Ubbi Squeeze and Switch Silicone Mold Free Bath Toys for Toddlers and Baby
by The Smartest Sprout | May 8, 2024 This post contains affiliate links. Read our affiliate disclosure here . Toddler bath toys can turn your child’s mundane wash time into a world of imaginative play and exploration. First and foremost, if your toddler is content playing with only a washcloth and their imagination, I applaud them and I think that is absolutely wonderful. If they are not, I think bath toys can start to be introduced around 6 months of age. Before then, your baby should still be very entertained simply by the concept of taking a bath and having cups of water poured over them; and they are simply not ready developmentally. Once children reach 6 months or so, they may need additional stimulation in order to keep them in the bath tub longer; or to get the into the bath tub at all. ​ Bath toys are notorious for harboring mold. Even bath toys without holes can grow mold if you put them in their storage container while they are wet and leave them sit for a long period of time. The best bath toy storage is washable, sturdy, contains holes for air flow, and can collect any dripping water that will leak out of the toys after bath time. Make sure to dry off your toddler’s bath toys as much as you can prior to storage to help deter mold growth. When shopping for bath toys, make sure to avoid anything that squirts or contain small holes. Mold can easily harbor inside of damp bath toys creating a toxic environment for your child. You’ll also want to select BPA-free bath toys. BPA is a dangerous industrial chemical used to make certain plastics, including those in some children’s toys. According to the Mayo Clinic, “Exposure to BPA is a concern because of possible health effects of BPA on the brain and prostate gland of fetuses, infants and children. It can also affect children’s behavior. Additional research suggests a possible link between BPA and increased blood pressure.” ( 1 ) Why you need this bath storage container: First and foremost, you need to know where to store bath toys. The Ubbi Bath Toy Organizer is the best kids bath toy storage due to its impressive hygienic design. Why you need these toddler bath toys: Why you need these toddler bath toys: Why you need this toddler bath toy: Why you need this toddler bath toy: Why you need these toddler bath toys: Why you need these toddler bath toys: Why you need these toddler bath toys: Why you need this toddler bath toy: Why you need these toddler bath toys: Why you need this toddler bath toy: Why you need this toddler bath toy: Other Articles You May Enjoy: Share This Page on Social Media: Let’s Be Friends Follow The Smartest Sprout on Facebook and Instagram! Discover the latest parenting tips, activity ideas, and more! Plus, get deal alerts on our favorite educational toys and healthy family essentials! As a mom, it’s important to be aware of the health and safety risks posed by certain toys. Nowadays, with more and more non-toxic bath toys on the market, there’s no reason why your children can’t have safe fun in their baths! To make sure that your kids are splishing and splashing without any risk of toxins entering the bathing environment, here’s a guide to some of the best non-toxic bath toys available for you. This list gives you all the tips you need to supply hours upon hours of clean (and green!) fun for your beloved little ones! Read next: How to get started with non-toxic living This post contains referral links for products I love. Danish Mom earns a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through my links. Thank you for your support ♡ Table of Contents When shopping for the best non-toxic bath toys, such as a non-toxic rubber duck, there are specific toxins that can be harmful to your little one and should be avoided at all times. Making sure that your baby doesn’t come into contact with these toxins, by buying eco bath toys, will ensure their safety from any dangerous chemicals. These are the toxins to avoid: BPAs are organic compounds commonly used in the manufacturing of various plastic products, but exposure to them has been linked to impaired neural function. Phthalates are incredibly dangerous toxins. They are often, but not always, found in PVC. Non-toxic baby bath toys that are free from phthalates often state that on their packaging and product pages, so always double-check that. As mentioned above, PVC is mostly dangerous because it contains phthalates. But even if it doesn’t, PVC can still contain dioxin, which is carcinogenic . Now let’s go over some of the best non-toxic bath toys for your little one to enjoy. We’re going for a wide range of types for you and your baby to choose from, including natural rubber bath toys, mold-free bath toys, wooden, silicone, and beeswax bath toys. Whatever kinds of non-toxic toys you’re looking for to keep your baby safe in the tub, you’ll find them here. These non-toxic water toys are made from recycled plastic, making them not only safe and non-toxic bath toys but also eco-friendly bath toys. With these, you know you’re doing your part to protect the environment, as well as your little one. A recycled plastic toy is the best way to have an eco-friendly baby bath. And this particular toy, in all its vibrant glory, is free of BPA and phthalates. It is safe, kind to the environment, and incredibly well-designed! This seaplane floats and can offer so much enjoyment to babies full of fresh imagination. Buy it on Amazon. Here’s one of the coolest non-toxic infant toys on the market: a detailed and safe submarine, painted in catchy colors for your little one to love and play with to their heart’s content. Its shape and color are so pleasing to the eye, and the rear propeller even spins! Buy it on Amazon. If you want to buy non-plastic bath toys and avoid plastic altogether, consider going for wooden bath toys instead! These are organic bath toys that look great and are safe, and your little one will cherish them. This cute, fun, and funny submarine is one of the best bathtub toys for those looking to avoid plastics and all toxic chemicals. It is vibrantly painted, smooth, soft, and perfect for stimulating imaginative play. Buy it on Amazon. It’s almost hard to believe that this beautiful set of non-toxic bath toys is made from wood! You have four lovingly carved and vibrantly painted toys that can be filled with water that then gets squirted out. Endless fun for your little one! Buy it on Amazon. Choosing rubber bath toys is another great way to be both safe for your children and environmentally conscious in one fell swoop! Here is a selection of lovely non-toxic rubber bath toys to check out. This is a wonderful bath toy that is designed to help with several key developmental areas: color and pattern recognition, creative thinking, and hand-eye coordination. Buy it on Amazon. This is one of the sweetest and simplest hevea bath toys available: the classic rubber duck. This one, however, is made from 100% and is therefore free from toxic chemicals, including phthalates. It’s even safe for your baby to chew on! Buy it on Amazon. This butterflyfish is a beautiful, lovingly made, all-natural rubber bath toy that is eye-catching, bright, and joyous. A perfect rubber fish for your baby. Buy it on Amazon. Of all the best bath toys for babies, this one should be at the top of the list. A plant-based rubber bath toy, rose-colored, and beautifully detailed. It has a charming and friendly design that any child will just fall in love with. Buy it on Amazon. These strange and delightful non-toxic baby toys resemble starfish but can stick to the sides of the tub, making them great for creative thinking as well as hand-eye coordination! And they come in a variety of colors. Buy it on Amazon. Silicone bath toys are another unique avenue to go down and offer a range of delightful designs for you to try. Here is one of my favorites. One of the cutest non-toxic baby bath products, this collection of silicone bath toys is soft and squeezable. They can be filled up with water and used to squirt it out to your heart’s content! Buy it on Amazon. Beeswax non-toxic bath toys are becoming hugely popular and for very good reason. Here is one of my favorites, which should make it obvious why so many people love these! These honeysticks beeswax bath crayons are such uniquely clever bath toys. They are hand-made, non-toxic, and entirely safe for your little one to play with. They come in a range of colors and can be used to draw all over the tub. This is then instantly cleaned away with no stress for you. Honeysticks beeswax bathtub crayons are the future! Buy it on Amazon. To ensure bath toys are safe, check for labels indicating they are BPA-free, phthalate-free, and lead-free. Also, ensure they are made from non-toxic materials and have no small parts that pose a choking hazard. Regularly inspect for mold growth and clean them according to manufacturer instructions. PVC bath toys have raised concerns due to potential chemical additives like phthalates, which are used to make PVC soft and flexible. Phthalates have been linked to health issues. For safety, look for PVC toys labeled phthalate-free or choose toys made from alternative, non-toxic materials. The black stuff coming out of bath toys is likely mold or mildew, which can grow inside toys that retain moisture. It’s important to clean and dry bath toys regularly to prevent mold buildup, and to consider bath toys designed to prevent water from getting trapped inside. Munchkin, as a brand, states that their toys are non-toxic and meet safety standards. They often use materials that are BPA-free, phthalate-free, and lead-free. However, it’s always good practice to check the specific product details or contact the manufacturer for confirmation regarding the non-toxicity of a particular toy. I’m a mama of two boys, and I'll help you be the mom you want to be. Parenting is hard enough without all the guilt. So let’s stop trying to be perfect moms and just be real ones. We independently select and share the products we love—and may receive a commission if you choose to buy. There really is no better place for babies and toddlers to play than the bath. It’s warm, it’s relaxing and it doesn’t make too much of a mess (sometimes.) It’s also the ideal place to experiment, and learn—especially with the addition of fun and engaging bath toys . As a mom of two, I realized early on that playtime and bathtime are not mutually exclusive and spent countless hours (especially in the cold, dark days of winter) pouring, scooping and sudsing up right alongside my kiddos. That said, not all bath toys are created equal. In fact, as some parents have learned the hard way, toys that allow moisture to get trapped inside can quickly become a breeding ground for mold and mildew which isn’t just gross–it can be dangerous as well. That’s why picking toys that are easy to clean is crucial. Cleaning bath toys is pretty simple. For most plastic and waterproof toys, a solution of warm water and mild soap is effective. Submerge the toys in the solution, scrub them gently with a sponge or cloth, and then rinse thoroughly. For a deeper clean, especially for toys with hard-to-reach areas, you can use a mixture of vinegar and water (one part vinegar to two parts water) and let the toys soak for about an hour before rinsing. Even better, some toys are dishwasher safe, which can be a convenient way to sanitize them. Remember to air-dry the toys completely after washing to prevent any mildew from forming. In addition to regular cleaning, it’s also a good idea to inspect bath toys regularly for signs of mold or wear and tear. Damaged toys should be replaced to ensure safety. Over the years, I learned a thing or two about what makes bath tub toys worth buying. So, in the spirit of sparing you from my mistakes (bath crayons, I’m talking about you) I’ve rounded up some of the best available on the market today. To qualify, they had to be easy to clean with no holes for growing mold, visually appealing for both parents and kiddos, and provide age-appropriate opportunities to learn and explore. Here are the best bath toys for babies and toddlers. Happy splashing! $28.99 Simple, useful and easy to keep out of the way when not in use, this set of cups comes with a set of sticky nubs that will adhere to most tub surfaces and remove cleanly when their time is up. $5.29 Perhaps the best bang for your buck on this entire list, this simple set of five colorful boats can attach together and float along, be used to scoop and pour and even come in handy for rinsing shampoo. $17.99 Meet Flo the Floatie, the new twist on the classic rubber duck bath toy we all know and love. This eco-friendly rubber duck floatie from Oli & Carol is not only hand-crafted of 100% natural rubber from Malaysian Hevea trees (making it safe for little ones to chew on), but it’s designed without holes so no gross mold can thrive inside. $11.68 Bathtime is the perfect opportunity for STEM learning. These colorful toys are actually two interchangeable parts, allowing for different color and texture combos and stream patterns. $9.99 Mix and match these colorful critters to discover multiple rain effects. They’re also dishwasher-safe! $17.99 Not only does this satisfy hip parent design sensibilities, but it’s also eco-friendly, non-toxic, hand-crafted and socially responsible (a portion of the proceeds goes to help fund the education of children in India.) $16.50 Bath tub road trip? Little ones will love zooming colorful vehicles along the foam track which clings to the bathtub wall. And don’t worry! Clean up is easy with the included mesh bag that can be hung to dry. $5.29 Stack, strain, pour and spin with these colorful cups from Munchkin. Each cup features a different pattern on the bottom to let water stream through and they conveniently nest together to make storage neat and tidy. $6.65 Light up toys bring bath time to a whole new level. This cutie illuminates when it touches the water to keep little ones engaged, is safely phthalate-free and will not take in water which means no mold can grow inside. $9.99 Veteran moms can attest that of all the bath toys out there, for some reason, nothing beats a good set of cups. And adorably designed ones like this stackable set from Skip Hop with 3 different sprinkling effects?! The best. $12.95 We cannot say enough good things about the timeless Ferry Boat from Green Toys. Sending the cars down the ramp and loading them back on the boat to float has kept our kids entertained for literal hours. The three-piece set is an incredible bang for the buck and to make it even better, it’s made from recycled milk jugs! $24.95 How many times will they delight in sending these wobbly penguins down the slide? Thousands, in our experience. The “penguins” can also be used as water scoops and stackers to keep them experimenting. $9.99 Reading in the bath is one of life’s simple pleasures. Soggy paper is not. This water-safe plastic book is a great way to wrap up the ritual and move onto bedtime. $9.99 Another fun (and educational!) addition to your bath time library, this fun book features some of Andy Warhol’s iconic works that come to life as they get wet. Little ones will delight in watching the colors appear as they dip them in the tub! $9.35 Toddlers can work their hand-eye coordination while fishing for the adorable creatures that are included with the set. Strong magnets make it just challenging enough while the seamless design keeps water out. $6.22 Learn the ABCs, counting and spelling with this simple set of colorful letters and numbers. The foam is soft and durable but most suitable for little ones who no longer cram everything into their mouths. $12.92 These easy-to-grab jellyfish can stack and stick to walls, tubs and one another with their suction cup tentacles. Perfect for building in the bath! $22.98 Explore the animal kingdom from the comfort of a bubble bath. Including 12 realistic animals from all over the world, this set is equally fun out of the tub. $27.23 Powered by water and imagination, this set of suctioning building toys work in all kinds of configurations. Just stick them to the wall to experiment with different designs. $17.98 This colorful set will keep them busy until the water cools. The whirling wheel waterfall suctions to the tub or wall, ready to spin as they scoop and pour! $32.95 Go big or get out of the tub, right? This endlessly engaging wall waterpark gently pumps bathwater to create a never-ending stream that squirts, spins and teaches basic STEM concepts as they play. Press the goggled face to turn water on and off and experiment with the interchangeable bath cups to create different water effects. (Note this one does require batteries!) $32.99 Given their inability to float, blocks aren’t the ideal bath toy. Unless they’re foam! This 30-piece set not only allows kids to build during bath time, but the blocks stick together when they’re wet to make creations of all kinds. $19.41 These aren’t technically labeled as a bath toy, but bath time tea parties have been known to be the most sophisticated form of bathroom playtime. Until someone dumps their cup over someone else’s head. But that’s part of the fun, right? This set gets bonus points not only for its eco-friendly design, but for its gender-neutral primary colorscape. Because not every tea set needs to be pink and frilly, thankyouverymuch. $24.99 Recently I carried a trivia team to victory with my semi-useless knowledge of the outline of each state. I can tell you for certain it’s because I spent hours upon hours putting one puzzle together over and over again when my oldest went through a map phase about a decade ago. Consider this an investment in your trivia night cache. (Oh, and your child’s education I guess.) $29.69 It’s never too early to introduce little ones to the ritual of self-care. This box of fun and colorful bath bombs feature a variety of yummy scents and include a surprise toy inside each one for an extra special bath time. They’re also made in the USA, vegan and cruelty-free. Whether you’re expecting in months or mere days, let Motherly guide you with our registry featuring curated collections of essentials for you and baby. Click here to check out Motherly’s essential registry guide. A version of this story was published January 5, 2021. It has been updated.