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In generations past, most babies got all their scrub downs in the kitchen sink. These days, plastic or foam tubs give parents a convenient spot to prop floppy newborns and keep more curious older babies contained.
While bathtime can be adorable, it can also be tricky—a good tub can make the process a lot easier for parents.
Do You Need a Baby Bathtub?
The kitchen sink is still an option, but a baby bathtub will help you safely support a newborn. A baby tub can also be great to set on top of a kitchen counter for bath time so you don’t have to bend over your adult-sized tub (which can be especially hard for those recovering from delivery).
How Long Will You Use a Baby Bathtub?
While each baby bathtub has its own age range, your baby will begin sitting up on their own around six months old, and they can usually graduate to the big tub at this point.
Some parents and caregivers continue to use basin tubs even after baby is sitting up. Many provide a non-slip surface in the big tub while still leaving plenty of room for bath toys, bubble bath, washcloths and all of the other things that come with bathtime.
What are the Types of Baby Bathtubs?
Sink Inserts
Sink inserts are padded inserts that rest inside your sink, turning it into a mini baby bath.
- Usually flexible and mold to fit the kitchen or bathroom sink
- Caregiver can stand at the sink comfortably during bath time
- Hangs conveniently—great for limited storage space
- Typically outgrown after 4-6 months
Just be sure to measure your sink and the insert before purchasing to ensure that it fits.
Basin Tubs
Basin tubs are standalone baby bathtubs.
- Can be used in regular bathroom tubs or on counters or tables (they can even be used outside)
- Most have a newborn-friendly option that can be removed, allowing the tub to last through at least the first year
- Some models collapse for easier storage
Babylist’s Best Bathtubs Picks
These are Babylist’s picks for the best infant car seats.
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Best Baby Bathtub for a Newborn
The Scoop
- Great infant support
- Can also transition through toddlerhood
- Built-in hook for hanging
What Our Experts Think
Bathing a newborn can be intimidating to say the least. Skip Hop’s popular Moby tub has a mesh sling insert built right in that offers the perfect amount of support for floppy, slippery babies (and for nervous first-time parents). Once your baby is a little more stable, move the sling into its second position to support older babies who are learning to sit, then remove it altogether to turn the tub into a toddler-friendly spot for easy bathtime.
What’s Worth Considering
This tub on the larger side and won’t fit in most sinks. If storage is an issue, there’s a built-in hook on the back of the whale for easy hanging.
Additional Specs
| Child Guidelines | Birth and up |
| Dimensions | 27.5” x 19” x 11.5” |
Best Baby Bathtub for Your Sink
The Scoop
- Makes sink baths easy
- Quick-drying
- Also great for travel and small spaces
What Our Experts Think
There are few things cuter than a baby in a sink. This innovative foam insert makes sink baths easier on everyone involved. The Puj conforms to your sink and cradles baby for bathtime. It hangs flat when not in use, so it won’t take up any precious bathroom real estate, dries quickly and is made from mold and mildew-resistant foam.
What’s Worth Considering
This tub won’t last too long: once baby can sit up well on their own, they’ll outgrow it. Also, check your sink’s dimensions to make sure you have a good fit as the Puj will only work with certain sink sizes. (Puj recommends an ideal sink dimension of 12-16” front to back, 12-15” side to side and 6.5-9” deep.)
Additional Specs
| Child Guidelines | Birth to 16.5 lbs |
| Dimensions | 18.25” x 33” x 6.5” |
Best Baby Bathtub for Small Spaces
The Scoop
- Folds flat for easy storage
- Built-in hook for hanging
- Empties fast thanks to two-sided drain
What Our Experts Think
You don’t have to sacrifice a roomy bathtub for your little one just because you’re in a small space. Oxo Tot’s Splash & Store tub is really roomy (it will work until your baby hits about 18 pounds or so), but folds flat and compactly with a built-in hook for easy storage. The tub boasts two different options, an angled side for newborns and a flat side for older babies, and has a two-sided drain so it won’t take you forever to empty it out.
What’s Worth Considering
This tub is on the bulkier side. And, like many folding tubs, some parents note that the support for newborns isn’t ideal. You can help by laying a towel down under your baby in those early weeks to help prevent them from sliding.
Additional Specs
| Child Guidelines | Birth to 18 mos |
| Dimensions | 30.5” x 18” x 4.8” |
Best Affordable Baby Bathtub
The Scoop
- Great value
- Works from newborn days through toddlerhood
- Fits in most sinks and in the tub
What Our Experts Think
This affordable baby bathtub has a lot going for it. There’s the price, of course, which comes in a lot lower than lots of other comparable baby tubs. Then there’s the fact that it’s sturdy, fits in the tub and in most kitchen sinks and has three different positions to make it work from the first days to the toddler years. There’s even a small built-in basin at the button to hold toys and supplies.
What’s Worth Considering
This tub doesn’t fold, so even though it’s fairly compact, if you’re short on space it’s probably not the best choice. Some parents also say their babies outgrew it fairly quickly.
Additional Specs
| Child Guidelines | Birth to 25 lbs |
| Dimensions | 29” x 15.2” x 9” |
Best Baby Bath Support
The Scoop
- Tub + bath seat hybrid
- Affordable, easy to clean
- Great for bathing a newborn + toddler together
What Our Experts Think
If you don’t want a baby tub but still need a little support in the big bath, try this bathtub + bath seat hybrid. The seat is designed to support baby in a comfortably reclined position either in the tub or in the sink. The soft, mildew-resistant mesh is gentle on your little one’s skin and features drain holes that allow soapy water to be easily rinsed away.
What’s Worth Considering
Pro tip: need to bathe a baby and a toddler in the tub at the same time? This bath support does the trick.
Additional Specs
| Child Guidelines | Birth to 6 mos; up to 20 lbs |
| Dimensions | 22” x 13.5” x 8.8” |
Best Baby Bathtub That Goes the Distance
The Scoop
- Works from birth to four years old
- Folds completely flat
- Heat-sensitive plug tells you when water gets warm
What Our Experts Think
The Flexi Bath is a great option for bathing older kiddos. Thanks to its high sides, it works until your little one is up to four years old—the highest age limit for any tub on our list. It’s also another excellent space-saving option if you’re living in close quarters. The tub folds completely flat, making it easy to store almost anywhere and just as easy to take with you when you’re on the go. There’s a removable newborn support and a heat-sensitive drain plug that turns colors when the bath water is too warm.
What’s Worth Considering
Some parents say the newborn insert doesn’t offer as much support as they’d like.
Additional Specs
| Child Guidelines | Birth to 4 years old |
| Dimensions | 26” x 9.4” x 15.4” |
Best Baby Soaking Tub
The Scoop
- Can handle a higher water level than most baby tubs
- Built-in support bump
- Better for older babies
What Our Experts Think
Ready for a pint-sized soak? This baby bathtub is designed to keep little ones in an upright position during bath time so they’re safe and secure. The Sit & Soak features a built-in support bump, a padded backrest and a handle for easy hanging, and can be used as a standalone tub or in a regular tub or sink. We love the option to fill the water level up higher than many baby bathtubs, keeping your little one warm and feeling secure.
What’s Worth Considering
Although this tub can work for newborns, we prefer it for babies who are starting to sit up a bit more on their own.
Additional Specs
| Child Guidelines | Birth to 12 mos |
| Dimensions | 25” x 16.25” x 15” |
Best Baby Bath Seat
The Scoop
- Helps older babies stay safe in the bath
- High backrest for added support
- Never leave baby unattended!
What Our Experts Think
Bath seats are a great option for babies newly transitioning to the regular tub. They give older (and still very slippery!) babies a safe spot in the bath, freeing up your hands for scrubbing. This one has three sturdy arms for 360° of support and a high backrest that keeps your little one safe and secure. Suction cups on each of the arms keep the seat stable while also making it easy to remove.
What’s Worth Considering
Even though this seat helps your baby stay upright, it’s not a safety device. It’s still super important to keep your eyes on baby at all times and never leave the room during bathtime, even for a few seconds.
Additional Specs
| Child Guidelines | 5-10 mos |
| Dimensions | Accommodates standard rectangular tubs 21”-24” wide |
Best Baby Bathtub for Travel
The Scoop
- Ideal for travel
- Ultra affordable
- Features heat sensor on bottom
What Our Experts Think
This inflatable tub can be tossed right into your bag or suitcase when you’re on the go, making it ideal for travel. It also works as a comfy spot to contain a busy baby and uses less water than filling the big bathtub every night. It has a temperature sensor on the bottom that shows “hot” when the temperature is too high.
What’s Worth Considering
Due to its flat bottom and high walls, it’s not a great option for bathing newborns.
Additional Specs
| Child Guidelines | 6-24 mos |
| Dimensions | 9.2” x 3” x 7.5” in the box; 31” x 19” x 19” inflated |
Best Baby Bath Cushion
The Scoop
What Our Experts Think
Parent hack alert: this bath cushion (think giant sponge) has so many uses! Stick it inside a baby bathtub to help prop and support a slippery newborn; use it in your sink for sink baths; lay it on the bottom of your big bathtub for some extra padding; pop it in your suitcase for travel. It’s affordable, versatile, made from quick-drying foam and is a must for baby bathtime.
What’s Worth Considering
If you’re using this sponge on the regular, you’ll probably have to replace it once or twice as it’s not super durable.
Additional Specs
| Child Guidelines | Birth to 6 mos |
| Dimensions | 17.5” x 19” x 12” |
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