An inflatable baby bathtub is a good idea in one specific case: occasional use, while travelling or as a backup, for a baby who can already sit up. For daily baths during the first few months, it has limitations that other formats do not. Here is what it does well, what it does poorly, and how to decide.
This guide does not seek to condemn a particular format. It sets out the criteria that really matter in a bathroom, with a wet infant in your arms, twice a week or every evening.
What exactly is an inflatable baby bathtub?
It is a PVC or TPU tub, inflated by mouth or with a pump, that is placed in the bathtub, shower tray, or on the floor. Empty, it fits in a bag. Full, it holds around ten litres of water and weighs about the same.
Most models have an inflated base that serves as a cushion, sometimes with a reclined backrest to support an infant. Some add a drain plug. The price is usually between fifteen and thirty-five euros.
What an inflatable baby bathtub does well
Storage and transport
This is its main selling point, and it is genuine. When deflated, it takes up about as much space as a towel. It travels with the family to the grandparents' home, a holiday rental, or a home without a bathtub.
For a very small home, it is also the only bathtub that disappears completely between baths. We discuss other solutions in our article on washing a baby without a bathtub.
Contact with the sides
The inflated sides are soft. A baby who moves around does not bump against a hard edge. For a seated child discovering water, this aspect is fairly reassuring.
Price
For use over a few weeks or on a few trips, the investment remains low. This is a real advantage if the need is occasional.
What an inflatable baby bathtub does poorly
Stability
A soft tub placed on a smooth, wet surface can slide or deform under the weight of the water and the child. A baby who pushes with their legs moves the wall, and the water level moves with them.
This point is central. A rigid bathtub keeps its shape no matter what. An inflatable bathtub depends on its inflation, its support, and the child's movements.
The parent's position
Placed in the large bath or on the floor, it forces you to bend over or kneel throughout the bath. With daily baths, your back quickly feels the strain. This is the same drawback as with a standard freestanding bath, described in our comparison of baby baths.
Drying and maintenance
The folds, seams and inside of the air chambers retain water. If not dried properly, an inflatable bath can develop black spots within a few weeks. It must be wiped down, hung up and sometimes deflated so that the folds can dry.
This is a real chore that must be done after every bath. A rigid tub can be rinsed and drained in one minute.
The material
Most models are made of soft PVC. Childcare products sold in Europe are subject to the REACH Regulation, which limits several phthalates in these products. A compliant model should state this.
There is also the smell when unpacking, which is common with soft plastics, and prolonged skin contact with the warm material. We explain the substances concerned in our article on the chemical safety of baby products. Rinsing and air-drying it before first use is a simple precaution.
Punctures
A leaking valve or punctured wall is rarely noticeable before the bath. A bath that slowly deflates while the child is in it is a scenario to consider, especially after a few months.
Is an inflatable baby bath safe for a newborn?
It is not designed for an infant who cannot sit upright, unless the manufacturer provides a suitable inclined backrest and support. A newborn needs firm support under the neck and back, as well as the parent's hand on them at all times.
In all cases, the rule remains the same: an adult must stay within arm's reach throughout the bath, without exception, even for a few seconds. A child can drown in just a few centimetres of water, as the official figures on drownings among young children remind us. The size or shape of the bath makes no difference.
Which standard applies to an inflatable bath?
The European EN 17072 standard covers baby baths, bath supports and non-self-supporting bathing aids. It addresses stability, strength, entrapment risks and information for parents.
Not all inflatable models make this claim. Some are sold as water toys or miniature pools, with a different intended use. Check for the standard's mention on the packaging or product information. We explain this framework in detail in our article on baby bathtub regulations.
Who is an inflatable baby bathtub suitable for?
- Trips and holidays, when the usual bathtub stays at home.
- Homes without a bathtub, for a baby who can sit up, as a supplement to a more stable solution.
- Occasional childcare at a relative's home where there is no equipment.
- Transitioning to the full-size bathtub, as an intermediate tub placed in the main bathtub for a few weeks.
In these situations, its drawbacks matter less because use is brief and closely supervised.
When another solution is preferable
For daily baths during an infant's first six to twelve months, a rigid bathtub remains the simplest choice. It keeps its shape, rinses quickly, and does not depend on inflation.
If the bathroom is small, a folding bathtub with a stand addresses both constraints at once. It folds flat between baths, and the parent can remain standing, with a drain hose that eliminates the need to carry the full tub. For the next stage, our article explains when to move to a full-size bathtub.
Questions to ask yourself before buying
- How many baths per week, and for how many months?
- Where will it be placed: in the full-size bathtub, in the shower, or on the floor?
- Can the baby sit up unaided?
- Is there somewhere to hang it up and dry after each bath?
- Does the product information mention the EN 17072 standard and REACH compliance?
If the answers point to daily use over several months, with an infant who cannot sit up unaided, an inflatable bathtub is not the right format. If use is occasional and supervised, it can be useful.
Key takeaway
The inflatable baby bathtub is a backup option, not a primary piece of equipment. Its strengths are its minimal storage requirements and price, while its weaknesses are its stability, drying time, and the position it requires the parent to adopt. Choose it for what it is, and keep a stable tub for everyday use. More answers about bathing can be found in our FAQ.
