Baby baths appear on almost every list of baby essentials. If you have a bath in your home, they’re not necessarily an essential item, but buying the best baby bath tub can make life a lot easier for new parents.
Worrying about dropping a slippery baby into an adult tub is something that you could do without. It’s also important that babies enjoy bath time and feel confident in the water and that confidence will come easier if they’re allowed to move freely in the water.
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Best Baby Bath Tubs for Newborns and Toddlers
That’s why we’ve rounded up the best baby bath tubs available at the moment and categorised them for you. Anything to make life with a newborn easier! All you have to do is decide on the feature that’s the most important to you and you’ll have a baby bath selected for you.
Sounds easy? Let’s get into it.
| Image | Product | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Best Overall  | Shnuggle Baby Bath | Comfortable, compact and supportive. It has a handy plug and water level indicator to make bath time as easy as possible. | Check Price |
Best for Newborns  | Nuby Newborn Baby Bath | Practical and stylish, the design makes this an ideal choice for bathing your newborn | Check Price |
Best for Budget  | Boots baby bath | Basic design, but does the job for a fraction of the price of some of the competitors. | Check Price |
Best Foldable  | Karibu Baby Folding Bath | Innovative, fold away design and built in hook makes storage easy. | Check Price |
Shnuggle Baby Bath with Plug
Best Overall
Suitable from newborn up until 12 months, the Shnuggle Baby bath has a bum bump support which keeps little ones upright in the water even if they’re not sitting unaided yet.
The compact size means the water stays at the optimum temperature and you’ll only need 2 litres to fill it. It also has a foam back rest which will keep your baby comfortable as well as a plug so you can easily fill and empty it.
However, the size of the bath could become a problem if you have a larger than average baby as it wouldn’t last as long. There’s also the slight possibility that if your baby turns into a kicking frog when they’re in water, they could end up with some friction burns as they get older. You also need to watch out for the plug because it’s easy to catch with a hand or a flannel which could cause water to leak out.
Overall, the Shnuggle bath is great value for the price, even if you only use it until you’re confident enough to put your baby in the family tub. It’s also gender neutral as it only comes in white, making it an ideal gift for an expectant mother.
Check Price: Shnuggle Bath at: Amazon, John Lewis, JoJo Maman Bebe, Mamas and Papas, and Boots
Nuby Baby Bath
Best for Newborns
This white and grey tub from Nuby can be used from birth, and we particularly love the built in seat that makes this bath safe for newborns and leaves your hands free to wash your baby properly.
There’s also a soft foam head rest to make the bath comfortable for them and the water level indicator means you’ll never overfill the tub. It also has easy grip handles which makes manoeuvring the tub a piece of cake!
Even though this bath is marketed at being able to be used until toddlerhood, this tub is compact and it’s likely that your baby will be too big for it when they’re just 6 months old, despite the claims from Nuby. While it’s not too expensive, there are cheaper baths out there that will last longer.
However, if you’re just looking for something to bathe your newborn in that’s easy to move around the house, the Nuby Newborn Baby Bath is ideal.
Skip Hop Moby Smart Sling Three-Stage Tub
Best for Longevity
If you’re looking for one tub that will last throughout your baby’s first year, this 3 stage bathtub from Skip Hop is ideal. The mesh sling provides plenty of ergonomic support for a newborn, and can be rolled up from the age of 3 months. From 6 months and up, the sling is removed completely to give your baby access to the whole tub.
The plug makes it easy to drain and there’s even a handy swivel hook so the bath can be hung up to dry.
As with most baby baths, if your baby is bigger than average, this one might not last as long as Skip Hop claim it should. Also, it is expensive compared to other baby tubs such as Shnuggle or Nuby.
Having said that, it should last longer than other tubs and it’s ideal for hands free bathing. The cute whale design makes it appealing to all and bath time won’t feel like such a chore.
Check Price: Skip Hop Moby Bath Tub at: Amazon, John Lewis, Jojo Maman Bebe
Boots baby bath
Best for Budget
Not everyone has an unlimited pot of money to spend when they’re preparing for their baby’s arrival which is why it’s so important that options like this exist. The Boots Baby Bath is a very simple design but it’ll cost you less than a tenner.
The rounded edges make it comfortable for both you and your baby and the drainage plug makes emptying so much easier. The bright white colour scheme makes it perfect for either gender and Boots claim this can be used from newborn up until around 18 months of age.
It’s not the fanciest looking baby bath on the market which could put some people off and the plug is easily knocked, meaning accidental flooding is a possibility. This isn’t ideal when you’re trying to bathe a wet, wriggly baby!
However, at under £10, this bath can’t do much wrong. It’s easy to fill and empty which is all you really need with a baby bath, especially when your baby is a newborn and doesn’t need many toys to keep them entertained!
Check Price: Boots Baby Bath at: Boots
AquaScale 3-in-1 digital bath
Best for Features
As a parent, sometimes we want products that are going to put our mind at ease while looking after our children – no one wants to come across as an anxious parent! If you’re willing to pay more than the average price, you can own this state of the art AquaScale 3 in 1 baby bath which has built in scales and a thermometer.
The scales can be used with or without water in the tub and the thermometer measures the temperature of the water without the need for an additional item. It even has a memory function which remembers your baby’s previous weight so you can see if they’re on the right track.
Some would argue that it’s a lot of money for something your child could only use for a few months although this is marketed at lasting into toddlerhood. If the scales or thermometer broke, you’re left with a very expensive baby bath when you could have just bought one on its own for around £20.
It is practical though and I think it would be ideal for new parents who want that peace of mind that their baby is gaining weight or that their bath water isn’t going to scald them; it would make a fantastic baby shower gift for someone you’re close to.
Check Price: AqueScale Digital Scale at: Amazon, John Lewis
Infantino Whale Bubble Ball Inflatable Bath Tub
Best for Fun
Bath time is supposed to be fun for children. There’s nothing worse than fighting with your child to get them into the tub to clean them. What better way to entice them to have a bath than with an inflatable blue whale?
Ideal for home and use while travelling, this Infantino tub and ball set comes with 10 floating balls and can be used from 6 to 24 months. Your child is guaranteed to have a “whaley” good time!
There isn’t any way to hang this up to dry when it’s deflated which could be a problem if mould starts to grow on the bath. It’s also probably only suitable for up to a year if your child is longer legged but there’s no reason why you couldn’t then turn it into a splash pool for the warmer weather.
For a similar price vs Shnuggle Baby Bath or Nuby Baby Bath, this is probably one of the more exciting ones available and why not try and turn bath time into something fun? It’ll encourage your child to enjoy their baths and should foster a love of the water and in time, confidence will grow.
Check Price: Infantino Whale Bubble Ball Bath at: Amazon
OKBaby Onda Baby compact Shower Baby Bath
Best Compact
If you need something that’s small and compact, this tub from OKBaby is perfect. Lightweight and easy to carry, this bath can be used in a shower if you don’t have a bath in your house. There’s also a built in water level gauge and thermometer so you know that your baby is safe while in there.
This bath claims that it can be used up until 12 months of age, however because of the compact sizing, it’s probably more realistic to say it could be used until around 6 months old. It also doesn’t have any kind of head support or cushion so a newborn could find this quite uncomfortable as they get used to the tub.
Cheaper than the other leading models, this is an ideal tub for someone who has limited space in their home. It’s also a great solution for a family who only have a shower cubicle as this bath can be placed in the bottom and your baby can be showered; just make sure the plug is out so the bath doesn’t fill up too much.
Check Price: OKBaby Onda Compact Bath at: Amazon
Karibu Baby Folding Bath
Best Foldable Baby Bath
It’s so important that as a new parent, you’re organised because otherwise you’ll feel like your life is falling apart! Making sure that everything is put away neatly can form part of that organisation and that’s why a folding bath tub might be perfect for you. Available in both blue and grey, the Karibu folding bath is ideal for travelling thanks to its folding design. It has a hook which makes drying it a breeze and the built in plug means emptying it couldn’t be easier.
It doesn’t have an age limit on it which could potentially be a downside as you won’t know how long it could last for. Also, the bottom of the bath can get quite slippery when it’s wet. This isn’t something you want when bathing children so a non-slip mat might be an additional purchase if you choose this bath.
However, it’s not one of the cheapest baths available but if easy storage at home or while travelling is important to you, this tub should be top of your list.
Check Price: Karibu Baby Folding Bath at: Amazon
Baby Blooming Lotus Flower Sink Bathtub
Best for Sinks
I know that I have fond memories of sink baths, both when I was a child and when my children were small too. This Blooming Lotus Bathtub mat is made from soft sponge which acts as a barrier between the cold sink and their skin. The 4 petals are contoured to give your baby the best support possible and it comes in both blue and pink colourways.
This mat will only last until your baby is at most 1 year old but by that point, they’ll probably be ready for the big bath anyway. For the same price, you could buy an actual tub. But this is ideal for someone who doesn’t want to kneel on the floor to bath their baby. Your back will thank you!
The Lotus bathmat is a great alternative to the traditional baby bath that we’re shown as expectant parents and if you have a large sink at home, this mat would be a great backdrop for some adorable sink bath pictures.
Check Price: Lotus Sink Bathtub at: Amazon and Blooming Baby
Munchkin Hot Safety Duck Bath
Best Inflatable Baby Bath
There’s nothing more classic than a rubber duck in a bath. So how about taking a bath inside a rubber duck? With this inflatable tub from Munchkin, your baby will look forward to bath time every night.
Designed like a small pool, this tub is suitable from 6 months to 2 years of age and the built in White Hot technology tells you when the water is too warm for your baby. It’s a great transition between a baby bath and the big family tub.
It’s worth remembering that if this is going to be your child’s only bath, it will need inflating over and over again as it will deflate with time. I’d recommend buying an electric or even a foot pump to make life easier for you.
Even as a grown adult with 3 kids, I’d bath in this! The fun, yellow design appeals to both genders and for the price point, there’s not much that goes against this bath.
Check Price: Munchkin Hot Safety Duck Bath at: Amazon
TummyTub
Honourable Mention
When babies are born, they’re literally pushed (or pulled!) from the warm and wet environment that they’ve known for the last 9 months. It can be hard for us to replicate that on the outside but the Tummy Tub tries to do that.
Newborns can be lowered into a small amount of water and the warmth and shape of the tub reminds them of the womb. You could use this until a baby is too big for it, roughly 6 months old.
However, this is just a glorified bucket and chances are that you could find a clear bucket for less money and use that. It also won’t last as long as other tubs out there and you don’t really want to be buying another bath in 6 months’ time. Some parents have complained that they find it difficult to shampoo and wash their babies properly given the shape.
Although, it is ideal for newborns because the womb environment can be recreated with the Tummy Tub. You might find that it’s the only thing that calms them down when they’re overstimulated.
Comfortable, compact and supportive. It has a handy plug and water level indicator to make bath time as easy as possible.
Baby and Newborn Bath Tub Buyers Guide
What is a baby bath tub?
A baby bath tub is a smaller version of a traditional bath tub. They’re designed specifically with newborns and toddlers in mind while making bath time easier for the parents.
The types of Baby Bath Tubs
There are several types available; foldable, traditional, compact, inflatable and even bucket style. I’ve outlined some of the types above, it’s down to you to decide which feature is important to you.
What to look for in a baby bath tub
The first thing to look at is the age limit, especially if you’re buying for a newborn. Portability is another important factor, as well as size, weight and the storage options. Finally, how easy it is to drain, what material it’s made from (check whether it’s free from BPA) and how easy it is to clean and maintain.
Baby Bath Frequently Asked Questions
Do you really need a baby bathtub?
As long as you have a family tub or even a kitchen sink, you don’t need a baby bath. However, they do make bath time easier for parents, especially in the first few months.
How much does a baby bathtub cost?
This will depend on the features that are important to you but most baths range from less than £10 to £70.
How long can I use a baby bathtub for?
Each baby bath comes with an age guide, generally up until around 6-9 months. However, you can use it as long as you and your baby are comfortable using it and you’re ready to transition to a big bath.
How do I bathe a baby?
Bathing a baby can be one of the more daunting tasks we have to carry out as parents but this short article and video from the NHS is a great starting point.
Related: How to Give an Oatmeal Bath for Babies
Which type of baby bathtub is best?
Again, this is down to personal choice. Decide the features that are important to you and narrow down your list from there.
The Bottom Line
Ultimately, it’s down to you whether or not a baby bath tub is a necessity. Hopefully this list of the best baby bath tubs has made that decision easier for you and bath time with your baby will soon be carefree and easy.
