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Bath time is a big part of baby’s routine. So opting for non-toxic baby bathtubs, bath toys & baby products in general, helps 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 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’.
Types Of Baby Bath Tub
When shopping for a baby bath tub, eco friendly or otherwise, you’ll want to keep in mind the different types available. Sink support tubs are often a good choice if you’ve had a C-section, as you can use them standing up, without the need to bend or squat over a main bath tub.
If you’re looking for longevity though, you might prefer to opt for a larger, more versatile tub that offers dual positions. This means a tub is suitable for newborn babies (often via an integrated or insertable support), as well as older babies & toddlers who can sit independently.
Also think about space – if you’re limited on storage room, collapsible bath tubs often work well. Or if you travel a lot, look out for a bathtub that’s collapsible and lightweight.
5 Non-Toxic Baby Bathtubs For Eco Bathing
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.
1 – Puj Foldable Bathtub
Made From: Closed cell, non absorbent foam
Free From: BPA, phthalates, PVC, latex & lead free
Recommended Age: Up to 6 months
Good For: Sink Use/C-sections
Further details: Started by a husband & wife design team who wanted to simplify parenting through great product design, Puj offer a host of well thought out baby & toddler gear. The Puj bath tub was actually their first product & it’s simple to use, as well as space saving.
Designed to be used in the sink, the tub supports baby in a cradle position, making it easier to use both hands for washing. A popular choice for C-sections, the smaller size tub also conserves water.
Made from non-toxic, soft foam the tub conforms to most pedestal & countertop sinks (ideal recommended sink size is about 15-inch x 12-inch, with 6.5-inch depth). Magnets hold the tub in place whilst in use, then once you’re done, you simply open it out for easy drying/storage.
Mould & mildew resistant, the tub is BPA, phthalates, PVC & lead free.
Summary: A popular space saving choice, for newborns up to 6 months, designed for use in the sink. Doesn’t require bending, kneeling or squatting, so it’s a good option to consider if you’ve had a C-section.
2 – Stokke Flexi Bath
Made From: Polypropylene plastic
Free From: Heavy metals, phthalates, formaldehyde, BPA
Recommended Age: 0-48 months
Good For: Limited space/travelling/length of use
Further details: 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 also both lightweight & portable.
There’s a newborn support (sold separately), which inserts easily inside the tub for babies up to 8 months (or 17.6 lbs). Simply remove this for use with older babies/toddlers who can sit independently. A non-slip also base helps keep the tub safely in place, which should fit neatly into most bathtubs & showers.
The bath also folds flat, which combined with how lightweight it is, makes it a practical choice if you have limited storage space, or when travelling.
Unlike many baby bath tubs, you’ve also got a choice of colours to choose from, plus there’s a novel heat-sensitive draining plug, which changes colour to help you determine the heat of the water.
Summary: A great versatile, all round choice that’s suitable from birth (with the newborn support) up to around 48 months (the XL version will fit even older kids). The lightweight, foldable design also makes it easy to store or use when travelling.
3 – Boon Naked Collapsible Bathtub
Made From: Plastic & silicone
Free From: BPA, PVC & 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 around 18 months (or 25 pounds), the newly designed all-in-one collapsible tub is quick to put up via the foldable legs, which feature easy to use ‘click buttons’.
The one-piece design features a narrow, reclining end for newborn babies & a wider end that offers more space for growing babies to sit & play. The bath tub also includes a built-in bump on one side, which creates a support for newborn babies & prevents slipping.
The collapsible design (& integrated storage hook) make storing the tub easy & clutter free, plus drainage is easy via the built in plug. If you want some help with the water temperature, the plug also turns white when the water gets too hot.
Summary: A well designed, stand alone bath tub with dual positions for baby & toddler, suitable for use in or outside your main bath or shower unit.
4 – Primo Eurobath
Made From: Polypropylene plastic
Free From: BPA, lead & phthalates
Recommended Age: 0-24 months
Good For: Larger tub/dual bathing positions
Further details: Specially designed to accommodate your child’s needs as they grow, the Primo Eurobath is one of the larger baby bath tubs on the market. This makes it a good option to consider if you want a single bath tub that can cater from birth to around 2 years old.
An integrated, contoured, seat gently supports 0-6 month old infants in a reclining position, preventing them from slipping into the water, whilst supporting their neck & head. Then this same seat also acts as a support for toddlers, once they’re able to sit independently.
Made from polypropylene plastic, it’s easy to drain via the integrated plug & to clean it, you simply wipe the tub down with mild soap & water.
Summary: A practical, larger size, baby bath tub with dual bathing positions for baby & toddler. However, it’s not be the best option for small spaces.
5 – Angelcare Baby Bath Support
Made From: Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE)
Free From: BBP, latex, DEHP & DBP
Recommended Age: 0-6 months
Good For: Newborn bath support
Further details: Designed for use in your main bath tub, the Angelcare baby bath acts as a support for baby, keeping them safely above water. Easy to use, there’s no assembly required – you simply place the bath support directly in the bathtub to secure, then cradle your baby while partly immersing their body into the bath water.
The bath support frame is made from durable TPE, a rubber like material that’s generally considered eco friendly (it’s recyclable), as well as non toxic. Keep in mind though – the jury is still out a little on TPE, as some forms may still release phthalates, although the levels are thought to be very low. The actual support which baby lies in is made from a soft & flexible rubber mesh. This helps protect baby’s delicate skin and facilitates easy drainage. It’s also quick drying, helping to protect from mould.
Easy to hang up to dry & store via the integrated hook, this is a practical choice for babies up to 6 months.
Summary: Lightweight baby bath support, suitable from birth up to 6 months. Easy to dry & store with no assembly required.
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?