Bath time can be a beautiful bonding experience between parent and child. But for new parents, bath time might feel intimidating. There’s a lot to think about between umbilical cord care, how often to bathe your newborn, and which newborn bathtub is best.
When looking for a newborn bathtub, you have several options to consider. First, decide how many baths you want to purchase. Some baths grow with your child while others are specifically for newborns. Second, how do you want your bath to function? Some baths are only for in-sink use, some only fit in the larger bathtub, and others can go in both places.
This article contains a list of the top newborn baths across five categories. We’ve rated these baths based on quality, function, cleanliness, durability, and more.
Bathing Your Newborn 101
Newborns don’t require daily baths. They aren’t mobile enough to work up a sweat, and their skin is very sensitive and will dry out with excessive soap. Unless your newborn has a major blowout or lots of spit-up, bathing your infant three times a week is plenty.
Until their umbilical cord stump falls off, infants should only get a sponge bath. Keeping the cord stump dry speeds up the healing process and allows it to fall off faster. Once the cord falls off completely, you can give your baby a tub bath.
Please note: you can still use an infant bathtub to give your newborn a sponge bath. Rather than fill the tub, wet the washcloth under the sink or tub faucet to clean your baby.
How to Choose the Right Newborn Bathtub for Your Needs
Depending on the brand and style, infant bathtubs function in different ways. You’ll want to consider a few factors when deciding which tub is best for your needs.
- Consider your space. Do you have a small bathroom and require a compact or collapsible bathtub? If you don’t have a bathtub or tub-shower combination, you may only be able to bathe your little one in the sink.
- Consider your body. Would you rather stand over a sink to bathe your baby or kneel over a bathtub? Infant baths, especially for newborns, aren’t lengthy, but you still want to consider your comfort.
- Consider your budget. Some baths are only designed for infants under 6 months. They work best for newborns, but you’d need to purchase another bath to take your child through the rest of their first year. Some baths are convertible and grow with your child.
Best Overall
Fisher-Price Baby to Toddler Bath 4-In-1 Sling ‘N Seat Tub
With four stages of use, the Fisher-Price Baby to Toddler Bath 4-In-1 Sling ‘N Seat Tub takes your child through their first year of baths. Stage one includes the mesh sling for newborns. Stage two features the "baby stopper" to prevent non-sitters from sliding too far into the water. For stage three, turn the tub so the "baby stopper" becomes sitting support. As the last stop before using the regular bathtub, stage four leaves just the plastic tub with no inserts for unassisted sitters.
Fisher-Price 4-in-1 Sling ‘N Seat Tub
Outside of the stellar customer ratings, this bathtub is my personal pick. I used it for all three of my children and found each convertible stage to be age-appropriate.
The Fisher-Price Sling ‘N Seat has four stages of use to take you from newborn to toddler baths. The mesh sling supports your newborn, keeping them in a safe position against water levels. As they become more mobile, remove the sling and use the tub in stages 2 and 3.
The insert functions as a “baby stopper” in stage 2, preventing your child from slipping when they haven’t mastered the sitting position. In stage 3, the baby stopper becomes a seat for new sitters. Finally, remove the insert altogether, and there’s plenty of room for your almost-toddler to play around.
While this is best in a larger bathtub, you can set the Sling ‘N Seat over a sink. (A kitchen sink would probably be best.) The feet hook to the side of the sink for stability. The Sling ‘N Seat Tub features a hook for quick drying and easy storage.
Specs
- 17.75 x 8.66 x 30.5 inches
- Maximum weight: 40 pounds
- Wipe clean with damp cloth
- Available in 6 patterns
- Comes with two toys
“I purchased this tub in hopes that it wasn’t to big for my preemie baby. It was perfect, the mesh sling makes it extremely easy for baby to lay there while your bathing him/her. My baby is 8month now and I have removed the mesh sling because she’s able to hold herself up now. So this is a great grow with me baby tub!” ~Amazon reviewer
Most Affordable
The First Years Newborn to Toddler Baby Bath Tub - Convertible 3-in-1 Baby Tub
Go from newborn to toddler baths with this convertible 3-in-1 tub from The First Years. For newborns, clip on the mesh sling to provide proper infant support. Remove the sling for the next phase and position unsteady sitters against the cushioned incline. Turn to the toddler bath side, which features a supportive seat and room to play.
The First Years Convertible 3-in-1 Baby Tub
With one less stage than the Fisher-Price tub, this Convertible 3-in-1 tub from The First Years still grows with your child to toddlerhood. It features an ergonomic design to keep baby in the best position for their safety and comfort. This is a great alternative for parents on a tighter budget who still want the convertible tub experience.
The removable, machine-washable mesh sling is perfect for introducing newborns to bath time. Once they’ve passed that stage, the tub interior includes anti-slip, mildew-resistant pads.
The biggest difference between this bath and the Fisher-Price is that the First Years bath doesn’t have removable inserts beyond the mesh sling. It’s definitely not as roomy as the Fisher-Price, and some customers complain about the fit and comfort.
This baby bathtub can be used in a sink or adult tub, although it doesn’t have any fancy storage options. It does have a convenient tray for parents to keep bath accessories handy.
Specs
- 29.75 x 15 x 11.25 inches
- Minimum weight recommendation: 5 pounds
- Maximum weight recommendations: 25 pounds
- Available in 3 colors
Best for Newborns
Angelcare Baby Bath Support
Ideal for babies less than 6 months old and under 20 pounds, the Angelcare Baby Bath Support requires no assembly—a parent's dream! Its ergonomic design promotes safety and comfort for your little one. Made with soft mesh and sturdy plastic, this tub includes a hook for easy storage and quick drying.
Angelcare Baby Bath Support
The Angelcare Baby Bath Support reduces the bulk of an infant tub by cradling infants in an ergonomic design. It’s lightweight and compact with soft, sturdy materials ideal for your baby’s health and comfort.
Because of its compact size and design, this bath support is meant for infants under 6 months and 20 pounds. Once your baby maxes out of these parameters, you would need to purchase a second baby bathtub.
The support’s base won’t slip or damage your tub, while the mesh seat is designed to retain its shape after many uses. Featuring a convenient hook to store or hang dry, this bath support rinses and dries easily with the help of drain holes in the mesh. While it’s recommended to use this in an adult tub, the brand does mention it can fit in a large single-basin sink.
Specs
- 22 x 13.5 x 8.75 inches
- Maximum weight: 20 pounds
- Latex Free; BBP free; BPA free; DEHP free; DBP Free
- Available in 3 colors
“This is by far my favorite baby product. It fits comfortably in a tub and can be hung on the wall for storing and opening space when not used. It is such a safer option because NO MOLD! Plus side is the quality! Used it for our first and held onto it for our second. (2ys apart!)” ~Amazon review
Most Compact Bathtub: Puj Tub
Puj Tub
Designed for infants up to 6 months old, the Puj tub is a soft and comfortable in-sink bathtub option. It's lightweight, portable, and compact, making it ideal for small bathrooms. With the use of strong magnets, the Puj tub folds to fit most sinks and cradles baby with its BPA-free material. The bath includes two overflow drains on each side to ensure a safe water level for your baby.
Puj Tub
Most ideal for in-sink bathing, the Puj Tub offers comfort and flexibility with soft, non-slip material that fits into most sinks. It’s best for newborns and infants up to 6 months. When not in use, the Puj Tub lays flat for easy storage in small spaces.
This newborn bathtub is an excellent choice for C-Section moms because it allows you to bathe your newborn in the sink without bending over. Due to the strong magnets that hold the tub in its folded position, parents can keep both hands on the baby during bath time.
Specs
- 25.2 x 26.38 x 0.79 inches
- Minimum weight recommendation: 4 pounds
- Maximum weight recommendation: 16 pounds
- BPA- and PVC-free
- Clean with damp cloth and mild soap
“This is the most amazing infant tub on the market!! My son was a preemie and was 4 1/2 lbs when we brought him home. Holding 6-8 lbs. newborn up in a baby tub is no easy feat, let alone one that is 4 lbs. This tub sets up and can be put in a sink, alleviating any back pain from having to bend over. It also has slots on each side that drain the water, so it never fills up too much for baby. Once you are done it drains easily through the slots and opens up flat to be stored in small spaces (like between a tub or sink and toilet). It is a life saver! I found that we could use it for our son up until he got to 12-15 lbs. After that we had to move him to something bigger, but by that time he was able to hold his head up and able to sit only partially assisted.” ~Amazon Review
Best for Travel: Boon Puff+ Inflatable Baby Bather
Boon Puff+ Inflatable Baby Bather
The Boon Puff+ Inflatable Baby Bather is the perfect travel tub. The interior inflates just like a pool float and features a soft, microfleece cover for comfort. The cover also includes a swaddle feature, which keeps babies secure and warm while they bathe. When bath time is over, remove the washer- and drier-friendly cover and deflate! This tub also includes a storage and travel bag for your convenience.
Boon Puff+ Inflatable Baby Bather
Traveling anywhere with a baby is difficult. So, Boon created a travel-friendly bath that inflates! One less thing for parents to worry about when packing for long trips.
Inflate the tub just as you would an inner tube and attach the soft microfleece cover. You can use the Puff+ in most sinks or in the adult tub. When bath time is over, remove the fleece cover and throw it in the washer and drier.
For added comfort, the outer cover has swaddle wings to hold your baby in place and keep them warm. This infant tub is ideal for newborns and babies up to 6 months.
Specs
- 30.35 x 6.65 x 17.91 inches
- Max weight: 20 pounds
- 100% polyester
- Outer cover is washer and drier safe
- Available in 2 colors
“This is the perfect infant-small toddler bathing system. It’s portable, easy to wash, and the babies love it. It’s nice you can have them in a small amount of water with the towel “arms” to cover them. They stay nice and warm while you are washing them down. It has Brest support for the babies who can’t hold their heads up yet. We love this product!” ~Amazon Review
Best Gift: Blooming Bath Baby Bath Seat
Blooming Bath Baby Bath Seat
This adorable in-sink bath makes for a comfy, cozy bath for little ones up to six months. When placed in the sink, the petals fold to create a soft, secure seat featuring anti-slip beads on the underside. The plush, polyester material is washer- and drier-safe, and the quick-drying foam interior keeps the bath smell-free.
Blooming Bath Baby Bath Seat
A Parent Tested Parent Approved (PTPA) Award winner, the Blooming Bath is a parent favorite and an often gifted item because of its innovation. With its soft, handmade design and anti-slip backing, the Blooming Bath creates a warm, cozy in-sink bath experience for little ones.
Place the mat in the sink and fill it with one inch of water. The petals surround your baby in soft, crystal Minky fabric, forming an infant lounger right in your sink! When bath time is over, this mat goes right in the washer and drier and lays flat for easy storage.
Customers love its appearance and size, saying it fits well in various sinks and holds their babies snuggly. This newborn bathtub received rave reviews on its quality, comfort, and ease of use. Customers were also satisfied with how easy this mat is to clean.
Specs
- 13.25 x 4.25 x 13.25 inches
- Max weight: 33 pounds
- BPA free
- Polyester
- Machine wash on gentle cycle, tumble dry on low
- Available in 10 colors
Frequently Asked Questions
Are baby bath tubs necessary?
Yes. For your baby’s safety, you should always use some type of infant bathtub until they are over a year old and can sit unassisted in an adult tub. Additionally, you should always have one hand on your baby while bathing them for their safety.
