7 Best Baby Bathtubs and Bath Seats to Make Wash Time Much Easier

checked mark Fact-Checked by Erin Cavoto  | January 3, 2024
Best Baby Bathtubs

Quick Summary

The best baby bathtub is the Fisher-Price Baby to Toddler Bath 4-in-1, according to testers from the What to Expect staff and user community. When choosing a baby bathtub, caregivers say it’s most important to consider safety features, versatility and how easy it is to keep clean.

For many families, bathtime is an essential part of the daily routine. A good soak in the tub (and getting dried off with a fluffy baby towel after) is the best way to clean up the mess caused by diaper blowouts and spit up, as well as a nice way to help your little one wind down before bed. Although you can just use the sink or the bathtub you have as their bathing space, many parents feel more comfortable using a baby bathtub to keep their child more contained. 

The best baby bathtubs offer a safe and comfortable bathing experience, whether they’re used in a large sink or in the shower/tub area. There are a variety of options available, including baby bathtubs for newborns and tubs that will help with toddler bathtime, too. Depending on what you’re looking for, there’s a baby bathtub that will best fit your bath routine, budget and home.

How we chose the best baby bathtubs 

When shopping for a baby tub, you want one that is safe for baby, easy to clean and sturdy. Your baby should be able to sit comfortably without you worrying about them sliding down (soapy babies can be slippery!), and you ideally want it to grow with them so it doesn’t become useless after just a few months. To help narrow down your choices, we sought feedback from What to Expect community members on which tubs they loved most and what features they most appreciated. Based on their comments, we ensured that all the baby bathtubs selected met the following criteria:

  • Safety: The most important thing to consider with a baby bathtub is how safe it will be for your little one (remember, infants can drown even in a small amount of water in a bathtub). Going along with guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), we selected tubs with rounded edges to prevent baby from getting cut or bruised, and tubs that are free from protrusions that jut out and could hurt baby. We also prioritized bathtubs with additional safety features, like non-slip bottoms that can keep a tub in one place. 
  • Versatility: A tub that can only be used for newborns up to, say, four months, obviously isn’t going to go very far — and may feel like a waste of money. We chose tubs that are versatile with inserts or slings that can be taken out, as well as adjustable features to make the tubs larger or removable seats that can be used in your main bathtub.
  • Portability: A portable tub can be a great choice for families that travel often or just need to be able to move the tub around the house. Foldable bathtubs are space savers when not in use, and they’re also easier to take with you when leaving the house. You should also look for hooks on baby bathtubs for easy storage.  
  • Easy to clean: The AAP notes that you want to clean your tub regularly so unsafe mold doesn’t build up. We prioritized tubs with easy-to-use drains to make drying quick and efficient. We also steered away from tubs with small areas that are hard or impossible to clean.

Each of the baby tubs on this list has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from What to Expect staff and community members for this criteria. 

Why Trust Us?

What to Expect is the world’s most trusted pregnancy and parenting brand for a reason. Our product recommendations are based on expert parent insight, advice from medical professionals and feedback from the millions of parents and parents-to-be in our community. Our editors adhere to the highest research and reporting standards and our team of vetted OB/GYNs, pediatricians and other health professionals ensure our recommended products are safe and effective for you and your baby.

Best Overall Baby Bathtub

Fisher-Price 4-In-1 Sling 'n Seat Tub

best baby bathtub - Fisher-Price 4-In-1 Sling 'n Seat Tub
Buying Options
Pros
  • Grows with your baby through toddler years
  • Has a hook for drying and storage
  • Versatile
  • Comes with two toys
Cons
  • Might get slimy over time

Age range: Newborn to toddler

Weight limit: 25 pounds 

Weight: 7.48 pounds

Dimensions: 18.11 x 31.5 x 9 inches

Why We
Love it
Community
Reviews
Why We Love It

With more than 15,000 five-star reviews on Amazon and plenty of happy testimonials from WTE community members, this Fisher-Price bathtub is a clear overall favorite. The four stage design means you can use it from the time your child is a newborn through the early toddler years, with two inserts that can be removed as needed to make the space more comfortable. 

First, many praise the newborn mesh sling for being sturdy and drying quickly. Once baby is too big for the sling, you can use the seat insert to give your baby more support in the tub as they learn to sit up. This can be used on the inclined side of the tub for smaller babies and on the more upright side for older babies who can sit up well without support (typically, around 7-months-old). When they no longer need the extra support, you can remove the seat, and it just becomes an open tub. 

Parents love that this tub comes with a hook for easy storage and drying, as well as a convenient drain to ensure all of the water comes out. It’s large enough to comfortably sit in a tub, but also fits in many sinks. 

Some reviews, however, did note that it could get a little slimy over time if not properly cared for. Others also point out that the foam insert in the seat added to a little build-up over time. 

Community Reviews
  • I have the fisher price one that I used with my 2 boys… I liked that you just had to fill up the small tub you didn’t need to fill up your whole actual tub to use it. Also once they start sitting up you don’t have to worry about getting another seat, they can still continue to use the small tub... I will say though the fisher price one does get super slimy, you have to be pretty good about cleaning it every time.”

  • We have the Fisher Price one from our first and loved it. We would fill it so the bottom part of the sling was in the water and we kept the bathroom really warm so no fear of little one getting cold. I liked that it grew with our daughter and she used it until about a year, which was longer than necessary, but more convenient and water saving for us. I also loved the hook it has. After bath, we would wipe it down and hang it on the curtain rod to dry/ get it out of the way.

  • “I have the fisher price one and loved it. It can be used in so many ways once your baby starts growing. The water stays in the bottom and you don’t use that much water. Plus it keeps any types of poop or pee contained lol.”

Best Affordable Baby Bathtub

The First Years Sure Comfort Deluxe Adjustable Baby Bathtub

best baby bathtub - The First Years Sure Comfort Deluxe Infant to Toddler Tub With Sling
Pros
  • Budget-friendly
  • Grows with baby
  • Lightweight
  • Includes accessory tray
Cons
  • Some reviewers noted bottom can move around

Age range: Newborn through toddler 

Weight limit: 25 pounds 

Weight: 2.85 pounds 

Dimensions: 29.75 x 15 x 11.25 inches

Why We
Love it
Community
Reviews
Why We Love It

With rave reviews on Amazon and from WTE community members and staff, the First Years bathtub is a do-it-all option that won’t break the bank. Parents find it long-lasting and comfortable for babies of all ages. This option is very similar to the Fisher-Price choice, but at half the price, it’s a more budget-friendly pick for those who don’t want to spend a lot.

The removable newborn sling is great for the first few months of baby’s life, and it attaches to the sides of the tub to make it feel a little more sturdy. Once the sling is removed, a supportive bump and inclined back make it supportive enough for young babies who are still having trouble sitting up unassisted. For toddlers, a foam insert on the bottom of the tub allows them to sit comfortably. 

Leah Rocketto, What to Expect’s Associate Commerce Director, appreciated the straight-forward design of this tub. “I like that it was very obvious how to use it for an infant, baby and toddler,” she says. “It was very sturdy, so I felt like it offered my daughter extra support, in addition to my own.” It even includes an accessory bar that she says is great for placing toys on to keep her daughter busy during bath time.

At barely three pounds, it’s also super lightweight, which makes it easy to clean and move around. “The size and weight makes it easy to turn the tub over to dump the water out,” Leah says. “The plug on the side is also super convenient if you don't have a partner around to help you or you're dealing with postpartum pain.” 

While most parents rave about how easy this is to use, noting their toddlers still love it and feel comfortable in it, some reviewers did point out that the lack of a non-slip bottom and light weight made it slide a bit in the tub. 

Community Reviews
  • This tub works great for us! Don't see him outgrowing it anytime soon because he can sit up straight in it. The tub is too slippery and the suction cup seats are tricky to clean the baby everywhere.”

  • “This is the one I’ve used for my kids. I make sure to have everything at arms length that I’ll need. Babies bathe really quickly.” 

  • “I use this tub, goes until toddler. Our baby loves to splash and it was getting crazy in the kitchen. Now i fill the baby tub with a few inches of water and then place it in the empty, unstopped tub. He can splash, no mess, and I feel comfortable he is secure. I always keep one hand on. With my first she was in the tub, but not a crazy splasher like LO.”

Most Versatile Baby Bathtub

Lalo The Bath Tub

Lalo bathtub
Buying Options
Pros
  • Grows with your baby
  • Easy to clean
  • Non-slip bottom
  • Aesthetically-pleasing design
Cons
  • Expensive
  • Less newborn support than some other options

Age range: Newborn and up 

Weight limit: Not available

Weight: 9 pounds 

Dimensions: 25.3 x 18 x 7.7 inches

Why We Love It

If you want a versatile bathtub that you can use beyond toddlerhood, this Lalo option is a great choice. It’s highly intuitive to use since it includes just two pieces, and can actually be used as a sensory bin or bath toy storage once baby outgrows the tub.

I don’t have a regular sized bathtub in my house, and I personally have been using this option for my daughter since she was 3-months-old. Once the infant insert is removed, it becomes a tub of open space that is ideal for a toddler who likes to move around. My now-18-month-old loves splashing around in the tub. There’s plenty of room in there for them to play but still be contained, and a non-slip bottom keeps it firmly in place. It’s very easy to clean and the silicone plug at the bottom makes it simple to drain without worrying about baby’s skin snagging. 

Be warned: This tub is a bit bulky, so it’s not ideal for small spaces. It’s also more expensive than a lot of other options, but I will say I appreciate the minimalist aesthetic and muted color choices. 

Best Baby Bathtub for Newborns

Angelcare Baby Bath Support

Angelcare Baby Bathtub
Pros
  • Lightweight
  • No assembly required
  • Easy to clean
  • Has hook for drying and storage
Cons
  • Not suitable for toddlers

Age range: 0 to 6 months

Weight limit: 20 pounds

Weight: 0.9 pounds

Dimensions: 13.5 x 2.08 x 8.76 inches

Why We
Love it
Community
Reviews
Why We Love It

The Angelcare bath is designed specifically for bathing babies under 6 months. It features contoured sides and an inclined back that make a comfortable seat for a tiny baby who isn’t able to sit up on their own yet.

The material of this one is particularly unique. It’s covered in a soft yet durable mesh that’s not only comfortable for your little one, but it’s also shockingly easy to clean. “I liked that it was really minimal and easy to keep clean,” says Shelley Gingrich, Executive Director of Brand Solutions at What to Expect, who used the Angelcare baby tub for both of her children. The mesh allows the tub to dry quickly on its own without worrying about using a drain.

While parents love how easy this tub is to use and that it requires zero setup, one major con is that it’s not as versatile as some other options and is ideal for smaller and younger infants. 

Community Reviews
  • We just put this in the bathtub and it was great. Easy clean up, and baby seemed comfortable. We never had any issues with poop/pee. If they did poop, it’d be really easy to rinse off.” 

  • “I love the angelcare. Used it in the sink with my first & will use again with this little baby.”

  • “We absolutely love the angelcare tub, used it in our sink all the way to 12 months! Baby can lay back and then sit up in it too.”

Best Travel Baby Bathtub

Summer Foldaway Baby Bath

Summer Infant Foldaway Baby Bathtub
Buying Options
Pros
  • Foldable
  • Space-saver
  • Grows with your baby
Cons
  • Inflatable bottom can be annoying to set up
  • Some say there’s a plasticky smell at first

Age range: Newborn to 2 years 

Weight limit: Not available

Weight: 3.99 pounds

Dimensions: 18.1 x 15.6 x 5.5 inches

Why We
Love it
Community
Reviews
Why We Love It

If you travel often or you just want to save space, this Summer Foldaway Baby Bath might be right for you. The most convenient feature is the fact that it folds in half so you can tuck it away in the bathroom cabinet or even stash it in the car to take when visiting a relative.

The inflatable base offers a little extra comfort for baby in comparison to hard plastic. It also includes a cushioned insert for babies who can’t sit up on their own yet that is also more comfortable for baby. Plus, the skid-resistant vinyl on the bottom keeps the tub in one spot. Although inflatable tubs can often be flimsy, a lot of reviewers note that the Summer Foldaway bath is surprisingly durable and strong. 

However, some reviewers mention that the tub can be a pain to set up when it comes to inflating it and unfolding it, and can feel a bit cumbersome and bulky. 

Community Reviews
  • this is the tub someone gifted me for my 2nd baby. Worked well enough, and folds flat.”

  • “I have an older version of this one. The bottom is inflatable, it’s pretty deep and once filled it gets pretty heavy and doesn’t slide around when my son stands up in it.”

Best Baby Bathtub for Sink

Blooming Bath Lotus Baby Bath Seat

Best Baby Bathtubs - Blooming Bath Lotus Sink Insert
Pros
  • Soft and comfortable
  • Machine washable
  • Ideal for small spaces
  • Portable
Cons
  • Not for toddlers
  • Only for sinks

Age range: Newborn to 6 months

Weight limit: 33 pounds

Weight: 1.43 pounds

Dimensions: 33 x 33 x 8 inches

Why We
Love it
Community
Reviews
Why We Love It

Caregivers in the WTE community rave about the Blooming Bath seat for how easy it is to use and how comfortable it is for their babies. Because it’s not a structured tub, it will fit in almost any sink, turning the space into a comfy bath space for your little one. The petals form contoured sides that keep your baby in place, and the seat has anti-slip beads on the bottom to stay put.

Because it weighs less than two pounds and can be folded, the Blooming Bath Lotus is ideal for families short on space or who lack a bathtub. One of the best things about it is how easy it is to clean: Simply wring out the excess water when you’re done using it, and throw it in the washing machine for a deep clean and then the dryer to avoid mold or mildew.

Reviewers love how the Lotus offers a soft, non-slip surface, but there are some cons to the shape of this sink insert. I’ve personally used this one for my daughter when she was an infant, and while I loved how soft it was, I did sometimes wish I had a little more structured support for her. It’s also worth noting that it’s a little pricey considering your baby will likely outgrow it quickly.

Community Reviews
  • I used the Blooming Baby with my first and he loved it. It’s a soft cushioned flower that goes in the sink. It’s comfortable for baby and even better, you don’t have to bend over the bathtub to bathe them and when you’re done with it, it’s not some huge clunky thing that takes up a lot of space. Only downside is it doesn’t work if your sinks are shallow, but if it fits, it’s such a great option!”

  • I have it and love it. So worth the money! My lo was small ( 5lb 4 oz) and the blooming bath helped secure her in the tub providing a non slip cushioned surface. Great for sink baths as well.”

  • “Love ours. It wasn't hard to wash or dry. We just threw it in the washer every week and dried it in the dryer. Not sure what the care instructions say to do, but it worked out perfect for us and we will use it for this baby too.”

Best Baby Bath Seat

Summer My Bath Seat

Summer My Bath Seat
Buying Options
Pros
  • Supportive seat
  • Easy to install
  • Makes bathtime easier for parents
Cons
  • Only for babies older than 5 months
  • Can’t be used in sink

Age range: 5 to 10 months 

Weight limit: 20 pounds

Weight: 4 pounds

Dimensions: 16 x 16.75 x 9.5 inches

Why We
Love it
Community
Reviews
Why We Love It

The Summer My Bath Seat is a good option if you’re short of storage space and have a tub. The structured seat and high backrest provide support and stability for babies who are able to sit up but still need some help doing so, and it keeps them more contained so they don’t have all of the open space of the tub. And, there’s plenty of room for them to wiggle around so that they don’t feel stuck. 

Parents find that it’s pretty easy to install (though it seems confusing at first), and you can even leave it in place if you want to. Some reviewers also like that this seat allows for younger and older babies to be in the tub together, which might make bathtime easier if you have multiple children. “I can have the water as high as my oldest likes, and it's not too high for my littlest,” one person wrote. It also allows parents to fully use their hands — you don’t have to worry about holding your baby up, and you also don’t have to stress over whether or not a small tub is going to flip over. 

However, there are some things to note. This is for rectangular tubs 21 to 24 inches wide, so it’s not going to work in every tub and won’t work in the sink. The age range is 5 to 10 months, so it also has a limited use. That said, it’s a great option for making use of your bathtub and offering a little extra support. 

Community Reviews
  • “We switched to the summer infant when he was mostly able to sit up on his own (around 5-6 months). It suctions to the side and back of your tub so it doesn’t move and makes it easier for them to sit compared to the sitting part in the fisher price.”

  • “This is the one I have, it’s really secure and he loves taking baths with his big brother.”

  • “This is what I use. I have both my kids in the tub at the same time and she loves it.”

Our Research

We referenced the American Academy of Pediatrics’ guidelines on bathtime safety, including avoiding tubs with hard edges and looking for quick-drying elements to prevent mold.

We also spoke to the following staff members:

  • Shelley Gingrich, Executive Director of Brand Solutions, parent of 4-year-old and 1-year-old
  • Leah Rocketto, Associate Commerce Director, parent of 1-year-old

I also included feedback based on my own experience using baby bathtubs as a parent of two children.

Finally, we canvassed What to Expect’s community boards to learn which baby bathtubs caregivers liked best and what features they most appreciated.

 

FAQs

Many parents find that they can easily bathe their baby in a large sink or regular-sized tub. Some even take their baby in the shower with them. A lot of parents, however, feel more comfortable using a baby bathtub. It keeps your little one more contained, with less space for them to slip and, ultimately, less water for them to be in. Baby bathtubs can also be faster to fill up and drain out than a full-sized tub. Also, for families that don’t have sink or tub space, a baby bathtub might be necessary.

Babies usually grow out of a baby bathtub around 6-months-old, but this really depends on the size of the baby and the size of the tub. A larger tub can comfortably fit your little one through their toddler years.