Baby Bathtub Buying Guide

Simply start with the basics—a design that’s stable, with rounded corners and edges throughout—then consider the extras that make the most sense to you. Whatever you choose, the tub should cradle your baby to keep her safely in place.

Keep in mind that any tub you choose will probably feel awkward to use at first because bathing a squirming baby can be tricky. But it should be comfortable for your baby and you, too, so that bath time can be as speedy and fuss-free as possible.

Most baby tubs are small, portable, and made of lightweight plastic, so you can use them just about anywhere. But there are variations on that basic design. Here are three common bathtub types that should work well for most people, and two that should be avoided by everyone.

Plastic tubs. These basic tubs are made of lightweight but sturdy plastic and usually have a sloped interior that allows your baby to lie back slightly. Ideal for babies up to 6 months old (or before they can sit up on their own), these tubs are often lined with padding or foam for added comfort.

Slings. Usually made of mesh nylon stretched over a frame, this option puts your baby up in an inclined position and is designed to be used in large sinks or adult tubs. Look for slings that look like a hammock as opposed to those that require rods to hold them in place, because the rods can be uncomfortable when your baby moves around.

"Spa" tubs. These souped-up tubs have a battery unit that swirls up the water and creates bubbles, delighting some babies and disconcerting others. Some models even have a shower nozzle. To be safe (see below), choose a tub with a nozzle that requires you to press a button for it to work and draws water from a reservoir as opposed to an adult tub’s spout.

Inflatable tubs. We don’t recommend these. Made to fit inside a regular bathtub, these tubs are blown up to give your baby a padded space to bathe in. But they can tip over if accidentally placed in a regular bathtub with water in it, and they can be prone to collapsing.

Bath buckets. We haven’t tested bath buckets but we have concerns that they could tip over. What’s more, the Consumer Product Safety Commission cautions that a small child could topple headfirst into a bucket and drown. Safety concerns aside, it would seem difficult to thoroughly wash a baby in a bucket.

You don’t need bells and whistles to give your baby a good bath, but these features might, in fact, make the process more seamless.

Contoured design. Whether it’s a crotch post, side supports, or both, this sort of detailing is a must for keeping a baby from sliding around too much.

Convertible design. These tubs are designed to grow with a baby, typically accommodating those from birth up to 24 months (or up to 25 pounds). They usually come with removable inserts or slings.

Foldable design. A few plastic tubs fold in half for easier storage. If you opt for one, check reviews to be sure it won’t leak, and check the size to be sure it will fit your baby beyond infancy, unless you’re planning to replace it at that point. Make sure, too, that it’s stable when set up. Foldable parts should lock firmly into place when open.

Padded lining. Most padding is thin but more comfortable than just hard plastic. Look for a lining that’s mildew-resistant.

Smooth overhanging rim. This detail makes it much easier to carry a water-filled tub (without your baby in it, of course). It also prevents you from scraping your baby’s skin as you put him in the tub or take him out.

Drain with an attached plug. Lifting a plug is easier than tipping the entire tub to dump out the water. Before purchasing, make sure the plug is easy to maneuver.

Nonskid surface. Some models have a nonskid surface on the bottom to keep the tub from sliding in a regular bathtub. (Of course, you can also use a nonskid rubber mat you already own.)

Temperature indicator. Some bathtub models have a drain plug or temperature strip that changes color when the water is too hot. Others have digital readouts. Still, you should always test the water with your forearm, making sure it feels comfortably warm but not hot.

Easy storage. A handle or hook on the back of some tubs allows you to hang the tub up for draining or storage. But you can also simply flip over any infant tub in your regular tub to let it drain and dry before you store it.

Some bath-time extras, while enticing, can increase the risk of injury and accidents. Here’s what Consumer Reports safety experts advise against using.

Infant bath seats. These are designed for use in a regular tub if your baby is able to sit up. We don’t recommend them. "If a parent or caregiver has a false sense of security based on the use of the product and leaves a child unattended, even briefly, submersion can occur with catastrophic consequences," says Gary Smith, MD, a professor of pediatrics, emergency medicine, and epidemiology at The Ohio State University and the founder and director of the Center for Injury Research and Policy at Nationwide Children’s Hospital.

Shower nozzles. These nozzles have hoses that attach directly to a faucet. We don’t recommend them because leaving water running is a safety risk. And there’s the possibility of a sudden temperature change that could result in scalding. You’re better off using a showerhead that draws water from a reservoir and has a button to operate the spray. A plain cup from your kitchen does just fine, too.

Sponges. Tiny pieces can break off and become choking hazards. The safer choice? A washcloth, which you can throw in a washing machine. It’s also easier to clean and dry thoroughly.

Tub stands. These stands are designed to save parents from bending over to wash their baby. But this means the tub can tip over more easily. The safest place to wash your baby is in an infant tub that fits in a sink or bathtub, or on the floor.

Regardless of the tub you choose, the process of bathing your baby requires the utmost attention. Simply keeping an eye out isn’t enough; you need to hold your child. "We often refer to this as ’touch supervision,’" Smith says. After all, he notes, babies can drown in very little water, and it can happen quickly. With that in mind, follow these tips:

Always place your tub on a level surface. This means the tub or sink (if it’s big enough), making sure the spigot isn’t within reach, or the floor. If the tub doesn’t have a nonskid bottom, buy a separate nonskid or rubber mat to keep it from sliding. If there are sharp metal parts within reach of the tub (say, from a faucet), cover them with plastic or inflatable covers.

Fill the tub with as little water as possible. Two inches is a good amount. If you’ve placed the tub inside a regular adult bathtub, keep the larger tub’s drain open. Filling it with water could cause the baby tub to slip, float around, or tip over.

Never leave your baby alone in the bath—"even for an instant," Smith says. "No phones, no answering the door, no helping a sibling go potty." Either wait until after the bath is done or, if an emergency arises, carefully pick up your baby and take her with you (be careful not to slip). And never pick up a portable tub with your baby inside.

Place whatever you’ll need close at hand. "Keep baby’s shampoo, soap, washcloths, towels, and toys all within your arm’s reach so you can keep one hand on baby at all times," Smith says, regardless of whether the baby is in an infant tub or full bathtub.

Always check the water temperature before you place your baby in the tub. Test it with your forearm (which is more sensitive than your hand), and make sure it feels warm but not hot. Consider adjusting your water heater’s top temperature limit to 120° F and installing anti-scald devices on your faucets.

Empty and clean the bathtub immediately after bath time. To prevent mildew and soap-scum buildup, wash it and let it dry fully after each use. And if you’re using a mat beneath the tub, clean and dry that, too.