lot of water and product too, resulting in a lot of foam to clean your baby with. Foam doesn’t mean that your baby will be cleaner but they might find the bubbles fun to play with.
You won’t be able to choose which colour you’re given which some people might have an issue with, especially as there isn’t a “traditional” boy option. This is purely an aesthetic thing though.
Another complaint is that other sponges are softer but they do last for a long time and become more pliable with each use.
As each baby bath sponge is hypoallergenic and has been dermatologically tested, they’re a great option for anyone who is struggling with sensitive skin, whether that’s babies or adults. They’re not too expensive either, especially for a sponge that will last you a while.
Check Price: Amazon
myHomeBody Konjac Baby Sponge
Best natural sponge
Babies respond best to items that are fun and engaging. This set of three Konjac Baby Sponges are available in a range of pastel colours and shapes which will grab the attention of any child.
They’re made using the root of the Konjac plant so they’re natural, biodegradable and compostable. The colours are also achieved using natural materials such as turmeric, pink clay and pure konjac.
Unfortunately, because they’re made from natural materials, they do start to disintegrate after a few uses. There are also some complaints that the colours aren’t bright enough which can’t be helped as their colour comes from eco sources.
These sponges aren’t the cheapest either, especially as they don’t seem to last as long as others, which could be the dealbreaker for you.
Konjac sponges are a great natural alternative to a classic sponge. Traditional sponges shed with every use and these micro-particles ultimately end up in the ocean. However, because these are made from biodegradable Konjac root, they’re ideal for any eco conscious parent.
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Frida Baby Flake Fixer
Best for cradle cap
As a mum of three, cradle cap is something that I’ve had to battle with a few times. It can be really difficult to get rid of and even when I think I’ve found the solution, it’s come back with a vengeance!
Luckily, my kids have grown out of the cradle cap stage now but this product definitely would have been something I’d have tried out. The Frida Baby Flake Fixer 3-in-1 system promises to soften, loosen and rid your baby’s scalp of the cradle cap by using a sponge, soft bristle brush and a comb. It’s gentle enough to remove the flakes without irritating their scalp or pulling out hair.
It could be considered expensive for what it is, and some people have complained that the sponge has come away from the plastic surround. This isn’t great when it’s not the cheapest on the market.
It’s also worth noting that the Flake Fixer product isn’t a cure for cradle cap so the results might be more underwhelming than you expect.
Speaking from experience, cradle cap can be very irritating to deal with. This product has to be worth a try if nothing else. Combine it with some gentle cradle cap shampoo and see if you can at least improve the condition.
SoapSox Shark Toy
Best baby friendly design
Available in 16 different animal designs, this product from SoapSox might be the ideal solution for children who are a bit nervous of bathtime. With this 2-in-1 toy, your child will have a cuddly companion who they can bring anywhere and everywhere…including the bath!
Using the hidden pocket, simply add soap to it, dunk the entire animal into the water and you’ve got an instant sponge to use in the bath. It’s also machine washable at 30 degrees so you don’t need to worry about dirt build up.
However, it does take some time to dry out after it has been used in the bath or been put into the washing machine. This could cause your child some distress if they can’t go to bed with their favourite toy.
There’s also the potential that it could start to smell if it spends a lot of time wet, even if you wash it diligently.
If you’re looking for a product that could help your child feel more comfortable in the bath, this one could be it. And if you don’t like using it in the tub, your baby will have gained a new furry friend.
Check Price: Amazon
Cotton Bath Sponges for Newborns
Best sponge mitts
Made from 100% cotton, this set of three cotton bath sponge mitts are great for babies and children of all ages. They feature a small pocket for you to slip your fingers in, making it easy to get rid of any built up dirt or grime on the skin. The small hanging loop is perfect for ensuring they dry quickly after use, reducing the chance of a damp smell developing.
As this set of three only comes in pink and yellow, this could be an issue for parents who like the traditional gender colours for their sons. However, for less than £10, this is a small issue for a product which otherwise seems fit for purpose.
Check Price: Amazon
4x Baby Sponge Puff
Best budget
Not everyone has a large budget to spend on baby products and bath sponges might slip the list of essentials due to cost. This set of 4 baby sponges are some of the cheapest available, especially as you get 4 in each packet. In two colours, white and cream, these gender neutral sponges would be a great baby shower gift for team yellow parents.
Some reviews do claim that these sponges had a chemical smell which isn’t something you’d necessarily want to put near newborn skin. Other reviews say that they weren’t as soft as they’d expected either but this is to be expected with a budget product.
Overall, this set of baby sponges are a fantastic alternative to some of the more expensive options out there.
Check Price: Amazon
Bath Sponge for Baby Buyers Guide
What to look for in baby bath sponges?
There are several considerations to look at when choosing the best baby bath sponge for you. These include:
- Material. Something that’s soft enough for newborn skin and won’t cause irritation.
- Absorbency. The ability to hold a lot of water and product to thoroughly clean your baby.
- Design. Do you want something practical or something fun and engaging to put your baby at ease?
- Texture. Just like the material choice, the texture must be soft and not scratchy on the skin.
- Size. Choose a sponge that’s the perfect size for your baby, it must be able to get into every nook and cranny of their skin.
- Durability. It’s important that a bath sponge lasts for more than a few weeks, especially if it’s one of the more expensive ones available.
How to clean bath sponges for babies
Many bath sponges are machine washable which makes cleaning them a breeze. However, if the one you choose isn’t, simply fill a sink with warm water, some laundry detergent and leave them to soak. Just make sure they’ve been thoroughly rinsed before using them on your baby again.
Key benefits of a sponge bath for baby
Newborn skin is very delicate and washing them too often could dry out their skin. Giving them a sponge bath instead of a long soak will clean them enough without disrupting the delicate balance of their skin. Sponges are also softer than many flannels or washcloths.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of bath sponge is best?
This is a personal question and only one you can answer. But you should be looking for one that’s made from a soft material and can hold a lot of water and product.
Can I sponge bath my newborn every day?
It’s not recommended to bath a newborn every day, it could dry out their skin. It’s best to wash them between one and three times a week.
How to give a newborn a sponge bath?
Fill a baby bath with warm water and place your baby into it. Wet the sponge and add the product before using it to clean your baby, making sure to get into the rolls under their chin and in their groin. Rinse them off with clean water and then wrap them in a fluffy towel before getting them dressed.
The Bottom Line
As with many baby products, it can be a minefield choosing the best baby bath sponge for you. Hopefully this review list has made things a little bit easier for you and you can get back to enjoying your newborn bubble.
