Bath Toys for Toddlers: Fun, Mould-Free Ideas for Bath Time
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Bath time can be a fun wind-down before bed or a daily battle, and the right toys often make a difference. Pouring, scooping, floating and splashing are all great sensory play for toddlers.
Water play also introduces early science ideas like floating and sinking, full and empty, and fast and slow. And because bath time is a routine, it is a natural moment for songs and chat.
The biggest complaint parents have about bath toys is mould. In this guide we focus on toys that are easy to clean and dry, as well as the classics toddlers love.
What are the best mould-free bath toys?
Mould grows when water gets trapped inside a toy. Toys without holes, or that open up for cleaning, are much easier to keep hygienic.
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Sealed bath toys with no holes
Nothing gets inside, so there is nowhere for mould to grow.
Age 6m+ - See options on Amazon
Bath toys that open for cleaning
Two-part designs can be separated, washed and dried properly.
Age 12m+ - See options on Amazon
Silicone bath toys
Flexible, easy to clean and often dishwasher safe.
Age 6m+ - See options on Amazon
Bath toy storage net with suction cups
Lets toys drain and dry between baths.
Age 0m+
Pouring and scooping toys
Pouring is one of the most satisfying activities for toddlers. It builds hand-eye coordination and gives them a sense of control.
Keep only a small selection in the bath at once. Too many toys can make it hard to keep them clean and dry, and a few favourites are often enough.
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Stacking cups with holes
Water streams through the holes, which toddlers find fascinating.
Age 6m+ - See options on Amazon
Water wheel bath toy
Pouring water in makes the wheel spin, a clear cause and effect.
Age 12m+ - See options on Amazon
Rinse cup with soft lip
Useful for hair washing, and fun to pour with.
Age 0m+ - See options on Amazon
Watering can bath toy
Sprinkling water is a simple and popular game.
Age 12m+
Floating toys and bath boats
Floating toys invite pretend play and simple experiments. Try guessing together which toys will float and which will sink.
Floating toys are also good for pretend play, such as sailing boats to an island or rescuing animals. Singing songs about the sea or about animals can extend the story and keep your toddler engaged while you wash.
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Stacking bath boats
Boats that stack or link together add building to water play.
Age 12m+ - See options on Amazon
Floating animal set
Good for naming animals and singing farm or sea songs in the bath.
Age 12m+ - See options on Amazon
Float and sink kit
Encourages early experiments and new words.
Age 2y+
Learning toys for the bath
Bath time is a relaxed moment for letters, numbers and colours. Foam pieces stick to wet tiles and can be used for spelling names or counting.
Try spelling your child's name on the tiles, then mixing up the letters for them to find. Counting cups of water poured over their tummy is another simple game.
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Foam bath letters and numbers
Stick to tiles for alphabet and counting games.
Age 2y+ - See options on Amazon
Waterproof bath books
Soft books that can be read and squished in the water.
Age 6m+ - See options on Amazon
Colour-changing bath toys
Change colour in warm or cool water, prompting chats about colours.
Age 12m+ - See options on Amazon
Bath crayons
Let toddlers draw on tiles and wash it away afterwards.
Age 3y+
How do you clean bath toys?
Regular cleaning keeps bath toys safer and more pleasant to use. Some simple habits help:
- Squeeze out water and leave toys to dry in a ventilated spot after every bath.
- Wash toys weekly in warm soapy water, or in the dishwasher if the label says it is safe.
- Soak toys occasionally in a diluted white vinegar solution, then rinse and dry.
- Throw out any toy with visible mould inside, or that cannot be dried properly.
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Bath toy drying rack
Keeps toys off the bath floor so air can circulate.
Age 0m+ - See options on Amazon
Mesh toy bag
Easy to hang from the tap or shower screen to drain.
Age 0m+ - See options on Amazon
Bath toy cleaning brush set
Small brushes help clean the inside of cups and toys that open up.
Age 0m+
Safety checklist
Always stay within arm's reach of a young child in or near the bath, and never leave them alone, even for a moment. Toddlers can drown quickly and silently in very shallow water. Empty the bath straight after use.
Choose bath toys suitable for under-3s with no small parts, in line with Australia's mandatory standard for toys for children up to 36 months. Avoid battery-powered bath toys unless the compartment is sealed and screwed shut, as button or coin batteries are covered by Australian mandatory standards. Check toys often for mould and cracks, and throw away any that cannot be properly cleaned and dried.
Questions parents ask
How often should bath toys be replaced?
It depends on the toy and how well it dries. Replace toys that show mould inside, are cracked, or have become sticky or discoloured.
Are squirting bath toys safe?
They can harbour mould because water sits inside. If you use them, squeeze them dry after every bath and replace them regularly, or choose designs that open for cleaning.
What bath toys are good for a 1-year-old?
Stacking cups, floating animals, bath books and simple pouring toys are popular for one-year-olds. Choose light, easy-to-grip toys without small parts.
How can I make bath time more fun for a toddler who hates it?
Try letting your toddler choose a toy to bring, sing a favourite song, or keep baths short and warm. A predictable routine can also help.
Can bath toys go in the dishwasher?
Some can, particularly silicone and hard plastic toys without holes. Check the product label, and use the top rack if it is recommended.
