Best Baby Bathtubs of 2024
A clean, safe and happy baby? Find the right tub to get the job done.
By Jen LaBracio | Medically Reviewed by Brittany DiBardino DO
Bathtime can be adorable, but it can also be tricky. There are so many baby bathtub options, but finding one that checks all the boxes can be surprisingly hard. As a baby gear expert, I often hear parents complain that the tub they registered for made giving their baby a bath more stressful rather than less. Newborns are tiny (and floppy!), and many tubs don’t offer enough support, especially during those first few months. Older babies are curious and don’t want to sit still. A good baby bathtub can help support and contain your little one and make the whole process a lot easier.
During my time as Babylist’s gear editor—and through almost a decade as a mom of two—I’ve tried out far more bathtubs than the average mom. I drew on that experience as I compiled this list of the best baby bathtubs. I also included picks from our annual Best Baby Products survey that polled over 6,000 Babylist parents on the baby products they love the most and why, and read hundreds of customer product reviews. These expert-tested, parent-approved picks will help you narrow down your search for a baby tub that makes bathtime an easy (and fun) part of your bedtime routine.
Babylist’s Top Picks for the Best Baby Bathtubs
- Best Basin Tub: Fisher-Price 4-in-1 Sling ‘n Seat Tub
- Best Sink Bath: FridaBaby Soft Sink Baby Bath
- Best Bath Support: Angelcare Baby Bath Support
- Best Affordable: The First Years Sure Comfort Deluxe Newborn-to-Toddler Tub with Sling
- Longest Lasting: Lalo Bathtime Starter Kit
- Best Gift Set: Skip Hop x Babylist Moby 3-Stage Bath Gift Set
- Best Collapsible: OXO Tot Bath Tub & Accessories Bundle
- Best for Travel: Boon PUFF+ Inflatable Baby Bather
In This Article
Babylist’s Picks for the Best Baby Bathtubs
Best Basin Baby Bathtub
The Scoop
- Good newborn support
- Roomy, works for babies + young toddlers
- Hook to hang dry
What Our Experts Think
There are a few popular basin-style baby bathtubs that could have snagged the top spot on this list, but this multimode seat from Fisher-Price is the one we keep coming back to. 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.
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 roomier than many other basin tubs. This makes it easier to wash your baby and means the tub will last you longer as your baby grows. We also love the thoughtful features like the hook for drying and the drain plug.
What’s Worth Considering
Like most basin tubs, this one is large and bulky and doesn’t collapse for easy storage. It’s also too large to fit in most standard-sized sinks if you prefer to bathe your baby there. The drain hole is located under the seat insert, which isn’t ideal.
Additional Specs
| Child Guidelines | Birth and up |
| Dimensions | 31.5” x 18.11” x 9.06” |
Best Sink Baby Bathtub
The Scoop
- Makes sink baths easy
- Quick-drying
- Also great for travel and small spaces
What Our Experts Think
There are few things cuter than a baby in a sink, but many sink inserts leave a lot to be desired. I generally prefer basin-style tubs over sink inserts because many sink baths put babies (especially younger ones) in slumped over positions. 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. The insert hangs flat when not in use, so it won’t take up any precious bathroom real estate, and dried quickly thanks to the material. You can even machine wash it if needed.
What’s Worth Considering
Whether or not a sink bath will work for you often depends on the shape of your sink and the size of your baby. Some sinks simply aren’t shaped in a way that offers babies enough support, especially younger ones—so even a good sink bath won’t fix that.
This tub likely won’t last all that long. Although it’s approved for use up to 24 months, most babies won’t want to use it once they start sitting up and becoming a bit more mobile.
Additional Specs
| Child Guidelines | Birth to 24 mos |
| Dimensions | 4.25” x 13” x 17.5” |
Best Baby Bath Support
The Scoop
- Tub + bath seat hybrid
- Affordable, easy to clean
- Great for bathing a newborn + toddler together
What Our Experts Think
This bathtub + bath seat hybrid is my all-time favorite way to bathe a baby. (And many Babylist parents agree!) 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. 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.
The seat is designed to support even young babies in a comfortably reclined position (a promise that it delivers on), and you can use it in either your adult tub or in most sinks. The mesh is soft and mildew-resistant so you don’t have to worry about anything yucky. And the drain holes allow you to constantly filter in fresh water and rinse soap away.
What’s Worth Considering
Since this tub doesn’t submerge your baby under the water, it can get chilly, especially for infants. I like to place a warm washcloth over baby while bathing to help with this.
We also recommend this tub for parents who need to bathe a baby and a toddler at the same time.
Additional Specs
| Child Guidelines | Birth to 6 mos; up to 20 lbs |
| Dimensions | 22” x 13.5” x 8.8” |
Best Affordable Baby Bathtub
The Scoop
- Great value
- Works from newborn days through toddlerhood
- Fits in most sinks and in the tub
What Our Experts Think
This First Years baby bathtub is under $20, has three different positions for babies through toddlers and is a bit more compact than some other basin-style tubs, making it more likely to fit in your sink if that’s where you prefer to bathe baby. Babylist parents call out the sling insert specifically, sharing that it provides excellent support for newborns who may become slumped over in other tubs. Once your little one outgrows the insert, there’s a built-in bump to prevent your baby from sliding down. (The anti-slip pads help, too.)
What’s Worth Considering
Because it’s more compact than some other basin tubs, your baby is likely to outgrow it sooner.
Additional Specs
| Child Guidelines | Birth to 25 lbs |
| Dimensions | 9.5” x 30” x 15.75” |
Longest Lasting Baby Bathtub
The Scoop
- Multi-stage and multi-function
- Chic and modern
- Basin transforms to sensory bin or toy storage container
What Our Experts Think
This chic, modern baby bathtub from Lalo has a lot going for it in the looks department and will complement 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. 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.
One more cool (and really unique) feature: the basin doubles as a sensory bin or toy storage container once your baby has moved onto the regular bathtub. So instead of having to a giant hunk of plastic to contend with, I brought it down to our playroom and dumped in a huge bunch of toys. Genius!
What’s Worth Considering
The Bathtime Starter Kit comes with the tub, a rinse cup and a spout cover. The tub doesn’t fold or collapse, so storage might be an issue if you’re tight on space. It’s also on the expensive side.
Additional Specs
| Child Guidelines | Birth and up |
| Dimensions | 25.3” x 18” x 7.7” |
Best Baby Bathtub Gift Set
The Scoop
- Perfect for baby registries
- Great infant support + transitions through toddlerhood
- Built-in hook for hanging
What Our Experts Think
If you’re looking for a bath set to add to your baby registry, this is a great choice. This three-piece set includes a tub, spout cover and a rinser and is a popular pick among Babylist parents. The Moby tub has a mesh sling insert built right in that parents say is “safe and sturdy for newborns.” Once your baby is a little more stable, move the sling into its second position to support older babies who are learning to sit, then remove it altogether to turn the tub into a toddler-friendly spot for easy bathtime.
What’s Worth Considering
This tub on the larger side and won’t fit in most sinks. If storage is an issue, there’s a built-in hook on the back of the whale for easy hanging. And if you prefer a more neutral color, check out the Babylist exclusive white colorway for a different look.
Additional Specs
| Child Guidelines | Birth and up |
| Dimensions | 27.5” x 19” x 11.5” |
Best Collapsible Baby Bathtub
The Scoop
- Great for small spaces
- Folds flat for easy storage + built-in hook for hanging
- Empties fast thanks to two-sided drain
What Our Experts Think
Many standard basin-style tubs don’t fold or collapse, leaving you out of luck if you prefer that style of baby tub but don’t have the room to store one. The Oxo tub folds flat and compactly with a built-in hook for easy storage. It’s also really roomy and will work until your baby hits about 18 pounds or so. There are two different options, an angled side for newborns and a flat side for older babies, and a two-sided drain so it won’t take you forever to empty it out. This exclusive-to-Babylist bundle comes with the tub, a silicone rinser and a soft spout cover.
What’s Worth Considering
This tub is on the bulkier side. And, like many folding tubs, some parents note that the support for newborns isn’t ideal. You can help by laying a towel under your baby in those early weeks to help prevent them from sliding.
Additional Specs
| Child Guidelines | Birth to 18 mos |
| Dimensions | 30.5” x 18” x 4.8” |
Best Baby Bathtub for Travel
The Scoop
- Ideal for travel
- Versatile; can be used in sink or big tub
- Includes built-in swaddle wings
What Our Experts Think
If you’re worried about bathing your baby on the go, this is the tub for you. This inflatable baby bathtub can be tossed right into your bag or suitcase, making it ideal for travel. It’s also super versatile; you can use it in most sinks or in an adult tub. The cozy fabric and contoured sides keep baby supported and comfortable. And there’s one other completely original, really innovative feature we love: built-in swaddle wings. They’re just right for wrapping around your baby to keep them warm during bathtime.
What’s Worth Considering
To fully dry the outer microfleece cover, you’ll want to remove it and either toss it in the dyer or hang it up. (For a good scrub, it’s also machine washable.)
Need a travel-friendly inflatable tub that also works for older babies? Check out the Munchkin White Hot Inflatable Duck Tub.
Additional Specs
| Child Guidelines | Birth to 20 lbs |
| Dimensions | 22.5” x 16.5” x 6.5” |
More Baby Bathtubs We Love
This plush insert is another option to consider if you’re looking for a sink bath. The big draw here is the cushioning; the plush “petals” create a soft surface and conform to most sink sizes. Just note it holds onto a lot of water post-bathtime and takes a long time to air dry. (It is dryer-friendly, though.)
Blooming Bath Blooming Bath x Babylist Lotus Baby Bath - Plush Sink Bather - Daisy
The Flexi Bath is a great option for bathing older kiddos. Thanks to its high sides, it works until your little one is up to four years old—the highest age limit for any tub on our list. It also folds completely flat for storage.
Stokke Flexi Bath with Newborn Support - White
A bath seat is a great option for babies newly transitioning to the regular tub. They give older (and still very slippery) babies a safe spot in the bath, freeing up your hands for scrubbing. This one has three sturdy arms for 360° of support and a high backrest that keeps your little one safe and secure. Just remember never to leave your baby in it unsuperervised.
Summer Infant My Bath Seat
Parent hack alert: this affordable bath cushion (think giant sponge) has so many uses. Stick it inside a baby bathtub to help prop and support a slippery newborn; use it in your sink for sink baths; lay it on the bottom of your big bathtub for some extra padding; or pop it in your suitcase for travel.
HALLO Baby Bath Sponge
How We Chose the Best Baby Bathtubs
- We analyzed results from Babylist’s Best Baby Products survey, which polled 6,000 Babylist users and asked them to share the baby products they love the most and why.
- We utilized insight from the Babylist editorial team, including Gear Editor Jen LaBracio, an expert in the baby space for over six years and a mom of two who has written hundreds of baby gear guides and personally researched and tested hundreds of baby products, including many baby bathtubs.
- We reviewed customer reviews from hundreds of real Babylist parents.
Types of Baby Bathtubs
A baby bathtub is exactly what it sounds like—a small, specially designed tub used for bathing infants and babies. There are two main types of baby tubs: sink inserts and basin tubs. One isn’t better than the other, but they are quite different, and you need to know about those differences before you can make a decision.
Sink inserts
Sink inserts rest inside of your sink and turn it into a mini bath baby bath.
- Flexible and mold to fit the kitchen or bathroom sink.
- Allow parents or caregivers to stand at the sink comfortably during bath time.
- Hangs conveniently—great for limited storage space.
- Great for the newborn stage, but typically outgrown after four to six months.
Pro tip: always measure your sink and the insert before purchasing a sink insert-style baby bathtub to ensure that it fits.
Basin tubs
Basin tubs are standalone baby bathtubs.
- Can be used in regular bathroom tubs or on counters or tables (they can even be used outside).
- Most have a newborn baby-friendly option that can be removed, allowing the tub to last through at least the first year or be used with larger babies.
- Some models collapse for easier storage.
Do I Even Need a Baby Bathtub?
Babies are tiny, floppy and slippery—especially when they’re covered in suds. A baby bathtub will help you safely support your baby during bathtime. While the kitchen sink is an option, many parents like having a dedicated spot for bathing their little one, especially during the early months. A baby tub can also be great to set on top of a kitchen counter for bathtime so you don’t have to bend over your adult-sized tub (which can be especially hard if you’re recovering from delivery).
How to Choose the Best Baby Bathtub
For something so seemingly basic, there are a lot of baby bathtubs to choose from when you’re shopping or building your registry. How should you think through the features you’ll need—and what to skip?
- Type of bathtub. First up is choosing between a sink insert or a basin tub. There are pros and cons to each type of bathtub. To help you decide, think about which one would work best for both your living space and your personal preferences. Still can’t decide? Some parents add both types of baby bathtubs to their registries. The good news is that sink inserts are generally fairly inexpensive, so you won’t have too much regret about buying one if you ultimately decide it’s not for you.
- Size and storability. Next, think through your home’s bathroom setup. Do you have room to store a standalone basin tub that doesn’t fold? Is there a spot to hang a sink insert to dry? Considering these questions can help you determine which baby bathtub is the better choice.
- Features. Finally, think through the features you want to prioritize in a baby bathtub. Do you need a tub that folds or one with a more compact design? Will you be bathing your baby with an older sibling and want something that will fit in your adult bathtub alongside your toddler? Are there safety features like nonslip surfaces, a nonslip base and an ergonomic design for supportive positioning? What about nice-to-have features like drain holes to quickly empty dirty water and a newborn sling or insert to support the tiniest bathers? Will the tub go the distance if you want to use it into toddlerhood?
How Long Can You Use a Baby Bathtub?
Each baby bathtub has its own age range, but many can be used from day one until your baby begins sitting up. Some can even be used through the toddler years.
Many parents choose to move their baby to the big tub around six months old (about the time many babies begin sitting up on their own). However, some parents continue to use basin tubs long after this milestone for the safety and security they provide. It simply comes down to comfort level and personal preference.
Jen LaBracio
Senior Gear Editor
Jen LaBracio is Babylist’s Senior Gear Editor, a role that perfectly combines her love of all things baby gear with her love of (obsessive) research. When she’s not testing out a new high chair or pushing the latest stroller model around her neighborhood, she likes to run, spin, listen to podcasts, read and spend time at the beach. In her past life, she worked for over a decade in children’s publishing. She lives outside of Chicago with her husband and their two boys, Will and Ben.
