Bath time is a special time in our house. And as someone who tries to be intentional with the things we bring into our home, I am thrilled to share my insights and favorite safe bath toys with you! My babies both love the bath and the moment they hear the water running, they try to jump in with their clothes still on.
In this post, I am going to share what I look for when picking safe bath toys for my baby and toddler.
But before we get into the list, here are some things I always look for when picking out toys.
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Table of Contents
What to Consider When Picking Out Safe Bath Toys
- Non-Toxic – Something that is very important to me is always trying to select non-toxic options when I can. I am not perfect at it, but I will always opt for food grade silicone or plastic-free bath toys. This is because plastic can leach harmful chemicals into our babies’ bath water… Opt for toys made of 100% food grade silicone or natural rubber toys when possible. Look out for polyvinyl chloride and heavy metals!
- Non Mold – I’m always on the lookout for toys that won’t trap water and end up growing mold or bacteria. Sadly, a lot of the options in stores and online can be breeding grounds for bacteria, especially those fun interactive toys that squirt water. Rubber ducks, for example, are famous for getting moldy after just a few uses. They contain holes that allow bath water to get inside the toy and make it impossible to dry out. This creates a perfect breeding ground for mold and bacteria, which then leach back into bathwater at bathtime. GROSS! You should also try to avoid toys that will be harder to dry out between uses.
- Montessori – Open Ended – I also make an effort to find toys that encourage open-ended, imaginative play. This means I generally will avoid light-up/music toys when I can, but hey, my kids have enjoyed the occasional singing shark from time to time. Remember, it’s not about being perfect, but about living life intentionally, learning new things, and making the best choices for our kiddos.
The 10 Best Bath Toys for Your Baby
Wee Gallery Bath Books
This is my go-to baby shower gift and my little one’s favorite first bath toy! I occasionally toss it in the dishwasher to sanitize it. This toy changes color when wet, sticks to the side of the bath for younger babies to enjoy, and is easy for them to grasp in those early interactive days—great for sensory play. If you choose just one toy from this list, I highly recommend this one.
(Here are two other ones we also love: One and Two)
Boon Cogs Gear Toys
These suction cup spinner toys are a blast for all ages (even older kids!). When my little ones are young, we use just one and teach them how to spin it. As they grow into toddlers, we link several together to create a fun puzzle, and they love pouring water on top of it. I’ve had an issue with the suction cups on the big purple one not always sticking, but it could be my tub.
Honorable mention to their boats and pipe toys (I just find these are better for older toddlers). We have also owned the Boon Jellies, but I do not recommend it unless you have a child who really loves making towers. Both my kids and others I know have not taken to the jellies in the way they have to other toys.
Bath Mirror
This and the bath book will likely be your baby’s first favorite bath toys. Babies love seeing themselves in mirrors. It helps them grow and is a great way to engage your baby in the bath!
Plan Toys Boat
I adore Plan Toys as a brand because their toys are not only well-made but also non-toxic. They’re made from rubber trees (I had to look it up to see if it was a thing – and it is! Pretty cool, right? 😊). My kids really enjoy playing “pass” with the boat, pushing it back and forth to each other during bath time.
These are often out of stock. You can check out this toy instead: Plan Toys Submarine.
Natural Rubber Ball
This ball has been a hit in our household for both bath time fun and everyday play. My little ones love the bright colors and varied textures. It’s also a fantastic toy for toddlers to use with playdough. Easy cleaning, it encourages good hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. Plus, I love that it’s made of 100% natural rubber and is mold-free!
Hevea Whale Bath Toy
This brand offers fantastic non-toxic alternatives to traditional rubber ducks. Just be mindful that the hole in the bottom can potentially harbor bacteria, but it’s large enough that it should be fairly easy to keep dry. If any mold or mildew does form, don’t worry—I have an easy solution for you below!
I also like their Rubber Duckie as well!
Olie and Carol Origami Boat
Here’s another fantastic option for non-toxic bath toys that won’t be prone to mold or mildew. They’re perfect for little hands and can be used outside the bath too—it’s so much fun. These are great toys for your kids since they can also double as teethers.
Green Toy Ferry Boat
No favorite bath toys list would be complete without a Green Toy option. I adore Green Toys because they’re eco-friendly and high quality. Although they’re made of plastic, they’re one of the better plastic toy options for bath time play. This ferry boat is especially fun because of the included cars. I often place it in my kids’ round water table outdoors, and they love it!
I have also owned and liked the Green Toys Tug Boat.
Mushie Stacking Cups
The Mushie stacking cups make a great bath toy set that can be used both inside and outside the bath. I also love setting them out with my toddlers’ water table for some outdoor water play. These cups come in different colors and have various types of holes at the bottom, which is a fun way to teach your baby about water.
I also like the Lovevery ones if you can find them on Offer Up or sign up to get the boxes.
WaterBabies Bathtime Toy
Next to the bath book, this is our most beloved bath toy, and in my experience is a great option for every household. I do have a girl household now, so babies are a favorite. But I would bet most young children will love giving a baby a bath. Right now, my daughter loves giving her baby swim lessons and uses the Wee Gallery Book as a kickboard.
How to Get Rid of Mold or Mildew from Bath Toys or Bath Mats?
I’ve found that most of these bath toys aren’t prone to mold or mildew. However, I do have a bath mat (which I highly recommend) that is (partly because I’m not great at hanging it up after baths…). I’ve discovered that spraying some Branch Basics (not sponsored) on it, letting it sit for a minute, and then scrubbing it with a toothbrush or paper towel works wonders in removing any mold or mildew.
Have you found any safe bath toys that you love? Please share in the comments below! I’m always on the hunt for fun bath toys to add to our collection.
