Last Updated on July 21, 2021 by Sarah
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Bath time is a big part of baby’s routine, so opting for non-toxic baby bathtubs & bath toys helps to create a safer & more eco friendly environment for your little one.
Right from birth, babies need washing, but many of the baby bathtubs (& baby wipes) out there still contain chemicals that may be harmful to health. These range from BPA in plastic to PVC and phthalates.
It’s almost impossible to avoid these chemicals completely, but opting for more natural bath time and nursery products helps to limit chemical exposure on baby’s sensitive, porous skin.
Why Use A Non-Toxic Baby Bathtub?
Scientific studies are increasingly suggesting that many forms of plastic leach chemicals, such as BPA or phthalates. It’s believed these toxins may be harmful to the body.
It’s also widely believed that some chemicals, such as BPA, are even more likely to leach when exposed to heat such as bath water, where chemicals can be readily absorbed by the skin.
The good news is that some plastics are better than others (polypropylene, for example, is generally considered safe). So when shopping for non-toxic bathtubs, it’s can help look for products labelled ‘BPA, PVC and phthalate free’.
To help you create a more sustainable bath time, here are 5 of the best non toxic baby bathtubs that are made from safer and more eco-friendly materials.
Non-Toxic Baby Bathtubs For Eco Bath Times
Here are 5 non-toxic baby bathtubs to help you choose the best tub for your needs and budget.
1 – Puj Foldable Bathtub
Made From: Closed cell, non absorbent foam
Free From: BPA, PVC, and Phthalates
Recommended Age: Up to 6 months
Good For: Sink Use/C-sections
Puj was started by a husband & wide design team who wanted to simplify parenting through great product design. Their first product was the Puj bath tub, which is simple to use, as well as space saving. Made from non-toxic, soft foam that conforms to almost any sink, magnets hold the tub in place whilst in use. Then simply open it out for easy drying/storage. The tub supports baby in a cradle position, making it easier to use both hands for washing. A popular choice for C-sections, the tub also conserves water. Mould & mildew resistant. BPA, PVC & lead free.
2 – Stokke Flexi Bathe
Made From: Polypropylene plastic
Free From: Heavy metals, phthalates, formaldehyde, BPA
Recommended Age: 0-48 months
Good For: Limited space/travelling/length of use
Stokke have been designing children’s furniture & accessories since 1972 & their Flexi Bath is both space saving, easy to store & made from non toxic, safer materials. Made from polypropylene plastic, generally considered safe, due to it’s high heat tolerance, the tub is both lightweight & portable. The bath also folds flat, making it a good choice for lack of space/travelling. The newborn support (sold separately) inserts easily inside the tub for babies up to 8 months (or 17.6 lbs) & the non slip base helps keep the tub safely in place.
3 – Boon Naked Collapsible Bathtubs
Free From: BPA, lead and phthalate free
Recommended Age: 0-18 months
Good For: Easy storage/dual bathing positions
Driven by a desire to make products that simplify parents’ lives, the Boon Naked Collapsible Bathtub is an eco friendly bathtub, with a modern design. Suitable from birth to 18 months, the all-in-one tub features a rotating support brace for quick and secure positioning. The recline position cradles newborns, whilst the fully-expanded basin accommodates infants & toddlers. A collapsible design (& handy storage hook) make storage easy & clutter free, plus drainage is easy. BPA, lead and phthalate free.
4 – PRIMO Eurobath
Made From: Polypropylene plastic
Free From: BPA free, lead free, and phthalate free
Recommended Age: 0-24 months
Good For: Larger size/dual bathing positions
Specially designed to accommodate your child’s needs as they grow, the Primo Eurobath claims to be the largest baby bathtub out there. The integrated contoured seat gently supports 0-6 month old infants in a reclining position, making it suitable for newborns. Then, once baby is able to sit independently, the seat also acts as a support for toddlers. Made from polypropylene plastic, it’s easy to drain, provides more space for bathing, but may not be the best option for small spaces.
5 – The Original Tummy Tub
Made From: Polypropylene
Free From: BPA, PVC, phthalate and lead free
Recommended Age: 0-36 months
Good For: Colic
Hugely popular in Europe, the Tummy Tub looks a bit like a bucket – however, the idea behind it is much more sound! Designed in a womb-shape, this eco friendly bathtub is designed to make baby’s transition into the world feel safer and more stress free. The benefits of the Tummy Tub are acknowledged in maternity hospitals throughout Europe, as well as endorsed by physicians & midwives. The upright design may also benefit babies with colic & gas. Lightweight, the tub conserves water & features ergonomic hand grips for easy carrying.
Do You Really Need A Baby Bathtub?
The American Academy of Paediatrics (AAP) recommends bathing your infant 3 times a week for baby’s first year. So if you want to bypass a plastic baby bathtub completely – even an eco-friendly, non-toxic one – there’s really nothing wrong with washing baby in the sink. According to this article on Romper, this is completely safe to do. Just remember to make sure the sink is free from any harsh cleaning products or food residues. Also be mindful of the positioning of taps or taps which may be hot to the touch.
Or if you’re not 100% sure about washing baby in the sink, another option is to use the foldable Puj baby tub, which fits snugly into most standard sinks.
Whichever option you choose, remember to support baby well and never leave baby unattended.
Do Babies Need Bath Toys?
Bath time can be a wonderfully bonding time for babies and parents. Babies tend to find warm water a gentle, sensory experience, plus it’s a good time for parents to connect in with their baby. Newborn baby skin, however, is soft, sensitive & porous and can dry out quite easily. So you don’t need to spend too much time in the bath, especially as new babies don’t tend to get that dirty.
However, if you find bath time a struggle, a set of bath cups can help engage babies in some gentle water play. Alternatively, a natural rubber teether may distract babies with teeth starting to come through.
Around the 6 month mark is often a good time to introduce a few simple bath toys, as baby’s have better head control by this age & can usually sit unaided. They also tend to start showing more interest in toys in general around this age.
So a few bath toys can help make bath time a fun experience, as well as a relaxed opportunity for learning and exploration. Loud, over sensory plastic toys can sometimes over stimulate babies, so try and opt for simple, non toxic bath toys that are both eco friendly & encourage imaginative, natural play in your little one.
Non-Toxic Baby Bathtubs – Conclusion
Choosing a more eco-friendly baby bathtub is a great way to ensure your child’s transition into the world is a healthier one at bath time.
Look for tubs that are marketed as ‘BPA, PVC and phthalate free’ and check out reviews from other parents who have already used and tested the bathtubs. However convincing the product details, a recommendation from a parent (or baby!) often goes a long way.
Wow this is very interesting! I never thought about the safety or toxicity of a baby bathtub. I feel like so many people probably dont even know about any of it. I feel like people need to be more educated about safe choices for their children; especially when they are about to become new parents.
Thank you for this great article! I have now purchased two non-toxic tubs and been so disappointed to find that they put a sticker inside the tub that does not peel off easily and leaves adhesive behind, including the Primo. I feel like this defeats the whole point. Have you experienced this? Are there any non-toxic tubs without the sticker inside?
Thank you!
Hello Lisa, what a nuisance, I know the stickers you mean. Why put them on if they are so hard to get off? I personally used the Tummy Tub with my daughter and I don’t recall a sticker. I haven’t personally purchased all the bathtubs featured, so I’m not sure if they have stickers on, but, although I haven’t tried it myself, you could try this solution of baking soda and oil to remove the sticker residue?