For a tiny human being, baby can make some really big messes, from epic diaper blowouts to next-level spit-up explosions. And as most parents will attest to, cleaning up a small, floppy, slippery newborn isn’t without its challenges. Fortunately, a baby bathtub can make the job easier. You’ll probably only rely on an infant tub until baby is about 6 months old or developmentally able to sit up on their own—but a baby bathtub is still well worth the investment. (Some tubs even grow with your child into toddlerhood.) Aside from being safe and convenient, bathing baby in a mini tub sets the stage for fun times once your kiddo graduates to the big tub. Ready to dive in? Find key shopping considerations and a list of the best baby bathtubs for every type.

In this article:
Do you need a baby bathtub?
Types of baby bathtubs
What to look for in a baby bathtub
Best baby bathtubs to buy

Do You Need a Baby Bathtub?

In short the answer is no, you don’t technically need a baby bathtub. You can certainly use your kitchen or bathroom sink—provided the areas are cleaned regularly and baby is monitored closely. That said, a baby bathtub makes the process easier and potentially safer. Why? Because it’s specifically designed to cradle your little one and offer ample neck support. Keep reading to learn more about why you should add a baby bathtub to your registry or baby-prep shopping list.

Safety features. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends caregivers use a hard plastic baby bathtub with a sloped, textured surface or sling that keeps baby from sliding. Other safety features include body-contouring newborn inserts or cleverly placed “bum bumps” that can prevent baby from slipping down into the water and support their head and neck.
Comfort. Recovering from a vaginal or C-section birth is no joke. And bending over to wash baby in the sink or holding them up in the shower may prove to be too painful during the postpartum period, not to mention a clear safety concern (adults can slip in the tub just as easily as kids can, especially when sleep-deprived). A baby bathtub—particularly one that you can sit beside or position on a kitchen countertop—frees up your hands to get bathtime over with swiftly and reduces any strain on your recuperating body.
Convenience. An infant bathtub is easy to clean and there’s less risk of cross-contamination with kitchen or bathroom cleaning solutions. (Newborn skin is super-sensitive, so you don’t want it to come into contact with any harsh soap or detergents.) If you choose to wash baby in the kitchen or bathroom sink, it will need to be scrubbed before and after each bath.
Touch supervision. A small baby bathtub makes it easier to practice touch supervision during bathtime. As recommended by the AAP, touch supervision simply means keeping all of the essential bath supplies—like body wash, shampoo and a towel—within reach, so you can keep a steadying hand on baby at all times. Remember, never leave an infant alone in a bath, even for an instant.

Types of Baby Bathtubs

There are three main types of bathtubs that are safe to use for infants. Before we list them, it’s important to note that bath seats that position baby upright in an adult tub are not safe to use, as they may be at risk of tipping over.

In-sink baby bathtubs. Ideal for a newborn, these infant bathtubs fit inside or over a kitchen sink. Typically made of mesh, foam, cloth or plastic, many of these baby bathtubs are collapsible and take up very little storage space.
Basin baby bathtubs. Designed to sit on the counter, on the floor or even in your actual tub, these plastic baby bathtubs offer flexibility at bathtime.
Convertible baby bathtubs Not all babies are ready for the big-kid tub at 6 months old, and that’s where a transitional tub can help. This type often features a removable baby sling or reclining seat, which can be adjusted to suit baby’s stage of development.

What to Look for in a Baby Bathtub

Tub time is bound to become one of your little one’s favorite pastimes, but before you stock up on bath toys and bubble bath (aka the fun stuff), you’ll first want to find the right baby bathtub. Here are a few things to look for:

Anti-slip technology. Opt for bathtubs with non-skid textured surfaces on the inside and exterior.
Built-in support. Young infants don’t have much muscle control, so it’s best to buy a bathtub with built-in support for their head, neck and shoulders. Options with a sling insert or a reclined and contoured inner seat keep baby comfortable and help prevent them from slipping.
Easy to drain. Once bathtime is over you’ll want to get rid of that dirty water quickly, so you can tend to baby. The best baby bathtubs offer easy-drain features to make clean-up a breeze.
Built-in thermometer. Baby should be bathed in warm but never scalding or cold water—between 98.6 and 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit is the sweet spot. So while it isn’t strictly necessary, a built-in temperature gauge or color-coded heat indicator is a nice-to-have feature you may want in a baby bathtub. Of course, you can always dip your wrist into the water to check the temperature.
Portability. A collapsible or foldable bathtub is a great option if you’re tight on space or plan to travel with baby in tow.
Room to grow. Many baby bathtubs can be used during the newborn stage and well into the early toddler years—as long as there’s enough room for baby to grow and move their ever-maturing bodies.

Best Bathtubs to Buy

There are tons of baby bathtubs on the market, but before working yourself into a lather trying to choose between them, take a peek at our curated list of favorites. From a deluxe newborn tub and sink-situated spa soaker to a foldable travel tub, these are the best baby bathtubs we’re bubbling up over.

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Plus, more from The Bump:

Squeaky Clean: Best Baby Shampoo and Wash Options

Bath Toys for Good, Clean Fun

What You’ll Need to Know About Baby’s First Bath

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