Best baby bath toys 2024 for making bath time fun

What are the best baby bath toys to use in 2024? Everything you need to consider when choosing your little one's bath time entertainment

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Whether you are looking to make bath time more fun or looking to fuel your child’s imagination, these are the  best baby bath toys of 2024.

Toys can serve a variety of different functions, especially during bath time; they can enhance sensory experience, develop motor skills, and promote social skills. The older your child gets, the quicker their needs change, and of course, a product that is the best toy for 6 months old is not always going to be the best toy for a 2 year old. 

Although toys are not necessary, as your child ages they can help with engagement and happiness during bath time. If your child does not enjoy bath time, finding the right toy could change that experience. 

You can use this time for learning and teaching a new skill - counting numbers or learning the alphabet or helping them learn a trade from a young age. We’ve got you covered from sensory play, encouraging imaginative play, or starting them off young with an immersive experience of baby's first rave with an underwater disco light.

Best baby bath toys

Buddy & Barney | Alphabet Letters Bath Toy Stickers A-Z  - £10 | Amazon

<a href="https://amazon.co.uk/dp/B07DGPP2XT/ref=sspa_dk_detail_2?tag=hawk-future-21&ascsubtag=hawk-custom-tracking-21" data-link-merchant="Amazon UK"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Buddy & Barney | Alphabet Letters Bath Toy Stickers A-Z  - £10 | Amazon

Good for: Learning their ABCs | Age suitability: 3+ months| Batteries required: No

Help them learn on the go (and get clean at the same time) with this Buddy & Barney alphabet toy stick set. This set of 26 stickers can be stuck to the tub or tiles when wet and they also float in the water. Along with encouraging creativity, imagination and learning, it will also keep them entertained. Plus, parents will be pleased to know that this set comes with a handy storage net to help drain the products and keep them tidy.

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Nuby Wacky Water Works Pipes Bath Toy for 3 Year Olds - £10.99 | Amazon&nbsp;

<a href="https://amazon.co.uk/Nuby-Wacky-Water-Works-Pipes/dp/B07YBRFLM9/ref=asc_df_B07YBRFLM9/?tag=hawk-future-21&ascsubtag=hawk-custom-tracking-21" data-link-merchant="Amazon UK"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Nuby Wacky Water Works Pipes Bath Toy for 3 Year Olds - £10.99 | Amazon 

Good for: Cause and effect | Age suitability: 3+ years | Batteries required: No

Introducing: the piece of kit to help little ones become plumbers in the making. 

The idea? To poor some water into the tank and let them twist the valves to control the water flow through the connecting pipes. Will the ball float? Or will the water sprinkle back into the bath? Let them decide. Simply stick the toy onto the bathtub or tiles with its handy suction cups and you're good to go. 

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Cuddledry Babysafe Bath Duck - £12.99 | Not On The High Street&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.awin1.com/awclick.php?awinmid=18484&awinaffid=103504&clickref=hawk-custom-tracking&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.notonthehighstreet.com%2Fcuddledry%2Fproduct%2Fcuddledry-cuddleduck" data-link-merchant="awin1.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Cuddledry Babysafe Bath Duck - £12.99 | Not On The High Street 

Good for: Mould-free fun | Age suitability: 0-6 months| Batteries required: No

After you've chosen from the huge range of best baby baths add a few toys to it. And this award-winning rubber ducky is a go-to. It comes in a beautiful pale pink/blue or a more neutral beige polka dot style. Touted as a mould-free as the all-natural rubber toy has no holes, so no water can get inside to create mould. Pthalate free and non-toxic, child safe - conforms to EN71. Each sale supports the regeneration of the world's oceans.

Mum-of-one Michelle says: 'I originally bought it because it went with the colour scheme of our nursery, I didn't even realise the pros to it. And now our little one is here and 5 months old, he loves it when it bobs in the bath with him. We named ours Nigel as he just had that vibe.'

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Munchkin Float and Play Bubbles - £8.58 | Amazon

<a href="https://amazon.co.uk/Munchkin-Float-Play-Bubbles-Multicolor/dp/B0BGQ9ZRYL/ref=asc_df_B0BGQ9ZRYL/?tag=hawk-future-21&ascsubtag=hawk-custom-tracking-21" data-link-merchant="Amazon UK"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Munchkin Float and Play Bubbles - £8.58 | Amazon 

Good for: Stimulating senses | Age suitability: 0-6 months| Batteries required: No

Once you've chosen <a href="/family/babies/best-bath-products-for-baby-557141" data-link-merchant="Amazon UK"">bath products for your baby; like the best bubble bath or bath seat the next is fun toys and this is an 'Amazon Choice' with an impressive 4.6 out of 5 stars and over 8,000 ratings. These bath toys stimulate baby's early senses - sight, hearing and touch. The bubbles float and are easy for baby to grasp, each pack contains two different bubble characters.

Mum-of-four Louise tells us: 'Munchkin has been around for over 25 years, it's one of my go-to brands for all toys. These bubbles float, spin and rattle my 6 month old loves reaching out for them in the bath, Plus these are easily cleaned so no threat of mould building up.'

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Zoggs Kid's Seal Flips Pool Water Toy - £10 | Amazon

<a href="https://amazon.co.uk/Zoggs-Kids-Flips-Water-Multicolour/dp/B082L912B1/ref=zg_bs_364063031_27/258-2895407-8060556?tag=hawk-future-21&ascsubtag=hawk-custom-tracking-21" data-link-merchant="Amazon UK"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Zoggs Kid's Seal Flips Pool Water Toy - £10 | Amazon

Good for: Best for building water confidence | Age suitability: 0-6 months| Batteries required: No

These clever flip toys help to build confidence around water from 3 months old. They're light and easily bob around the pool. And the shape encourages your child to blow and make the seal head flip, instilling the important aspects of breathing techniques when in water. They're perfect for the bath and - as they get older - the swimming pool.

Swim instructor at Medway Pools, David says: 'We use these in our lessons. They are very light so they float, if you don't get quite a perfect grip on it, it just flips around and floats away. And the babies tend to splash to show they want to get closer, while toddlers will try to walk after them - both ways build up confidence with water.'

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Infantino Senso' Plug and Squirt Baby Bath Toys - £10 | Amazon&nbsp;

<a href="https://amazon.co.uk/Infantino-Senso-Tub-O-Fun/dp/B079SYTNMC/ref=sr_1_4?tag=hawk-future-21&ascsubtag=hawk-custom-tracking-21" data-link-merchant="Amazon UK"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Infantino Senso' Plug and Squirt Baby Bath Toys - £10 | Amazon 

Good for: Switching it up | Age suitability: 0-6 months| Batteries required: No

Super cute set of 4 16cm-high squirty bathtime friends, including an octopus, sea horse, turtle and frog. Not only do they bob and float, your little on can also pull them apart and snap back together in different combinations; an octo-horse, or frog. And it means you can pull them apart and make sure they're completely clean and free of mould.

Dad-of-twins, Matt says: 'Milo and Felix loved these and their squirtiness. They loved swapping the colourful heads and bottoms to create silly ‘octohorses’ and ‘frogtles’. They feel durable, well-made and soft to the touch.'

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Nuby Fun Watering Can Bath Toy - £6 | Amazon&nbsp;

<a href="https://amazon.co.uk/Nuby-Fun-Watering-Can-Bath/dp/B06X1DXWKL/ref=zg_bs_364063031_3/258-2895407-8060556?tag=hawk-future-21&ascsubtag=hawk-custom-tracking-21" data-link-merchant="Amazon UK"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Nuby Fun Watering Can Bath Toy - £6 | Amazon 

Good for: learning cause and effect | Age suitability: 6-12 months | Batteries: Not needed

This baby watering can has an impressive 4.8 out of 5 star rating on Amazon, with over 5,500 reviews. It’s colourful, fun and great value. The handle is shaped just right for baby hands and, though the wide opening makes it easy to fill, it sprinkles water out very gently. 

Mum of one Lucy says: 'This one is a double whammy for us as we use it in the bath and the garden. My one year old loves sprinkling water pretty much everywhere. Plus Nuby is such a go-to brand for us.'

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Bathtime Pirate Boat - £12 | John Lewis&nbsp;

<a href="https://amazon.co.uk/Pirate-Ship-Boat-Water-Cannon/dp/B01I1VVDVO/ref=asc_df_B01I1VVDVO/?tag=hawk-future-21&ascsubtag=hawk-custom-tracking-21" data-link-merchant="Amazon UK"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Bathtime Pirate Boat - £12 | John Lewis 

Good for: Best for longevity | Age suitability: 6-12 months | Batteries: Not needed 

This bath toy secures to the side of the bath with suckers. It has lots of moving parts and buttons to press to keep little ones positively mesmerised.  As your little ones grow it will support their imagination development and communication skills.

One John Lewis fan says: 'I bought this for my niece Christmas three years ago and it's still going strong! She loves all the different moving parts and it's great for her parents too as not too big and doesn't create lots of splashing!'.

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Underwater Disco Lightshow - £21 | Not On The High Street&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.awin1.com/awclick.php?awinmid=18484&awinaffid=103504&clickref=hawk-custom-tracking&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.notonthehighstreet.com%2Fallthingsbrightonbeautiful%2Fproduct%2Funderwater-disco-lightshow" data-link-merchant="awin1.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Underwater Disco Lightshow - £21 | Not On The High Street 

Good for: Calm sensory fun | Age suitability: 6-12 months | Batteries: : x3 AAA

A disco in the bath is a sure fire way to keep your little one in the bubbles. This ingenious floating disco light simply bobs in the water and projects multicoloured light sequences on the bath and ceiling. Battery operated and water resistant.

Mum-of-one, Tanya says: 'I really wanted my 10-month old to have a relaxing bath, and this delivered just that. He was so mesmerised by the lights and reaching for them he was all zenned out and ready for bed.'

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Green Toys Tide Pool Bath Set - £22 | Amazon

<a href="https://amazon.co.uk/Green-Toys-TDP1-1311-Tide-Assorted/dp/B079NJYBH6/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?tag=hawk-future-21&ascsubtag=hawk-custom-tracking-21" data-link-merchant="Amazon UK"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Green Toys Tide Pool Bath Set - £22 | Amazon

Good for: Eco-friendly families | Age suitability: 6-12 months | Batteries: Not needed

This cute set comes with 7 separate items - a starfish, scallop, abalone, snail, squid, and jellyfish, as well as a seaweed-patterned storage bag - all 100% recycled plastic. There are holes throughout the sides and bottom of the bag so water can drain out and it can all dry between uses. Plus, the whole set is also dishwasher safe and contains no BPA, phthalates, or PVC. It's an all-round winner.

Mum-of-two, Jasmine tells us: 'My two love playing with this set. They are so focused on scooping and pouring water between the items, it means I can quickly get their hair washed!'.

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Munchkin Colour Mix Fish - £7.50 | Amazon&nbsp;

<a href="https://amazon.co.uk/Munchkin-Colour-Fish-Changing-Bath/dp/B08QJKPZ9S/ref=asc_df_B08QJKPZ9S/?tag=hawk-future-21&ascsubtag=hawk-custom-tracking-21" data-link-merchant="Amazon UK"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Munchkin Colour Mix Fish - £7.50 | Amazon 

Good for: Water bobbing | Age suitability: 12 -24 months | Batteries: Not needed

These colourful fish will blow your little one's mind when they slowly start to change colour in warm water (recommended temperature from 37°C-37.8°C). These are fun to play with and perfect for teaching cause and effect, as they gradually change back while drying, so little ones can play, rinse and repeat the next day. Plus, they are uniquely designed to float upright when dropped into water. And another plus is that they are easy to keep clean and free from mould.

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Toomies Tomy 7 in 1 Activity Octopus - £15 | Amazon&nbsp;

<a href="https://amazon.co.uk/Toomies-E73104-Bath-Activity-Octopus/dp/B08BMNYP82/ref=zg_bs_364063031_11/258-2895407-8060556?tag=hawk-future-21&ascsubtag=hawk-custom-tracking-21" data-link-merchant="Amazon UK"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Toomies Tomy 7 in 1 Activity Octopus - £15 | Amazon 

Good for: exciting engagement | Age suitability: 12 - 24 months | Batteries: Not needed

Works with fine motor skills, boosts water confidence and can help with counting and lots of shape sorting fun.

Mum-of-two Lynsey says: 'My two love playing with this so much. The scooping, and pouring and squirting. The only thing I'd be aware of is to really squirt the water completely out after each use as they did get mould after a long time. And I had to throw them away. But before then, the kids loved it.'

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VTech Splashtime Submarine Bath Toy - £21 | Amazon&nbsp;

<a href="https://amazon.co.uk/VTech-Splashtime-Submarine-Interactive-Accessories/dp/B087MTBQDQ/ref=asc_df_B087MTBQDQ/?tag=hawk-future-21&ascsubtag=hawk-custom-tracking-21" data-link-merchant="Amazon UK"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">VTech Splashtime Submarine Bath Toy - £21 | Amazon 

Good for: honing motor skills | Age suitability: 12 -24 months | Batteries: X3 AA

It's an all-singing, all-dancing bath toy. This cool submarine suckers to the side of the bath and has a rotatable periscope which water pours out of... in four different ways - all teaching cause and effect. Your little one will love to see water sprinkle out of the search light. spin out of the engine roller, fill up the porthole to make the starfish float and shower down on the gears to turn them. Plus they can press the light-up goggles for fun phrases, and music.

Mum-of-two, Lisa says: ' love V-Tech it's such a strong brand, they really focus on helping to develop skills in babies. My little one loves this and 'seat dances' to the music.'

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TOMY Toomies Peppa Pig George's Dinosaur Float - £10 | John Lewis&nbsp;

<a href="https://john-lewis-and-partners.pxf.io/c/221109/871855/12148?subId1=hawk-custom-tracking&sharedId=goodtoknow-gb&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.johnlewis.com%2Ftomy-toomies-peppa-pig-georges-dinosaur-float-bath-toy%2Fp5134844%3F" data-link-merchant="john-lewis-and-partners.pxf.io"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">TOMY Toomies Peppa Pig George's Dinosaur Float - £10 | John Lewis 

Good for: Peppa Pig fans | Age suitability: 12 -24 months | Batteries: Not needed

While <a href="https://www.goodto.com/family/reasons-why-peppa-pig-is-the-worst-97679" data-link-merchant="goodto.com"" data-link-merchant="john-lewis-and-partners.pxf.io"" target="_blank">Peppa Pig isn't every parent's favourite character, she seems to be a hit with the kids. This clever bath toy brings her and her little brother George together in an inflatable dinosaur. Made up of three parts, there's a circular base, a dino that sits on top and collects water plus a soft squidgy George character. This versatile toy will grow with your child as they discover new ways to play, and build their confidence around water.

Dad of two, Chris says: ' can't stand Peppa but my youngest loves her so this was a great buy. He loves to squirt water out of George's mouth into the dino's.'

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Munchkin Ocean Bath Squirt Toys - £6 | Ocado&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.awin1.com/awclick.php?awinmid=22454&awinaffid=103504&clickref=hawk-custom-tracking&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ocado.com%2Fproducts%2Fmunchkin-ocean-bath-squirt-toys-548943011" data-link-merchant="awin1.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Munchkin Ocean Bath Squirt Toys - £6 | Ocado 

Good for: staying on budget | Age suitability: 12 -24 months | Batteries: Not needed

Simple lightweight bath toys always go down a treat. When you purchase this, you'll get a blue whale, a green turtle, a red crab and your own Nemo (a clownfish). They're the perfect softness and size for little learners to squeeze and make bubbles with. 

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Melissa and Doug Sunny Patch Lobster Claw Catcher&nbsp;- £14 | Amazon

<a href="https://amazon.co.uk/Melissa-Doug-Lobster-Catcher-Squeeze/dp/B00BEW2Q3C/ref=asc_df_B00BEW2Q3C?tag=hawk-future-21&ascsubtag=hawk-custom-tracking-21" data-link-merchant="Amazon UK"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Melissa and Doug Sunny Patch Lobster Claw Catcher - £14 | Amazon 

Good for: Coordination and hand strength | Age suitability: 36 months+ | Batteries: Not needed

This is a great squeeze and grab toy in a bright-red lobster shape. Louie the lobster comes with three fish sinkers and game ideas.

Mum-of-three Dionne says: 'While this is suggested for older children, my two and a half year old loves it. She is able to squeeze the handle with ease and squeals as she tries to catch toys with it. We also use it in the paddling pool, it's always a hit with other kids too. Definitely recommend.'

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Floating dinosaur foam bath toys - £13 | Amazon&nbsp;

<a href="https://amazon.co.uk/Edushape-Magic-Creations-Dinosaurs-Bath/dp/B001JEOG9W/ref=asc_df_B001JEOG9W/?tag=hawk-future-21&ascsubtag=hawk-custom-tracking-21" data-link-merchant="Amazon UK"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Floating dinosaur foam bath toys - £13 | Amazon 

Good for: Story telling | Age suitability: 36 months+ | Batteries: Not needed

Dino fans assemble! All 12 shapes will be part of an illustrious bathtime story, we promise. These foam dinosaurs will go on adventures both in and outside the bath as they can stick to the tiles or side of the bath as well as float on the water. 

Mum-of-one, Kiran says: 'I bought these almost a year ago and my son plays with them every night - all this time and still no mould. Plus they're much better quality than similar products - where they started to peel and flake - I would buy these again. Definitely recommend.'

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Munchkin bubble blower- £6 | Amazon&nbsp;

<a href="https://amazon.co.uk/Munchkin-Bubble-Bestie-Elephant-Bubbler/dp/B08Q4KNWNM/ref=asc_df_B08Q4KNWNM/?tag=hawk-future-21&ascsubtag=hawk-custom-tracking-21" data-link-merchant="Amazon UK"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Munchkin bubble blower- £6 | Amazon 

Good for: Bubble lovers | Age suitability: 24 months+ | Batteries: Not needed

Know a bubble lover? Then they'll love this. To work it, you simply wet the blue cloth circle, add soap or shampoo, and blow through the one-way mouthpiece to create a magical bubble stream. The clever design lets bubbles blow out of the trunk without your child sucking anything in. It teaches cause and effect and helps kids practice hand-eye coordination, too. Its ring-shaped body is easy for children to hold too.

Mum-of-one Lynn says: 'At first my son thought it was a 'baby toy' but when I had a go, he wanted it for himself. He loves trying to blow bubbles out of it - though don't expect clear round singular bubbles. It's more like clump of smaller bubbles that all come out together - a mass of bubbles. But the little ones will still love it.'

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New Kids Childrens Baby Bathtime Boats - £4.60 | Amazon

<a href="https://amazon.co.uk/Childrens-Bathtime-Boats-Floating-Shopmonk/dp/B00NR0HGXY/ref=zg_bs_364063031_7/258-2895407-8060556?tag=hawk-future-21&ascsubtag=hawk-custom-tracking-21" data-link-merchant="Amazon UK"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">New Kids Childrens Baby Bathtime Boats - £4.60 | Amazon

Good for: simple and effective fun | Age suitability: 24 months+ | Batteries: Not needed

Colourful and lightweight boats, great for pouring, stacking and floating. Size: 10cm x 5cm x 3.5cm. It's an 'Amazon Choice' and has 4.4 out of 5 stars with one reviewer saying: 'My 2 year old was desperate for boats! I bought these as a quick fix to her interest and to support her growth. These are great as it helps promote a fun bath and aid in h2o, learning colours and words such as sink, float, hollow, etc. The fact the boat pack is stackable compact and light proves useful to bring any where-even the paddling pool for opening the imagination further. Ahaa mateys this be a recommended buy! Small, simple, effective!'.

<a href="https://amazon.co.uk/Childrens-Bathtime-Boats-Floating-Shopmonk/dp/B00NR0HGXY/ref=zg_bs_364063031_7/258-2895407-8060556?tag=hawk-future-21&ascsubtag=hawk-custom-tracking-21" data-link-merchant="Amazon UK"" data-link-merchant="Amazon UK"">VIEW AT AMAZON | £3.85

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Green Toys Bathtime Ferry Boat - £23 | Mamas &amp; Papas

<a href="https://www.awin1.com/awclick.php?awinmid=6526&awinaffid=103504&clickref=hawk-custom-tracking&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mamasandpapas.com%2Fproducts%2Fgreen-toys-ferry-boat-3913uq500" data-link-merchant="awin1.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Green Toys Bathtime Ferry Boat - £23 | Mamas & Papas

Good for: Easy-cleaning | Age suitability: 24 months+ | Batteries: Not needed

As best bath toys go, this is up there in the top tier. And they're created from 100% recycled plastic while being completely dishwasher safe. This toy will keep your little one completely engaged with its two storey ferry, it comes with two cars and an extendable ramp to drive up and down.

Mum-of-one Steph says: 'This was an impulse buy from TK Maxx and it was such a hit! It bobs on the water and is great for my little one to tell travel stories. And, I didn't realise it was dishwasher proof until a year in - THAT was a game changer. No mould here.'

<a href="https://www.awin1.com/awclick.php?awinmid=6526&awinaffid=103504&clickref=hawk-custom-tracking&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mamasandpapas.com%2Fproducts%2Fgreen-toys-ferry-boat-3913uq500" data-link-merchant="awin1.com"" data-link-merchant="awin1.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">VIEW AT JOHN LEWIS | £26.99

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 How often should you clean baby bath toys?

A lot of baby bath toys have holes in them to provide sensory stimulation by filling with water and allowing you to squirt it out, but these can lead to mould and bacterial growth due to residue being stuck inside. To ensure the cleanliness of all toys given to your child, you should clean bath toys at least once a week and completely dry them so no bacteria can grow or fester. According to Dettol's complete guide to cleaning baby toys  ”You should clean the bath toys as soon as the bath is over, as residual moisture can cause mould and bacteria to gather on the surface.”  

Are bath toys necessary? 

Toys can have a lot of beneficial factors but are not necessary. It is up to you as a parent to decide what is best for your child, however, bath toys can keep your child engaged and stimulated whilst you are washing them. 

What is the best time of day to bathe a baby? 

There is no set time to give your child a bath apart from whatever time of day works best for both of you. The NHS has helpful tips on washing and bathing your baby. Some parents like to work this into either their routine, whether that is morning or evening. Mayoclinic's baby bath basics discusses the benefits of working around your daily life and encourages a time when you don’t feel rushed. 

 Enjoyed this? For more, check out our guide to the best baby baths and the best baby bath products. 

Stephanie Lowe
Family Editor

Stephanie Lowe is Family Editor at GoodToKnow covering all things parenting, pregnancy and more. She has over 13 years' experience as a digital journalist with a wealth of knowledge and experience when it comes to all things family and lifestyle. Stephanie lives in Kent with her husband and son, Ted. Just keeping on top of school emails/fund raisers/non-uniform days/packed lunches is her second full time job.

With contributions from