Every parent both looks forward to and dreads giving baby their first bath. After all, it can be tricky to keep a newborn comfortable and supported, and warm enough - but not too warm. However, with the right baby bath, and a bit of preparation, it can be a fun and rewarding experience, one which will of course be repeated often - so invest wisely!.
These days, there are plenty of baby baths to choose from, whether you're after a tub with a temperature gauge to make sure the water is just right, a stand for the bath, a convertible seat for additional support or something with toys to keep tots entertained. In this article, we've ranked the top 10 baby baths in the UK - made by respected brands such as Schnuggle, Munchkin and Stokke - available from Amazon, John Lewis, Boots, Argos and eBay, to help you find the perfect one for your child!
Quick List - Top Baby Baths
Aqua Scale
A Dual-Purpose Design That Helps You Monitor Baby's Weight
Dr Jonathan Henderson is a consultant paediatrician who practices for the NHS and his award-winning private practice. His medical qualifications (MB, BAO and BCh) were all completed at Queen's University Belfast in 2007. He then obtained his membership with the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health in 2012 and later became a college fellow in 2019. In addtion to his clinical work, he contributes to e-learning programmes and teaches paediatrics internationally to other healthcare professionals. Dr Henderson, who is on the speciality register of the General Medical Council, has a keen interest in promoting quality improvement in paediatrics and has presented work both regionally and nationally.
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Dr Jonathan Henderson is a consultant paediatrician practising for the NHS, as well as privately. His medical qualifications (MB, BAO and BCh) were all completed at Queen's University Belfast in 2007.
He then obtained his membership with the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health in 2012. In addition to his clinical work, he contributes to e-learning programmes and teaches paediatrics internationally to other healthcare professionals. Check out more about him on his website.
These are the the most basic option you will typically find. Generally speaking, they’re made from plastic and have a contoured design that allows babies to rest in the tub in a safe upright position.
They come in many sizes, and as your child grows, it is recommended to continually upgrade the tub until they’re capable of sitting in the adult-sized bath. This means the cost will eventually add up, even though they are relatively low in price initially.
Whilst you are getting equipped, why not look at our baby towel and baby shampoo selections too?
Sometimes the simplest item is the best, bathing an infant should not be a daily occurrence. Three times a week is appropriate. Otherwise, the baby's skin can dry out, which is not ideal. Find a bath that you can support babies safely, and the design doesn't get in the way of being able to wash head to toe.
Convertible tubs are designed to grow with your baby throughout newborn and infant stages, and in some cases, up to toddler age. They achieve this by including different seats that can be adapted or switched out over time, allowing more space to accommodate their growth.
These convertible tubs tend to be a little more expensive than other baby baths, but while the initial outlay is more, they can save you money in the long run as you'll only need to buy one.
Convertible tubs are not essential but may prove cost-effective. If you choose to use them long-term for your growing baby and support them with different seats while you try and juggle all those bottles of cleaning lotions resulting in a very slippery infant who becomes mobile over time.
Both folding and inflatable baby baths can easily be stored when not in use, making them particularly useful if you have a smaller home and are looking to save space. In fact, the only real difference between them is that a folding tub uses stronger materials and isn't as likely to puncture.
These baths are also useful when travelling, as they’re easier to fold down for transport. Of course, they’re not going to last as long as convertible tubs, as they don’t grow with the child.
I am a fan of space-saving and putting away items that don't need to be left out and in the way. Any hazard is an accident waiting to happen, so folding tubs are an ideal option if you don't have a lot of space.
To find the right size, before buying a baby bath, check the dimensions against the size of your child. They should have enough room to stretch out their legs if they want to, but not so much extra space that they feel unsafe or overwhelmed.
Most companies give age guidelines and some give weight guidelines too (similarly aged babies can be very different in length and weight). So whilst these suggested user profiles are helpful, suitability of a particular product does vary for child to child. We encourage parents to use their instinct and common sense.
The right size of the tub should allow you to do everything you need to do with bathing your child, including you being able to get hands and arms in to cleanse.
A very handy feature is to look for in a tub is a temperature alert. The most effective is a gauge, as this gives you a direct reading which will then allow you to change the water accordingly.
If you're after a cheaper alternative, look for a heat-sensitive plug. This isn’t as accurate as a gauge, nor does it alert you if the water gets too cold, but they do change colour if the temperature is too hot.
If your tub doesn't have an integrated thermometer, some of our top baby thermometers are bath-safe.
These are great little gadgets, though I did trust my own 'elbow test' when my four were babies. However, these are great visual readings, just like the room thermometers that provide safe reassurance for parents. Accidents from burns to the skin can occur on the delicate skin of an infant. So it is helpful to have features like these to prevent any accidents.
Slip-proof grips are another safety feature worth considering. After all, we know how unstable and wobbly babies can be at the best of times. Look for non-slip feet on the outside and grips on the inside to stop them and the tub from sliding around.
If your desired tub doesn't have adequate non-slip grips, you may wish to purchase a non-slip mat separately for additional safety. If you do add a removable mat, be sure to rinse and air the mat after every use, to prevent mould and mildew from forming between the temporary mat and the base of the baby bath.
The slip-free zone should be extended to outside the tub. Be sure to have a slip-free mat that you can use and that supports your child while bathing. You don't want to be having an accident, especially while lifting your child out of the bath to dry them.
At the end of bath time, all that’s left to do is get rid of the water (and mop up the splashes!). However, after finally getting baby clean, the last thing you want to do is lift a heavy tub over to the sink to drain it. To save you from this inconvenience, choose a tub with a draining plug to make the clean-up process stress-free.
That said, you’d be surprised that some tubs don’t come with one. Consider where your baby bath will be situated when in-use. While a plug is not too important if you plan on washing your child in other places in the house, if you're going to place the tub inside the bath, it'll be pretty useful.
Always think about your health. Manual handling courses are there for healthcare providers for a reason. Now I am not suggesting that every parent needs to attend such a course but think about your back support when removing water from an infant tub.
You carry and push around enough during the day, so find a tub that has a draining plug to make your life that little bit easier.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | OKBaby Onda Evolution Baby Bath | ![]() | Everything You Could Want for an Affordable Price | |
2 | Aqua Scale V3 Next Generation Digital Baby Bath | ![]() | A Dual-Purpose Design That Helps You Monitor Baby's Weight | |
3 | Stokke Flexi Baby Bath | ![]() | A Folding Bath With the Sturdiness and Features of a Regular Tub | |
4 | Shnuggle Baby Bath With Plug | ![]() | A Safe, Supportive Option if You Want a Deeper Tub | |
5 | Fisher-Price 4-in-1 Sling 'n Seat Tub | ![]() | Cradles Your Newborn and Still Fits Your Three-Year-Old | |
6 | Munchkin White Hot Inflatable Duck Tub | ![]() | A Fun Design to Distract Reluctant Little Ones | |
7 | Skip Hop Moby Smart Sling 3-Stage Bath Tub | ![]() | Turn Bathtime Into Playtime From Newborn to Sitting Stage | |
8 | HOMCOM Collapsible Baby Bath Tub | ![]() | Keep Baby Comfortable With Cushioned Bathing | |
9 | OKBaby Opla Shower Bath and Baby Pool | ![]() | Designed for Babies Who Are Scared of the Bath | |
10 | Karibu Baby Folding Bath | ![]() | Ideal for Families Who Are Always on the Go |
It was a tough call, but we've chosen the OKBaby Onda as our number 1 tub, and here's why. It's a convertible bath, so you won't need to purchase a new one in the period between bathing your newborn and the time they're old enough to use the adult-sized bath.
Aside from that, this bath has every safety and convenience feature one could wish for. It has an easy-to-read water thermometer, an anti-slip rubber backrest and a drainage plug for quick cleanup once your baby is squeaky clean – all for a reasonable price.
This space-age offering from Aqua Scale might be the most expensive tub on the list, but you get what you pay for. It's a two-in-one purchase that comes with a built-in set of scales to help you monitor your baby's weight.
The main draw, however, is the temperature gauge that provides accurate readings throughout the duration of the bath. Not only will you be able to check the temperature is just right prior to placing your little one in, but you can ensure they're comfortable throughout their time spent in the tub.
Looking somewhat like a modern-day manger, there's much more to this baby bath from Stokke than first meets the eye. Although it's collapsible, the sides are solid, which gives it a much sturdier feel than other folding options. Secondly, the tub uses a heat-sensitive plug that will alert you if the water becomes too hot.
The construction is easy to use and extremely reliable, so assembly and disassembly will be a breeze, particularly if you're bathing your child alone. There are optional additions available too, like a newborn support sling.
Suitable from birth up to around 12 months old, this sleek tub helps to take the stress out of bath time. While it may appear simple at first, it features an integrated foam backrest that comfortably props up your baby.
The Shnuggle bath is also rather deep, which allows you to safely submerge your children that little bit more. Best of all, at just under £20, this is a brilliant option for those working with a tight budget!
This ingenious baby bath includes a quick-dry (almost instant-dry in fact!) soft mesh sling for newborns, an insert to cushion infants and a plastic seat to help new sitters - then all the inserts can be removed when your toddler is confident to sit up without aides.
It has a handy hook for storage (or for hanging it up to drain and a secure (rubber sealed) plug hole for easy emptying. Not forgetting the whale scoop and squeeze bottle to add some more fun to bath times.
While the whale bath at number 7 is pretty enticing, we think having a huge, inflatable yellow duck takes the prize for the most alluring tub for babies. However, it's not all fun and games – the inside has a textured surface that helps to prevent slipping and a safety disk that reveals when the water is too hot.
Due to its inflatable nature, the bath can be deflated and packed away easily, making it the perfect travel companion. And with over 8000 positive reviews, this is a favourite of many parents up and down the country.
While many baby baths favour a more utilitarian design, this tub from Skip Hop is in the shape of a brilliant blue whale. Sure to help turn bath time into playtime, it's also one of the most versatile options on the list.
With a convertible seat that will grow with your baby from newborn up, a mesh sling cradles your young one throughout the early months of their life. Once they get older, you can change it to a cushioned chair, or remove it entirely. The super-cute bath scores lower than another similar sling bath, as this whale one is only suggested suitable for use by babies up to 12 months.
Not only do you get a convenient folding tub with this purchase, but it also comes with a cosy water cushion to keep your little one comfy. The whole thing is made with BPA-free plastic, which is ideal for those who would prefer to avoid it.
Moreover, there are non-slip pads on the legs that will keep the tub stable and your baby a little safer. Our only issue is that you will need to make sure to thoroughly clean the cushion by hand after each use to prevent mould or mildew.
This offering is by far one of the more unique designs on the list. Designed for babies who find stretching out in the tub a little scary, it allows them to remain in the foetal position, providing them with more comfort. This bath is also intended for use in the shower, which is great for those with smaller bathrooms.
Additionally, there is a quick drainage plug and a maximum water level indicator to avoid it becoming too full. However, if you plan on using this one outside of the bath or shower, it's known to be a little leaky, so you might need place a safety towel underneath.
Created for families who are short on space and those who travel often, this bath folds down quickly and easily. It even comes with a hook so that it can be hung to dry or stored on a hook out of the way.
Although it's lightweight, many have found it to be surprisingly sturdy when upright. Just be aware that when folded out, it's on the larger side, which could be a positive or negative depending on the age of your child. It's potentially too deep for a newborn, but ideal for those looking to upgrade.
There is no set age at which a baby should start having baths, rather it's more about when the parents feel comfortable and deem it necessary to start. So it's perfectly fine to give your newborn a bath from day one! Though, if you have a water-anxious baby on your hands, a warm, damp flannel should suffice until everyone is ready.
Schedule bath times as frequently as it suits you and your baby. You might decide to make bath time a regular thing from the start - as a soothing bath can help encourage sleep. Babies certainly don't need bathing every day, but if you and your baby enjoy a daily bath routine then there's no reason you shouldn't!
Use only plain tap water to wash your newborn baby as their skin is so delicate. From 4-6 weeks you could begin to use a tiny amount of an unscented, baby-specific bath product, but many people continue to use just water until the baby's hair is long enough to require any lather. Do be sure to use an approved moisturiser on their skin after every bath, as water is drying - especially for brand-new skin.
No. 1: OKBaby|Onda Evolution Baby Bath
No. 2: Aqua Scale|V3 Next Generation Digital Baby Bath
No. 3: Stokke|Flexi Baby Bath
No. 4: Shnuggle|Baby Bath With Plug
No. 5: Fisher-Price|4-in-1 Sling 'n Seat Tub
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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