8 Best Bath Toys For Young Toddlers (2024)

Bath toys undeniably transform bathtime into an exciting adventure for children —way more fun than plain ol' bubbles in the tub. For toddlers aged 12 to 18 months, this is a critical time for imagination and skill development. Choosing the right bath toys can spark eagerness and joy for bath time, turning it into a delightful mix of play and learning.

Why bathtime play is important for young toddlers

Bathtime isn't just about getting clean; the British Journal of Midwifery says it is a great opportunity for growth. When your little one plays with water and bath toys, they enter a stimulating environment filled with new textures, shapes, and sounds. This time of bathing and play helps nurture their cognitive skills, fine motor abilities, and independence while also strengthening emotional bonds through routine.

Benefits of bathtime toy play

Cognitive abilities

Cognitive abilities refer to the processing and understanding of 'how' and 'why' things function. Bath toys provide curious minds with a chance to learn about movement and buoyancy, fostering critical thinking skills.

Motor skills

Experimenting with toys and water by pouring, splashing, and manipulating them helps develop hand-eye coordination, agility, and both fine and gross motor skills.

Imaginative play

Play is a form of learning for toddlers, and exploring what can happen with toys in water opens up a world of possibilities for their imagination to soar.

Independence

Gaining confidence through bathtime exploration and play creates a healthy sense of pride, self-reliance, and self-worth.

Emotional bond & language skills

Building a parent-child connection through touch and conversation, growing toddlers feel a secure bond and learn the meaning of words.

Structured daily routine

Routines, such as a consistent bathtime, establish a sense of comfort and security and reinforce good hygiene habits.

What to look for in a bath toy for young toddlers

Choosing the right bath toy includes these important elements to ensure optimal safety and engagement:

Safety

Always prioritize safety. Look for bath toys made from BPA-free and non-toxic materials. Small parts pose a potential choking hazard, so avoid these toys. Most bath toys are waterproof, but checking to see if they are designed specifically for water play is a good idea. If bath toys are broken, immediately dispose of them, as they may puncture baby’s delicate skin or further break.

Easy-to-use and age-appropriate

Select bath toys that are suitable for toddler's age and abilities. Simple, easy-to-hold designs will keep them engaged without causing frustration.

Educational value/ Fun

Opt for a variety of bath toys that float, squirt, or stack to stimulate imaginative play. Bath toys that young toddlers can pour, grab, and squeeze enhance motor skill's development. Cool toys that have interactive features like lights, moving elements, and sounds enhance the experience as well.

Cleaning/ Mold-resistant

Many bath toys can be prone to mold and mildew. Choose options that are easy to clean and dry. Dishwasher-safe toys are a bonus.

Our picks feature safe, engaging, and educational toys that satisfy toddlers' curiosity. From floating cars and animals to interactive games, these toys promote sensory play and help develop fine motor skills.

Here are the best bath toys for young toddlers:

Best Value

Munchkin Falls Bath Toy

$7 $10 Save $3

Munchkin Falls Bath Toy includes 2 cascading waterfall cups with spinning wheels, a strainer cup, and a handheld cup. This simple suction bath toy will capture a toddler's attention, and it is easy to clean and store away.

For Ages

12 months and up

Batteries Required

No

Number of Pieces

4

Brand

Munchkin

Dimensions

8.5 x 3 x 10.25 inches

Material

Polypropylene and Polyvinyl Chloride, BPA-free

Pros

• Interactive experience for kids
• Promotes water fun
• Easy to clean
• Suction cup to secure easily
• Sturdy material
• Fun colors
• Easy to use
• Portable
• Encourages cooperative play

Cons

• Limited functionality
• Frequent use may cause wear and tear over time

$7 at Amazon

Munchkin Falls Bath Toy is an engaging waterfall toy that captures and amazes anyone who watches. It can simply suction to the tub's walls, and toddlers can easily use the provided cup to pour water. The Munchkin Falls Bath Toy promotes fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. It is made from BPA-free plastic. Young toddlers find it visually exciting because it entices their imagination. What's more, it is fun to play with on their own or with siblings.

The Munchkin Falls Bath Toy may be bulky when packed for traveling. As with any water toy, it needs to be completely dried, but for the most part, it is fairly easy to clean and keep mold-free, which many parents appreciate. The best part is that this toy is fun for all ages.

Skip Hop Zoo Bathtime Basketball

$8 $10 Save $2

Splash into the bath with Skip Hop ZOO Bathtime Basketball. Give your future sports lover a fun time bathing while developing hand-eye coordination and motor skills.

For Ages

12 months +

Batteries Required

No

Assembly Required

Suction to tub wall

Interactive

Yes

Number of Pieces

4

Brand

Skip Hop

Dimensions

6.75 x 6.75 x 7.25 inches

Material

ABS Plastic, Phthalate Free

Color options

Blue

Pros

• Encourages active participation
• Interactive play
• Stimulates imagination
• Vibrant colors
• Safe, durable materials
• Easy to clean
• Can be enjoyed solo or with siblings
• Lightweight and portable
• Budget-friendly

Cons

• May not hold toddler's interest for long
• Basketballs may wear with time
• Suction cup may not securely stick to all tubs or bathtub walls

$8 at Amazon

Splash-dunk fun with Skip Hop ZOO Bathtime Basketball. This toddler bath toy easily sticks to glass or tile and comes with 3 squirt balls to complete the set. The basketball hoop is a drawstring net, making storing the mini basketballs convenient without worrying about placing them somewhere else.

Skip Hop ZOO Basketball Bath Toy is vibrant and features a dog design that intrigues 12-18-month-olds' minds. This easy-to-use hoop helps develop motor skills and hand-eye coordination while toddlers are getting clean. Get your child "looking forward to bathtime," as one Amazon parent reviewed, with Skip Hop ZOO Basketball Bath Toy.

Kindiary Crab Bubble Machine

$18 $25 Save $7

Everyone loves bubbles! Kindiary Crab Bubble Machine will enhance bathtime by promoting sensory development and hand-eye coordination.

For Ages

18+ months

Batteries Required

2 AA batteries

Assembly Required

No

Number of Pieces

2

Brand

Kindiary

Dimensions

8.4"L x 3.7"W x 6.3"H

Material

BPA-free plastics: Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene

Color options

Orange

Pros

• Playful crab design
• Easy to use
• Handy pour cup included
• Produces a lot of bubbles
• Durable material
• Portable
• Can be used outside of bathtub

Cons

• Limited battery life
• May need frequent bubble solution replenishment
• May make surfaces slippery
• Noisy motor
• No additional features such as lights
• Cleaning required to prevent clogging

$18 at Amazon

Kindiary Crab Bubble Machine is fun to use in the tub and outdoors. The adorable crab design makes this bath toy an instant attention-grabber. It is a breeze to set up—pour in the bubble solution (or body wash), and it is good to go. The AA-battery-powered bubble machine is portable, lightweight, durable, and safe. Avoid submerging the crab underwater, as it may ruin and rust the toy.

Parents' reviews mention that it is easy to set up, makes a ton of bubbles, and the measuring cup helps to add some baby body wash to produce bubbles. Two downsides mentioned are the noisy motor and limited battery life.

Nuby Watering Can Bath Toy

Nuby Watering Can Bath Toy will transform bathtime into a fascinating moment. This easy-to-use, playful toy will help children develop motor skills while proving that the simplest things in life will keep us happy.

For Ages

18+ months

Batteries Required

No

Assembly Required

No

Number of Pieces

1

Brand

Nuby

Dimensions

6 x 3 x 6 inches

Material

BPA-free plastic

Pros

• Encourages creativity and imaginative play
• Great for outdoor and indoor play
• Develops motor skills
• Durable plastic
• Perfect size for small hands
• Lightweight

Cons

• Limited water capacity
• Sturdy, but may leak over time
• Coordination not easy for younger children
• Cleaning needed to prevent mold
• Water flow may differ with some watering cans

$7 at Amazon

Nuby Watering Can Bath Toy is an amazing bath toy that you can also take outdoors. Its bright colors, durability, and water-pouring design will entertain 12-18-month-olds while they bathe.

Toddlers enhance their hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills by pouring and filling the watering can toy. This lightweight bath toy is considerately designed for tiny hands and is comfortable to hold securely.

Editor's Choice

iPlay, iLearn Baby Bath Toys with Organizer

$17 $26 Save $9

iPlay, iLearn Baby Bath Toys with Organizer includes colorful sea creatures and engaging cups. This collection stimulates sensory development and motor skills while keeping everything tidy.

For Ages

12 months+

Batteries Required

No

Assembly Required

No

Number of Pieces

8 plus the basket

Brand

iPlay, iLearn

Dimensions

10 x 6.5 x 5 inches

Color options

multicolored

Pros

• Colorful and playful design
• Stimulates sensory exploration
• Easy to store away
• Durable material
• Lightweight
• Suitable for bath time and outdoor water play

Cons

• May need extra attention to cleaning and drying
• May wear over time
• Basket may need extra space in bathroom

$17 at Amazon

iPlay, iLearn Baby Bath Toys with Organizer includes textures and bright colors that stimulate toddlers' senses and promote sensory development. This water toys and basket combo inspires creativity when engaging in imaginative play. From floating sea creatures to colorful stacking cups, there are many fun ways to explore and learn during bathtime.

iPlay, iLearn Baby Bath Toys with Organizer has 8 pieces: 1 swimming sea turtle, 1 swimming crab, 1 water-spraying fish with rattle, 1 water-spraying octopus, and 4 ocean-themed stacking cups. The organizer helps keep toddler bath toys in one spot and easy to keep the bathroom mess-free. Can you tell a mom and a teacher came up with this idea? This bath toy set gets our 'Editor's Choice.'

Premium Pick

Nuby Floating Purple Octopus Toy with 3 Hoopla Rings

$8 $9 Save $1

Charm your little one with the easy-to-grab Nuby Floating Purple Octopus bath toy. This bath toy helps develop baby’s hand-eye coordination and motor skills while having an engaging bathtime experience.

For Ages

18 months+

Batteries Required

No

Assembly Required

No

Number of Pieces

4

Brand

Nuby

Dimensions

6.8 x 7 x 5.5 inches

Material

BPA-free plastic

Pros

• Tossing hoopla rings encourages hand-eye coordination
• May be interactive between child and parent
• Vibrant colors and playful design
• BPA-free materials
• Encourages imaginative play
• Easy-to-clean
• Portable and lightweight

Cons

• Toys with openings may accumulate water inside
• One function, may lead to boredom
• Hoopla rings may be a potential choking hazard
• Hoopla rings may be easily misplaced
• May become too slippery for small hands to grip

$8 at Amazon

The Nuby Floating Octopus Toy with 3 Hoopla Rings captures the attention of young, curious minds and encourages toddlers to throw hoopla rings onto the vibrantly purple octopus' tentacles. This bath toy is both educational and fun and develops hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.

This toy will be so enjoyable that if you have multiple toddlers or want to leave one at grandma's house, toddlers will always ask for it before taking a bath, as one grandparent mentioned.

Keciabo Shark Fishing Play Set

$10 $14 Save $4

Keciabo Shark Fishing Play Set allows baby to pretend they’re on an exciting hunt. Nourish their imagination while developing their fine motor skills and keeping them entertained.

For Ages

18 months+

Batteries Required

No

Assembly Required

No

Number of Pieces

7

Brand

Keciabo

Dimensions

8 x 5 x 2 inches

Pros

• Easy cleanup
• Promotes imaginative play
• Durable materials
• Interactive
• Portable
• Develops motor skills and hand-eye coordination
• Educational

Cons

• Limited play variety
• Net may wear and tear
• May be prone to mold if not cleaned and dried properly
• May be a potential choking hazard
• May be better suited for older toddlers

$10 at Amazon

Keciabo Shark Fishing Play Set is an exciting choice for toddlers who like to explore and pretend. This set includes a starfish and an octopus that change colors underwater. The walrus and turtle make noises when squeezing out water. Each brightly colored squirt toy is easy for small hands to grasp. So, whether toddler is hunting for their floating sea creatures with a shark-faced net or squirting water for some awe-inspiring reactions, this toy can make bath time engaging and hassle-free.

Inspiration Play Fill N’ Splash Submarine Bath Toy

$20 $25 Save $5

Give baby a fun explorative moment with Inspiration Play Fill N’ Splash Submarine Bath Toy. This water toy engages children’s sensory development and fine motor skills.

For Ages

18 months+

Batteries Required

No

Assembly Required

No

Brand

Inspiration Play

Dimensions

10 x 6 x 3 inches

Material

Plastic

Color options

Blue and pink

Pros

• Portable and lightweight
• Sturdy
• Design allows for quick drying
• Kids can learn about water flow and buoyancy
• Helps develop fine motor skills

Cons

• May be more expensive than other bath toys
• May grow mold if not cleaned and dried properly
• May eventually have wear-and-tear issues
• Small pieces may be choking hazard
• Suction may not be as strong as needed
• Toddlers may need assistance operating bath toy

$20 at Amazon

Inspiration Play Fill N’ Splash Submarine Bath Toy will have any toddler want to jump right into the bathtub and stay as long as they can. This creative and interactive bath toy does not need batteries, and sticks to glass or tile. It is fairly easy to keep free of mold and generally safe for toddlers. Many parents love that their toddlers do not get bored easily with the Fill N'Splash Submarine Bath Toy. Although some toddlers may need a bit of help with the submarine door as wear-and-tear issues arise, the toy, overall, is fun and engaging. The release button for the balls/water can sometimes malfunction, but it is nothing a older toddler can't fix or may need little assistance with, said a satisfied mom.

This bath toy's instructions are easy to understand, and most 18-month-olds can quickly learn how to use it. Fill the submarine at least halfway with water using the included yellow cup, add some floating balls, and then push the orange button to watch the balls flush out into the tub.

Important water safety reminders

Sad but true, young children can drown in any amount of water so it’s important to never leave them unattended while near water. Supervision is always required. As baby is learning to communicate, tell them what is okay to touch and what is not while they’re playing in the tub, specifically why it’s not safe to touch the hot water knob; make a habit of explaining this each time they are placed in the bathtub.

It is always advised to check the water’s temperature before placing baby inside to avoid scalding and discomfort. WebMD notes that a simple wrist test will gauge if the water is okay and not too hot. Continue checking the water so that it does not become too cold.