Our Top Picks
MoreFeel Collapsible Baby Bathtub for Newborn with Thermometer27*17*9 in27 x 17 x 9 inches4.29 poundsCheck on Amazon
For a newborn, choose a tub with a supportive sling or insert that holds the baby’s head and body at a gentle recline, such as the Fisher-Price 4-in-1 Sling ‘n Seat or the Skip Hop Moby 3-Stage, and pick a foldable option like the Stokke Flexi Bath only if you have limited space and want a tub that lasts into toddlerhood. Whatever you choose, a baby should never be left alone in a tub, and the maker’s weight, age and water-depth limits in the manual are the final word.
Newborn Bathtubs at a Glance
| Tub | Best for | Stated or reported features | Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fisher-Price 4-in-1 Sling ‘n Seat | Newborns on a budget | The Bump and NewMom both rank it highly; the maker’s range is commonly listed from a few pounds up to toddler weights, with a sling for early baths | Plastic frame takes space; sling needs drying after use |
| Skip Hop Moby 3-Stage | All-round use from newborn to sitting | Betteroo and Reddit-based roundups rate it near the top; three stages adapt as the baby grows | Bulkier than a foldable tub |
| Stokke Flexi Bath | Small homes and long-term use | The Bump calls it the best foldable tub; it has a colour-changing temperature indicator and folds flat; the maker lists use up to about four years | Premium tier; newborn insert is a separate purchase |
| Boon SOAK 3-Stage | A tub that changes with growth | The Bump names it best overall in its list | Check the maker’s stage sizes and age limits |
| Blooming Bath Lotus | Soft, cushioned bathing for the very young | Teachtoddler describes it as the softest option for a newborn | Limited to the early months; the flower design is for small babies |
Brand lineups are updated from time to time, so confirm model names and age ranges on each maker’s own page before you buy.
MoreFeel Collapsible Baby Bathtub for Newborn with Thermometer & 1 Hooded Towel & 1 Soft Floating Cushion,Portable Travel Bathtub with Drain Hole, Durable Foldable Baby Tubs for Infants to Toddler
Chosen because it specifies Portable Travel Bathtub with Drain Hole and Durable Foldable Baby Tubs for Infants to Toddler.
View on Amazon
BUNWAG Baby Bathtub, Collapsible Newborn Bathtub for Infant to Toddler with Soft Cushion and Thermometer,Portable Travel Newborn Tub with No-Slip Feet, Baby Shower Gifts, 0-12 Months Baby Bath, Blue
Chosen because it specifies Portable Travel Newborn Tub with No-Slip Feet and Baby Shower Gifts.
View on Amazon
Collapsible Baby Bathtub for Newborn, Foldable Baby Bath Tub with Thermometer & Soft Floating Cushion & Drain Hole, Portable Travel Infant Bath Tubs for Newborns to Toddler 0-36 Months Girl, Pink
Chosen because it specifies Pink.
View on AmazonWhat to Look for in a Newborn Tub
Support and recline
A newborn cannot hold up their head, so the tub should cradle the head and back at a gentle angle. Slings, contoured inserts and reclined cradles do this in different ways. A sling is simple and drains quickly, a foam or fabric insert is soft but needs to be wrung and dried, and a moulded recline holds the baby in a fixed position. Whichever style you pick, keep one hand on the baby throughout the bath, as manufacturers instruct.
Stages and age range
Many tubs have two or three stages: a newborn setting, a sitting stage, and a toddler tub. This is cost-effective if the tub genuinely suits each stage. Check the maker’s listed weight and age limits for each stage, since a tub that is great for newborns may be too small for a sitting baby.
Temperature guidance
Some tubs, including the Stokke Flexi Bath per The Bump, include a temperature indicator. These are handy, but the manufacturer and paediatric guidance both suggest testing the water yourself with your wrist or elbow, and a separate bath thermometer is a low-cost check. Add cold water first, then hot, and swirl the water to remove hot spots.
Water depth
Newborn baths need only a small amount of water. Follow the maker’s fill line if one is marked, and do not fill to the top. Never leave a baby alone in the tub, even for a moment, and do not leave a sibling in charge.
Size, storage and drainage
- Foldable tubs fit small apartments and can hang on a hook once dry.
- Rigid tubs are sturdy and often sit in the main tub or on a counter, but they need storage space.
- Drain plug: a plug simplifies emptying a tub after the bath. Some designs drain through the sling or a hole that directs water into the sink or adult tub.
- Non-slip feet or base: help keep the tub steady on the sink, counter or bath floor, as the maker describes.
Cleaning and drying
Rinse the tub after each bath and let it air dry. Fabric slings or inserts should be cleaned as the label instructs. Stagnant water or damp padding can encourage mould, so avoid storing it wet.
Budget Tiers
| Tier | What you get | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | Sling-based or simple moulded tubs from Fisher-Price and similar makers | Basic styling; may be outgrown sooner |
| Mid-range | Multi-stage tubs such as Skip Hop and Boon models with moving parts and storage-friendly designs | Larger footprint, more parts to clean |
| Premium | Foldable designs such as Stokke, or cushioned tubs like the Blooming Bath | Higher cost; extras like inserts may be sold separately |
Pick X If… Decision Table
| Pick this | If you… |
|---|---|
| Fisher-Price 4-in-1 Sling ‘n Seat | want a straightforward, low-cost tub with a sling for newborns |
| Skip Hop Moby 3-Stage | want a single tub that adapts as the baby grows |
| Stokke Flexi Bath | need a folding tub and plan to use it for years |
| Boon SOAK 3-Stage | like a stage-based tub with a designed-in sling |
| Blooming Bath Lotus | want a soft, cushioned bath surface in the earliest months |
| Sink insert or bucket-style tub | have limited floor space and a deep sink |
Alternatives to a Dedicated Baby Tub
- Sink bath insert: a moulded or foam insert that sits in a clean kitchen or bathroom sink, so you do not have to bend over. Use only if the sink is wide, stable and sanitised.
- Bath seats or supports for the big tub: some are designed to hold a baby in the adult bath, but many makers state they are not safety devices, so continuous adult hand contact remains necessary.
- Sponge baths: often advised in the first days until the umbilical stump heals. Ask your paediatrician or midwife what they suggest for your baby.
Safety Notes
- Never leave the baby unattended. A baby can slip or tip in seconds.
- Test the water temperature before every bath; maker guidance and paediatric advice often point to a warm, not hot, bath.
- Use the tub on a stable surface and follow the maker’s weight and age limits.
- If your baby has a skin condition, an umbilical cord that has not healed, or you have any health concerns about bathing, ask your doctor or health visitor before you choose a bath routine.
How Reviewers Rank the Leading Tubs
Rankings differ by outlet. The Bump names the Fisher-Price 4-in-1 Sling ‘n Seat as its pick for newborns and the Stokke Flexi Bath as the best foldable tub, with the Boon SOAK 3-Stage as its overall favourite. NewMom also puts the Fisher-Price tub first, Betteroo prefers the Skip Hop Moby, and a Reddit-based ranking places the Stokke at the top with the Skip Hop close behind. Teachtoddler singles out the Blooming Bath Lotus for softness. Because opinions are split, read the maker’s limits and decide which feature matters most to you: price, space or the number of stages.
Setting Up a Safe Bath Station
- Gather towels, a washcloth, mild baby wash and a clean nappy before the water is run, so you never need to step away.
- Place the tub on a stable, level surface at a comfortable height to protect your back. Many parents use a counter, a sink-side shelf or the floor of an empty adult tub.
- Keep the room warm and draught-free. A newborn loses heat quickly after leaving the water, so have a hooded towel ready.
- Keep a hand on the baby from the moment they enter the water until they are lifted out.
- Empty the tub immediately after use and store it out of reach of older children.
When Your Baby Outgrows the Newborn Setting
Most manufacturers state weight and developmental limits for each stage, often tied to when a baby can sit up unaided. When your baby approaches the top of the newborn stage, switch to the sitting stage or a larger tub as the manual instructs. Stop using any stage that no longer fits, and ask your paediatrician if you are unsure when your baby is ready to move on.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a newborn use a bathtub right away?
It depends on the baby and the guidance from your health provider. Many sources suggest sponge baths until the umbilical stump falls off, and then a tub bath. Ask your doctor, midwife or health visitor what is best for your baby.
Is a foldable baby tub as safe as a rigid one?
Both can be suitable if used as the maker instructs. Foldable tubs such as the Stokke Flexi Bath save space, while rigid tubs often feel sturdier. Check that the tub sits firmly on a flat surface and that you keep a hand on the baby at all times.
Do I need a newborn insert or sling?
If the tub does not already cradle the head and body at a recline, an insert or sling is the practical solution. The Stokke tub’s newborn insert, for example, is sold separately, per reviewers. Choose a tub where the newborn setting is built in if you want fewer extras.
How much water should I put in a baby bath?
Use only as much as the maker’s instructions recommend, usually shallow enough that the baby’s torso is mostly out of the water. Always supervise with a hand on the baby. Never fill the tub and leave the room, even briefly.
How long will a baby tub last?
That varies by design. Newborn-focused tubs may last a few months, while multi-stage and foldable options such as Skip Hop, Boon and Stokke list use into the toddler stage. Check the maker’s stated limits for age and weight on each stage.
How do I keep a baby tub clean?
Rinse it after each bath and let it air dry fully. Clean fabric parts as the label directs, and wipe plastic surfaces with mild soap. Store it where it can dry and avoid leaving damp sling material folded.
