It may seem like trying to find the best baby bath tubs is a silly quest. How important can a simple baby bath seat really be to your life?
Answer: very important. Most of my fellow veteran parents would agree.
As a new parent, there are very few things that can serve as a sanity lifeline when your baby is fussy. The two biggest tools in your arsenal?
1. Getting your baby outside
2. Getting your baby in the bath.
The bath tub was the ultimate secret soothing weapon for both of my babies. Trying to sooth a teething 8-month-old? Give her a bath. Stretching wake times for my 4-month-old? Get in the bath with him.
Because of this, chances are your baby will spend a lot of time in the tub. And unless you want to strip down and go in with her every single time (hint: you don't), you'll need a baby bath tub.
There are several infant bathing equipment options, but true to the Adventure Baby way, we wanted something that was lightweight, portable, and comfortable. That way, we could use this secret weapon no matter where we were or what we were doing.
How to Bathe Your Baby on the Go
It wasn’t long after Ryan and I started packing for our first long-haul road trip with our newborn that we realized we only had a few options for bathing her on the go:
- Connector.
Sink baths
This works (read: is hygienic) when visiting close family. But the thought of bird bathing Poppy in some of the budget hotels makes me cringe (and I’m sure her sensitive skin) scream. Cuz let me tell you, most of those sinks are in dire need of a heavy duty cleaning.
- Connector.
Baby mats
This is a simple concept that looked intriguing at first. You simply put down a bath mat in the tub and go to town…But after some digging around I didn’t see the point of spending on a baby mat, because it just seemed like Poppy would wiggle her way off the small piece of sanitary ground and end up right back on the hotel porcelain.
- Connector.
Shower time
I’ve met couples who started taking their baby with them in the shower after 12 months without any fuss (and to be honest, Ryan had showered with her without incident…But admittedly it’s pretty hard to hold on to a soaped up baby with one hand while the other tries to scrub behind her ears. So just not safe or relaxing for either of us.
So we decided to look around for the best baby bath tub for our next road trip. And boy are we glad we did. We found some super practical and travel-friendly bath options. Check em’ out!
And while we're on the subject of road tripping, you'll wanna check out our other gear guides for baby hiking backpacks, travel strollers, and portable cribs. Ok, back to business…
Top 9 Best Baby Bathtubs for the Traveling Tot
#1: Puj Tub Foldable Baby Bathtub
#2: Blooming Baby Bathtub
#3: Summer Infant Fold Away Baby Bath
#4: Munchkin White Hot Inflatable Duck Tub
#5: Infantino Whale Bubble Bathtub
#6: Summer Infant Large Comfort Baby Bather
#7: Luxx Baby BF1 Folding Bath Tub
#8: Boon Naked Collapsible Baby BathTub
#9: Safety 1st Custom Care Modular Bathing Solutions
But first, before we get into it…
But, Do I Really Need a Baby Travel Bath Tub?
If you’re a new parent, you’ll soon realize that not many experiences are as nerve-racking as giving your tot their first real bath. Newborns are awfully floppy and curious, and the potential for a disastrous scrub down is always high…
Is the water too hot? What if she slips outta’ my hands and dunks herself? Or worse, bonks her head? And will I be able to get that neck fold squeaky clean?
But this all gets easier. Especially with the right baby bath…
What to Look For in a Baby Bath
Comparing one baby tub to another in an overly saturated market can be mentally draining (see what I did there, huh, huh?). Before deciding on the perfect baby bathtub for your baby, here are a few pointers to consider.
Lightweight
You’re gonna use this thing abroad. And that means you gotta cart it along with you, so it better not be a Goliath of a hot tub. I mean, you just need to wash a baby for crying out loud.
Compact
On that same note, the thing has to pack well. It can’t be clunky and awkward. It should fold down and pack up really nicely to win full points here.
Function
I’m not just talking about whether or not it holds water. They all do that. I’m concerned with whether or not they set up and tear down quickly and easily. Do they dry off well so they that they can go right back into the car when we’re done? Do they help make bath time as easy and safe as possible? I consider it all so you don’t have to worry.
Price
This is simply bang for your buck. If the device is ultra practical, effective, and safe, then I’m willing to pay for it. But I don’t want to pay triple for a bucket just because it’s coined as a baby product. I got your back here.
If you’re considering hitting the road with your newborn, we’ve compiled a list of the best baby bathtubs you should consider for hassle-free bath sessions.
10 Best Baby Bath Tubs in 2021
#1 Best Baby Bath Tub:
Puj Baby Foldable Tub

Suitable from birth up to 6 months, this innovative baby tub from Puj is a spade-like contraption made of a squishy, foldable, non-slip foam that opens up into a seat during bath time. It’s unique design is well suited for almost any sink size and molds itself to your newborn’s body quite well.
You’ll also appreciate how easy the Puj tub is on your back. You won’t have to lean over, squat, bend or strain when giving your baby a bath.
Pros
Cons
If you’re looking for a great alternative to traditional baby bathtubs, the Blooming Baby Bathtub is worth checking out.
Unlike most baby bathtubs – the majority are made from hard plastic, this sink-friendly tub stands out. Shaped like a blooming flower, the soft and cuddly petals help the tub fit into any sink regardless of the size.
Its soft towel-like texture also prevents wet and squirmy babies from sliding around during bath time.
Pros
Cons
A cool foldable tub option, that would work great camping. It sets up in a second and is a complete bath for your baby. It also grows with your baby making it a more practical buy for long term use. The inclined positioner, meant to support newborns, can be removed as soon as your older baby needs more room.
Pros
Cons
This bathtub is super affordable and pretty cute to boot. It’s easy to use (minus blowing it up, which is kinda a pain), pocket friendly, and makes bath time more comfortable for you and your baby.
The Munchkin Duck tub is designed to inflate when you need it, and deflate so it takes up little to no space in your luggage. And hey there’s no reason you can’t use it at the beach too! The ducky’s head even quacks when you gently squeeze it.
Pros
Cons
The Infantino Whale baby bathtub if for early sitters transitioning into a regular tub. It comes with 10 fun balls and a jingling tail to make bath time a little more interesting.
Pros
Cons
You can safely and securely bathe your newborn using the large Summer Infant bather inside a standard bath tub, but don’t expect much in terms of features. The simple design uses a mesh sling to cradle your baby and a 2-position recline has been fitted for a more comfortable bath.
Pros
Cons
Again, I get the idea behind a foldable baby tub that can easily be stored between baths, but if the tradeoff is a bulky tub with a steep price tag, I’ll pass. Weighing in at 4.8 pounds, the Luxx baby bath tub is just too heavy. I mean it does the job, but it’s kinda a glorified bucket.
Pros
Cons
The Boon Naked baby tub has a simple yet effective design. And it still manages to pack in a lot of features parents appreciate. It has a rotating slip-resistant base, can recline, and is expandable. The fact that you can use the Boon baby bathtub well into toddlerhood makes it worth every cent. Between bath times, Boon’s baby tub collapses to a fraction of its original size giving it a slim profile for easy storage.
Pros
Cons
This unique two-piece design has been ergonomically designed with the flexibility to adapt and grow with your baby into toddlerhood. It’s more convenient than a bucket, but not by much.
Pros
Cons
A baby bath tub inevitably becomes a regular part of your baby’s care, so it’s important to find the right one.
Even if you're not big on traveling with your baby, finding the best portable baby gear will save space and make it easier in the case that you do need to lug equipment with you when you're visiting the grandparents.