9 Non-Toxic, Safe Bath Toys that are Free of Plastic and Mold
*Please note that as an Amazon Associate and an associate of other companies, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. I appreciate your support!
Bath time can be a great time for your baby or toddler and it can also be a great time for you. I love giving my kids baths because it’s an activity that they love, it helps pass the time, and it also keeps my kids apart so there is less fighting over toys! To make bath time fun, great bath toys are a must. These days there are a lot of bath toys on the market that are made of toxic plastic or have holes in them for water to get into which makes it easy for mold to form. In my early days as a mother, I had a bath toy that had a hole in it and one day black liquid came out. Thank goodness it wasn’t in my child’s mouth or face! From that day forward, I only use safe bath toys without holes that are mold-free.
What are the dangers of plastic toys?
There are three main culprits that make plastic toxic. These substances are phthalates, Bisphenol S (BPS), and Bisphenol A (BPA). Research shows that these ingredients suppress or mimic hormones and can disrupt normal growth and development.
Phthalates are used to soften plastic, but can also be used as a solvent or to bind fragrances. Because of this, they are also commonly found in personal care products such as nail polishes, deodorants, and lotions. (To check out my list of non-toxic personal care and beauty products click here). A person can be exposed to phthalates through inhalation (breathing in nail polish fumes), ingestion (when babies chew on plastic toys), and skin absorption (through deodorants, lotions, etc.). There are many health concerns with phthalates including hormone disruption, premature puberty, developmental and reproductive issues, and even cancer.
BPA can be found in plastic, water bottles, in the liner of some canned goods (always look for BPA-free lining when shopping for canned goods), and even on grocery store receipts. BPA is mainly absorbed through ingestion and skin contact. Health concerns with BPA exposure include, but are not limited to cancer, birth defects, early puberty, and hyperactivity. BPS is starting to be studied more closely as well. This article shows that BPS causes hormonal and obesogenic effects comparable to or even worse than BPA. The authors of this study say that BPS should be put under the same legal restrictions as BPA.
In addition to BPS, BPA, and phthalates, PVC (a soft vinyl plastic) often contains lead and is harmful to the environment once it is thrown away. While managing phthalate-free, BPS-free, and BPA-free toys for infants might seem attainable, it becomes more challenging as children grow and receive gifts from others. I think all we can do is to do our best. Something I am able to control though are my bath toys. Bath toys are especially important because warming plastic (in the microwave, oven, or even in a warm bath) facilitates the leaching of chemicals. This is why you should never warm up food in plastic containers. Below I’ve made a list of safe, non-toxic bath toys for toddlers and babies that are free of hazardous substances and designed without openings to prevent mold formation. You’ll see that my list avoids plastic altogether. The toys below are made from rubber or silicone which are much safer substances. Prioritizing your child’s safety is the most important thing you can do as a parent so check out the best bath toys for toddlers and babies below and start adding to your list of non-toxic baby products.
1. Pure Natural Rubber Bath Toy – Kala The Whale
This non-toxic, safe bath toy is made without holes preventing mold from growing inside. This 100% rubber bath toy is free of plastic, phthalates, PVC, and BPA. It is colored with food-grade plant-based dyes. It’s a perfect toy to keep your little one safe from toxins while in the bath.
2. Mold Free Bath Toys For Toddlers
These safe bath toys are another great option for your baby or toddler. These plastic-free bath toys are made of organic rubber and are free of PVC, BPA, and phthalates. They are sealed with food-grade epoxy glue to make sure no water gets inside so they can be free of mold.
3. Dabble and Dollop Ducky Bath Toy and Teether
This is the only duck bath toy made in the U.S. It’s free of PVC, Phthalates, BPA, lead, latex, and nitrosamines. It’s odor-free and non-toxic. It’s even made out of recyclable materials.
4. CaaOcho Pure Natural Rubber Baby Bath Toy – Nalu The Seahorse
This 100% natural rubber teether and bath toy is also free of phthalates, BPA, PVC, and nitrosamine. It’s made with food-grade paint and all the holes are sealed so water cannot get inside. It’s very soft and durable. It’s a great option for a non-toxic bath toy.
5. Mold Free Animal Baby Bath Toys for Toddlers/ Infants
This mold-free, safe bath toy is sealed with food-grade epoxy glue so no water can get in to encourage mold growth. These toys are made out of edible-grade silicone, are perfect for teething, and are free of PVC, BPA, and phthalates. This set comes with many different animals.
6. Caaocho Pure Natural Rubber Baby Bath Toy – Mele The Sea Turtle
This cute, BPA-free bath toy is non-toxic like all the rest. It’s also free of PVC and phthalates. It’s also made of 100% natural rubber. All of its holes are sealed so no water can enter and it’s also a great natural teether for babies.
7. LotFancy Bath Toys, Mold Free Bathtub Toys for Infants Toddlers
This non-toxic, safe bath toy includes 8 colorful ocean animals. There is also an option to buy dinosaurs instead if your little one prefers dinosaurs. Like all the other toys on this list, they are mold-free with all holes sealed and they are free of phthalates, BPA, and PVC. These are also free of latex. I bought these for my kids and they love them!
8. Bumble Bear Mold Free Silicone Bath Toys, Baby Bath
Unlike any other bath toy on this list, this safe bath toy squirts water. It is still mold-free because it separates into two pieces in order to properly clean and dry preventing mold from forming. These toys are free of BPA, PVC, phthalates, and latex.
9. Silicone Boat Bath Toys-Beach Toys for Baby Boys and Girls-Interactive Montessori Toy
These BPA-free bath toys are made of 100% food-grade silicone and are also free of PVC and phthalates. They are also dishwasher safe and don’t contain any holes for water to get in.
Do you also need storage for your bath toys? I bought a mesh bag with suction cups like this one to store all our bath toys. It’s even safe to throw in the washing machine. I hope you found some toys that work for you and your little one!