Bath time is an activity that both kids and babies enjoy, especially when bubbles are involved. Have you ever wondered what the best bubble baths for kids are? Ones that create loads of bubbles, smell great and make your child squeaky clean?
Look no further because we’ve put together this guide which will answer that burning question for you, letting you and your child enjoy bath time without a care in the world.
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Is a Bubble Bath Safe for Kids?
While a bubble bath seems like the perfect way to calm your child down before bedtime, it might do more harm than good. In recent years, experts and paediatricians have recommended holding off on the bubble baths until your child is at least 3 years old.
This is because of the increased risk of a UTI developing – the residue and soap might not be rinsed from their genitals properly and this could lead to an infection.
In addition, newborns and babies aren’t supposed to be bathed for longer than 10 mins and adding a bubble bath could dry out their skin.
However, as with most things as parents, this is just advice. It’s down to you as a parent to weigh up the benefits and risks and make the decision you believe is right for your baby.
To minimise the risk of a UTI developing, keep an eye out for the following symptoms:
- Odd smelling urine
- Frequently urinating – more than usual
- Unexplained irritability
- Fever
- Cloudy or bloody urine
If you suspect that your baby has developed a UTI, take them to a doctor immediately and get them checked out. They’re easily treated.
There are also precautions you can take as a parent even if you decide to give them a bubble bath. For example, don’t bath them more than two or three times a week. If your baby or toddler gets particularly dirty and they’ve already had two bubble baths, a warm water bath will do the trick.
Also, make sure that you rinse their genitals thoroughly before getting them out of the bath. Take a jug and fill it with clean warm water. A couple of rinses should remove the bubble bath suds.
Best Bubble Baths for Kids and Babies
If you’ve decided that you want to use bubble bath with your children, read on to discover the best available and choose one that will fit your needs and wants perfectly.
Childs Farm Bubble Bath Organic
Best Overall
Available in a variety of scents, Childs Farm Bubble Bath Organic is made from organic ingredients and is dermatologist and paediatrician approved.
Using sustainably sourced materials, natural corn and coconut cleansers will get rid of any dirt while natural sugar derived foamer will create a bubbly foam which your child will love. Even the bottles are made from 100% prevented ocean plastic.
It’s also safe to use on sensitive or eczema prone skin, making it suitable for use on newborns.
It doesn’t seem like this product has many downsides. Parents seem to love it, both for the scents and for the promises it makes. It could be considered expensive, but this is to be expected from a natural and organic product.
Registered with the Vegan Society and certified by Cruelty-Free International, you can bath your child knowing that this product won’t cause harm to them, animals or to the planet.
Burt’s Bees Baby Bubble Bath
Best for Sensitive Skin
Suitable for use on newborns, this vanilla and coconut scented product from Burt’s Bees will leave your child’s skin smelling great and feeling soft.
The ingredients used in this formula are 97.1% natural, from the coconut and sunflower oils to the glycerine and they’ve been carefully chosen to prevent irritation to sensitive skin. It’s also paediatrician approved and is clinically proven to be safe enough to use on a newborn every day (not that this is recommended.)
While it boasts that it has a vanilla and coconut scent, we found that is quite mild. Also, a lot of product is needed to make plenty of bubbles. Given this definitely isn’t a cheap bubble bath, we feel it shouldn’t be wasted!
If you have a newborn who you feel would benefit from a bubble bath, Burt’s Bees is a gentle option which is tear free, mild and proven safe for sensitive skin.
Earth Friendly Baby Calming Lavender Shampoo and Bodywash
Best All-Purpose
Breastfeeding mothers will be familiar with the brand Lansinoh as they make what many would call “The Holy Grail” of nipple cream. However, they’re also behind this Earth Friendly 2-in-1 shampoo and bodywash for babies and children.
Made from over 99% natural ingredients, this all-purpose product boasts a relaxing lavender scent which is ideal for a calming bedtime routine.
Even though it claims to be made from natural ingredients and contains no SLS, there are some reviews which state that this bodywash dried out their baby’s skin or made existing eczema worse. However, our babies didn’t experience any issues.
This could be because this product is multi-purpose, hair and skin have unique needs, so this might not be suitable for sensitive skin.
With a calming lavender scent and a rich, foamy formula, this all-purpose product is perfect for no-fuss bath times as it can be used to create bubbles, wash hair and their bodies.
Check Price at: Amazon
Aveeno Baby Kids Bubble Bath and Wash
Best Soothing
Aveeno products are widely recommended for sensitive or eczema prone skin. Babies are prone to sensitive skin as they adapt to life outside of the womb and this oat-enriched Aveeno bubble bath will soothe any discomfort.
It’s free from sulphates, dyes and soap and it’s both paediatrician and dermatologist tested. The bottle is 100% recyclable and made from 50% recycled plastic, making it environmentally friendly as well.
There’s no guarantee that it will bring relief to sensitive skin though. What works for one person might not work for another and it isn’t the cheapest product on the market. Some people also don’t like the scent – it does smell quite “biscuity” thanks to the oats, but this is personal preference.
Aveeno products are a staple for people with eczema or sensitive skin and if you find yourself battling to keep your child’s skin happy, there’s no harm in trying this oat-enriched formula. If it does work for your child, there’s also a shampoo and conditioner available in this range which you could try.
Bayliss & Harding Goodness Kids Lavender & Vanilla Natural Bubble Bath
Best for Bedtime
Made using a plant-based formula, this Bayliss & Harding natural bubble bath comes in a 100% recyclable bottle featuring a cute yet calming design. The lavender and vanilla scent will help your baby drift off to the land of nod while the 98% naturally derived ingredients will keep their skin itch-free and soft.
It’s not the cheapest baby bubble bath, but you can expect to pay a higher price with an organic and planet friendly product. Some reviews have said that the scent isn’t very strong but it does create a lot of bubbles.
There’s also claims that if the residue isn’t rinsed from the tub, it can make the bath slippery which could be dangerous if you bath your baby in the family bathroom. We always give a good rinse after a bubble bath and didn’t have any problems with slipping.
Approved by dermatologists, paediatricians and midwives, this natural bubble bath would make a fantastic baby shower gift. It’s also registered with The Vegan Society and recognised as cruelty free so you know it’s been ethically produced.
E45 Dermatological Junior Foaming Bath Milk
Best Fragrance Free
Sometimes, fragrances can cause issues for skin, even if it’s not considered sensitive. The E45 milky formula keeps skin hydrated and nourished while the foamy layer creates plenty of bubbles for your child to play in.
Free from soaps and fragrances, this bath milk can soothe sensitive skin or conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis. Shake the bottle before adding to water to combine the two layers and then use the same as a traditional bubble bath.
Even though E45 claim that the foaming layer creates plenty of bubbles, it didn’t bubble up as much as we would like. But if you froth the water and product with a shower or even your hand, more bubbles can be created.
Some reviews say that while it didn’t soothe existing skin conditions, it didn’t dry out skin any more which prevented further problems.
It might seem costly but not much of the product is needed so it should, in theory, last for a while. Even though this is marketed at children, there’s no reason why adults can’t use it too, giving the entire family soft and hydrated skin.
Check Price at: Amazon
Kids Stuff Crazy Soap Colour Changing Bubble Bath
Best with Colour
Even though bath times are supposed to be fun, some kids just don’t like baths and as parents, you have to come up with things to make them want to step foot in the tub. What could be more fun than a colour changing bubble bath?
This Kids Stuff Crazy Soap might look red in the bottle but as soon as it touches water, it’ll magically turn blue and convince your child that magic is at play! It’s paraben free and dermatologically tested so it shouldn’t cause your child’s skin any problems.
It’s not all magical though! Unfortunately, this product can stain if it comes into contact with carpets or fabrics. Also, a lot of the solution is needed to make the water a bright blue. Even though it’s not expensive, buying multiple bottles could cost more than if you bought a bubble bath that didn’t change colour.
It does create plenty of bubbles though and the colour change is obvious if enough product is used. This could be the answer to your bath time battles with your kids and if it’s the solution, it’s worth its weight in gold.
My Little Coco Bath and Body Bubbles
Best for Babies
Made with organic coconut oil, My Little Coco Bath and Body Bubbles can be used in the bath to create bubbles or on your baby’s skin for a quick top and tail wash.
It has a creamy coconut scent which will leave your baby smelling delicious and their skin feeling super soft. The 350ml bottle has a handy pump so you’ll be able to dispense it even if you’re wrestling with a wriggly baby!
However, we found it to be quite thin and needed a lot of it to create a lot of bubbles. Some also found that it wasn’t necessarily tear free as it has caused stinging when even a small amount has been rubbed into eyes. My Little Coco isn’t the cheapest either.
However, My Little Coco is suitable for newborns and babies skin, and is free from parabens, sulphates and dyes so it can be used on sensitive or eczema prone skin.
Check Price at: Boots
Good Bubble Bubble Bath
Best Tear-Free
With 98% naturally derived ingredients and a cloudberry scent, this Good Bubble bubble bath is made in the UK. It boasts a sulphate-free formula which is tear-free, ideal for newborns and babies. Certified by the Vegan Society and registered as cruelty-free, this 100ml bottle is perfect for eco-conscious parents.
However, the bubbles don’t last very long. Bubbles are usually great fun for babies in the bath so a product with long lasting bubbles is preferred. The 100ml bottle isn’t large either and it’s probably more suited towards travel instead of everyday use.
Despite this, the scent lasts and it’s gentle on the skin, leaving it soft. Dermatologically approved, you can use this knowing it’s kind to your baby and to the planet.
Check Price at: Amazon
Baby and Kid Bubble Bath Buyers Guide
What to look for in bubble baths for kids
When choosing the best bubble bath for kids to use, there’s a number of factors that you should consider.
- Ingredients – this largely depends on whether you’d prefer organic ingredients or maybe you need ones that are geared towards sensitive skin.
- Scent – choosing a scent that you enjoy is important as you’re the one who’s going to be cuddling them. Remember, some fragrances can cause skin irritation so maybe this is something to avoid if your child has sensitivities.
- Tear-free – as much as you’d like to avoid it, your child is going to rub bubbles into their eyes. Whether this is accidental or not, you don’t want it to cause your child pain.
- Amount of bubbles – bubbles are fun to children and they can often be used to entice them into the tub. A product that foams and created loads of bubbles is ideal but it’s not always possible, especially in an organic product.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can bubble bath cause UTI in kids?
Some doctors and experts claim that using bubble baths in under 3 year olds can cause UTIs. It’s up to you as a parent to weigh up this risk and take precautions to minimise the possibility of a UTI (read the tips above).
Can you use kids bubble bath as a body wash?
Some baby bubble baths are multi-purpose so they can be used in the water and on the skin. Unless the product specifically states this, it’s probably best to buy a separate body wash.
When can babies have a bubble bath?
It’s recommended that newborns and babies don’t have bubble baths, plain water is fine. After the age of 3 is when paediatricians recommend using bubble bath but many parents use it before then.
How do you make homemade bubble baths for kids?
If you’d prefer to make your own bubble bath for kids, there are tons of recipes online. Search “homemade bubble bath for kids” and choose one that you like the sound of, like this one. It might take some trial and error but you’ll find one you like eventually.
The Bottom Line
As with many other things around parenting, using bubble bath for babies and toddlers is controversial. Hopefully this article has helped you weigh up the benefit and risks, allowing you to choose the best bubble bath for kids.
