The Best Baby Bath Seats and Bathtubs (Guides and Reviews)

Having a baby comes with lots of gear, which can be overwhelming for first-time parents. Essential items include car seats for safe transport, high chairs for meal time, a Pack n Play to keep the little one nearby, a bath for bathtime, and lots of diapers! But that’s just the beginning – other important supplies include bibs, bottles, burp cloths, toys for playtime fun, and a stroller for trips outside the home.

Bathing your baby for the first time can be a daunting task. These bathtime essentials will help your baby’s first bath go smoothly. We came up with a list of the best baby bath seats, bathtubs, and bath supports. You can find the best product for you and your baby below.

Best Baby Bathtubs

A traditional baby bathtub is usually a hard plastic small tub that can accommodate a newborn to toddler. They typically have a sling that attaches so you can safely support your newborn in the small tub.

The sling suspends them above the water and allows you to give them more of a sponge bath in the early days while waiting for their umbilical cord to fall off. These bathtubs can be used over a sink, on a countertop, or in an adult bathtub. The following are our top picks.

1. Summer Splish ‘n Splash 3-Stage Tub

The Summer Splish ‘n Splash tub includes a fabric newborn sling, a cushioned support, a parent assist tray, and a drain plug. This tub works for newborns, infants, and toddlers. The simplistic design of this tub makes bath time fun and safe. This tub can fit in single or double sinks or a regular tub. 

The newborn sling makes a safe spot for your newborn to bathe during stage 1. In stage 2, the sling comes out and bathes infants until they can sit up independently. Once your baby can sit up independently, they can use the toddler area for stage 3. The drain plug makes it easy to clean up after bathtime. 

What we like

tray to keep essentials nearby
newborn sling included
drain plug

What we don’t

sling stays suspended too high

Summary

The Summer Splish ‘n Splash Tub is perfect for bathing your newborn all the way to toddlerhood. It maximizes space by having 3 different stages included in one tub. It even has a parent tray to keep some bathtime essentials or toys within reach. It conveniently fits in most kitchen sinks or an adult tub. 

2. First Years Sure Comfort Deluxe Tub

The First Years Sure Comfort Tub has an Infant sling so the tub can grow with your child from newborn to toddler. The mesh sling is a form-fitting netting that provides support while bathing a newborn. There is also a deep ergonomic design that holds your growing baby during bath time. Once your baby is an active toddler, they can sit up and have plenty of room to play. 

The mesh sling is machine washable and dryable. There are also anti-slip pads that are mildew resistant. The tub is easy to clean and drain. Bath time will be less stressful with the Sure Comfort Newborn to Toddler tub. 

What we like

Mesh Newborn Sling included
mildew resistant pads
drain plug changes color if water is too hot

What we don’t

no hook to hang to dry
divider hump hits baby’s back when they are in the sling phase

Summary

The First Years Sure Comfort Tub gives you a safe place to bathe your baby from birth to toddlerhood. The tub features a mesh sling that cradles your newborn while bathing. Once you remove the sling, it becomes a seat with a recline and padded headrest.

There is a built-in bump on the side of the tub to keep them from sliding down. Later your toddler can sit up comfortably and have room to play. 

3. Skip Hop 3-Stage Baby Bath Tub, Moby

The Skip Hop whale-shaped Moby tub offers 3 stages for your baby. The Smart Sling support has two positions: full-body support in the higher position and seated support in the lower position. Stage 1 cradles newborns in the full-body support sling, up to 15 lbs. Stage 2 gives sling support for infants learning to sit up for up to 20 lbs. Once your baby can sit independently, you can move to stage 3 and remove the sling for a spacious tub for up to 25lbs. 

The tub has a non-slip interior texture, so your baby won’t slip around. There is a drain plug, so you can easily drain the tub after bathing time. There is also a built-in swivel hook so you can hang the tub on a showerhead or a towel bar to dry out until the next use. 

What we like

hook for hanging to dry
non-slip tub bottom
drain plug

What we don’t

drains super slow
users found the sling musty smelling even after drying completely every time

Summary

The Moby tub is a versatile tub that can grow with your child. Once your baby outgrows stage 3, your child will be ready to take their baths in a normal tub. The Dual layered mesh sling supports your newborn in Stage 1 and then your infant during Stage 2. Once your baby can sit up on their own, you can remove the sling, and your baby can comfortably bath in their own personal tub. 

Best Baby Bath Seats 

Baby Bath Seats are seats that support your baby while they take a bath. You can use the seats in a large sink, an adult bathtub, or the bottom of the shower. Baby bath seats are perfect for showering with your baby; they give you somewhere to place your baby while washing and rinse yourself.

4. Summer Deluxe Baby Bath Support with Warming Wings

You can use the Summer Deluxe Bath Support in a sink or an adult bathtub. This is perfect for giving your baby a sponge bath as a newborn. There are warming wings to help keep your baby warm or dry. Later they can be removed and uses as washcloths. There are 3 different recline positions to grow with your baby as they learn to sit up. 

The Summer Bath Support can be folded flat, making it perfect for bringing while traveling. All of the fabric is machine washable. You can also use the bath support on the floor of the shower or adult bathtub so you can have your baby with you while you shower. 

What we like

folds flat for travel
machine washable

What we don’t

no grip on the bottom slides easily

Summary

Have your baby close to you while you shower with this convenient bath support. There are three different recline positions to make sure your baby is always in a comfortable position.

The warming wings keep your baby wet or dry and warm while you wash yourself or rinse off. The soft mesh fabric is machine washable and easy to clean. 

5. Summer Clean Rinse Baby Bather

The Clean Rinse Baby Bather is a bath support that you can use on the countertop and in the sink or a bathtub. Its unique feature is that it can drain directly into the sink from the countertop. The soft material on the seat is fast drying and comfortable for your baby. Bathing directly on the countertop means no more bending over while you bathe your baby. 

Newborns can use this baby support until they can sit up on their own. Usually, that means from birth until about 6 months. 3 recline positions adjust with the touch of a button. It also folds flat for easy storage. 

What we like

works on countertop
nonslip bottom
folds flat

What we don’t

only works for newborns and infants 

Summary 

Easily bathe your baby from your countertop with the Summer Clean Rinse Baby Bather. The water flows easily into the sink and keeps your countertops dry with its unique design. The baby will be comfortable in the soft material, and you will love that it is easy to clean. Fold-flat to store and dry or take along with you for travel. 

6. Summer My Bath Seat

The Summer Bath Seat is a soft, spacious seat quickly installed and secured with suction cups. The seat is placed in a normal tub and locked in position with suction cups for your baby to comfortably sit and take a bath securely. The high backrest gives your baby plenty of back support. 

The Bath Seat can fit in standard rectangular tubs with an inner width of 21-24 inches. The padded seat has drain holes so you can easily wash and rinse your baby. Great for babies age 5 months-10 months. 

What we like

easy to install and remove
comfortable and secure

What we don’t

not for chunky babies
hard to wash babies bottom

Summary 

The Summer My Bath Seat is perfect for when you transition your baby to an adult tub. The seat allows you to keep your hands free while bathing your baby. They are secure in their seat while you wash them. The holes in the bottom make it easy to rinse all the soapy suds away. It is recommended for children aged 5-10 months. 

Best Baby Bath Supports

Baby Bath Supports are comfy companions that make a comfortable place to sit while taking a bath. These supports are great for newborns since it fills the whole sink and surrounds your baby. It is a great way to help your baby feel secure while transitioning to a big tub as your baby grows.

7. Pond Pals Baby Bath Frog

The Pond Pals Baby Bath Frog is the perfect alternative to the traditional baby bathtubs. If you don’t have room for a traditional bathtub or don’t want to mess with cleaning it try out this adorable ‘bath hug.’ 4 sides fit into most sinks and cradle your baby as you bathe them. This works best for babies birth to 6 months. 

The material is soft and cuddly, making a fun, safe bath experience for your baby. This unique design cradles your baby as you bathe them, making it a favorite for new parents. Just wring out excess water and hang to dry. You can also throw it in the washer on a spin cycle to easily get the excess water away, and then it dries really fast. 

What we like

perfect for newborns
soft material
fits most sinks

What we don’t

not for older babies
hard to wring out by hand

Summary

The Pond Pals Baby Bath folds into any kitchen sink giving your baby the perfect spot to relax during a bath. Even a squirmy baby will enjoy the soft cuddly sides of this bath. This bath design is perfect for parents that may be nervous about bathing a newborn for the first time.

The material is super soft and cradles your baby, creating a safe and convenient bath area. As your baby gets older, you can use it as a toddler bath seat in an adult tub. 

8. Blooming Bath Lotus Baby Bath

The Blooming Bath Lotus Baby Bath has 4 extra-wide petals that offer optimal sink coverage, so your baby is as comfortable as possible. This design is a great alternative to traditional bathtubs. It is recommended to use for babies 0-6 months. It is also a great tool to help babies transition to an adult tub once they sit up independently. 

This Lotus Bath can fit into almost any kitchen sink. To use, plug the tub once you reach your optimal temperature. Place the flower in the sink and allow the baby to rest in the middle of the flower while you bathe them. After the bath, wrings out the water and hang it to dry. Or you can throw it in the dryer for 10-15 min for a faster dry. It is safe to wash and dry on the delicate cycle. 

What we like

easy to use
great for newborns
machine washable and dryer safe on delicate

What we don’t

hard to wring out

Summary

The Blooming Lotus Bath is a perfect way to bathe your newborn safely. The flower petals are a soft cuddly spot for your baby while you bathe them. It fits into almost any sink and can even be used once your baby outgrows the sinks in the tub for some extra stability.

After bath time, wring out excess water and hang it to dry or throw it in the dryer. It can be machine washed on delicate. As your baby gets older, it can be used as a toddler bath seat in an adult tub. 

Best Inflatable Baby Bathtubs

9. Mommy’s Helper Inflatable Bath Tub

The Froggie Inflatable Bath Tub creates the perfect bath environment for your little one. The cushioned tub gives your baby a padded comfortable space to bathe in and can be used on any flat surface. There is a saddle horn that can be inflated to keep your baby from sliding around the tub. There is also a drain plug on the bottom for an easy way to drain the tub. 

This Inflatable Baby Bath Tub is great for travel; it inflates and deflates easily. It can accommodate a baby from 6 to 24 months. The saddle horn is optional, so you don’t need to inflate it once your baby can sit more independently and want a little more room in the tub. 

What we like

convenient for travel
cushioned and padded
optional saddle horn support 

What we don’t

it takes a long time to blow up
slow drain

Summary 

The Mommy’s Helper Inflatable Bath Tub is a convenient and comfortable travel tub. It deflates to fold up and stow away or travel with. This tub is perfect for babies that may be a little too big for the traditional baby bathtubs. The saddle horn can be inflated if your baby needs a little more support or leave out, so they have more room to move around and play. You can use this tub on any flat surface. 

This tub takes a long time to blow up by mouth, so be sure to pick up one of these convenient air pumps to go along with it.

10. Baby Inflatable Bathtub by Juberm

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The Juberm Inflatable Bathtub gives your baby a safe and comfortable bath no matter where you are. This tub can be used on any flat surface and travels well. The bottom of the tub is textured, so your baby won’t slip around. There is also an inflatable raised section to support your baby around their legs. You can use this tub for babies from 0-4 years old. 

The Tub is made with non-toxic PVC materials and is soft and smooth to protect your baby’s skin. It has a convenient side pocket to store some small essentials during bath time. This tub can inflate in seconds with the included air pump. It also deflates easily for storage or to take traveling. 

What we like

included air pump
non-slip textured bottom
optional middle support

What we don’t

some users found the material cheap and not durable

Summary

This inflatable bathtub is BPA-free and made of high-quality PVC. It is lightweight and portable. It is easy to inflate and deflate, so it’s perfect for travel. You can even use it as a bassinet/crib while traveling. It is ideal for babies 0-4 years old but works better for children that can sit up on their own a little. For smaller babies, it would be great paired with the blooming lotus (seen above).

11. Stokke Flexi Bath- Foldable Baby Bathtub

The Stokke Flexi Bath is a foldable baby bathtub that you can use for newborns to children age 4. It is lightweight and portable, making it a great option for travel. The bathtub folds flat for easy storage. It has a non-slip base and a heat-sensitive drain plug that changes color if the water is too warm. 

There is newborn support, so your baby is comfortable inside the Flexi Bath. You can use the newborn support for babies up to 17.6 lbs. There are different sizes of the Flexi Bath, and the larger ones can accommodate a child up to 6 years old. This Tub fits in most adult bathtubs. 

What we like

nonslip bottom
newborn support insert
lightweight and portable

What we don’t

a little narrow for bigger babies and toddlers (arms rub)

Summary

The Stokke Flexi Bath is a foldable bathtub for children 0-4 years old. If you live in a house with a shower only or go on vacation to a place with a shower only, this makes a great baby bathtub. It conveniently stores away when you are not using it. There are different sizes, so you can get the larger one and use it for a child up to 6 years old. It also has newborn support so that you can use it right from birth. 

Baby Bathtime Essentials

FAQ’s for Baby Bathtubs and Baby Bath Supports

1. Do you need a baby bathtub?

A baby bathtub makes it easy to bathe your baby. Adult tubs can be too big to keep your baby secure while washing them. Having a smaller tub can make this task a lot easier. There are many different types of baby bathtubs, not to mention baby bath supports, that make bathing a newborn a lot easier. 

2. How long will you use a baby bathtub?

Parents can use a baby bathtub from newborn to toddler. Most bathtubs have different stages depending on the age of your child. Most include a mesh sling that supports your newborn, and they are suspended in the bigger toddler tub. There are also different sitting areas in a baby tub for either an infant or a toddler and their sitting abilities. Most toddlers are ready to take a bath in an adult tub once they can walk. 

3. Which baby bathtub is the best?

Our top pick for the best baby bathtub is the Summer Splish ‘n Splash Bathtub. It can accommodate a baby from 0-48 months. There is a sling that clips in for a newborn. There is then an area your infant can recline in. Once your baby can sit up independently, there is another area they can sit and have room to play.

4. Are bath seats safe for babies?

Bath seats are safe for babies, but they are not meant to be used without an adult present. Always make sure you are near your baby when they are in the bathtub. Don’t add hot water directly to the bath; test the water temperature before adding it to the bathtub. 

5. What age can a baby use a bath seat?

Your baby can use a bath seat once they can almost sit up independently. Babies tend to start sitting up unassisted around 4-6 months. Baby bath seats have some support for your baby, but you want to make sure they can hold up their body a little before using a bath seat.

6. What should I look for in a baby bathtub?

A baby bathtub should be versatile and convenient. If it is being used for a newborn, it should have a newborn insert that will support them until they lift their head and neck on their own. You want a tub that will grow with your child and support an infant before fully sitting up on their own. Look for a bathtub that drains easily and can be cleaned easily.

Conclusion

Bathing a newborn and an infant can be hard. A baby bathtub or baby bath seat makes this a little easier. It gives you a small compact space for you to bathe your baby safely. There are different types of baby bathtubs and bath seats.

Hard plastic baby bathtubs are very commonly seen on a baby registry. They are small bathtubs that can fit over a sink, or you can use them on the counter. They can bathe babies from 0-36 or 48 months, depending on the size.

Inflatable baby bathtubs are great for travel options. They are cushioned on all sides and have a little inflatable hump in the middle that can help support your baby, so they don’t slide. You can use them on most flat surfaces. Some come with an air pump, but if they don’t, be sure to get one.

Baby bath seats are also top-rated. You can use them in an adult tub to keep your baby a little more contained and upright during a bath. Some have recline positions available for younger babies. Other baby bath seats are cushions that fold into any sink, giving babies a soft area to lounge during their bath.

No matter the type of bath support you use for your baby, you should always stay within arms’ reach. Don’t leave your baby or toddler unattended during a bath. Never add hot water directly into a bath; the temperature can be hotter than you realize.