About a year ago, I was bathing my boys, letting them have a long soak in the bathtub. The water was warm and there were lots of bubbles. Good fun was had by all! Until I drained the tub and took a closer look at the bath toys they had been playing with. Mold, mildew, and slimy pink stuff was visible on almost every toy they had been touching! GROSS!
Mildew is a common problem with bath toys, because what mom has the time to dry off every single toy right after bath time? (Instead, I’m busy chasing a naked bum down the hall, trying to get a pull-up on him before bed.) So let’s stop this problem before it even happens by making wise purchases! I’ve rounded up a few favorite bath toys for babies and toddlers that are safe and promise to be mildew-free.
CaaOcho Whale — He floats! And because this toy is made out of rubber, this whale is perfect for those teething li'l ones!
Green Toys Ferry Boat with Mini Cars— Green Toys are a favorite brand at our house because— get this —they’re dishwasher safe! If it ever starts to feel a little slimy, pop it in the dishwasher to sanitize!
Boon Fleet Stacking Boats — Pouring water is an excellent sensory activity for your little one, and the rain holes in these boats make it even more fun.
Nuby Octopus with Rings — This floating ring toss can be used in and out of the tub! No holes = no mildew!
Ubbi Cloud and Droplet — Encourage fine motor skills and sensory play with these little guys! The tops and bottoms pop off for easy cleaning, and each features a different drain hole for extra fun. They’re dishwasher safe!
Marcus and Marcus Toy Submarine — It squirts water (need we say more?) and opens up so drying is a breeze.
Here's some additional tips for choosing the right toys and preventing mold:
- Choose bath toys that are free of BPA, PVC, and Phthalates.
- If you already have toys with holes in them, fill the hole with a hot glue gun to prevent water from getting in the toy
- Choose dishwasher-safe toys for easy cleaning!
- One of my best tricks was giving my boys old toothbrushes and sponges to play with in the bathtub. They love to playfully clean and scrub, and my tub has never been cleaner!
- At the end of bath time, have your child help you clean up. Put all the bath toys in a tub basket, like this Kidco Shelf Storage Basket or this Toyganizer.
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Looking for more bathtime tips? Check out our posts Educational Expert Shares Tips on Engaging Bathtime Play and How to Bathe Your Newborn.
