Bath Time Battles? How Bath Toys Can Help Turn Things Around

If bath time feels more like a wrestling match than a relaxing wind-down, you’re not alone. Many babies and toddlers go through phases where they resist the bath — whether it’s the feel of the water, a sudden change in routine, or just a need for more control. But the good news? A few well-chosen bath toys can make a world of difference.

Why Some Babies and Toddlers Resist the Bath

From a child’s perspective, a bath can feel like a lot all at once. The temperature change, the sound of running water, the sensation of being lowered in — it’s no wonder some little ones put up a fight. For toddlers, it can also become a control issue: “I don’t want to” is often more about asserting independence than disliking the bath itself.

That’s where bath toys come in — they can shift the focus from fear or resistance to curiosity, fun, and play.

How Bath Toys Can Help

1. Add comfort through familiarity
Favourite bath toys offer something to look forward to. Bringing the same familiar toys into the tub each time can help create a sense of routine and safety, especially for babies just starting to explore the water.

2. Turn it into sensory play
Water play stimulates the senses — the feel of warm water, the sound of splashing, the movement of floating toys. Many toddler bath toys are designed to encourage pouring, squeezing, and scooping, all of which build motor skills and encourage exploration.

3. Encourage imagination and story-building
From floating animal friends to boats and cups, bath toys turn an everyday task into an adventure. Toddlers often engage in pretend play in the bath, which not only distracts from hair washing or rinsing, but also supports early language development and creativity.

4. Offer independence and choice
Giving your toddler a say in which toys go in the bath or what ‘game’ to play can help ease power struggles. For little ones developing autonomy, even small decisions can feel empowering.

Choosing the Right Bath Toys

When shopping for baby & toddler bath toys, look for:

• Non-toxic materials (BPA and phthalate-free)

• Easy-to-clean designs that dry quickly to prevent mould

• Simple shapes that are easy for small hands to grip

• Toys that grow with your child – from basic floating shapes for babies to more interactive sets for toddlers

At Arlo’s Place, we’re careful to select bath toys that are safe, thoughtfully designed, and built to last — because bath time shouldn’t be a battle. With the right tools, it can become one of the calmest, happiest parts of the day.

If you're looking for something to make bath time a little easier (and a lot more fun), explore our curated collection of baby and toddler bath toys.