Bathtime should be full of splashes and giggles, not slips and slides. You need a bath mat that stays put, cushions falls, and doesn’t turn into a science experiment with mold or mildew.
We hit the shops and scrubbed the tubs to compare the most popular options available. We evaluated comfort, grip quality, drainage, and how easy they are to clean.
Stop stressing about safety and enjoy the water with your little one. Here are our favorite baby bath mats.
- Ultra-strong suction cups
- Easy water drainage
- Multifarious color options
- Perfectly complements any color
- Cushioned for comfort
- Made from natural rubber
- Textured material grips feet
- Skid-resistant suction cups
- Adorable design
- Hundreds of high-strength suction cups
- Unique cute style design
- Machine washable
- With drain holes and hooks
- Covers large portion of tub
- Super-soft textured surface
Bathtub Safety Tips
Non-slip bath mats grip the tub floor to provide traction. This helps you keep your baby steady and safe while you wash them.
Keep these safety tips in mind when your baby is in the water:
- Supervision is key: Do not leave your baby unattended, even for a few seconds. Ignore the doorbell and wait to answer that text. If you must leave the room, take the baby with you (1).
- Watch the temperature: Babies have delicate skin that burns easily. Keep the water around 100 degrees Fahrenheit, even if it feels cool to you.
- Babyproof the area: Remove anything dangerous from the tub ledges. Curious fingers will try to grab razors or heavy bottles resting on the side.
- Check your products: Not all soaps and shampoos are safe for infants. Ensure your products won’t irritate sensitive skin or cause infections.
- Prioritize hygiene: Rinse toys, bath thermometers, and mats after every use to prevent bacteria buildup.
- Keep it fun: Include toys and games to make baths a bonding activity you both look forward to.
What to Look For
As your baby grows, they will graduate from the infant basin to the family tub. This means you have countless choices for a new mat.
Here are the factors to consider before you buy:
Materials
You will see several terms regarding materials. BPA-free means it lacks bisphenol A, a chemical used in plastics. Phthalates are another plastic ingredient many parents avoid. Allergen-free mats are made without common irritants like latex.
Non-Slip Surface
A mat is useless if the top is slippery. Look for textured patterns or rubberized grips that provide a slip-free experience for soapy feet.
Bath Surface Compatibility
This is crucial. Most mats use suction cups that only work on smooth enamel or acrylic. If you have a textured or refinished tub floor, you need a mat specifically designed for textured surfaces, or it will float away.
Suction Strength
Suction cups are the anchors. The more cups a mat has, the better the grip. Look for high-density suction cup placement, especially around the edges where curling can occur.
Design and Aesthetics
Mats come in various styles. Bright colors and characters can make bathtime exciting for toddlers. However, neutral clear or grey mats are better for shared family bathrooms.
Shape and Coverage
Animal shapes are cute but often leave gaps where a child can slip. Rectangular mats usually offer the most complete coverage of the danger zone.
Comfort
Bathtime should be cozy. A thick, cushioned mat is easier on your baby’s bottom and easier on your knees while you lean over the tub.
Maintenance
Neglected mats get gross quickly. Soap scum and standing water create slime. If you hate scrubbing, look for a mat that is machine washable.
Antibacterial Treatment
Moist environments like your bathtub are germ hotspots. Some modern mats are treated with antimicrobial agents to inhibit bacterial growth.
Mildew Resistance
Black mildew spots are unsightly and hard to remove. Resistant materials, combined with a good cleaning routine, keep the bath healthy.
Drainage Holes
A solid mat traps water underneath, which leads to slime. Mats with drainage holes allow water to circulate and drain efficiently, which helps the mat dry faster.
Usage
Are you bathing twins or siblings together? You will want an extra-long mat, often called a “runner,” to ensure both children have a safe spot to sit.
Product Reviews
We tested the grip, comfort, and “cleanability” of the top options. Here is the breakdown.
Gorilla Grip Bath Mat
Ticks all the Boxes
If you need a mat that covers all angles, start here. It is safe for your little one, has a reliable anti-slip surface, and fits well in standard and large tubs.
This mat makes life easier for moms because it is machine washable. You can toss it in the laundry rather than scrubbing it by hand. It also features hundreds of suction cups to keep it anchored down, even if your toddler is hyperactive at bathtime.
It isn’t the cutest mat on the list, but it offers ample cushioning and superior function.
Our Ratings
Skip Hop Moby Non-Slip Baby Bath Mat
Best Unisex
Moms love products that multitask. This whale-shaped mat is functional, cute, and minimalist enough to fit modern bathroom decor.
The standout feature is the tail. It acts as a built-in hook, so you can hang the mat securely over your showerhead or towel bar to drip dry. This airflow is vital for preventing mildew.
It has a textured surface that keeps little bottoms from sliding. While it isn’t the longest mat on the market, the coverage is sufficient for a seated toddler.
Our Ratings
SlipX Solutions Cushioned Bath Mat
Best Minimalist Bath Mat
Sometimes you want a bathroom that looks like a spa, not a preschool. The SlipX Solutions mat is a great compromise between safety and style.
The primary benefit here is the “pillow-top” texture. It is incredibly soft, which is great for babies but also surprisingly comfortable for adults. Why not buy a mat that saves your knees, too?
Functionally, strong suction feet keep the mat firmly in place. Just be aware that the high-cushion design can trap suds, so you need to rinse it thoroughly after every bath.
Our Ratings
Munchkin Quack Duck Bath Mat
Cutest Design
Does your baby have a classic rubber ducky? This bath mat is the ultimate matching accessory. The vibrant yellow duck brings instant color and fun to the tub.
This mat is textured to prevent slips, and the underside is completely covered in suction cups, even the beak has grip.
The trade-off for the cute factor is coverage. Because of the oval shape, it doesn’t cover the corners of the tub. It is perfect for a baby who sits still, but you might want something rectangular if you have an adventurous toddler who likes to roam the deep end.
Our Ratings
Munchkin Dotted Bath Mat
Best for Learning
Babies are sponges for knowledge. You can turn bathtime into a lesson with this multi-colored dotted bath mat.
The “candy button” design is engaging. You can distract a fussy bather by asking them to find the red dot or sit on the blue dot. The colors are bright, and the dots are raised to provide excellent traction.
It is a generous length (30.5 inches long), which appeals to moms bathing more than one child at a time. Just be sure to pull it up after use, as the many crevices between the dots can trap soap scum.
Our Ratings
Ikea Crocodile Bath Mat
Best All-Natural
The Ikea crocodile bath mat (PATRULL) is a favorite for parents seeking an “au naturel” approach.
This vibrant green croc is made of natural rubber rather than synthetic plastics. It feels durable and heavy-duty. To avoid mold, hang it up to dry by the tail loop after each bath.
While it doesn’t cover the entire bath floor, the unique shape is wide enough for a baby to sit on safely. It’s an affordable, durable choice that brings a little wildlife fun to the bathroom.
Our Ratings
All Pride Oval Bath Mat
Best Firm Grip
Do you find your bath mat floating away by the end of the bath? That is a safety hazard.
The All Pride mat combats this with powerful suction cups that create a vacuum seal on smooth surfaces. It features large drainage holes throughout the design, which allows water to flow through rather than pooling underneath. This circulation is key to preventing slime buildup.
While it comes in an oval shape, there is a rectangular version if you prefer fuller coverage. It’s machine washable, which is a massive plus for busy parents.
Our Ratings
BeeHomee Non-Slip Bath Kid Mat
Best Non-Slip
If your toddler treats the tub like a trampoline, you need serious traction. The BeeHomee mat features a heavily textured, bumpy surface.
This texture is excellent for preventing slips, though some sensitive children might find it a bit rough on their bottoms. It adheres well to smooth tubs but won’t work on textured surfaces.
Our favorite feature is the design. The cartoon aquatic prints are vibrant and fun, making the tub look inviting rather than clinical.
Our Ratings
Epica Anti-Slip Bath Mat
Pure and Simple
Not a fan of cartoon characters? If you share a bathroom with your baby, you might want something that doesn’t scream “nursery.”
The Epica mat is neutral, tasteful, and discreet. It is a heavy-duty rubber mat that focuses on performance over style. It has a latex-free, textured upper and high-strength suction pads.
We love that it is treated to resist mildew and bacteria. When it eventually needs a refresh, you can run it through the washing machine on cold. It is a solid, no-nonsense choice that lasts for years.
Our Ratings
Boon Bathtub Mat
Best Low Maintenance
Keeping mats clean is a chore. If you want to skip the scrubbing, the Boon mat is a smart pick.
It features a built-in hook and large drain slots. The “ripple” design allows water to sheet off quickly, making it very difficult for mold to take hold. It is one of the most hygienic options we tested.
However, the material is more rigid than others. While this makes it durable and easy to clean, it offers less cushioning. It’s better suited for older toddlers who stand, rather than young babies sitting on their bums.
Our Ratings
Baby Bath Mat FAQs
Do You Need a Bathtub Mat for a Baby?
Yes, a bathtub mat is necessary for safety. Tubs become incredibly slippery when wet and soapy. A mat prevents your baby from slipping underwater or hitting their head against the hard porcelain.
How Often Do You Clean a Baby Bath Mat?
You should rinse and hang the mat to dry after every single use. For a deep clean, wash it every one to two weeks. Regular cleaning prevents mold spores and slime from developing on the underside.
Can I Wash My Baby Mat in the Washing Machine?
It depends on the material. Many PVC and rubber mats are machine washable on a cold, gentle cycle. Always check the manufacturer’s care label first. Avoid hot water, as it can warp the suction cups.
How Do You Get Mold Out of a Baby Water Mat?
Soak the mat in a solution of bleach and water (or vinegar and water for a natural alternative) for an hour, then scrub the spots with a brush. If the mold has penetrated the rubber or won’t come off, it is safer to throw the mat away and buy a new one.
Can I Use a Bath Mat on a Textured Tub?
Most standard suction cup mats will not stick to textured or refinished tubs. The texture prevents the vacuum seal from forming. You must buy a mat specifically labeled for “textured” or “refinished” surfaces, which usually rely on heavy friction or specialized adhesive backings instead of suction cups.
It’s a Wrap!
The Gorilla Grip Bath Mat is our top pick. It washes easily, covers a large area, and offers a comfortable landing pad for your baby.
If you hate the industrial look and want something fun, the BeeHomee Baby Bath Mat is a colorful runner-up. Whichever you choose, remember to hang it up after every bath to keep the mold monsters away!
