We also know the frustration of suction cups that quit on you in the middle of the night, dumping a loud avalanche of plastic into the tub.
We tested and analyzed the top storage solutions to find options that actually drain water, stick to the wall, and keep your bathroom looking somewhat sane. Here are our top recommendations to make bathtime cleanup faster, cleaner, and hassle-free.
- Plastic net zero
- Mounts easily with adhesive strips
- Adequate drainage
- Cute and functional design
- Best value for your money
- Various design to choose from
- Mesh base for easy drainage
- Machine washable
- Fully adjustable with suction cups
Creative Bath Toy Storage Ideas
Your bathroom storage needs to work for your specific space, whether you have a clawfoot tub or a shower-tub combo. We’ve broken down the most effective methods to corral the chaos and keep mold at bay.
Scoop Toys for Fast Cleanup
Fishing slippery toys out of the water one by one is tedious. A scoop-style organizer solves this problem by acting like a fishing net, allowing you to grab multiple toys in seconds.
Most scoopers feature large holes or mesh to drain water instantly as you lift the toys out. Once you have collected the fleet of ships and ducks, the scooper usually mounts to the wall to let everything drip dry.
The Munchkin Scooper is a classic example. It is affordable, effective, and neutral enough to fit most decor styles.
Other models use rigid plastic with drain holes, like this scoop drain. After the cleanup game, you hook the scoop onto a wall mount. This specific model features cute “feet” hooks, which are perfect for hanging loofahs or washcloths.
Pro Tip
Utilize Vertical Wall Space
If you have a tiled wall or a smooth surround, mesh pocket organizers are a fantastic space-saver. They adhere via suction cups and keep toys off the tub floor.
We love the Tub Cubby Organizer because it is massive. It features a large lower pocket for bulky toys and smaller upper pockets for soaps or razors.
By placing the organizer higher up on the wall, you can keep shampoo bottles out of reach of curious toddlers while keeping their toys accessible.
Contain Clutter in Laundry Baskets
Sometimes the simplest solution is something you already use. A small laundry basket can hold a massive amount of bath toys.
The Merdes Waterproof Foldable Laundry Hamper is collapsible and comes in fun prints. However, standard baskets do not drain, so you must ensure toys are dry before tossing them in to avoid mildew smells.
DIY Hack
Hang Baskets From a Tension Rod
This is a brilliant hack for parents who want a customized look. Install a second tension shower rod horizontally against the back wall of your shower, just above the tub line.
Use S-hooks to hang wire or plastic baskets from the rod. This keeps everything off the ledges and allows for maximum airflow. Just ensure your baskets have drainage holes so you aren’t cultivating a science experiment in the bottom of them.
Save Your Knees With Storage Pads
Bathtime is hard on adult joints. If you are already buying a kneeler to save your knees, look for one that pulls double duty with storage.
This knee and elbow pad set includes pockets on the elbow rest portion. You can keep shampoo on the outside and toys on the inside. It’s a smart way to maximize the gear you are already using.
Clamp Bins to the Tub Side
If suction cups won’t stick to your textured tiles, look for a clamp-on organizer. The KidsKit Pelican Organizer is a favorite because it physically attaches to the tub wall.
The pelican’s “beak” opens to accept toys, and the mesh pouch hanging below allows them to drip dry. It adds a whimsical character to the bath that kids love feeding toys to.
Span the Tub With Adjustable Caddies
For parents who want to keep the walls clear, an over-the-tub caddy is an excellent choice. This KidCo organizer basket rests on the tub ledges and expands to fit the width.
It acts as a divider, which is handy if you are bathing two kids who need their own “zones.” The slotted design ensures water drains immediately. When bath time is over, you can slide it to the back of the tub.
Keep Toys Mobile With Freestanding Bins
If you prefer to remove the toys from the bathroom entirely when guests come over, a freestanding bin is your best bet.
The Ubbi Bath Caddy features a two-part system: a bin with drain holes and a solid base to catch the drips. You can scoop the toys, let them drain in the tub, and then place the bin in the base to store it on a shelf or in a closet.
Repurpose Your Shower Curtain Rod
If you are short on wall space but have a shower curtain, use it! The Angla shower caddy organizer hangs directly from your existing curtain hooks.
It features mesh pockets that keep toys organized and dry without cluttering the tub ledges. Just be aware that if you hang it on the outside of the liner, water might drip onto the floor, so always hang it on the inside facing the tub.
Product Reviews
We tested these top-rated organizers to see which ones actually stay on the wall and keep mold away.
KidCo Collection Bath Toy Organizer
Best In-Tub Organizer
If suction cups constantly fail you, the KidCo basket is the reliable alternative you need. It rests securely across the tub ledges, so gravity does the work for you.
We love that it comes with divider panels to separate toys from shampoo or washcloths. It expands to fit most standard bathtubs, though it might struggle with extra-wide garden tubs. The slotted plastic design is incredibly easy to wipe down, preventing that slimy buildup common with mesh bags.
The Really Big Tub Cubby
Best Large Bath Toy Organizer
If your child’s bath toy collection rivals a toy store, you need volume. The Tub Cubby lives up to its name with a massive main pouch and several smaller upper pockets.
The polyester mesh is quick-drying and tough enough to hold wet, heavy toys without ripping. We appreciate the inclusion of multiple hanging options; it comes with suction cups for smooth tiles and adhesive hooks for textured surfaces where suction usually fails.
Dr. Brown’s CleanUp Dino Bath Toy Scoop
Best Small Bath Toy Organizer
Minimalists, this one is for you. If you limit bath time to just a few key toys, you don’t need a massive net taking up space. The Dr. Brown’s Dino Scoop is compact, drains exceptionally well, and looks adorable.
It functions as both a scoop for rapid cleanup and a wall-mounted holder. While it won’t hold a massive fleet of boats, its rigid structure means it’s easier to clean than fabric bags, just toss it in the dishwasher (top rack) or wipe it down.
Comfylife Bath Toy Organizer
Best Interactive Organizer
Getting toddlers to clean up is a struggle, but this hungry shark makes it fun. The design encourages kids to “feed” the shark their toys when the bath is over.
Beyond the cute factor, it is practical. You get two bags in the set (the shark and a standard white mesh bag), plus bonus foam letters. The suction cups are surprisingly strong, but like all suction products, they require a smooth, glass-like surface to maintain a vacuum seal.
Skip Hop Moby Bath Toy Organizer
Best Corner Organizer
Corners are often dead space in a shower, but the Skip Hop Moby puts them to work. This wide-mouth whale is designed to fit snugly into the corner, keeping bulkier items out of your elbow room.
The neoprene material is soft and machine washable, which is a huge plus for hygiene. However, because it relies on four suction cups to bridge a corner, you need to ensure your tiles are perfectly smooth on both walls for it to stay put.
FAQs
How Do I Keep My Baby Bath Toys From Molding?
The key to preventing mold is airflow. After every bath, squeeze all water out of squirt toys and place them in a mesh or slotted organizer that allows for complete drainage. Run the exhaust fan for 20 minutes after the bath to lower the humidity in the room, and wash the toys weekly in a vinegar and water solution.
What Should I Do If My Baby Poops in the Tub?
First, immediately remove your child and the toys from the water. Disinfect the toys by soaking them in a solution of 1/2 cup bleach per gallon of water for several minutes, then rinse thoroughly. If the toys are dishwasher safe, run them through a hot cycle to ensure they are sanitized before the next use.
When Should I Throw Away Bath Toys?
Toss bath toys immediately if you see black mold coming out when you squeeze them, as this interior mold is nearly impossible to clean. Otherwise, replace plastic toys every 6 to 12 months, or sooner if they show signs of cracking or deterioration.
What Age Do Kids Stop Using Bath Toys?
Most children naturally lose interest in traditional rubber ducks and boats around age 4 or 5. At this stage, they often transition to playing with “grown-up” bath items like measuring cups, color tablets, or simply enjoying showers, but every child’s play timeline is different.
Why Do My Suction Cups Keep Falling Off the Wall?
Suction cups fail because of dirty surfaces or porous tiles. To fix this, clean the wall and the suction cup with rubbing alcohol and let it dry completely. A tiny dab of petroleum jelly on the rim of the cup can also help create a better air seal, but remember that suction cups generally will not stick to textured, porous, or matte-finish tiles.
