The 9 Best Baby Bath Products of 2023

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Bath time is fun, squirmy, and soaking wet! Whether your baby loves or detests bath time, there are lots of products, like baby wash, lotions, a bathtub, and more that can help make bathing easier and more enjoyable for you both. Some are necessities, and some just help make bath time a better experience for everyone, like bath toys that are fun and easy to clean

Since soap, bubbles, and lotion will be covering your baby’s cute little body, look for natural ingredients that won’t irritate your baby’s skin. Also, consider items that don’t take up too much room, serve multiple purposes, or are easy to store away. We carefully considered ingredients, design, storage space, age recommendations, and value when reviewing products.

Here are the best baby bath products for your little duckie.

A Note About Safety

A baby should never be left unattended in the bathtub, even if only for a minute. Practice infant water safety early and always keep bath supplies within arm's reach.

Best Baby Wash

Aveeno Baby Daily Moisture Gentle Bath Wash & Shampoo with Natural Oat Extract

Aveeno Baby Daily Moisture Gentle Bath Wash & Shampoo with Natural Oat Extract

Courtesy of Amazon

The Aveeno Baby Daily Moisture Gentle Bath Wash & Shampoo with Natural Oat Extract ranks high on our list because this wash is safe for all skin types. The tear-free, soap-free, hypoallergenic, paraben- and phthalate-free formula is safe for everyday use. Parents will appreciate the pump bottle that is spill-free and easy to use with wet and slippery hands.

Price at time of publish: $15

Best Bubble Bath

Puracy Natural Baby Bubble Bath

Puracy Natural Baby Bubble Bath

Designed for babies but appropriate for the whole family, this all-natural bubble bath definitely produces the bubbles! Older babies may enjoy the wonder of a bubble-filled bath, but start slowly since bubbles can also be new and overwhelming. Tear-free and hypoallergenic, this all-natural formula also doubles as baby shampoo.

Price at time of publish: $8

Best Lotion

Dove Baby Soothing Cream

Dove Baby Soothing Cream

Amazon

Gentle enough for infant skin and made from 100% natural nutrients, this soothing cream is perfect for baby eczema, dry skin, or as a post-bath lotion. Infant massage can be a wonderful bonding activity for new parents and their babies, so creating a ritual with this product and some loving touch is highly recommended.

Price at time of publish: $9

Best Baby Bath

4moms Cleanwater Tub

4moms Cleanwater Tub

4moms

A smart design that grows with your baby, this baby bathtub can be used in three stages. Newborns will be fully supported with an included insert, remove the insert for older babies, and sitting babies will still have plenty of room.

Designed for cleanliness, the clean water area holds fresh water for rinsing while dirty bathwater can flow out the side drain. Built into the tub is a color-coded digital thermometer so the water doesn't get too hot. To avoid burns, it's best for bath water to reach no more than 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

Price at time of publish: $60

Best Toys

Munchkin Bath Toy, Little Boat Train, 6 Count

Munchkin Bath Toy, Little Boat Train, 6 Count

Courtesy of Amazon

All aboard the "little boat train" with these six lightweight boats designed to link together and float in the water. Each pack features several boats in different colors, and can be used to scoop up or strain water. The boats feature funny faces and numbers for counting, and can be used for skill development, like hand and eye coordination.

Price at time of publish: $7

Best Accessory

Skip Hop Moby Baby Kneeler Pad

Skip Hop Moby Baby Kneeler Pad

Source: Skip Hop

Parents rejoice! Give those achy knees a break while you kneel at the tub to bathe your baby. The bright blue whale has a non-slip backing and a soft cushiony feel. Made out of quick-dry fabric, the whale’s strap makes it easy to hang up and dry after an especially splash-filled bath.

Price at time of publish: $18

Best Towel

Pottery Barn Gingham Baby Hooded Towel

Pottery Barn Gingham Baby Hooded Towel

Pottery Barn Kids

Your bathing beauty will look so cute and stay nice and dry in a sweet gingham hooded towel. Choose from four colors of gingham trim and add personalization for a custom touch. The towel is big enough that it’s appropriate for newborns up to two-year-olds, providing a warm welcome after bath time for years to come.

Price at time of publish: $39

Best Tear-Free Hair Rinser

Skip Hop Baby Bath Rinse Cup

Skip Hop Baby Bath Rinse Cup

Source: Skip Hop

So simple, yet life-changing, parents will appreciate how quickly and easily hair rinsing will go with this cute whale rinser. Interior fins channel a steady flow of water while the soft rubber lip fits snuggly up to your kiddo’s forehead, preventing water from flowing into sensitive eyes. Wet parents can use the easy-grip handle to pour; the rinser can double as a toy bin when not in use. 

Price at time of publish: $10

Best Robe

Burt's Bees Baby Absorbent Terry Hooded Bathrobe

Burt's Bees Baby Absorbent Terry Hooded Bathrobe

Buy Buy Baby

Parents will be jealous of how cozy this 100% cotton, knitted terry robe is, especially since it will get softer with each wash. Made for babies up to 9 months old, the extra absorbent fabric is a perfect way to cozy up and dry off after bathtime.

Price at time of publish: $27

Final Verdict

When prepping for baby’s bath time, a simple soap like Aveeno Baby Gentle Wash and Shampoo (view on Amazon) is a must-have to get your baby fresh and clean. Once you’ve got the basics down, adding a hair rinser like the Skip Hop Moby Tear Free Waterfall Rinser (view on Amazon) to your bathroom will be so useful for years to come, especially since it can stash bath toys when it’s off duty.

What to Look for in Baby Bath Products

Space

Most bathrooms don’t have unlimited space and storage. Consider items that don’t take up too much room, serve a few purposes, or are easy to store away. Many parents share the room with their kiddos, so the last thing you want to see during a relaxing bath is a tub full of toys. 

Look for products that are two-in-one, like body wash and shampoo. Typically, these two are designed to be made together, so you don't have to buy two separate bottles. Otherwise, only buy what you truly need.

Additionally, young babies, like newborns, do not need many products other than soap. Until baby is a little older, you can wait on the toys, different lotions, and other products.

Ingredients

Delicate baby skin should be treated gently. Since soap, bubbles, and lotion will be covering your baby’s cute little body, look for natural ingredients that won’t irritate your baby’s skin. Too much soap can be drying, so a mild, neutral-pH soap without any additives is your best bet.

Moreover, avoid baby bath products with fragrances, parabens, and other chemicals that could cause a reaction to baby's skin. As always, speak to your pediatrician if you have any concerns or see any odd reactions.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How often should I bathe my baby?

    In the first few weeks, bathing your newborn can seem overwhelming—there's so much to remember! For the first two weeks, before the umbilical cord falls off, give your baby a sponge bath every few days. After that, you can bathe your baby in the tub a few times a week (or even less often; just keep baby's diaper area, face, and neck clean in between baths).

  • What bath products does my newborn need?

    You’ll want a few key products when giving your newborn baby a bath. Depending on your bathroom set-up, you may need a baby tub with an infant insert. You’ll also need shampoo and body wash, which usually comes as a combo; lotion; and washcloths and towels. Bath toys aren't necessary for newborns (the bath itself is stimulating enough!) but will make baths more fun when your baby gets a little bigger. Consider adding any or all of these bath items to your baby registry.

  • When is the best time to give a baby a bath?

    You can give a baby a bath whenever it suits you, whether it be the morning, afternoon, or evening. Some families choose to do bathtime right before bedtime to help calm and soothe the baby, as well as set the family up for a future bedtime routine.

Why Trust Verywell Family

Maya Polton is a former marketing manager and current freelance writer who covers food, home, and parenting. She’s also the mom of an 11-year-old son, a 7-year-old son, and a 3-year old daughter. Two of her three children still prefer baths over showers, so there’s a lot of bath-taking going on in her house.

3 Sources
Verywell Family uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. American Academy of Pediatrics. Bathing your baby.

  2. Mayo Clinic. A parent’s guide to newborn baths.

  3. American Academy of Pediatrics. How to choose safer personal care products: Tips for families.