Bath toys Make baby bath time full of giggles. Adding playful pals to tub time promotes healthy development and ensures your little one has a splashing good time. That’s why we’ve compiled the most comprehensive review of the best baby bath toys.
Parents think holistically about safety and growth when choosing baby bath toys. Understanding both the ingredients of bath toys and the developmental benefits they offer is important. Our team selected the most trusted, entertaining, and affordable options on the market right now.
This article analyses why bath toys should be part of a baby’s routine and how specific features promote development. Discover the joy bubbles, colours, and bathtub pals can bring to bath time.
Top Picks for Baby Bath Toys
1. Skip Hop Baby Bath Toy Filled Bucket
The Skip Hop Bathtub Toy Bucket Gift Set bundles four squirting, stacking, pouring and scooping bath toys into an adorable whale-shaped bucket. It doubles as a toy itself. The BPA and phthalate-free plastic construction stands up to energetic play while the bucket’s drainage system allows the entire set to dry fully between uses.
The versatile toy set builds hand-eye coordination and motor skills through pouring, squirting and gripping. The accessories engage toddlers with bright colors, textures and cause-and-effect reactions.
The generously sized whale bucket corrals toys neatly when not in use while its drainage system keeps contents clean and dry. If regularly aired out, this charming bucket set promises long-lasting developmental fun for bath time bonding.
Key Features:
- The cute whale bucket holds 4 Interactive bath toys for infants
- BPA/phthalate-free plastic
Pros:
- Holds many toys compactly
- Whale bucket works as extra bath toy
- Promotes fine motor skills
- Vibrant colors/textures appeal to toddlers.
Cons:
- Requires frequent rinsing to prevent mold
2. Hape Musical Whale Fountain
The Hape Musical Whale Fountain delights little ones with dancing water. It displays set to cheerful tunes. The soft plastic fountain suctions securely to the tub floor, then sprays arcs of water in time with songs at the press of a button. Besides, mini musicians can also press the brightly colored whales like piano keys to activate silly sounds and squirts.
Thoughtfully designed, this sensory-rich toy stimulates auditory, visual and tactile discovery as little ones interact with the dancing waters triggered by built-in melodies. The two modes stretch creative play while strong suction cups prevent tipping. When bathtime concludes, this engaging companion is easy to wipe clean and stow away.
Key Features:
- Musical fountain with water effects
- Suction-cup base sticks securely
- Press whales to play sounds
Pros:
- Engages senses through sights and sounds
- Inspires music exploration
- Promotes independent play
Cons:
- Battery compartment issues reported
- Spray intensity varies
3. Munchkin® Bath Beats™ Musical Toddler Bath Toy Set
The Munchkin Bath Beats Set brings three delightful musical toys together to turn bathtime into a splashy jam session. Little ones can float the textured stingray xylophone, pound out rhythms on the removable drum, or shake starfish rattles to layer sounds and beats. Each toy is thoughtfully crafted from durable plastic to produce bright tones when submerged while also enticing tactile exploration.
Bringing music, creative play and sensory stimulation together, this engaging set stretches listening skills, eye-hand coordination and imagination. The standalone creations also make charming giftable upgrades to bathtime, getting little minds rocking in and out of the tub.
Key Features:
- 3-piece musical set – xylophone, drum, shakers
- Floating and handheld designs
- Textured elements and bright colors
Pros:
- Promotes music interest
- Engages senses with sights/sounds
- Suction-sealed drum stays put
Cons:
- The xylophone tends to sink without assistance
- Starfish shakers are somewhat muted
4. Munchkin® Clean Squeeze™ Mold Free Baby and Toddler Bath Toy
The Munchkin Clean Squeeze Bath Squirts make bathtime entertainment a cinch to keep fresh with their clever twist-open design. This set of four floating figures all unscrew in half so the tube-shaped toys can fully air out and dry after play.
The ocean-themed squirters – including a crab, turtle, starfish and octopus – entice sensory exploration with embossed textures, bright colors and amusing reactions when squeezed just-so.
Let the squirting shenanigans begin with these clever creations safe enough for ages 9 months and up. Their simple yet engaging open-and-shut structure cuts the chore out of post-bath cleaning routines. And the cute creatures inside captivate developing minds via sensory details like crinkly tentacles or bumpy shells.
Key Features:
- 4 vivid sea creature squirters
- Twist apart to dry thoroughly
- Textured elements on each
Pros:
- Promotes water play and discovery
- Easy for small hands to grip and squirt
- No mold residue builds up
Cons:
- Can come undone easily during rough play
- Squirting takes practice to get just right
5. Munchkin® Dingray™ Xylophone Musical Baby and Toddler Bath Toy
The Munchkin Dingray xylophone bath toy brings endless musical fun and learning to bath time. The cute stingray floats invitingly in the tub encouraging babies and toddlers to explore Music and fine motor skills.
Made of soft, non-toxic materials and rust-resistant metal keys. So,
Safe newborn bath toys are completely safe for little hands. With its 5 colorful keys laid out like a miniature xylophone, little musicians can splash and tap to create fun tunes.
Whether splashing and banging notes or sliding fingers across in a melody, babies will be engaged for hours testing out new sounds. Non-toxic baby bath playthings are worthwhile toy to foster musical interests from an early age. The compact design also makes cleanup quick and easy.
Key Features:
- Floats in the bath for hands-on musical play
- 5 rust-resistant metal keys in assorted colors
- Includes 1 mallet for tapping creative tunes
- Encourages hand-eye coordination and motor skills
- Fun for babies 6 months and up
Pros:
- Durable materials that won’t mold or retain water
- A cute stingray shape holds keys securely
- Compact design makes it easy for little hands to manipulate
- Quiet notes won’t disturb household
- Spark early learning through music play
Cons:
- Mallet can be misplaced if not stored properly
- Keys may sink if too much water absorbed
- Noise level preferred by some, bothersome for others
Choosing the Right Baby Bath Toys Buying Guides
When considering buying baby bath toys, it’s essential to prioritize safety, engagement, and developmental benefits. Here are some key buying considerations
Safety Standards:
Ensure that the baby bath toys meet safety standards and regulations. Look for products that are free from harmful chemicals, BPA, and phthalates. Check for any small parts that could pose a choking hazard and opt for toys with smooth edges to prevent injuries.
Age Appropriateness:
Choose bath toys that are age-appropriate for your baby. Some toys may be designed for specific developmental stages, so consider your baby’s age and developmental milestones.
Material Quality:
Opt for bath toys made from high-quality, non-toxic materials that are durable and resistant to mould and mildew. Ensure that the materials are easy to clean and maintain.
Educational Value:
Look for educational baby bath toys for baby. Consider toys that stimulate sensory development, encourage hand-eye coordination, or promote cognitive skills. Some bath toys incorporate numbers, letters, or shapes for early learning.
Versatility:
Choose toys that can be used in various ways to keep your baby entertained during different stages of bath time. Versatile toys that can float, squirt water, or stick to bathroom surfaces add extra fun.
Easy to Clean:
Opt for bath toys that are easy to clean and dry to prevent mold and bacteria buildup. Toys with removable parts or those that can be disassembled for cleaning are preferable.
Color and Design:
Babies are attracted to vibrant colors and interesting shapes. Select toys with bright colours and engaging designs to capture your baby’s attention and make bath time enjoyable.
Texture and Sensory Features:
Consider bath toys with different textures to enhance your baby’s sensory experience. Textured surfaces can provide tactile stimulation, contributing to sensory development.
Storage and Organization:
Evaluate whether the bath toys come with a convenient storage solution. Toys that can be easily drained and stored help keep the bathroom tidy and prevent mold growth.
Reviews and Recommendations:
Read reviews from other parents to gain insights into specific bath toys’ performance, durability, and safety. Recommendations from friends or family who have used the products can also be valuable.
Brand Reputation:
Choose bath toys from reputable brands known for their commitment to safety and quality. Established brands often invest in thorough product testing and adhere to strict manufacturing standards.
By considering these factors, you can ensure that the baby bath toys you choose are not only entertaining but also safe and beneficial for your baby’s development.
Cleaning and Maintenance for Baby Bath Toys
- Regularly inspect bath toys for any signs of mold, mildew, or damage.
- Clean bath toys after each use to prevent the growth of bacteria.
- Use mild soap and warm water to clean toys, thoroughly washing all surfaces.
- Pay special attention to toys with holes or crevices where water may accumulate.
- Consider placing bath toys in a solution of white vinegar and water for disinfection.
- If the toy is dishwasher-safe, place it on the top rack for a thorough cleaning.
- Allow bath toys to dry completely after each use to prevent mold and mildew.
- Remove any water trapped inside squeeze toys by squeezing them out and air-drying.
- Rotate and alternate between different bath toys to ensure all get regular cleaning.
- Store bath toys in a well-ventilated area to discourage mold growth.
- Replace bath toys that show signs of wear, discoloration, or damage to maintain safety.
DIY Bath Toys for Creativity and Fun
Here’s a simple process for creating Infant water toys using common household items:
Materials:
- Colorful kitchen sponges (new and unused)
- Scissors
- Permanent markers
- Small googly eyes (optional)
- Non-toxic glue (if using googly eyes)
Select and Clean Sponges:
Choose colorful kitchen sponges that are new and unused. Ensure they are clean and free from any cleaning products.
Cut Sponge Shapes:
Use scissors to cut the sponges into simple shapes like fish, ducks, or boats. You can get creative and experiment with different shapes that are easy for little hands to hold.
Decorate with Markers:
Use permanent markers to add fun and vibrant designs to the sponge shapes. You can draw faces, patterns, or any other imaginative elements.
Add Googly Eyes (Optional):
For an extra touch, glue small googly eyes onto the sponge shapes to give them a cute and playful appearance. Ensure you use non-toxic glue suitable for children.
Let the Glue Dry:
If you’ve added googly eyes, allow the glue to dry completely before introducing the bath toys to your baby.
Test the Toys in Water:
Before using the DIY bath toys with your baby, test them in water to ensure they float and maintain their shape.
Clean After Each Use:
After bath time, thoroughly rinse the DIY sponge bath toys and allow them to air dry. This helps prevent mold or mildew.
Rotate and Refresh:
Over time, refresh the DIY bath toys by creating new shapes or designs. Rotate between different sponge toys to keep bath time engaging.
Inspect Regularly:
Inspect the DIY bath toys regularly for any signs of wear or damage. Replace them if needed to ensure safety during play.
Enjoy Bath Time Fun:
Introduce the homemade bath toys to your baby during bath time, making the experience both enjoyable and creative.
This simple DIY project allows you to create personalized and safe bath toys for your baby using easily accessible materials. Adjust the shapes and decorations based on your preferences and your baby’s interests.
FAQ’s:
A. Are all baby bath toys safe for infants?
Answer: No, check labels to confirm toys meet safety standards for your infant’s age.
B. How can I clean and sanitize bath toys?
Answer: Clean with hot, soapy water, then disinfect via boiling, sanitizing machine wash, or bleach solution.
C. Can homemade bath toys be as safe as store-bought ones?
Answer: Yes, if non-toxic, water-safe materials are used – inspect closely and replace worn items.
D. At what age can a baby start be using bath toys?
Answer: Bath toys can be introduced starting at 6 months old once a baby can sit supported.
E. Are there any allergen-free bath toy options?
Answer: Yes, 100% silicone or hard plastic toys contain no latex, phthalates or other common allergens.
Conclusion:
When it comes to bath time for your little one, filling the tub with engaging, developmentally appropriate toys transforms this daily routine into a delightful bonding ritual. The right rubber duckies, shape sorters, squirters and more aid emerging skills across developmental domains spanning motor control. Besides, these toys improve hand-eye coordination, sensory processing and problem-solving.
We’ve covered vetted safety considerations and top picks suited to your child’s abilities and interests. Most importantly, let the laughter-filled moments of playing with your baby amid bubs and bath pals become treasured memories.
