When you shop through links on our site, we may receive compensation. This educational content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice.

10 Best Bath Toys for Babies & Toddlers: 2024 Picks

Updated
Make bathtime a blast with these fun toys.

There’s nothing like ending a long, exhausting day with a meltdown: a bad bath can ruin your night. If you’re finding that you dread your little one’s bathtime, it’s probably time for some new bath toys to make baths fun again.

We’ve searched high and low to find the best baby bath toys on the market. We’ve included toys for the littlest babies and ones that toddlers and even older kids will enjoy.

Our favorite bath toys teach numbers, colors, letters, fine motor skills, music appreciation, and hand-eye coordination.

Use these great toys to make bathtime a bonding experience instead of a harrowing one.

Our Top Picks

We independently research, assess and evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on the links we provide, we may receive compensation.
Image
Model
Product Comparison Table
Features

Product Image of the Little Tikes Bath Letters
Best Overall
Little Tikes Bath Letters
  • Safety tested
  • Innovative & educational
  • Encourages active & imaginative play
Product Image of the Yookidoo Bath Mobile
Best for Babies
Yookidoo Bath Mobile
  • Multi-sensory experience
  • Battery operated
  • High-contrast colors
Product Image of the Baby Loovi Bathtub Numbers
Best for Toddlers
Baby Loovi Bathtub Numbers
  • Non-toxic
  • Educational
  • Economical and convenient
Product Image of the BabyBibi Floating Books
Best Bath Book
BabyBibi Floating Books
  • Asthma friendly & BPA free
  • Set of four bath books
  • Helps develop child's fine motor skills
Product Image of the Munchkin Baby's First Bath
Best Rubber Duck
Munchkin Baby's First Bath
  • With hot water indicator
  • Useful and fun
  • Durable and easy to clean
Product Image of the Munchkin Bath Beats
Best Musical Bath Toy
Munchkin Bath Beats
  • Easy to operate
  • Four-piece set
  • Quality warranty
Product Image of the Yookidoo Spin N Sort Spout
Best Sensory Bath Toy
Yookidoo Spin N Sort Spout
  • Various water activities
  • Promotes sensory development
  • Designed for tiny hands
Product Image of the Crayola Bathtub Crayons
Best for Fine Motor Skills
Crayola Bathtub Crayons
  • 60 fragrance-free bathtub tints
  • Completely washable
  • Free of toxins
Product Image of the Whale Bath Toy
Best Whale Toy
Whale Bath Toy
  • Affordable
  • Safe and easy to clean
  • Highly adjustable
Product Image of the Fajiabao Fishing Game
Best Fishing Toy
Fajiabao Fishing Game
  • ASTM approved
  • Durable silicone
  • Smooth & sealed construction


The Best Bath Toys of 2024

Here are our favorite bath toys for babies and toddlers.

Little Tikes Bath Letters and Numbers

Best Overall Bath Toy

Foam bath letters are a classic bath toy for a reason. They provide a great opportunity to introduce colors, sounds, and other early reading skills. These letters are safety tested, float, and stick easily to the tub or bathroom walls.

This letter set includes numbers 0–9 as well. The large foam letters are perfect for little fingers to trace and identify. This is a bath toy that’s more than just fun. It’s a great educational tool that you can sneak in under the radar.

User Experience

In my experience, these foam letters have been a versatile and entertaining tool for my children. While they are not perfect in shape, which can be challenging for my little ones learning letters and numbers, they have proven to be durable and soft enough for teething. My kids enjoy playing with them during bath time and they stick well to the shower walls, making learning and fun go hand in hand. I appreciate their thickness and that they have remained in good condition, even after months of use. However, it would be a nice addition if they came with a drawstring bag for storage and organization.

Yookidoo Baby Bath Mobile

Best Bath Toy for Babies

Babies, toddlers, and even older children can’t get enough of the Yookidoo baby bath mobile. This sensory toy provides gentle mental stimulation and distraction during bathtime. And I love that the water feature helps desensitize my baby to water spray in a fun way.

When switched on, the flowers spin, splashing water drops, and the bird spits a steady stream of water.

The mobile fits a wide variety of tub shapes and styles. Clamp it to the side of an infant tub, or use the three strong suction cups to adhere it to a full-sized bathtub. It grows with your baby into toddlerhood, and you can store it out of the way.

It’s easy to keep clean — wipe it down and dry it after using. It’s entertaining for your baby during bathtime. A bonus is that you don’t need to collect lots of small parts to put away afterward.

Personal Perspective

My experience with this bath toy has been a mix of excitement and disappointment. On one hand, my kids absolutely adore it and can't get enough of the spinning flowers and water jets, making bath time a fun and engaging experience. On the other hand, the toy has some design flaws such as one of the flowers not spinning as it should and water splashing everywhere. Additionally, the toy's durability has been a concern, as it stopped working after just three months of use. Despite these drawbacks, the adjustable jet strength and clamp make it adaptable to different tub sizes, and it does provide entertainment for my little ones during bath time.

Baby Loovi Foam Bath Toys Numbers and Animals

Best Bath Toy for Toddlers

These foam toys are our top choice for toddlers. They help toddlers develop a variety of skills. Toddlers can work on their fine motor skills as they catch the floating toys and practice sticking them to the walls and side of the tub.

You can use bathtime to help your child learn animal names while practicing their numbers and colors. It’s a great spin on a classic bath toy. They won’t even realize they’re learning.

Community Feedback

Got these foam bath toys for my toddler and they've been a hit! The bright colors and adorable animal prints make bath time more interactive and enjoyable. They stick well to the tub, making it easy for my little one to work on motor skills and number recognition. The mesh storage bag is a great bonus, although it lacks a suction cup for easy hanging. The only downside is that some pieces, like the giraffe, may break quickly due to their delicate design.

BabyBibi Floating Baby Bath Books

Best Bath Book

Kids love books, and you can never provide them with too many. Bathtime is as good a time as any to encourage reading.

Our favorite bath book set is this collection of books from BabyBibi. We like the learning opportunities they provide for children.

This set of four books includes a book that teaches numbers and shapes, one about fruit, one about ocean life, and a book about letters and colors.

If your child has already mastered those skills, the eye-catching colors and designs and the squishy, waterproof pages will still entertain them.

First-Hand Impression

My toddler absolutely adores these colorful little bath books, making bath time both fun and educational. They're quite small but durable, perfect for her tiny hands to hold and play with. The large print and vibrant pages have helped teach her counting, ABCs, and even recognizing fruits and sea animals. However, we have to be mindful of her chewing on them, as it's unclear if they are BPA-free or not, but overall, these books have become an invaluable learning tool during bath time.

Munchkin Baby's First Bath Toy Set

Best Combo

The set includes three favorite bathtime toys: a rubber ducky, a scuba swimming bath toy, and a little boat train. It makes a great baby shower gift for new parents.

We especially love that the rubber duck doubles as a safety precaution — it’s a thermometer in disguise. If the water is too hot for your baby, the word “HOT” appears in white on a blue panel under the duck.

You have enough worries to contend with during bathtime. Thanks to this little toy, the water temperature doesn’t have to be one of them.

The little scooba diver is always a favorite for little ones as they make him dive and try to sink the boats.

User Experience

Excellent product for ensuring my baby's bath time is safe and enjoyable. As someone who tends to perceive water temperature differently, this duck made a noticeable difference in my confidence when preparing my child's bath. The hot/cold indicator on the bottom is easy to read and helps me know that the water is just right. Not only does it serve as a useful tool, but it also doubles as a fun toy for my little one to play with during bath time. This duck is a practical and adorable addition to any parent's bathing routine.

Munchkin Bath Beats Musical Bath Toy Gift Set

Best Musical Bath Toy

Kids love music. They also love playing in water. A toy that can bring both of those together at bathtime is sure to be a winner.

This music maker set from Munchkin is rust-resistant and has passed rigorous safety testing. It’s sure to bring out your child’s inner Mozart.

The set includes a “dingray” xylophone, “octodrum” rhythm toy, and two starfish shakers. It not only encourages a love for music, but it also helps your little one build fine motor skills and understand cause and effect as they figure out how to play these instruments.

Personal Perspective

Definitely a fun and engaging bath time toy set for little ones, this product has various didactic tools to keep them entertained. My nephew especially loves the octodrum, though the xylophone tends to sink easily, requiring assistance to hold it up. The starfish shakers are a nice touch, but could be a bit louder.

Yookidoo Spin N Sort Spout

Best Sensory Bath Toy

If you are looking for an interactive bath toy that encourages motor skills development, this is a great choice.

The Spin n Sort Spout provides loads of fun at bathtime. It has 10 water activities to keep your little one occupied and challenged as you wash them. Your child can use the bathwater that pours from the spout to create different water effects such as spraying, straining, and floating with the three funny-faced stackable cups.

The bright colors, textured pieces, and big eyes make this set entertaining for everyone. It’s recommended for babies from 9 months to 36 months.

This set is affordable and makes a great gift for any active toddler.

Community Feedback

My experience with this bathtub toy has been a delight, especially for my little ones who absolutely love playing with the stream of water during bath time. Not only has it made bath time more enjoyable, but it also helps save water by eliminating the need to leave the faucet running for playtime. The suction cups can be a bit tricky to attach to the tub, but after soaking them in hot water for 30 seconds, they stick well. This toy has even become a favorite part of my child's bedtime routine, brightening up the experience with its fun gears and water play. However, finding the right spot to place it in the tub can be a little awkward due to its size and suction cup design.

Crayola Bathtub Crayons

Best Bath Toy for Fine Motor Skills

Nothing will help develop those fine motor skills faster than writing. If you’re looking to encourage little ones to work on skills necessary for writing and drawing, bath crayons are a low-pressure way to do it.

These crayons are toxin-free and wipe clean from the walls after bathtime murals are complete. They come in a variety of colors and won’t irritate sensitive skin. Even parents find them fun to use as they draw with their little one on the sides of the tub.

This set also includes 60 bath drops that change the color of your little one’s bathwater, making bathtime an even more colorful event.

First-Hand Impression

I've been using these bath drops and crayons for my child's bathtime, and it's been a mixed experience. The bath drops are fantastic - they create vibrant colors in the water and my child adores them. However, I do need to use multiple drops to achieve the desired color intensity. On the other hand, the crayons can be a bit problematic; they're difficult to clean off the tub, especially if left on for too long. I've found that using a magic eraser instead of chemical cleaners works best for removing crayon marks.

Whale Spout Cover Bath Toy

Best Mermaid Bath Toy

Have you ever watched your little one hit their head on the faucet or end up with a face full of water? If you have, I don’t need to tell you why we love this little whale so much.

It only takes seconds to slip this rubber whale cover over the faucet to cover its hard edges. And its very easy for adults to remove it — but not so easy for little fingers to interfere with.

Babies love looking at the cute BPA-free whale and seeing water pour out from under it as you fill the tub.

User Experience

I'm really pleased with this bath time whale spout cover which has helped prevent my little one from bumping their head during baths. The cool grey color is a nice touch, blending well with our bathroom decor, though I wouldn't mind having more neutral colors to choose from. I did notice that it tends to collect mold, so I have to clean it regularly. The material is a fairly hard and resistant rubber, providing adequate protection without compromising on fun as my child enjoys playing with it. The only downside is that it occasionally pushes the shower lever up on its own, but overall, it's a great addition to our bath time routine.

Fajiabao Fishing Game

Best Fishing Bath Toy

We love that this fishing set comes with two fishing rods. Instead of fighting over who gets to use the fishing rod next, your kids can go fishing together.

This is a great activity to improve hand-eye coordination and practice patience. Your little ones will use the hooks to snag the six happy fish over and over.

The colors in this set are attractive and fun, and its made with soft, durable silicone. This set has passed safety testing, is toxin-free, and is easy to clean.

We recommend this set for toddlers, as it may be too challenging for little hands to work the fishing rod, but younger babies love playing with the fish toys

Personal Perspective

These bath toys have been a hit with my grandkids, providing them with endless fun both in the bathtub and at the pool. The colorful, sturdy design is great, and I appreciate the fact that there are no holes in the fish, preventing mold growth. However, hooking the fish onto the fishing rod can be a bit challenging for both children and adults, as the fish tend to be top-heavy and flip over. Despite this minor drawback, the toys have held up well and continue to be a favorite for my little ones.

How to Choose the Best Bath Toy

Your baby’s bath can be so much more than a segue into sleep. It’s the perfect time for you to bond with your baby.

It’s also a moment for your child to continue their essential task of exploring, playing, and learning in a different environment.

You want to look for toys that will encourage this kind of growth and imaginative play. Your child’s preferences will determine whether you choose foam letters, fine motor skill toys, or those geared toward creative play (1).

Pay attention to where your toys are manufactured, and make sure they can hold up in hot water. Even if your baby’s bathwater is at room temperature, there’s no guarantee the toys won’t be affected by your hot shower steam.

You Might Also Like
Baby being bathed in a small bath tubBest Baby Bathtubs: A Solution for Wriggly Baby Bath Times

How to Store Bath Toys

The two things that always get me with bath toys are storing them and cleaning them.

Imagine this — you stagger into the bathroom, ready for the fastest shower known to man. The next thing you know, a small toy with a name you can’t remember is wedged between your toes. Maybe you don’t even have to imagine this scenario — you’re just remembering this morning’s shower.

I have to confess that this was my morning routine for years before I bucked up and invested in a storage system for my kids’ bath toys. It took me a while to find what worked for us, but I can’t recommend it enough.

If you’re anything like me, you think new bath toys are great, and so do your kids. That is, of course, until you’ve had the toys for a little while. Then you wonder what kind of germs they might be harboring.

I spent a long time searching for the perfect way to clean bath toys in the hopes I wouldn’t need to replace them as often. This recipe for clean toys is simple, effective, and cost-efficient.

Baby Bath Toys FAQs

Are Bath Toys Necessary?

While not necessary, bath toys can greatly enhance the bath experience, making it fun and aiding in your child’s development through play.

How Do You Clean Bath Toys When a Baby Poops in the Bathtub?

Clean the toys with hot, soapy water and disinfect them with a mild bleach solution if needed. It’s all about keeping those bath toys sanitary.

How Do I Keep My Bath Toys From Molding Inside?

To prevent bath toys from molding inside, make sure they’re fully drained and dried after each use. Choosing toys without holes and regularly cleaning them also helps prevent mold.

How Often Should You Replace Baby Bath Toys?

Replace bath toys if they show signs of mold that can’t be cleaned, or every few months, to maintain hygiene and keep things fresh and exciting for your baby.

Which Bath Toys Are Safe for Babies?

Safe bath toys for babies are those made of non-toxic materials, free from small parts, and easy to clean. Look for BPA-free plastic or natural rubber toys.


The Bathtime You’ve Dreamed Of

If you’ve been dreading bathtime, you don’t have to anymore. The right bath toys and accessories can change how you approach your end-of-day routine — for the better.

There are so many great options here. But our top pick for the best bath toy is the Little Tikes Bath Letters and Numbers. We love the many variations of learning games you can play with them — and your child will think it’s all just bathtime fun.

Foam letters are easy to care for and clean. They also store well and encourage tactile and cognitive development. We can’t say enough good things about the benefits of introducing letters early and consistently to your children.

Feedback: Was This Article Helpful?
Thank You For Your Feedback!
Thank You For Your Feedback!
What Did You Like?
What Went Wrong?
Headshot of Mary Sweeney, BSN, RN, CEN

Reviewed by

Mary Sweeney, BSN, RN, CEN

Mary Sweeney, BSN, RN, CEN is an oncology nurse navigator and freelance medical writer. Mary has 4 years of experience as an officer in the Navy Nurse Corps. including emergency/trauma, post-anesthesia, and deployment medicine.