There’s nothing sweeter than a baby in the tub, tiny toes splashing, bubbles floating, giggles bouncing off the walls. But the moment you pick up a bath toy and water dribbles out... followed by a suspicious smell? Yeah, not so cute.

Moldy bath toys are a common parenting headache, but the good news is: they’re totally avoidable. The trick is picking toys that are built to stay clean and safe, even after dozens of dips in the tub. At Tubby Todd, we believe bath time should be nourishing, joyful, and worry-free. That’s why we’re sharing our favorite mold-resistant bath toys, plus how to care for them and what to pair them with to make bath time a full sensory experience.

Let’s make splashing the best part of your day, without the gunk.

TL;DR

• Choose toys that are hole-free, dishwasher-safe, and easy to dry

• Our top mold-free toy picks: Olababy, Hevea, Mushie, Green Toys, Loulou Lollipop

• Clean toys weekly with vinegar soaks and always dry them fully

• Pair play with gentle, effective care using Hair + Body Wash, Bubble Bath, and Everyday Lotion

• Make bath time a moment of connection, not just a cleanup routine

What makes a bath toy baby-safe?

Not all bath toys are created equal. Some are cute but hard to clean. Others invite mold from the get-go. When we recommend toys for the tub, we always start with these non-negotiables:

• Hole-free or drainable designs to prevent trapped water (aka mold’s favorite hideout)

• Soft, chew-safe materials like BPA-free silicone or natural rubber

• Easy to clean—even better if they’re dishwasher safe

• Age-appropriate designs that support sensory play and motor skills

• No electronics or cloth—because they don’t fully dry and often grow mildew
  

We love toys that encourage pouring, stacking, floating, or wall play, things that feel like play but help with development, too. Bonus points if they’re cute enough to leave out by the tub and sturdy enough to survive a few flings across the bathroom.

And let’s be real: if it helps you wash your baby’s hair without a meltdown, it’s worth its weight in gold.

The best mold-free bath toys

Here are our favorite toys that check all the boxes—cleanable, durable, and baby-approved. We chose these because they’re made to last, designed for play, and don’t turn into mystery slime after a few uses.

Mushie Stacking Cups

Not technically bath toys—but they’re practically made for it. These perforated cups are perfect for pouring, stacking, and endless scooping. Dishwasher safe and BPA-free, they support motor skills and dry quickly after every splash. 

Olababy Silicone Bath Toys

These adorable animals are completely sealed with no holes for water to get trapped inside. Soft, chewable, and safe for even the littlest bathers, they’re easy to hold and fun to squish.

Green Toys Submarine

Made in the USA from 100% recycled plastic, this chunky yellow sub floats like a dream and doubles as a pour spout. The back opens for easy cleaning and drying. Built to last and totally mold-proof.

Hevea Natural Rubber Bath Toys

Crafted from sustainable rubber and painted with food-safe pigments, these toys are biodegradable, baby-safe, and hole-free. They come in charming shapes like ducks and whales and are completely free of harmful chemicals.

Loulou Lollipop Floating Bath Squirters

These squirt toys are cleverly designed to twist open, which means no trapped water, no hidden mold, and full drying between uses. Plus, they come in sweet, modern designs that little hands can grip with ease.

Toddler toys that grow with them

Once your little one’s out of the baby stage and into toddlerhood, they’ll want bath toys that offer more interaction and imagination. These picks encourage learning while keeping things clean:

• Boon Pipes & Cogs – Suction to the wall and build a water maze

• Fat Brain Suction Kupz – Stackable silicone cups that stick to the tub

• Ubbi Interchangeable Toys – Colorful, floatable friends that pop open for cleaning

These options are all modular, dishwasher-safe, and great for independent play—and yes, still mold-resistant.

How to clean bath toys (and keep them clean)

Even the most hygienic toys need regular care. Mold grows fast in warm, damp places, and bath toys are prime real estate if they’re not cleaned often. Here’s your bath toy care guide:

• Rinse and shake after every bath

• Dry upright in a mesh caddy or on a towel, away from water

• Soak weekly in a 50/50 vinegar and warm water mix for 15 minutes

• Use the dishwasher (top rack only!) if the toy is labeled safe

• Replace toys that develop slimy residue, smell musty, or can’t be fully cleaned
  

Fact: Bath toys are among the five germiest household items if not regularly cleaned, according to NSF International.

Complete the tubby experience with Tubby Todd

Toys are just the start, your bath time routine is where care and comfort come to life. Our plant-based bath products are safe for newborns, effective for toddlers, and beloved by parents for a reason. Here’s what we always keep close to the tub:

Hair + Body Wash

This tear-free 2-in-1 cleanser is perfect for daily use, gently washing away dirt without drying sensitive skin. Lathers beautifully and rinses clean, even when baby’s on the move.

Bubble Bath

Our cult-favorite, plant-based bubbles come in sweet, calming scents and create the perfect cloud of fun. Try Lavender & Rosemary before bed, or go Fragrance-Free for extra sensitivity.

Everyday Lotion

Lock in post-bath moisture with this creamy, nourishing lotion. It’s fast-absorbing and packed with natural extracts, so you get soft, hydrated skin without the greasy feel.

Bundle them all together in The Regulars Bundle to save and simplify your bath routine.

Bath time is bonding time

Beyond the bubbles and bath toys, this is a time for closeness. It’s one of the few moments in the day when you and your little one can slow down and connect—skin to skin, eye to eye, giggle to giggle.

Research shows that water play supports early brain development, coordination, and emotional regulation. But even without the studies, any parent can tell you: bath time is magic. It’s where memories are made, routines are built, and everyone ends the day feeling a little more calm.