best baby bath toys: dive into the best buys for babies and toddlers
Let’s face it: in 2023 there’s no shortage when it comes to choosing the best baby bath toys. But what toys are best? Which products will keep them engaged and wanting to say in the water? And what features should you look out for?
A 3-month-old might love to watch you sprinkle water, while a 3-year-old will be more focused on scooping and pouring themselves. But all this playing isn’t just for fun. Baby bath toys can offer a number of physical and psychological benefits, like helping with creativity, cognitive function and learning about cause and effect. But Dr. Amanda Gummer, a child development expert and psychologist, highlights the top thing to bear in mind when buying baby bath toys: ‘One of the major safety concerns is the mould that can grow in water toys. So look for easy-to-clean, and then do it regularly. It’s essential.’
With that in mind, we’ve compiled a list of the best baby bath toys on the market right now. From interactive toys to glow-in-the-dark products, here’s how to keep little splashers happy and engaged.
Best baby bath toys
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.
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.
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.’
Good for: Stimulating senses | Age suitability: 0-6 months| Batteries required: No
Once you’ve chosen 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.’
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.’
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.’
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.’
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!’.
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.’
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!’.
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.
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.’
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.’
Good for: Peppa Pig fans | Age suitability: 12.24 months | Batteries: Not needed
While 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.’
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.
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.’
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.’
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.’
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!’.
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.’
Do babies need bath toys?
Bath toys can be a great way to help with visual and spatial development, as well as water confidence. Dr. Gummer says, ‘Bath time with young children is a lovely bonding opportunity. The safety aspect means that it’s automatically a great chance for some quality parent-child time. Bath toys can help parents feel more confident in playing with their children and can promote all sorts of development.
‘Boats can form the props for a high seas adventure, toys with numbers, shapes and colours can be a fun way of including some school learning and fish or other sea creatures can help children think about the underwater world and gain water confidence.’
Are battery-operated bath toys safe?
Dr. Gummer adds, ‘Bath toys should have the same safety certification as other toys so do look for the CE stamp or Lionmark. Children do put things in their mouths in the bath so choking is something to watch for – avoid things with small parts for young babies. The other major safety concern is the mould that can grow in water toys, so regular cleaning is essential.’
Most bath toys have recommended ages on the packaging. Of course, bath time can get messy, so you don’t want toys adding to the clean-up operation, too. We’ve included bath crayons on our baby bath toy list, but there’s no need to panic…
What are bath crayons and will they damage your bathroom?
Fear not, bath crayons have been designed with parents in mind. Most are water soluble which means they are easy to wipe clean off the side of the tub or tiles on the wall. However, they shouldn’t be used on porous surfaces, like grout, or older showers as they may stain the surfaces.
They are also perfectly safe for children.
You might also like:
Best baby bath toys
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.
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.
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.’
Good for: Stimulating senses | Age suitability: 0-6 months| Batteries required: No
Once you’ve chosen 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.’
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.’
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.’
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.’
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!’.
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.’
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!’.
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.
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.’
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.’
Good for: Peppa Pig fans | Age suitability: 12.24 months | Batteries: Not needed
While 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.’
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.
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.’
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.’
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.’
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!’.
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.’
Do babies need bath toys?
Bath toys can be a great way to help with visual and spatial development, as well as water confidence. Dr. Gummer says, ‘Bath time with young children is a lovely bonding opportunity. The safety aspect means that it’s automatically a great chance for some quality parent-child time. Bath toys can help parents feel more confident in playing with their children and can promote all sorts of development.
‘Boats can form the props for a high seas adventure, toys with numbers, shapes and colours can be a fun way of including some school learning and fish or other sea creatures can help children think about the underwater world and gain water confidence.’
Are battery-operated bath toys safe?
Dr. Gummer adds, ‘Bath toys should have the same safety certification as other toys so do look for the CE stamp or Lionmark. Children do put things in their mouths in the bath so choking is something to watch for – avoid things with small parts for young babies. The other major safety concern is the mould that can grow in water toys, so regular cleaning is essential.’
Most bath toys have recommended ages on the packaging. Of course, bath time can get messy, so you don’t want toys adding to the clean-up operation, too. We’ve included bath crayons on our baby bath toy list, but there’s no need to panic…
What are bath crayons and will they damage your bathroom?
Fear not, bath crayons have been designed with parents in mind. Most are water soluble which means they are easy to wipe clean off the side of the tub or tiles on the wall. However, they shouldn’t be used on porous surfaces, like grout, or older showers as they may stain the surfaces.
They are also perfectly safe for children.
You might also like:
Best baby bath toys
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.
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.
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.’
Good for: Stimulating senses | Age suitability: 0-6 months| Batteries required: No
Once you’ve chosen 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.’
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.’
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.’
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.’
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!’.
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.’
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!’.
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.
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.’
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.’
Good for: Peppa Pig fans | Age suitability: 12.24 months | Batteries: Not needed
While 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.’
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.
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.’
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.’
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.’
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!’.
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.’
Do babies need bath toys?
Bath toys can be a great way to help with visual and spatial development, as well as water confidence. Dr. Gummer says, ‘Bath time with young children is a lovely bonding opportunity. The safety aspect means that it’s automatically a great chance for some quality parent-child time. Bath toys can help parents feel more confident in playing with their children and can promote all sorts of development.
‘Boats can form the props for a high seas adventure, toys with numbers, shapes and colours can be a fun way of including some school learning and fish or other sea creatures can help children think about the underwater world and gain water confidence.’
Are battery-operated bath toys safe?
Dr. Gummer adds, ‘Bath toys should have the same safety certification as other toys so do look for the CE stamp or Lionmark. Children do put things in their mouths in the bath so choking is something to watch for – avoid things with small parts for young babies. The other major safety concern is the mould that can grow in water toys, so regular cleaning is essential.’
Most bath toys have recommended ages on the packaging. Of course, bath time can get messy, so you don’t want toys adding to the clean-up operation, too. We’ve included bath crayons on our baby bath toy list, but there’s no need to panic…
What are bath crayons and will they damage your bathroom?
Fear not, bath crayons have been designed with parents in mind. Most are water soluble which means they are easy to wipe clean off the side of the tub or tiles on the wall. However, they shouldn’t be used on porous surfaces, like grout, or older showers as they may stain the surfaces.
They are also perfectly safe for children.
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Choosing the right power cells for compact devices.
AAA batteries (also known as triple-A batteries) power all kinds of devices, from recreational to essential. They’re found in dozens of devices from digital cameras and drones, to blood pressure monitors and laser levels. These tiny powerhouses deliver the same 1.5V output as a AA battery, but they are smaller and lighter so the gadgets they are used in can be more compact.
While all AAA batteries are the same physical size, their performance, durability, and cost can vary considerably. To help you find the right combination of power and value, we’ve rounded up the best AAA batteries to serve your needs.
How We Picked The AAA Batteries
Our main aim with this battery review is to explain the different types of triple-A batteries and give examples of the best of each type via our top picks. We researched all the leading brands to get a comprehensive view of the market.
Type: There are three main types of AAA batteries: alkaline, lithium, or nickel metal hydride (usually written as NiMH or Ni-MH). Each of these has its pros and cons, so it was important to understand how they perform in order to choose which was best for particular uses.
Power: Although all of these batteries have a nominal voltage of 1.5V, each device has a different way of using that stored energy. They are often referred to as high-drain (like drones) or low-drain (like simple alarms). When making the picks we wanted to offer solutions that suited all types of gadgets.
Price: There are plenty of cheap AAA batteries available, and some are an excellent value. However, high-drain devices can burn through them very quickly, so they are often a false economy. When choosing our favorites we tried to find the best balance between performance and price.
The Best AAA Batteries: Reviews Recommendations
Best Overall: Panasonic Eneloop
Why It Made The Cut: Although the initial cost is comparatively high, Panasonic Eneloop batteries offer incredible durability, good all-weather performance, and hold their charge for longer than their rivals.
Specs: — Type: NiMH — Capacity: 800 mAh — Pack Sizes: Four, 12, 16, 24
Pros: — Up to 2,100 recharge cycles — Ready to use — Durable power storage
Cons: — Expensive — Long charging times
Given the different performance levels and prices, it is not easy to pick the best AAA batteries overall. Our favorite disposable AAA batteries make a strong case, but with up to 2,100 recharge cycles possible, Panasonic’s Eneloops are currently the longest-lasting batteries on the market. They aren’t cheap, but because of their durability, they provide very competitive long-term value.
Panasonic’s Eneloop AAA batteries also overcome two of the notable drawbacks of many rechargeable NiMHs. First, a lot of them need to be charged before use, whereas these are pre-charged at the factory using solar energy (you may also be interested in our article about the best solar batteries ). Second, many don’t hold their charge while not in use. The Panasonic Eneloop batteries again deliver market-leading performance, retaining up to 70 percent for a decade (when stored following manufacturer instructions).
Unlike alkaline batteries that lose charge dramatically when the temperature drops, Panasonic Eneloop AAA batteries still function as low as.4 degrees Fahrenheit. However, when they do need to be recharged they will take several hours. It is worth buying these rechargeable batteries with a charger if you don’t already have one, as Panasonic’s own model has Smart features that charge each battery to the optimum level individually, and turn off automatically when full charge is reached.
Best Disposable: Energizer Ultimate AAA Batteries
Why It Made The Cut: Energizer’s Ultimate batteries are unrivaled in terms of consistent power output, shelf life, and temperature range. When reliability is important, they are undeniably the best choice.
Specs: — Type: Lithium Iron Disulphide — Capacity: 1,250 mAh — Pack Sizes: Four, eight, 12, 16, 18, 20, 24, 80
Pros: — Consistent power delivery — Outstanding shelf life — Excellent temperature range
Cons: — Expensive — Beware of fakes
When compared with other AAA batteries, the Energizer Ultimate is quite an expensive choice. It is a similar price to the Panasonic Eneloop, but is not rechargeable. It costs two or three times as much as the best alkaline AAA disposable battery. However, in performance terms, it has advantages over both.
A capacity of 1,250 mAh gives the Energizer Ultimate AAA Batteries dependable, durable power. In essence, it means they run more consistently for longer. These are the optimum batteries for high-drain devices like digital cameras, games controllers, and security devices. They have an operating range from.40 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit, so temperature fluctuations present no problems. The LiFeS2 chemistry gives it a shelf life of up to 20 years, and unlike rechargeable batteries, they don’t drain while being stored. They do not leak, and they are claimed to be 30 percent lighter than alkaline rivals.
We have read reports of fakes being discovered, particularly in large pack sizes. Always beware of unusually low prices, and only buy from reputable retailers.
Best Budget: Amazon Basics AAA Batteries
Why It Made The Cut: For many ordinary electronic devices, expensive high-performance batteries are simply overkill. Amazon Basics are a low-cost, effective solution for everyday use.
Specs: — Type: Alkaline — Capacity: 800 mAh (estimated) — Pack Sizes: Four, eight, 10, 20, 36, 100
Pros: — Multiple household uses — Long shelf life — Good value
Cons: — Modest performance — Leaks not unknown
There are times when high-power versions are a good idea, but often it is convenient to have a bunch of cheap AAA batteries in a drawer for everyday devices like clocks, kitchen timers, TV remotes, small toys, etc. There is little point in buying expensive lithium or NiMH rechargeable batteries for these low-drain devices. Amazon Basics AAA Alkaline Batteries are one solution, and the larger the pack size the more cost-effective they become.
Shelf life is quoted as 10 years, and they contain no toxic components so they are relatively easy to recycle. Minimal fuss-free packaging is another feature. Amazon doesn’t appear to provide a capacity rating for their alkaline AAA battery, though they do for their rechargeable version. Our estimate is based on that figure, and in our experience is likely to be within 50 to 100 mAh. We would not recommend them for medium- or high-drain electronics.
Best Alkaline: Duracell CopperTop Batteries
Why It Made The Cut: Duracell’s ‘copper-colored top’ is arguably the world’s most recognizable battery. It is hugely popular, and these versions provide excellent performance for ordinary household devices.
Specs: — Type: Alkaline — Capacity: 1,150 mAh — Pack Sizes: Two, four, eight, 12, 16, 20, 24, 28, 36, 40, 56
Pros: — Reliable long-term performance — Long shelf life — Good value for money
Cons: — Not for high-drain gadgets — Packaging is slightly confusing
Duracell’s CopperTop Batteries are a high-quality, mid-range choice. They don’t have quite the performance of lithium models, but they cost considerably less. At the other end of the scale, there are certainly cheaper batteries around, but ‘throwaway’ models don’t offer the long-lasting power of the Duracell CopperTops in things like flashlights, toys, electronic thermometers, bathroom scales, etc. — the kind of medium-drain devices where the need to change batteries often soon gets frustrating.
A capacity of 1,150 mAh is remarkably high for alkaline batteries, meaning Duracell CopperTops deliver more consistent energy than many competitors. Like all alkaline batteries, they lose charge more quickly at lower temperatures, so this is not a good choice for trail cameras or devices that are outdoors for long periods. Also, for high-drain devices, we would still recommend lithium alternatives.
Packaging can be a little confusing. Some say the shelf life is 10 years while others say it is 12 years. This may just be a design change and makes negligible difference to performance if any. There are rare complaints about batteries leaking but huge volumes of Duracell CopperTops are sold so in our view, the numbers do not indicate a significant problem.
Best for Flashlights: Panasonic Eneloop Pro
Why It Made The Cut: The high-performance Panasonic Eneloop Pro overcomes the power drain problems associated with rechargeable AAA batteries, so your devices are ready to go when you need them most.
Specs: — Type: NiMH — Capacity: 950 mAh — Pack Sizes: Four, eight, 12, 16
Pros: — Excellent energy retention — Pre-charged — Good cold weather performance
Cons: — Expensive — Nor for watertight devices
A flashlight is often something that is used in emergencies and may have been left unattended for months. The last thing you need when the lights go out is to be searching around in the dark for batteries. Lithium AAA batteries are a good choice but are expensive. Rechargeable AAAs are an alternative that is much more cost-effective in the long run, but the fact that they self-discharge (the power drains over time) can make them impractical. Panasonic’s Eneloop Pros have largely overcome this problem, and we think they are the best rechargeable batteries for the job.
Unlike many NiMH AAA batteries, the Panasonic Eneloop Pros come ready to use, having been pre-charged using environmentally-friendly solar power. Over the period of a year they will retain up to 85 percent of their charge, so they can be trusted to perform when required. They make an equally strong choice for high-drain devices like camera flashes, and drones. Or for long-term use in wireless keyboards, and portable electronics. They can be recharged up to 500 times.
Things to Consider Before Buying
All AAA batteries deliver 1.5 volts of power, so deciding which are the best AAA batteries for particular devices largely comes down to the type, or in other words, the chemicals used to hold the charge.
Alkaline: Alkaline AAA batteries combine graphite, magnesium, potassium, steel, and zinc. They are considered environmentally friendly because they are relatively easy to recycle. Shelf life (how long they will last if left unused) is from seven to 10 years. They are the cheapest AAA batteries and are recommended for low-drain devices like remote controls, clocks, and blood pressure monitors. Alkaline batteries can leak, which could damage equipment, but it is no longer a common problem.
Rechargeable alkaline AAA batteries do exist but are generally outperformed by other types.
Lithium: There are several types of lithium AAA batteries. The most common disposable types are simply called lithium. They have a shelf life of 10 or more years, and typically last three to five times as long as alkaline AAA batteries in use. As a result, lithium AAA batteries are recommended for high-drain devices. They can also withstand temperatures from below-freezing to over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The one drawback with lithium batteries is that they can occasionally produce too much power for some gadgets, so it’s important to check the recommendations of the device manufacturer before using them.
The most recent development in non-rechargeable AAA batteries is Lithium iron disulfide (Li-FeS2). They are exceptionally durable and have a shelf life of up to 20 years.
Lithium-ion (Li-ion), and lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) are both rechargeable battery types and are generally used for vehicle and marine batteries. Lithium-ion AAA batteries are available, and many have the advantage of being rechargeable via USB rather than needing a separate charger. However, they are expensive.
NiMH: Most AAA rechargeable batteries are nickel metal hydride. While initially more expensive than alkaline or lithium disposable batteries, they can be recharged hundreds or even thousands of times. They work well in high-drain devices. Shelf life is typically around five to seven years.
Though invariably marked as 1.5V, nominal voltage is usually 1.2V. However, power is delivered very consistently rather than other types of batteries that can drop quickly. In many cases, this won’t make a great deal of difference, but again it’s worth checking the advice of your gadget’s manufacturer. Also, the charge drains away whether used or not, so some need regular charging. You can either buy AAA rechargeable batteries with a charger or source the charger separately.
Capacity: While the voltage of AAA batteries is within a fairly narrow range, it may also be worth considering the milliAmp hours (mAh) rating. This has an impact on how long the battery can supply energy. Technically, a milliamp hour is a thousandth of an amp, supplied consistently for one hour. In real terms, if you have two 1.5V AAA batteries, one rated for 750 mAh, and the other for 1,000 mAh, then the second will deliver its charge for significantly longer.
FAQs
Q: What are AAA batteries used for?
They can be used to power a range of small, electronic devices from flashlights and TV remotes, to thermometers and bathroom scales.
Q: How much voltage can a AAA battery supply?
The nominal voltage — stated by all battery manufacturers — is 1.5V. In practice, voltage can fluctuate from around 1.2V to 1.6V. In the majority of cases, this isn’t enough to have any impact on the device being powered but it is worth checking the advice of the equipment manufacturer.
Q: How long do AAA batteries last?
In an unused state (called the shelf life), most AAA batteries last from seven to 10 years, though some last longer. Once inserted, it depends on the power demands of each gadget. It can be anywhere from several months to just a few hours.
Q: What’s the difference between AAA batteries and AA batteries?
Although they both provide the same voltage, AAA batteries are physically smaller than AA batteries. As a result, AAA batteries cannot be used in AA battery slots or vice versa.
Q: Are lithium AAA batteries worth it?
Lithium batteries are worth it for gadgets that need a lot of energy (such as digital cameras and radio-controlled toys), or in situations where they are subject to temperature extremes. The best lithium AAA batteries we found have an operating range of.40 degrees Fahrenheit to 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
Final Thoughts on AAA Batteries
Our top two picks are remarkable AAA batteries. The number of times the Panasonic Eneloop can be charged makes it surprisingly economical in the long term. The performance of the Energizer Ultimate is outstanding, although it does come at a price. For those who just want a cheap AAA battery for everyday gadgets, the Amazon Basics provide unbeatable economy.
Why Trust Us
Let’s get one thing out of the way: Online shopping is hard. Search for any product and you’ll be confronted with dozens (if not hundreds or thousands) of choices. Our mission at Futurism, where we cover the latest technology, is to simplify this experience by researching, testing, and continuing to evaluate products so we only recommend choices that are actually worth your time.
This post was created by a non-news editorial team at Recurrent Media, Futurism’s owner. Futurism may receive a portion of sales on products linked within this post.