The Best Baby Bathtubs for Splashing and Scrubbing

Whether you’re a new parent or a seasoned vet looking for a baby tub upgrade, this Skip Hop set is a one-stop shop. In addition to the Moby tub, the bundle includes a mesh sling insert that parents call “safe and sturdy” for newborns, a spout cover and a rinsing cup. It meets all of Dr. Gator’s criteria for the ideal tub: ergonomic design “that offers adequate support for infants” and cradles your baby’s head and neck, a non-slip surface to minimize the risk of slipping and ease of use. “The lightweight design facilitates easy draining and compact storage.”

The Moby is the only tub you’ll need from infancy through toddlerhood. “[It’s] designed to accommodate growth, transitioning from newborns to toddlers,” explains Dr. Gator. Once your baby is able to sit independently, you can remove the sling and use it as a basin tub until your baby hits 25 pounds. You can also use it on a countertop or in the regular tub. And storage is easy; while the tub doesn’t fold, you can hang it from the built-in storage hook, keeping it out of the way when you’re not using it.

In addition to the tub, this bundle comes with a spout cover—something I’ve personally found more useful than I ever thought I would. Both of my sons have long been intrigued by the bath faucet and this has saved each of them from bonking their heads countless times. And speaking of things you may never consider until you've bathed a baby, there’s also a built-in plug to drain the water when bathtime is over. Instead of having to lift and dump a heavy tub, just pop open the plug to let it drain, something you can even do one-handed while holding a baby.

Because the tub works on the counter or in a larger tub, you can use it to bathe two children at once. (I'm often solo for bath and bedtime, so this is a big plus.) And it makes bathtime more comfortable. A Best Baby Products survey respondent called it an “elbow and knee saver” because it relieves you of having to maneuver awkwardly to bathe your baby in the larger tub or sink.

The two biggest downsides of the Moby are newborn positioning and maintenance. Some users said that their newborns slid down a bit in the sling until they got a bit bigger. (Note that this is a common issue across many baby bathtubs.) Others mentioned mold or mildew buildup, which can occur if the tub isn’t washed or dried properly. Revere suggests cleaning the tub after each use with a chemical-free cleaner or a vinegar and water solution. “And turn it over to dry,” she says.

Additional Specs

• Child Guidelines: Birth to 25 lbs

• Dimensions: 7.5”L x 19”W x 11.5”H

Almost a quarter of Babylist parents named the Angelcare as their favorite tub, making it the overall winner for best baby bathtub in Babylist’s Best Baby Products survey. This tub + bath seat hybrid allows you to safely bathe your baby in a traditional tub. It’s popular with second-time parents, too, as it offers a safe way to bathe a baby and an older sibling together in a big tub.

What makes this hybrid tub so great? For one, it’s simple to use and clean and can be used in either the tub or most larger sinks. “I’ve used it for both of my kids and find it easy to use, comfy and supportive for baby and super easy to clean," LaBracio says. "It’s a great compromise if you don’t want a basin-style baby tub but still need a little support in the big bath.” Dr. Purdy echoes this, calling this bath her favorite on the market. “This is a great option as a baby’s first bath! They can only be in this until about six months when they are not sitting up yet because you don't want to risk them tipping over. However the inclined lay down position is a really good position for babies and it works great that they are not fully submerged in the water as the water can pass through easily.”

The mesh on this tub is mildew-resistant, so it’s one less thing to worry about cleaning. Some parents do note that this option isn’t as versatile or long-lasting as other baby bathtubs, as you won’t be able to use it once baby can sit unsupported. Others find it slippery; LaBracio suggests adding a washcloth or a thin blanket on top of the mesh for newborns to prevent this. And while you don’t need to fill up the tub to use this bath support, know that it can get a bit chilly for baby if you don’t. Revere suggests a shower wand or running continuous warm water from the tub spout and using a bath rinser, but you can also consider a swaddle bath, especially during the early weeks.

Additional Specs

• Child Guidelines: Birth to 6 mos; up to 20 lbs

• Dimensions: 22"D x 10.5"W x 8.75"H

When bathing my own babies, I’ve opted for sink baths for the first several months. I’ve used a few, but always come back to the FridaBaby for a few reasons. It unfolds seamlessly, dries easily and is machine-washable so I never worry about mold or mildew. It also folds up so compactly, making it easy to use for travel or to stash away in the bathroom to keep it out of sight.

Many parents find that the downside of sink baths is that they don’t offer as much head or neck support as traditional basin options. As a parent who has used both, I’d agree, especially for younger babies—but most parents haven't found this to be the case with the Frida sink bath. “I generally prefer basin-style tubs over sink inserts because many sink baths put babies (especially younger ones) in slumped over positions,” says LaBracio. “That wasn’t the case at all when I used the Frida Sink Bath with my son. The origami-style insert conforms to most sink sizes and was easy to set up.”

Keep in mind that the utility of a sink bath will depend on the size and shape of your sink. Some sinks aren’t shaped in a way that offers babies enough support, especially younger ones—so even a good sink back won’t fix that.

Additional Specs

• Child Guidelines: Birth to 24 mos

• Dimensions: 4.56” x 9.23” x 12.32”

Parents love this multimode tub for its affordability, but there’s a lot more to rave about. It checks all of the boxes you’d want or need in a basin tub: excellent infant support; grows with baby; easy to clean; and well priced. First-time parents call out its versatility and functionality and say it’s a “huge help” for bathing baby; preemie parents note that it’s supportive enough for even the tiniest of newborns.

“My favorite tub is the Fisher-Price Baby to Toddler 4-in-1 Sling ‘n Seat Tub,” says Revere. “Any caregiver can use this and it is budget-friendly. It grows with baby and is easy to store,” she explains. The tub works in a few different modes, including with a mesh sling designed specifically to support newborns and a removable insert to help position older babies who are learning to sit independently. It’s also worth noting that at almost 32 inches long, it’s larger than other options, meaning it will last longer than more compact options.

The removable (and washable) sling and sit-me-up insert keeps slippery babies more secure and comfortable. Parents also appreciate the thoughtful features like the hook to dry, drain plug and included accessories. Even so, this isn’t the most ideal option if you’re on the hunt for a bath that can easily be collapsed or tucked away in storage. Some parents also note that it’s awkward to drain, as the hole is located under the seat insert and can be challenging to reach when baby is in the tub. And while the size is a plus for many, it is too large for the majority of sinks, so you’ll likely want a different option if that’s your plan.

Additional Specs

• Child Guidelines: Birth to 25 lbs

• Dimensions: 18.11” x 31.5” x 9”

This chic, modern tub from Lalo complements any bathroom space, but there’s much more to it than that. “I had the opportunity to test it out with my second son and was consistently impressed that the function matched the form,” says LaBracio. “Made from non-toxic materials, it’s sleek, beautiful and really easy to wipe down. It’s also multi-stage. The soft foam backrest and contoured support kept my little one comfortable and supported from day one. Once he started sitting independently, I switched him to the other side of the infant insert for more legroom, then popped out the insert altogether to turn the tub into a toddler basin.”

Another unique feature is that the tub doubles as a sensory bin or toy storage container once your baby moves on to the family bathtub. Because of this, though, it doesn’t fold up or store as easily as some other options. It’s also heavier and more expensive than other options.

Additional Specs

• Child Guidelines: Birth and up

• Dimensions: 25.3” x 18” x 7.7”

If you’re short on space or just appreciate the ability to tuck baby items away when they’re not in use, a foldable baby bathtub like this OXO option may be for you. (I wish I had been aware of foldable options when I welcomed my first son, as one would have been easier to use in his small bathroom and, ultimately, to store for our next baby.) The Splash & Store folds flat and compactly and includes a built-in hook for easy storage.

The interior offers two different options, an angled side to provide more head and neck support for younger babies and a flat end for older babies. It also features a handy double-sided drain to ensure speedy emptying.

While the tub’s small-space-friendly design is a major selling point, it is worth nothing that it’s still on the longer side at almost 31 inches, so keep that in mind if you’re measuring storage space. It also doesn’t include a non-slip interior or additional support for newborns. You can get around this by adding a washcloth or towel down in the tub in the early weeks and months, which is what Hulit recommends to prevent slipping. “Putting a warm wet cloth over your baby can [also] make bathtime more pleasurable,” she explains.

Additional Specs

• Child Guidelines: Birth to 18 mos

• Dimensions: 30.5” x 18” x 4.8”

If you’re traveling or looking for a lightweight, easily-storable option for your baby bathtub, this innovative inflatable Boon PUFF is a great choice. “For my third kid I expected to have everything, but this tub is so cozy, it’s portable and it’s easy to travel with,” one parent said in the Best Baby Products survey. Because it’s inflatable, you can pack it flat in a suitcase or tote and blow it up for bathtime. We love the cozy microfiber covering that’s machine-washable and swaddle wings that retain water to keep your baby warm during bath time. (Most babies, my own included, have trouble transitioning from a cozy swaddle to an unclothed bathtime—these bath wings can help a lot.)

In addition to being travel-friendly, this cushy tub can be used in most sinks or in the adult tub. Just note that to fully dry the microfleece cover, you’ll want to remove it and either toss it in the dryer or hang it up. If hanging is the only option, know that it does take some time to dry.

Additional Specs

• Child Guidelines: Birth to 20 lbs

• Dimensions: 30.35” x 6.65” x 17.91”