5 Non-Toxic Baby Bathtubs: Your Best Eco Friendly Options

I’ve already written about my favourite BPA, PVC and phthalate free baby bath toys (and regular toys!) but what about the best non-toxic baby bathtubs?

Right from birth, bath time is an important part of baby’s routine, but many of the baby bathtubs out there (as well as baby wipes) still contain chemicals that may be harmful to health.

So below I’m going to share 5 of the best baby bathtubs that are made from safer and more eco-friendly materials.

My Favourite Non-Toxic Baby Bathtub:

My personal favourite non-toxic baby bath is the Original Tummy Tub – it’s what I used for my daughter (who was not a big bath time lover!) and it’s also endorsed in Europe by many doctors and midwives. Alternatively, the Primo Eurobath is another good choice if you prefer a larger tub that supports baby in a reclining position.

Here’s a summary of the non-toxic baby bathtubs we’ll cover in more depth below:

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Why Use A Non-Toxic Baby Bathtub?

It’s pretty common knowledge now that many plastics are believed to leach chemicals, such as BPA or phthalates. Science is increasingly suggesting these toxins may be harmful to the body, long term.

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.  I talk more abut the possible health effects of chemicals in certain types of plastic here.

The good news is that some plastics are better than others, so when shopping for non-toxic bathtubs, be on the look out for bathtubs labelled ‘BPA, PVC and phthalate free’. 

In my experience, these make the best non-toxic baby bathtub options and help ensure a healthier bath time for your little one.

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The Best Non-Toxic Baby Bathtubs

Here are 5 of my favourite non-toxic baby bathtubs to help you choose the best tub for your needs and budget.

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1 – Puj Foldable Bathtub

The Puj Foldable Bathtub bypasses your main bathtub altogether and fits snugly in your sink. The bathtub fits most standard sized sinks, although the ideal sink size is about 15 x 12 and at least 6.5 inches deep. The bathtub is soft for baby to lie, non slip and easy to clean.

Recommended age: up to 6 months.

Advantages of the Pui bathtub

• tub supports baby in a cradle position, making it easier to use both hands for washing
• good choice if you’ve had a C-section, as it avoids having to bend, lean or squat over your normal bathtub
• folds to a flat position when not in use, which you can hang or lie flat for easy storage
• made of closed-cell foam, so it doesn’t absorb water, which makes the tub mold and mildew resistant.

Disadvantages of the Pui bath tub 

• if you don’t have a standard sized sink (ideal sink size for the Pui is about 15 x 12 and at least 6.5 inches deep) it is likely the tub will not be supported well
• most babies will outgrow the tub by 6 months (or earlier for larger babies).

Materials Used: Closed cell foam. BPA, PVC and lead free plastic.

See Latest Price For Puj Foldable Bathtub

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2 – PRIMO Eurobath

The Primo Eurobath has been specially designed to accommodate your child’s needs as they grow. For this reason it’s the largest of the featured non-toxic baby bathtubs. A unique feature of the Primo Eurobath is the molded contoured seat, which gently supports your 0 to 6 month old infant in a reclining position. Once your baby is able to sit independently, this same safety seat acts as a support to prevents your toddler from slipping.

The PRIMO bathtub is recommended for use on the floor, in an adult bathtub or with the PRIMO Folding Bath Stand.

If your baby is initially too small for the reclining tub position, simply pop a soft wash cloth or hand towel under baby to help fill in any extra space.

Recommended age: 0 to 2 years.

Advantages of the PRIMO Eurobath

• designed specifically to fit your infants shape, which helps prevent slipping
• as a larger baby bath, there is more room for warm water/baby to safely play
• longer term, cost effective option, as it’s suitable for babies/infants right up to 24 months old

Disadvantages of the PRIMO Eurobath

• as a larger bathtub (which doesn’t fold or collapse), this isn’t the best choice if you’re short on storage space

Materials Used: Recyclable polypropylene (widely considered safe). BPA, PVC, phthalate and lead free. Made in the USA.

See Latest Prices For Primo Eurobath

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3 – The Original Tummy Tub

The Original Tummy Tub is hugely popular in Europe and although it looks a bit like a, well,  bucket, the idea behind it is much more sound! Designed in a womb-shape, the bathtub is designed to make baby’s transition into the world feel a lot safer and more stress free – a feature I personally love.

I used the tummy Tub with my Little Lady and to be honest I wasn’t at all convinced when I first saw it (it was a gift), but it worked a treat and I ended up loving it (more importantly, so did my Little Lady, who has historically found washing a bit tantrum inducing!).

Recommended age: 0 to 3 years.

Advantages of the Original Tummy Tub

• the womb shape surrounds baby, making for a more stress free bath time for newborns/young babies, who often naturally curl up into the fetal position when in the tub
• benefits are acknowledged in maternity hospitals throughout Europe and endorsed by physicians and midwives
• upright design may help aid colic and gas

Disadvantages of the Original Tummy Tub

• you need to support baby upright, so can take more getting used to than a baby bathtub that supports baby in a reclining position
• although it states you can use the Tummy Tub up to 3 years, I’m personally not convinced it’s practical for children that old (always happy to be proved wrong though!)

Materials Used: Recyclable Polypropylene. BPA, PVC, phthalate and lead free.

View Latest Prices For Original Tummy Tub

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4 – Stokke Flexi Bath

The Stokke Flexi Bath is a folding baby bath tub, making it another great option if you’re short on storage space or travelling. It’s very easy to assemble and fold back up again, plus it’s easy to clean with a damp cloth. The bathtub also features a non-slip base and a plug for easy draining (although you could just as easily tip the water out).

For extra support for newborns, you’ve also got the option of the Stokke Flexi Bath Newborn Support (sold separately).

Recommended age: 0 to 4 years.

Advantages of the Stokke Flexi Bath

• space saving, foldable design makes it one of the more practical baby bathtubs if you’re short on space or travelling
• lasts up to 4 years
• lots of space for splashing and play

Disadvantages of the Stokke Flexi Bath

• newborn support is generally sold separately, which pushes price up a bit
• not as sturdy as some other non-toxic baby bathtubs

Materials Used: Polypropylene and TPE. BPA, phthalate and PVC free. Made in Scandinavia.

My only slight concern here is the TPE. TPE is  often used as an alternative to PVC and is generally considered non-toxic. However, it falls under category #7 plastic, which is a bit of a catch all for plastics that don’t fit anywhere else. TPE is also a rather nebulous term, as according to this site, there are 6  classes of TPEs, some of which may contain toxic chemicals such as flame retardants.

At the end of the day it really boils down to how truly non toxic you want to be (it’s impossible to avoid all toxins). TPE is definitely an improvement on PVC, but the only way to know for sure what the specific TPE ingredients are is to contact a company direct and find out.

View Latest Prices For Stokke Flexi Bath

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5 – Boon Naked Collapsible Bathtubs

The Boon Naked Collapsible Bathtub is a pretty versatile non-toxic baby bathtub. It features a 2 position design that supports newborns and toddlers, plus it also collapses for easy storage.

Recommended age: 0 – 18 months.

Advantages of the Boon Naked Collapsible Bathtub

• 2 position design provides positions for cradling newborns and supporting older toddlers up to 18 months
• only featured bathtub which has built in support for newborns and collapses down for easy storage

Disadvantages of the Boon Naked Collapsible Bathtub

• I think this is a great bathtub in theory, but it’s unfortunately let down rather by a number of customers on Amazon who have xperienced issues with the metal support bar and bathtub legs, as well as the storage hook breaking

Materials Used: BPA, phthalate and PVC free. Made in China.

View Latest Prices For Boon Naked Collapsible Bathtub

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Non-Plastic Baby Bathtubs

If you truly want to avoid plastic, one alternative is to use your kitchen or bathroom sink. When I was a baby my Mum used to merrily wash me in the kitchen sink on a daily basis. And I’m still trying to get the dirt off 40 years later. Just kidding! I can seriously say it didn’t do me any harm. It was simply what Mums did.

The problem is, baby products have now become big business and powerful advertising suggests we need a zillion pieces of baby gear just to get through the first 12 months. That’s really not true though, 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 if you feel confident enough to do it. Jut remember to support baby well.

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Non-Toxic Baby Bathtubs – A Final Word

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, I personally find a recommendation from a parent (or baby!) goes a long way!

Happy bathing…

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