Bathtime can be a difficult time for parents and carers. Kids can refuse to have a bath, try to keep busy, or hide to avoid it. Sometimes, or most times, it can seem impossible to encourage little ones to get clean and have a bath.

To reduce the hassle, bath toys can make bathtime more appealing, fun and exciting for your child. There are so many different bath toys for all ages to choose from that it can be quite difficult to find the perfect bathtime companion.

To help you out, we’ve created a guide to the best bath toys to find the perfect bathtime buddy for your child, along with tips on how to make the right choice and keep them in good condition.

What to Consider When Choosing a Bath Toy

Choosing bath toys should be enjoyable, but keep a few things in mind: safety, age-appropriateness, and a good mix of fun and learning. Be sure to keep in mind the following tips:

Are Bath Toys Safe?

Bath toys are generally safe for children, as they’re designed for water use, though it’s important to consider a few factors before you choose one.

Always be sure to check the materials and choose natural rubber, food-grade silicone, or BPA-free plastics. As these are safer for little mouths and tiny hands. You'll also want sturdy, well-made toys that are free of small, choking-hazard parts; anything that fits inside a toilet roll tube is definitely too small.

Can Battery Toys Go in the Bath?

Only battery-powered toys specifically designed and sealed for water play can be used in the bath. If a toy isn't clearly labelled "waterproof" or "bath safe," it's best to keep it out. Water can damage electronics, create electrical hazards, or cause batteries to leak corrosive fluid. So, always double-check the description of the battery-powered bath toy you have to make sure it's safe for your little one.

Which Bath Toys Are Right for My Child’s Age?

Different ages mean that your little one will be more responsive to different types of bath play, so picking kids’ toys that match their stage is key. Here's a quick guide to help you choose:

• Newborns: They don't traditionally need toys; focus on the water's sensory stimulation and gentle interaction. A soft sponge or simple, safe floating toy can add a touch of engagement.

• 6-12 months: Simple floating ducks, soft pouring cups, or squeezable characters are brilliant for tiny hands, helping them develop grasping and hand-eye coordination.

• Toddlers (1-3 years): Toddlers love cause-and-effect toys like stackable cups, floating boats, and water-pouring mechanisms. Bath activity tables or colourful squirting animals also make for good choices.

• Preschoolers and Older (3+): They'll enjoy imaginative play with bath crayons, floating puzzles, or simple diving games. They're ready for toys that encourage storytelling and problem-solving, making bath time an adventure.

The Different Types of Bath Toys

There are plenty of different bath toys out there which all make bathtime fun and stimulating in unique ways. Some of the most popular types that kids love include:

Floating Toys

Who doesn't love a classic rubber duck? Floating toys are brilliant for developing hand-eye coordination as your child tries to catch them. They're also great for imaginative play, turning the bath into an ocean for tiny boats and sea creatures.

Squeezable Toys

Squeezable bath toys, like squirting animals, are popular and fun. They develop fine motor skills and grip strength, and kids really love making them squirt water.

Educational Toys

Bath time is a great time for learning! Educational bath toys range from simple foam letters and numbers that stick to tiles to complex gear systems creating flowing water. Sensory toys, like floating light-up creatures or textured balls, can also provide tactile and visual stimulation to engage the senses.

Why Keeping Bath Toys Clean Is Important

Bath toys are played with in warm, wet environments, which is unfortunately ideal for mould and bacteria. This build-up, especially in holes, isn't just unsightly but can pose health risks. Keeping them clean and hygienic is vital for your child's health, making regular cleaning critical for safe and healthy bath time.

How to Clean Bath Toys Properly

You've got a few options for sparkling clean bath toys, so pick the method that works best for you:

• Vinegar Soak (Natural & Effective): Mix equal parts white vinegar and warm water. Fill squirting toys, then soak for at least an hour (or even overnight). Scrub surfaces with an old toothbrush, then rinse thoroughly, squeezing all solution out.

• Bleach Solution (Powerful Disinfectant): Create a solution of one part bleach to ten parts water. Submerge your toys (and fill any squirters), soaking for 10-15 minutes, but no longer. Rinse very thoroughly, squeezing repeatedly until no bleach smell remains, then air dry completely.

• Dishwasher Cleaning (Super Easy!): For solid plastic or silicone toys (with no batteries or intricate parts), the top rack of your dishwasher is brilliant. Use a gentle cycle with high heat and ensure they're completely dry before storing them away.

Tips for Preventing Mould Growth in Bath Toys

Cleaning is only half the battle, as proper drying and storage are your best defence against mould. Ensure every toy is completely dry before putting it away, as air circulation is key.

Here are some tips to keep your toys free of mould:

• Dry thoroughly: Squeeze all excess water from squirting toys after baths, giving them a good little shake.

• Air it out: Use a mesh bag or bath toy organiser with drainage holes on the tub. This allows air to circulate, helping them dry quickly. Avoid sealing damp toys in airtight containers.

• Sunny spot: Let toys dry in natural light or sunshine, as the UV rays help kill lingering bacteria.

• Glueing holes: Some parents seal the holes of squeezable toys with hot glue to prevent any unwelcome build-up.

• Regular checks: Always check toys for mould or sliminess. If mould persists, it’s best to replace the toy.

Our Best Recommendations for Bath Toys

The best bath toys are ones that your child will get plenty of use out of, will inspire their imagination, and are designed for durability and easy cleaning. We’ve put together our most recommended choices with their pros and cons to help decide if they’re right for you:

• Solid Rubber or Silicone Animals/Boats:

• Pros: They’re easy to clean and dry, with no holes for mould to hide in. Durable and great for imaginative adventures, often made from natural, child-safe materials.

• Stacking and Pouring Cups:

• Pros: Brilliant for developing fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and teaching basic physics like volume and cause and effect. They’re simple, educational, and easy to clean.

• Bath Crayons or Foam Shapes:

• Pros: They really encourage creativity and artistic expression on bath tiles. Foam shapes stick when wet, making them great for imaginative storytelling and learning letters or numbers and fun for all ages.

• Water-Powered Gears or Fountains:

• Pros: These introduce basic engineering and water flow concepts in a visually engaging and fun way. They’re highly engaging, hold attention longer, and promote problem-solving.

A Huge Selection of Bath Toys at True Toys

Whatever bath toy you choose, the important thing is to make sure that it’s suitable for your child, whether that’s choosing baby bath toys for your little one or kids' bath toys for a slightly older kid. Whichever type of bath toy you go for, they can make bathtime so enjoyable that you may even struggle to get your child out of the bath!

Take a look at our selection of bath toys and children’s water toys at True Toys to find plenty of fun choices at low costs. Our range features Bluey toys, Disney toys, and many more popular characters that your little one will know and love, so find their next favourites with us!