10 of the best baby baths tried and tested

To help you decide on the ideal baby bath for your little one, we've found a selection that offer various features, so you can get a sense of some of the best options out there. We spoke to parents and editors for their thoughts on which baths worked for their children, and tested them with families across the UK.

Whatever you choose, be mindful never to leave your baby unattended in a bath - even the most shallow of waters can prove hazardous. If you'd like more practical information on bathing, we've put together a handy guide on how to bath your baby in 10 simple steps.

We know the list of products you need for a new baby can feel endless, so if you're looking for more helpful ideas we've rounded up some of the best baby bath towels, best baby toiletries and best baby bath accessories if you're looking at other handy toys and tricks for bathtime.

Best baby baths at a glance

• Best for depth: Shnuggle Baby Bath, £24.95
• Best for longevity: Stokke Flexi Bath, £42
• Best for sinks: ClevaBath The Baby Sink Bath, £31.99
• Best for storage: iSafe Flat Foldable Baby Bath, £39.95
• Best for extra features: Aquascale 3-in-1 Baby Bath with Digital Scales and Thermometer, £69.99
• Best inflatable tub: Munchkin White Hot Inflatable Duck Tub, £16.99
• Best budget buy: IKEA Lattsam, £9
• Best for premature babies Tummy Tub, £20
• Best for adaptability: Skip Hop Moby Smart Sling 3-Stage Tub, £45
• Best for a soft headrest: Nuby Newborn Baby Bath, £22.50

What to look for when buying a baby bath?

Size – No matter the size of your bath tub or baby's room there's something that is suitable for you. Some baby baths are just little tubs that go inside of your existing baths, others are larger and you have other options that are mounted on a stand with legs and wheels so you can stand beside it.

Age suitability – You can find baby baths that are suitable to use right from newborn age. It's also worth knowing how long you want to keep your baby bath for and selecting a choice that will last as long as you need it.

Storage – If you're a little tight on space, consider looking at the options from our list that fold down when not in use. In addition to this, some have handles or hooks to hang them up, which not only helps with storage but drainage too.

Comfort – When choosing a baby bath, you want to make sure your baby is comfortable and having a joyful bathing experience. But not just for you, the way the bath is set up, it needs to be comfortable for you too as you have to be able to place your hand behind them to hold them securely and/or bend down to bath them.

Extra features – Some baby baths come with extra features that set them apart from other ones such as a thermometer which helps you easily set the perfect water temperature for your baby or a weighing scale to weigh them while sitting in the bath. Other features include baths that fold, cushioned seats, white-hot safety discs for temperature control to name a few.

Safety – All of our options in this list are safe to use but always refer to the safety instructions that come with the product to ensure you're using them correctly and safely.

How much do they cost?

Baby baths can cost as little as £12 and on the higher end up to £70. Our list comprises of a list of varied baby baths that will meet your budget requirements.

If you're looking for a baby bath with lots of exciting features then it goes without saying that they will most likely cost you more, but if you just need something simple yet practical, then you won't be disappointed with the cheaper options.

Here's our pick of the best baby baths...

1. Shnuggle Baby Bath, £24.95

– Best for depth

Age suitability: Birth to 1 year+ | Dimensions: D35cm x W25.5cm | Weight: 1.2kg | Award: Gold – Baby Bathtime Product, MadeForMums Awards 2022

Cleverly designed by parents, this stylish, deep bath makes washing your little one as stress-free as possible. The foam backrest creates a comfortable baby bath chair for newborns, while for older babies there's bottom support so they can sit up easily.

The Shnuggle bath's generous depth allows you to submerge them up to their shoulders, the tub has a depth of 34cm which is enough room for your baby to be immersed and not too restricted. Plus it is light to carry around and doesn't take up too much space it's more of a bowl shape compared to a rectangle. Also it only uses 2 litres of water and fits inside most sinks, should you want to save your back and bath your baby in there. The simple design means it's easy to clean which you can do with a damp cloth and soapy water.

Parent tester Gemma, who used this bath with her 3-month-old, said, "he sits happily in the water supported by the bum bump leaving me with two hands to wash and play with him. He is well covered by the water so stays warm and I can see he enjoys having his legs and hands in the water to splash."

We’d recommend only using the bath on the floor or in your bathtub, like our testers, but you can purchase a stand for it. If you do, it’s really important that you use the stand in conjunction with the safety strap (which should be supplied with your product). If you find your stand doesn’t come with a safety strap (there has been a safety notice about this regarding batches with the SKU of SHN-BTH-FST2) then you should order one for free.

Pros: Toddler bum bump support, simple sleek design, lightweight, easy to clean
Cons: Not foldable, not good for those without storage space

Available from: Shnuggle and Amazon

2. Stokke Flexi Bath, £42

– Best for longevity

Age suitability: Birth to 4 years | Dimensions: L64cm x W24cm x D34cm | Weight: 1.7 kg

This plush little bath may be more expensive than others on the market, but it does grow and adapt with your baby right up to age 4. Throw in the fact that it has a heat-sensitive drain plug to guide you with the water temperature, and the higher price tag makes more sense. You can even buy an XL version that goes up to age 6, or is perfect for sharing if you have twins or two children close in age.

The optional deluxe newborn support seat will keep your newborn baby supported if you want added reassurance, but you can also use it without, keeping the water level low for safety. The non-slip base gives you peace of mind that your child won't slide around.

Another plus with this bath is that it's very lightweight, and it folds almost flat which makes it convenient to store away when not in use, or pack for holidays or trips away.

Pros: Can be used for a longer time period, great for saving space
Cons: More expensive, newborn seat sold separately

Available from: Stokke, John Lewis, and Harrods

3. ClevaBath – The Baby Sink Bath, £31.99

– Best for sinks

Age suitability: 0 to 12 months | Dimensions: 53cm x 38cm x 30cm | Weight: 1.6kg

The ClevaBath is not your classic baby bath – the innovative product is made from flexible, silicone rubber that is designed to turn your sink into a baby bath! A great invention if you only have a shower room in your home or more importantly, if you want to save your back and knees and avoid bending low or kneeling down next to a normal bath.

The ClevaBath is a game-changer for mums who have brought their babies into the world through a c-section as parent tester Shelley, mum of a 1-month-old confirmed, "It was perfect for bathing my baby in the first weeks of her life when I was still recovering from a c-section." She liked that it took the bending and heavy lifting out of bath time.

The baby bath provides support to your little one whilst keeping them snug during bath time. We also like that the bath collapses down, making it super easy to store away as well as travel with. However, your child will grow out of the small space relatively quickly: it's suitable up to about 12 months of age.

Pros: No need to bend or kneel, can be collapsed for storage, made to fit most sinks
Cons: Can't be folded, only suitable up to 1 year

Available from: Kiddies Kingdom and Cleva Mama

4. iSafe Flat Foldable Baby Bath, £39.95

– Best for storage

Age suitability: From birth | Dimensions: L81cm x H22cm x W45cm | Weight: 2kg

Designed for those living in a place where space may be limited, or families who travel a lot, iSafe's baby bath easily folds down flat and the built-in-hook means you can hang it up for storage and drying. You can use the iSafe with your newborn as the latest edition of this baby bath now comes with a separate cradle support for your little one.

Once opened, it has a generous size that helps to make bath time a more comfortable experience. "The fact it is big and wide means you can really submerge your baby in the water to let them kick around and stay warm in the water," explained parent tester Natalia. "It also allows for you to really get your arm around them and have a nice secure hold of them."

It comes with an extra support leg made from a non-slip material so you can use it on flat surfaces outside of the bathtub. Plus the smooth design avoids water pooling in any crevices.

Pros: Good large size, folds down flat for storage, leg support stand
Cons: Might be too big for some

Available from: Smart Kids Store, Baby & Child Store and Baby Travel

5. Aquascale 3-in-1 Baby Bath with Digital Scales and Thermometer, £69.99

– Best for extra features

Age suitability: From birth to 2 years | Dimensions: L74cm x W42cm x D21cm | Weight: 2.3kg

Bathing and weighing your baby are two pretty important jobs, so, what if you had a product that did both at the same time? The Aquascale 3-in-1 Baby Bath with digital scales and thermometer means you can do just that. The integrated thermometer reads the baby's water temperature, which is displayed on the LCD screen and the digital scales weigh your baby whether there's water inside the bath or not – all powered by AA batteries.

Plus it's got an anti-slip insert which is great for wriggly newborn babies, whereas the other end can be used when baby is bigger and can sit upright without support. The unique shape will offer that extra comfort and support to younger babies as it gently contours around their body.

Parent tester Shelby commented, "We have the Aquascale bath and really love it! It's so good to be able to see the temperature as it has a built in thermometer and the built in scales are so handy too. It's not easy to always make the weigh in clinic with two children so to have the scales at home makes my life so much easier! I also love that it's on a stand, doesn't hurt my back at all by leaning over and our 3 year old can help too. It's a great bath!"

This baby bath, no doubt, ticks a lot of boxes with the extra features and so it makes sense that the price is what it is. Although we completely understand this might be pricey for some!

Pros: Easy temperature view, scales to measure baby weight, bath stand
Cons: More expensive, doesn't fold down, requires batteries, heavier than average baby bath

Available from: Mamas & Papas and John Lewis

6. Munchkin White Hot Inflatable Duck Tub, £16.99

– Best inflatable tub

Age suitability: 6 months to 2 years+

What's more fun than a bright, yellow inflatable duck to entice your little one into the bath? The Munchkin Duck Bath can be deflated and folded away making it the perfect accompaniment when traveling, or if you're short on space in your home as parent tester Natasha testified, "We used the Munchkin Inflatable duck bath with my son which was great! Easy for storage and travel!"

The textured surface helps prevent slipping and a contoured headrest makes washing hair easy. And don't forget the white-hot safety disc that tells you when the water's too hot for your baby's sensitive skin. Ideal for babies from 6 months who can sit upright, it's a great transition from a baby bath to adult one.

Pros: Great for limited storage space, good for travel, fun for outdoor play
Cons: Not ideal for everyday, needs to be inflated and deflated each use

Available from: Munchkin, Amazon and ASDA

7. IKEA Lattsam Baby Bath, £9

– Best budget buy

Age suitability: Birth to 1 year | Dimensions: L71 cm x W43cm x D24cm

For parents who want a fuss-free baby bath that's lightweight, easy to carry around and has a drain plug for easy emptying, the IKEA baby bath is the one for you. Made from the same safe plastic materials used to produce baby bottles and disposable nappies, it's a classic design that does the job without too many bells and whistles.

At a massively affordable price, this little white bath features minimalist lime green squiggly lines on the base that provide anti-slip protection. Suitable from birth, it's a secure place in which to wash your baby, and there's even a keyhole which can be looped with an optional wall hook should you want to store it up high to save space.

Pros: Affordable, easy to clean, able to be hung with optional wall hook
Cons: Can't be folded, takes up storage space

Available from: IKEA

8. Tummy Tub, £22.99

– Best for premature or colicky babies

Age suitability: From birth

A taller and narrower alternative to traditional baby baths or baby bath chairs, this bucket-style Tummy Tub bath is said to allow babies to bathe in a foetal position. It can reportedly ease the pain of colic, and keeps babies in a position that soothes their tummy and feels familiar.

Sitting your little one upright, you are able to submerge your baby in water up to their shoulders, and the smaller surface area keeps the water warmer for longer. The confided space in this tub is perfect for cradling smaller or premature babies, allowing them to feel embraced by the water and may prevent the startle reflex. However, it's not for everyone and our parent tester Sally said her son "seemed pretty baffled by the whole thing" when she bathed him in the tub.

Because this bath is so lightweight and small in size, you can carry it from room to room and bathe your little one anywhere that is safe to do so – including your sink. Having a smaller and narrower bath means you can position yourself much closer to your baby which no doubt your little one will enjoy. It can take a while to get the hang of bathing a newborn in this bucket-style bath but if it works for you, it can be a soothing experience.

Read the full MadeForMums review of the TummyTub baby bath

Pros: Replicates the womb, lightweight to carry, doesn't take up a lot of space
Cons: May be tricky to get the hang of using, child's lack of neck control may be an issue

Available from: Amazon, Kidinn and Tony Kealy's

9. Skip Hop Moby Smart Sling 3-Stage Tub, £36

– Best for adaptability

Age suitability: Birth to 2 years+ | Dimensions: L70cm x H30cm x W49cm

The Skip Hop Moby bathtub grows with your little one through three stages – and it looks pretty cute too with its fun blue whale-shaped design! Touted as the only bath you'll ever need, we have to admit it's pretty adaptable. Starting with a mesh sling bath that cradles your newborn, this can be removed once they get a little older.

Parent tester Natasha praised the sling and said, "Loved the net sling insert to use from newborn as freed up my hands as I didn't need to use them for support! Lovely and roomy too so could be used for a while!" Rolling the sling up halfway provides a cushioned seat that supports babies learning to sit. Then, once they are more confident and sitting unaided you can remove the seat to reveal a spacious bath for your baby to have a good old splash around in. Our testers also reported it's great to use outside as a mini paddling pool on hot days.

With a handy drain plug and a swivel hook for hanging on the shower head or towel rack, the Skip Hop Moby Smart Sling 3-Stage Tub really is a smart solution, but it does take up quite a lot of space.

Pros: Very versatile, removable sling insert for newborns, can be used for over 2 years, roomy bath
Cons: More expensive, doesn't fold down, might be too big for some

Available from: Amazon and John Lewis

10. Nuby Newborn Baby Bath, £22.50

– Best for a soft headrest

Age suitability: From birth

Bath time can be nerve wrecking with a little, wriggly newborn but this Nuby baby bath should help to put your mind at ease as it's made with newborns in mind. With the soft-padded headrest, you already have one less thing to worry about. Your baby's head, neck and body is safely secure with the headrest and within the contours of the built-in seat.

Under the bath is anti-slip base that prevents the bath from slipping or moving while in use, and there are grip handles on the sides to help with comfortable and convenient handling when carrying the baby bath from room to room.

Pros: Soft headrest perfect for newborns, built-in seat
Cons: Doesn't fold down, might be tricky to store in tight spaces

Available from: Nuby, Boots and Amazon

Read more:

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• 10 of the best baby bath seats
• 10 best baby monitors