Bath Time

A safe bath toy should be free of holes that trap water, since trapped moisture leads to mold. Look for solid silicone or rubber construction, non-toxic materials, and no small parts that could come loose. Proper cleaning and full drying between baths help keep any bath toy safe for repeat use.

Rinse each bath toy after every use to remove soap residue, then squeeze out any excess water trapped inside. Let toys air dry fully between baths, ideally outside the tub, since damp toys sitting in a wet corner are the biggest cause of mold. A weekly soak in a vinegar and water solution helps with proper cleaning of squeeze toys and other toys with small openings.

Toys that involve pouring, stacking, or squeezing support fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Floating toys and water toys with suction cups encourage babies to reach and grab, while toddlers benefit from bath toys that support imaginative play, like boats, sea creatures, or bath books.

Most babies enjoy simple bath toys as soon as they can sit up in the tub, usually around six months. Soft squeeze toys and floating toys work well for this developmental stage, while toddler bath toys with moving parts make more sense as coordination improves.