18 Bath Toys for Good, Clean Fun

When bathtime rolls around, your mission is clear: Get baby clean from head to toe. But while scrubbing food off that little face can feel like a chore, bathing baby can be a splashing good time. In fact, the ritual can promote important parent-child bonding. The key to an enjoyable experience for all? A collection of bath toys to offer up when the going gets tough—or better yet, before baby transforms into a squirming, slippery mess!

Here, we’ve rounded up a list of some of the best bath toys for keeping babies, toddlers and big kids entertained.

Before you start browsing, there are two things to remember. First, no matter which bath toys you buy, you’ll have to clean them periodically. The wet, warm environment they live in means they’re susceptible to things like mold and bacteria. Second, bath toys aren’t an excuse to leave your child unattended—ever. Just because they distract kids doesn’t mean they keep them safe.

In this article:
Best baby bath toys
Best bath toys for toddlers
Best kids’ bath toys

Best Baby Bath Toys

Newborns need to ease into bathing. First comes sponge baths, then baths in an infant tub, and then, once your little one can safely sit up, an introduction to the big-kid bathtub. Regardless of what stage your child’s at, when shopping for bath toys, always check product labels for age guidelines and hazard warnings.

Munchkin White Hot Safety Bath Ducky

When it comes to picking out baby bath toys, start with (modernized) basics, like duck bath toys. For just a few bucks, this rubber ducky tells you when the water is too hot for baby’s sensitive skin. Plus, the infant bath toy is easy to grab and hold, not to mention watertight (read: mildew resistant).

Buy it: $3, Amazon.com

Green Toys My First Tug Boat

There’s something babies (and older kids) just love about pouring water—which is why this boat bath toy is designed with a spout. It’s also made from recycled plastic right here in the USA, so it’s eco-friendly to boot.

Buy it: Starting from $12, Amazon.com

Nuby 5-Piece Splish Splash Bath Time Stacking Cups

Stacking cups are another tot-approved option. These BPA-free baby bath toys come in eye-catching colors. When each cup drains, there’s also a mesmerizing waterfall effect.

Buy it: Starting from $5, Amazon.com

Elegant Baby Dinosaur Party Squirt Toys

Give your little squirt baby bath toys they can, well, squirt. These dinosaur bath toys float and squirt water, and are perfect for encouraging imaginary play as your child grows.

Buy it: $15, Amazon.com

Yookidoo Stack N’ Spray Bath Tub Fountain

It’s pretty tempting to splash around in a fountain. Now baby can. This set of baby bath toys attaches to the bottom of the tub and draws up water to create a fountain that cascades down the three cups. It comes with removable floating bath toys to play with as well.

Buy it: $30, Amazon.com

Sophie la Girafe So Pure Bath Toy

We’ve got great news: The beloved Sophie la Girafe teether comes in bath toy form. Say hello to baby’s chicest tubby time plaything.

Buy it: $20, Nordstrom.com

Best Bath Toys for Toddlers

Searching for the best bath toys for 1-year-olds and 2-year-olds? Start with these tub toys for toddlers, designed to help your little one continue to learn and grow through play.

Toomies TOMY Bath Do Rae Mi Dolphins

Raise a future maestro with the help of this multipurpose, musical bath toy. Each dolphin plays a different note and can detach from its respective ring. Your tot will have a blast matching, arranging and listening to them.

Buy it: $15, Amazon.com

Munchkin Fishin’ Bath Toy

Whether or not your toddler goes on to love fishing, “catching” the magnetic bobbers with this fishing bath toy’s mini rod will strengthen their hand-eye coordination.

Buy it: $8, Amazon.com

3. Suction Bath Toys

Use the tub and shower walls to your advantage. These cool bath toys for toddlers are shaped like jellyfish and stick to bath surfaces.

Buy it: $13, Nordstrom.com

Marcus Pfister The Rainbow Fish Bath Book

Bath books are a genius, toddler-friendly idea. The Rainbow Fish is a classic—and water-themed—choice.

Buy it: $7, Amazon.com

Sassy Catch and Count Net Developmental Bath Toy

Make learning fun with educational bath toys for toddlers. This set includes a net and numbered fish, so you can practice counting while washing up.

Buy it: Starting from $14, Amazon.com

Oli & Carol Geometric Figures

Searching for a stylish bath toy brand? Look no further than Oli & Carol. The shop sells a wide range of natural rubber tub toys; we’re especially loving this set that helps teach toddlers about shapes.

Buy it: $35, Amazon.com

Best Bath Toys for Kids

If you’re shopping for older kids, we’ve found bath toys for 3-year-olds, 4-year-olds and beyond. These kids’ bath toys are more advanced—and even more fun.

Boon Marco Light-Up Bath Toy

Once your child passes the three-year mark, they might get bored with their old tub toys. Surprise them with new features, like lights! This cute diver illuminates as soon as it touches water.

Buy it: $15, Nordstrom.com

Fred & Friends KOI TOY Light-Up Bath Goldfish

Love the concept of light-up bath toys? Here’s another plaything your preschooler will obsess over—especially if you haven’t greenlighted getting a real pet fish. This realistic floating koi lights up in rainbow colors when it gets wet.

Buy it: $15, Amazon.com

3 Bees & Me Bath Toy Basketball Hoop and Ball Set

Basketball? Inside? With kids’ bath toys like this, you’re about to be the coolest parent around. The basketball hoop secures to the faucet, so you don’t have to worry about the suction cups coming loose—especially when your little one starts slam dunking!

Buy it: $15, Amazon.com

Play Visions Crayola Bathtub Crayons with Crayola Color Bath Drops

It’s the only chance they’ll get to draw on the walls without getting in trouble. These washable crayons come off bathtub walls with the swipe of a sponge. The kit also comes with colored bath tablets, which are basically bath bombs for kids.

Buy it: $13, Amazon.com

Nuby 36-Piece Bath Tub Alphabet Set

These kids’ bath toys will get their little minds whirring. Your child can use the sticky letter and numbers for anything, from simple math equations to spelling out words.

Buy it: $8, Amazon.com

ALEX Bath USA Map in the Tub

Educational kids’ bath toys don’t have to focus on just numbers and letters. These foam puzzle pieces from ALEX Toys form a map of the US to teach preschoolers about geography. They float in the water and stick to the tub for boatloads of fun.

Buy it: $20, Amazon.com

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, some of which may be sponsored by paying vendors.

Published January 2019

Plus, more from The Bump:

Best Developmental Toys for Kids of All Ages

Best Baby Shampoos, Washes and Soaps

Best Baby Towels and Washcloths