Best Budget-Friendly: Munchkin White Hot Inflatable Duck Tub

Inflatable baby bathtubs don’t have to be expensive—this one is not only super cute for pictures, but also nicely designed. We liked the textured bottom and a safety disk that changes color if the water is too hot . . . that’s a nice touch.

Here’s more: 

What We Liked

• Easy to drain.

• Sturdy.

• Great for travel.

• Super cute photos!

• Tough and versatile. 

• Affordable.

• Bonus: also great for parties as a cooler.

What Needs Work

• Takes a while to inflate. That is, when using your lungs.

• Not a good choice if baby likes to stand when bathing.

• Babies have to be able to sit up to use this bathtub. Generally that’s around six months. 

• Can deflate. That’s a problem with all inflatable tubs, of course—they can get holes if you aren’t careful.

Best To Fit In A Tub: Disney Mickey Mouse Air-Filled Cushion Bath Tub

You’d think fitting into a standard-size bathtub would be a common feature for inflatable baby bathtubs—after all, that’s where most folks bathe baby! Yet we found many inflatable bath tubs don’t fit well into standard bathtubs. If this is important, we’d recommend the this inflatable bathtub. We found this tub easy to inflate and well designed: note the two big pockets on the end, which are great to hold shampoo and soap while bathing baby. Here’s more:

What We Liked

 Non-slip textured surface.

• Easy to inflate. • Very cute for pictures.

• Two cups that can hold shampoo and other bath items.

• Deflates for storage.

• Back is cushioned and comfy.

• Water temperature displays indicates if water is too hot.

• Good leg room for most kiddos.

What Needs Work

• Four separate chambers to inflate. We though this tub was still easy to inflate, but we do agree the four separate chambers required some extra time. This irks some folks, understandably!

• Water temperature display could be easier to read.

Best for Travel: Mommy’s Helper Inflatable Baby Tub

Inflatable baby bathtubs are great for travel—after all, they can collapse to pack away in a suitcase. 

For travel, we like the simplest designed tubs for that visit to grandma’s house. Example: Mommy’s Helper baby bath tub. This tub is quicker to inflate that others we tried (we’re looking at you, Nemo bath tub with four chambers!). And it’s easy on the wallet.

Here’s more:

What We Liked

• Inflates quickly. There are three inflation valves—one for sides, one for bottom and one for saddle.

• Lightweight.

• Easy to use.

• Affordable.

• Easy to clean.

What Needs Work

• Not for newborns. The maker suggests this tub for babies 6-24 months. Since there is no sling to support a newborn, it isn’t a good choice for babies under six months.

• Not everyone likes the saddle horn—but you don’t have to inflate it if you don’t want to.

• No suction cups on bottom to hold in position. Hence it can slide around in a tub if you’re not careful.

• Deflates slowly. 

• Leaks. Like any inflatable product, you have to careful storing it or it can develop leaks.

Why Trust Us

We’ve been rating and reviewing products for the home and families since 1994. We do hands-on testing—we buy the products with our own money and evaluate with an eye toward quality, ease of use and affordability.

Here’s another key point: we don’t take money from the brands we review. No free samples, no sponsors, no “partnerships.” Our work is 100% reader-supported!