Best Baby Bathtubs Review
A baby bathtub is an essential item to check off your baby’s items list when you are preparing for your baby’s arrival, amongst other necessities such as baby stroller, baby crib and others. Why, you may ask, would you need a specific bathtub instead of just using your own bathtub or a makeshift bucket? The answer is simple – convenience and safety.
Convenience
Most baby bathtub are designed to fit over your sink so that you do not have to carry a heavy water-loaded tub to work on a flat surface. As a result, you do not have to crouch over which can be very tiring, specially when baby-washing is bound to happen several times in a day (you cannot avoid the vomit, diaper leakage or food splatters!).
Safety
Different brands have different designs but most, if not all, are designed to prevent any safety hazards from happening (think depth of tubs, stability and sturdiness). This is definitely recommended over a makeshift bucket, which can be very dangerous if it is not stable enough as baby may topple over.
Here, we have put together a compilation of the best baby bathtub after reviewing the many different designs and brands in the market, as well as some guides and tips to look out for when choosing a baby bathtub. Click on the links provided below to bring you to the relevant section you are interested in, or simply read on to learn all that you need to about the baby bathtub.
Best Baby Bathtub Compilation
1. The First Years Sure Comfort Deluxe Newborn To Toddler Tub
Hands down the best baby bathtub in the market! Really, we simply could not fault the First Years Sure Comfort Deluxe Newborn to Toddle Tub, from its ergonomic design to its unbeatable price point. It easily wins the spot for best infant bath tub, best bathtub for 6 month old and best bathtub for toddler.
As its name suggests, this bathtub grows with your baby from newborn up till toddler stage (25 pounds).
Newborn
The mesh sling with padded headrest provides extra support and security to cradle your newborn so that you, as parents, can bath your baby single-handedly. It’s also good to know that this mesh sling is mould and mildew resistant.
Infant
Now that your baby is older, you can remove the mesh sling and let baby recline in the tub during bath time. The bump designed at the seat prevents baby from sliding down.
Toddler
Baby can sit and play with toys which you can put in the built-in washbasin at the front of the tub. Bath time cannot be more fun!
Weighing at just 2.4 pounds, you can easily place this bathtub, which fits in most single or double sinks, in your sink and turn on the tap to let water flow. The special drain plug will change colour to alert you if the water is too hot for baby, and after bathing is done, all you have to do is pull on the drain plug and water will be drained quickly. Parents simply love the convenience of it, having been able to do everything at one spot.
At less than $20, you can get this best infant to toddler bathtub that can last for a long, long time. Now, that’s value for money! Oh, and did we mention that it was voted the BEST bathtub in BabyCenter’s Moms’ Picks 2014 Awards which is an independent nationwide survey and polling of moms and dads that does not endorse any specific product? You can rest assure that the votes this amazing bathtub receives were not biased. And it comes in two colours – blue and pink!
2. Primo Eurobath
Coming close at second is the Primo Eurobath which is another smart design bathtub that many parents love. Claiming to be the largest baby bathtub (36 x 21 x 9 inches) in the market (and yes, we could not find anything that’s bigger than this in the market), this baby bathtub will last from 0 to 24 months and it comes in three colours.
The large size of this bathtub allows for ample space for babies to play around while they are bathed by parents. The smart design incorporates a unique anatomical / contoured seat that will keep baby in an ideal bathing position and prevent them from slipping down so that parents can bathe them with ease. This means for babies 0-6 months old, they can recline comfortably in the contoured seat and beyond that when they are able to sit by themselves, they can sit and splash around.
The downsides, and also the reasons we rate it second to the First Years Sure Comfort Deluxe Newborn to Toddler Tub, are that also due to its large size, this bathtub may not fit in most sinks, be it single or double. Of course, you can still use it on the floor or in your adult bathtub but it may be slightly straining to lift the water-filled tub from the floor to drain off the water. If you use it in your adult bathtub, you can unplug the drain plug to empty the water easily.
Also, and this may not be a problem at all for many, but the Primo Eurobath does not have a sling as that of the First Years so if your baby is on the small side, s/he may not recline securely into the contoured seat and may slip down until s/he grows bigger. If this is your problem, getting a bath pillow (this or this is a great choice) or placing a towel underneath baby will prevent any slipping. Many parents have in fact commented that this bathtub does suit bigger/taller babies better.
So if you are looking for the best bathtub for big babies, look no further, the Primo Eurobath is your best choice. The many positive reviews the Primo Eurobath receives don’t lie, and what’s better is that you get to support local manufacturer as this bathtub is USA-made, and is free of BPA, lead and pthalate!
3. Fisher Price Calming Waters Vibration Bathing Tub
Luxury at an affordable price! The biggest selling point of the Fisher Price Calming Waters Vibration Bathing Tub, aside from its many other wonderful features, is that it produces soft, calming vibrations that help babies relax in a spa-like setting. Think it will cost you extra dollars for this amazing feature? Not at all! It is priced similar to other bathtubs, including the ones reviewed in this list!
The adjustable and removable secure sling holds babies secured and steady making this usable even in the newborn stage. The padded head/back rest provides for comfort as well as keep newborn in a recline position. When baby grows older, simply remove the sling and insert the Grow-with-Me insert so that s/he can sit up and play without slipping and sliding.
The plug at the bottom of the tub makes it easy for parents to drain used water out straight into the sink where this bathtub sits atop as it fits into most single/double sinks. You can also remove the sling easily to wash it in the washing machine and the built-in hook makes it easy to hang dry or store away.
Some parents found that the seating area is very hard and not comfortable but there’s an easy solution as that provided above – the bath pillows or towels. Also, parents have to keep in mind to remove the insert regularly to clean the area, otherwise, nasty moulds will grow. Oh, and you do need batteries to keep the vibration working, so some may find this cumbersome.
Overall, the Fisher Price Calming Waters Vibration Bathing Tub is a top rated infant bathtub especially for those that want to provide an extra little luxury for their little ones.
4. 4Moms Infant Tub
This improved version of the 4Moms Infant Tub is another luxurious product that will delight modern-lovers out there.
Boasting unique design that no other similar bathtubs so far has, the 4Moms Infant Tub allows for dirty water to flow out from the side drain thus rendering it always a clean water reservoir for your baby. This means you can keep clean water running into the tub whilst the dirty used water flows out as you bathe your little one. Not only does it serve for hygiene purpose, this feature also ensures that cold water will flow out when you fill in fresh warm water. Apart from these alternatives, there is no other tub that can perform this to date.
The modernness does not stop there – it also comes with a digital thermometer with colour-coded display that enables you to always ensure that the right water temperature is safe and comfortable for your baby.
The 4Moms surely do think of everything – it also comes with a rinse cup AND integrated rinse cup holder so that you can keep everything in place. You may think that all these amazing features will render this tub on the large size, but rest assured, it is a baby bath for sink that fits into most single and double sinks perfectly!
The downside of this bathtub will surely be its price point, though understandably why. Nonetheless, it is not outrageously expensive and is still affordable to most. Another downside, a general one in fact with these types of bathtubs, is that some parents find the seat surface a tad too hard and uncomfortable for baby. Nothing a good bath pillow or towel cannot fix! Also, you will have to purchase your own batteries for the digital thermometer as it does not come with it.
All in all, if you have extra bucks to spend, the 4Moms Infant Tub is surely a great buy that you will love.
5. Fisher Price Precious Planet Whale of A Tub
Another Fisher Price product, this tub is designed in an adorable whale shape that caters from the newborn stage up till toddler-age (24 months).
The curved shape design allows for comfortable reclining for babies and making it easier for parents to bath them. Use the soft-foam cushion provided when baby is a newborn to keep him secured, and simply remove it when baby grows older to allow him more space to splash and play around.
- Soft-foam face cushions newborns & infants
- “Baby stopper” insert prevents slipping & sliding
- Insert removes so older babies can sit up & play
- Includes baby whale cup for gentle rinsing or play
- Plug for easy drain & clean
The downside of the Fisher Price Precious Planet Whale of A Tub is that it does not come with a sling. However, most parents do not find this an inconvenience at all as there is a piece of snap provided to keep baby secured in place. In fact, many even like this strap better than a sling.
Other types of baby bathtub
If you don’t like the idea of having a plastic bathtub as those reviewed above, or that your baby is too small to fit into any of the recommended bathtubs without slipping downwards, there are other alternatives which can help ease your baby-bathing regime. Amongst all that we’ve reviewed, these two stood out to be the best alternatives:
1. Angelcare Bath Support
As its name suggests, this is not a traditional bathtub – rather, it functions more like a “support” during baby’s bath time. What does this mean, you may ask?
You may think of this as a sling or bath seat to be used within a bathtub. Simply fill your bathtub with water up to waist level and place your baby into the seat provided and s/he will stay nice and warm with you washing and pouring warm water constantly over him/her.
The Angelcare Bath Support is especially liked by parents who prefer to have flowing water during bath time for their babies rather than having them sit inside a tub of used water until bath time is over. In fact, this is precisely the primary goal of Angelcare when designing this bath tub –to ensure constant flow of clean water to wash and rinse babies without worries.
This is also particularly great for parents who want to bath an older sibling simultaneously when they bath their baby, as this bath support does not take up much space compare to those of the traditional bathtubs, leaving ample room space for your toddler to bath/play alongside baby. Or, you can even bath yourself next to baby and enjoy quality bath time together!
Many parents also love the fact that the Angelcare Bath Support does not restrict/confine baby’s movement, unlike the traditional bathtubs. As it is not enclosed, your baby can kick around to his/her heart’s content and thus will enjoy bath time more. You do not have to worry about baby slipping down as well because instead of being made from plastic (hence the reason of slipperiness of most bathtubs), this bath support uses soft touch rubber-like material with an anti-slip guard at the base that keeps babies comfortable and in place. Rest assured that this material is mould-resistant (no deep crevices for mould to develop anyway!) which you can easily rinse after each use to keep it clean and mildew-free. The built-in hook is a plus point for easy hanging storage for those who like to keep things tidy.
The downside of this “bathtub” is that it does not “grow” with your baby. It supports babies from 0-6 months old / up to 30 pounds only, thus making it more of a newborn stage baby bathtub, after which it may deemed a tad too small for your baby. But you can easily migrate to using a proper bathtub when baby reaches 6+ months when they would have learnt to sit on their own and you can bathe them at ease already. At such an affordable price range, you would have gotten all your money’s worth by the time your baby has outgrown this wonderful “bathtub”.
2. Blooming Bath – Baby Bath / Bathtub
This is another great, not to mention adorable, alternative to the traditional bathtubs. If you do not fancy having to fill up your bathtub each time as that required of the Angelcare Baby Support, the Blooming Bath may just be the right item for you!
Given the incredibly soft, cuddly material, the Blooming Bath fits well into most sinks and provides a cradle-like effect by hugging/cuddling your baby. This is definitely something that traditional plastic bathtubs cannot provide! In fact, many have called this the best baby bath for sinks or best baby bathtub for small space. Not to mention the comfort level that is unbeatable with its plush material that cushions your baby all around. You no longer have to worry about baby slipping downwards in this baby bath.
BPA, phthalate, latex and lead free, this baby bath is machine washable on gentle cycle and can either be hung dry or tumble dry on low. Be mindful that you wring all water out though, as it will mildew otherwise. This may be a downside to some, who finds it difficult to wring with their bare hands, or that it simply took too long to dry even in a dryer given the plushness of it and how well it absorbs water.
Similar to the Angelcare Baby Support, this baby bath does not grow with your infant and will only last till baby is 6 months old. Also, it is more expensive than the Angelcare Baby Support but the comfortable cushion effect makes up for it. Oh, if your sink is on the large side i.e. farm sink without divider in the middle, the Blooming Bath will not be suitable as it requires something to fold up to produce the cuddle-like effect. Nonetheless, it does work well as a soft bath mat for baby to lay on, so this is another alternative use you can utilize for when your baby has outgrown the Blooming Bath! One more tip, this also works great as an insert into baby’s bathtub to keep him/her safe and comfortable when she starts sitting up!
3. Things to look out for
After reading the above reviews, you may note that the few criteria to look out for when selecting the right tub for your baby are:
1. Whether you want the tub to fit over your sinks
2. How much water can a tub holds
3. How hard is the surface
4. Is there any drain plug for you to drain water out
5. Does it come with a hook for hanging/storage
6. Is it easy to dry
Different parents have different needs so make sure you consider thoroughly what is it that you want in a bathtub before you make your purchase.
Happy shopping!
