Splish, Splash, Save My Sanity: The 5 Best Toddler Bath Toys That Actually Keep Them in the Tub

1. Nuby Floating Octopus Toy with 3 Hoopla Rings

If there’s one thing toddlers love, it’s throwing things. This floating octopus turns bath time into an interactive game of ring toss, where your little one can aim for its tentacles with three colorful rings. And let’s be honest—anything that keeps a toddler focused on something other than trying to escape the tub is a win.

While they’re determined to land that perfect shot, you get the rare opportunity to scrub their arms, back, and all those mysterious sticky spots they somehow acquire throughout the day. It’s also great for building hand-eye coordination, which means you get to say, “Wow, what a great learning toy!” as your child repeatedly dunks the poor octopus like it's in a deep-sea wrestling match.

Of course, once they figure out the rings also fit around the faucet, your bath setup may need some adjustments. But at least they're having fun, right?

2. Tub Works® Bath Color Fizzies

What’s the easiest way to convince a reluctant toddler to get in the tub? Tell them you’re about to turn the water into a magic potion. These color fizzies instantly transform a boring bath into a swirling, colorful wonderland—no fancy tricks required. Just drop one in, watch the water change, and let the mesmerized silence wash over you.

But let’s be real: once they realize they can mix colors, you will be taking special orders. “I want green! No, wait—purple! No, actually, ALL the colors at once!” Before you know it, your bathwater will resemble a tie-dye experiment gone rogue.

And if your toddler is anything like mine, expect some high-stakes negotiations when it's time to get out. "I can't leave yet, the water is still BLUE!" But hey, if they’re sitting happily in the tub instead of trying to escape mid-rinse, I’ll take it.

3. Munchkin® Float & Play Bubbles™

Toddlers are fascinated by anything that rattles, spins, or makes a weird noise, and these floating bubbles check all the boxes. Each one is filled with fun little surprises—spinners, rattles, and colorful beads—that bob along the water, capturing your child’s attention just long enough for you to sneak in a hair wash without drama.

They’re also the perfect size for tiny hands, which means your toddler will happily grab them, shake them, and—of course—attempt to chew on them. Luckily, these are completely sealed tight, so there’s no risk of mystery mold growing inside (because if you’ve ever squeezed an old bath toy and seen what comes out, you know).

Added bonus: they’re too big to be flushed down the toilet, which means your plumbing is safe. Because let’s face it, if it fits, toddlers will try.

4. Light Up Floating Rubber Animal Toys Set

Rubber duckies are great and all, but light-up bath toys? Now we’re talking next-level entertainment. These little floating animals glow as soon as they touch the water, turning your toddler’s bath into a VIP pool party.

They work especially well for nighttime baths—just dim the lights, and suddenly, you have a mini underwater disco. Your toddler will be so in awe of their glowing new friends that they’ll actually sit still, giving you a rare moment of peace to actually scrub behind their ears.

Of course, the downside is that once they see how fun a light-up bath can be, they may start demanding glow-in-the-dark everything. Be prepared for some very creative requests, like, “Can we make my oatmeal light up too?”

5. G-WACK Bath Toys

If your toddler’s favorite activity is dumping water onto the floor instead of into the tub, this toy is about to save your sanity. It suctions onto the bathtub wall and turns bath time into a DIY water park. Kids can pour water into funnels, watch it spin through wheels, and gleefully giggle as they redirect the flow like tiny engineers.

The best part? It keeps them so entertained that you might actually be able to condition their hair without a fight. The worst part? They eventually realize they can use it to launch water at you. One minute, they’re happily experimenting with water flow, and the next, they’ve turned into a mischievous scientist who just discovered how to make Mom’s shirt completely soaked.

But let’s be honest—if it keeps them in the tub and not climbing out mid-bath, I’ll take a little splash zone action.

With these toys in your bath-time arsenal, getting your toddler into the tub (and keeping them there) just got way easier. Now, if only there were a toy that magically made them want to go to bed afterward…