As every new parent knows, bathing a baby is a finely tuned balancing act.
It’s essential to get everything just right. The temperature of the water should be warm but not too warm (check the temperature with your elbow). The bathroom should be toasty but not so hot that your baby passes out. And use the right amount of gentle baby soap (enough to put on a lather but not so many bubbles you can’t even see your baby.)
But if you get these basics right, and add in the best bath toys for babies, you can turn bath time into a magical bonding time for both you and your baby.
10 best bath toys for babies
Naturally, as a fellow parent, I share your trepidation about adding even more plastic to the planet.
Also, anything toxic close to your baby is another no. That’s why I have only picked safe toys that are also kind for the planet, made by companies who are committed to providing 100% safe toys for your baby.
1. Oli & Carol Bubbles The Sea Horse
A Spanish designed retro-inspired sea horse, this little cutie is free from BPA, PVC, Phthalate, and Nitrosamine. It can double up as a teething toy, too, as Bubbles is very easy to grasp and safe to chew.
For your reassurance, biodegradable Bubbles is made from 100% natural rubber (from the Hevea tree), and OIl & Carol have only used natural food dyes to paint it. And the absence of a hole in Bubbles means no mold should form on the toy.
2. HEVEA Kawan Rubber Duck
The rubber duck: a classic bath toy for babies. Bath times will be lovely with this cute companion for your baby. You don’t need to worry about this duck containing any nasties, as Hevea is a sustainable company that has sourced natural rubber derived from the Hevea tree. Also, this non-tox toy is BPA, PVC, and Phthalate Free.
It comes in three different colors and is made without any holes, so no water will get trapped inside, and no mold will collect inside.
3. Green Toys Submarine
This educational toy is great for little explorers, as its large handle combined with the big opening allows babies to scoop the water and pour it out again.
No need to worry about safety with this toy; Green toys manufactures all its toys with 100% recycled plastic in the USA. It also doesn’t contain any BPA, phthalates, and is PVC safe. The top opens up for easy cleaning, and you can safely wash it in the dishwasher.
4. Sophie la girafe so pure bath toy
What baby doesn’t love Sophie?! Just like her cousin, Sophie the Giraffe, this bath toy is made from 100% natural rubber (using rubber tree sap). No need to worry about chemical nasties, as the paints used are food-grade paints. It’s BPA Phthalate-free, so your baby can safely use this as a teething toy too.
Finally, say no to mold, as there’s no hole in this toy.
5. Mele the Sea Turtle
Your baby will love this cute and brightly colored turtle. And you’ll like the fact that it’s made from high-quality natural rubber, and is, therefore, kind to the planet. The paint is food-grade, and Mele is naturally free from BPA, PVC, Phthalate, Nitrosamine.
Mele is safe to use as a teething toy, and your baby will enjoy grasping and exploring the different textures on this cute bath toy. Like all the other toys, Mele doesn’t contain any holes, so no need to worry about mold.
6. Green Toys Tide Pool Bath Set
Just like the Green Toys submarine, this eco-friendly bath set is made from 100% recycled plastic milk jugs. You can’t go wrong with this cute set full of attractive little shapes, as it’s made in the USA & packaged with recycled materials.
The toys, nor the basket contain BPA, phthalates, or PVC. And after each use, you can put them in the dishwasher to prevent mold from forming. This toy is most suitable for babies aged six months or older.
7. Elvis The Duck
This cute yellow ducky is more flexible than the hard plastic ducks you’d typically get, as it’s made from 100% Hevea tree rubber.
It contains no nasty chemicals (no BPA, PVC, Phthalate, and Nitrosamine). It is, therefore, safe to use as a teething toy. This biodegradable duck comes in a few different colors, but who doesn’t love a traditional yellow one?
Easy to clean: no hole, so no mold.
8. Carlito The Car, Oli & Carol
From the same manufacturers as number 7 on our list of best baby bath toys, this very cool car is another flexible 100% rubber bath toy for your older baby to use.
Also free from the same chemical nasties as above (no BPA, PVC, Phthalate, and Nitrosamine), the cute beetle is totally safe to use for small fingers and teething gums. And again, no mold can collect in this toy as it doesn’t contain any holes. An all-round winner for any hipster baby
9. PlanToys Sailing Boat-Penguin
Better for older babies, this cute and eco-friendly little toy is excellent for developing your baby’s fine motor skills and her coordination. Made with kiln-dried recycled rubberwood (giving old trees new life) and painted with water-based non-toxic paint.
10. Ubbi Squeeze and Switch Silicone Mold Free Bath Toys
These three award-winning squeeze n’ squirt toys are so adorable, they will be a hit at bath time. Older babies can twist these themselves and mix and match tops and bottoms. You can rest assured that they are PVC-, BPA-, and Phthalate-free and made from silicone.
Pop these toys in the dishwasher after each use to keep them mold-free. (Dishwasher safe).
Keep baby safe with this eco-friendly bath mat
That concludes our round-up of the best bath toys for babies. While we’re on the topic, if you have been looking for a non -toxic rubber bath mat to keep your baby safe, we recommend this one. Made from compostable/biodegradable HEVEA rubber, this mat is free from triclosan, microplastics, PVC, phthalates and also BPA-Free. IT comes in two colors.
Any questions? These are the burning questions other parents were asking…
Why should I worry about chemicals at bath time?
Did you know chemicals like BPA, PVC, and phthalates leach out into the surrounding environment and people? If babies and children are exposed, their neurological development can be inhibited. Exposure to these chemicals has even been linked to reproductive health problems, obesity, diabetes, and some cancers.
How can I clean out mold without using bleach?
An eco-friendly way to remove mold is with vinegar. Use a mix of 4 liters of water (1 gallon) with a half cup of plain vinegar and soak the toys in this solution for an hour or longer. Afterwards, you should be able to scrub the mold off with a bit of elbow grease. Rinse afterward.
If mold doesn’t come off, should I throw out the toy?
Yes, do. If your baby plays with molded toys in the bath, mold can end up in the bathwater. Swallowing mold can be harmful in large doses, so prevent this by keeping your bath toys mold-free.
How can I prevent mold forming inside bath toys?
Make sure you take the toys out of the bath after each use. Clean them and dry them. If they’re dishwasher safe, put them in the dishwasher.
What are the best bath toys for babies to buy to prevent mold forming?
Either buy toys that have no holes inside, so no water can get in. Or buy toys that can be opened up and washed safely in the dishwasher.
