Pictures of children happily smiling in bathtubs while surrounded by bubbles are easy to find. They dominate ads for children’s stores and books on parenting. But not all kids love bath time. Instead of a soothing nightly ritual that helps get babies and kids clean and relaxed before bed, bath time can be a nightly battle between parents and their tots. Want to make bath time your child’s favorite part of the day? It’s time for boat toys for the bathtub.
Sure, adding even more toys to your child’s growing collection may not be ideal, but toys for the bathtub are a great way to keep children entertained and active in the bath, which can help tire them out before bed. This also gives parents a chance to sit down for more than two minutes. It’s a win-win. Boat toys spark a child’s imagination, improve their pincher grasp, and help them learn new words, like ‘boat,’ ‘captain,’ and ‘sail.’
When looking for a toy for the tub, it’s essential to get one that is specially designed to be used in water. These toys typically float, are lightweight and won’t hold water, which can lead to mildew build-up.
Make bath time the best time of the day with these fun and educational boat toys for the tub.
1. 3 Bees & Me Bath Toys
For a toy that can grow with your little one, we like the three Bees & Me Bath Toys. The set includes four plastic boats that have enclosed magnets, allowing little ones to attach the boats in a procession. Each boat clearly displays a number and image of a sea creature. We like that the boats are made with BPA-free, non-toxic materials and soft, rounded edges that won’t hurt little ones.
Pros: Bright colors, made with non-toxic materials and with enough boats for two children to play with at once.
Cons: The boats take on water over time and are difficult to clean.
2. Green Toys Ferry Boat
Bath time isn’t just for babies, which also means bath toys aren’t just for babies. That’s why we like the Green Toys Ferry Boat, which is designed to keep older kids entertained while in the tub. A large ferry boat features a ramp that lets kids ‘drive’ the two included cars onto the boat with still more room for kids to place small figurines on the boat as well. The set of three toys is made in the USA from 100 percent recycled plastic that is free from BPA, PVC, phthalates and external coating. We like that the set is dishwasher safe for easy disinfecting.
Pros: Non-toxic materials, easy to clean and great for older kids.
Cons: The boat is large and takes up quite a bit of room in the tub.
3. Skip Hop Pull & Go Submarine Monkey
For a toy that babies and toddlers will love to watch swim around the tub, try the Skip Hop Pull & Go Submarine Monkey. The phthalate-free plastic toy works with a pull-string that lets little ones practice their fine motor skills and teaches floating and sinking. The submarine slowly swims around the bathtub, delighting little bathers. Safe for babies ages 12 months and older, the brightly colored toy is fun for use in bathtubs, water tables and pools.
Pros: Designed for babies and toddlers, moves without the use of batteries.
Cons: The submarine doesn’t travel far and babies/parents must continually pull the string to keep it in motion.
4. Boon Stacking Boats Bathing Toys
For a toy that can be used in and out of the tub, try the Boon Stacking Boats Bathing Toys. Stacking is a milestone for babies and helps to teach coordination and concentration. The BPA-free, phthalate-free and PVC-free set of colorful stacking boats from Boon are a fun and educational toy that can be used out of the tub and in the water thanks to their floating abilities. We like that the toys have drain holes and large decks for pouring and scooping water, which can also help parents with hair washing duties. Suitable for babies ages nine months and up, the toys can be hand washed and air-dried.
Pros: Promote coordination, can be used outside the tub, made with BPA-free plastic.
Cons: The boats must be stacked front to back in order to fit together.