As with the best baby toys, different bath toys will be enjoyed at different ages and development stages and will boost different skills. Some baby bath toys are suitable from birth, so you can start with some straightforward floating objects to catch your newborn’s eye. Toys that light up under the water are absolutely magical, particularly for children who feel a bit stressed in the bath or benefit from sensory toys. Mine had special bath crayons they could draw on the side of the bath with.” (Type of toy suggested by Mumsnet user JustLikea) Our verdict Is there anything more relaxing than In the Night Garden’s Iggle Piggle floating down the river in his boat? It’s a sight that has reduced most parents to tears of gratitude at least once in the early evening.

We love this set of five colourful plastic pipes – a fun STEM-themed bath toy that will encourage would-be plumbers and tiny engineers everywhere. The set comes with two large faces and a range of different features including eyes, noses, mouths, glasses and hairstyles, so children can get creative and use their imagination to create the most hilarious combinations. Suitable for babies aged six months and above, the Nuby Fun Watering Can has a bright and engaging design and easy-grip handle, perfectly sized for little ones to hold. It’s fair to say that tiny newborns probably don’t need much – the experience of being in the water is stimulating enough. But by the time they reach 12 weeks, they might welcome something new in the bath.

What toys are suitable for toddlers and preschoolers?

Plastic jug, cups, watering can and a colander are favourites here!” (Type of toy tried and tested by Mumsnet user BlueEyedFloozy) Our verdict Age suitable from: 12 months to 5 years | Batteries required: 3x AAA batteries required What we love We had an ice cream maker (bubbles). It has cones and a handle you pull to make an ice cream.” (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user Spaceman101) From around six months, or when your baby has learned to sit and has possibly outgrown their baby bouncer, you can move on to toys that fill and pour, before introducing toys and games to keep their interest as they get older. And, whilst your child is happily engaged and distracted with their toys, it makes it far easier for you to focus on essential bathing jobs like hair and body washing, avoiding unwelcome bath time tears – just make sure the water is right for your little one first, the best baby thermometer can help with this. That said, some colourful bath toys can make a real difference, both in distracting your child while you get the necessary ablutions done and for adding a bit of fun and relaxation to their bath time experience. The bath is also a great place for learning through play and for getting a parent's full attention.

I got these for my daughter last Christmas. She still loves them (now aged four-and-a-half).” (Recommended by Mumsnet user INeedNewShoes) Our verdict Each pipe does something slightly different to keep their interest. If they’re popular, you can buy a couple of sets to expand the play and increase learning – they work particularly well with the Tomy Boon Cogs set.As parents and guardians, we put a lot of energy into teaching our kids to read, and the best alphabet learning toys engage your child with interactive and educational activities, keeping them entertained as they learn. This can be through songs, books, and even (the ever-dreaded) screen time — but independent play and parallel play can also have important roles in your child’s alphabet learning journey. As you shop, choose toys that match your child’s developmental stage and will be safe for them to use. The alternative for those who are mould-averse is to simply replace your bath toys every few months, but the impact on the environment and your budget could be off-putting. What is the best bath toy? Educational benefits - What learning experience does the bath toy offer? Will it help with a new skill or experience appropriate to your child’s age? The benefits of educational bath toys can include everything from developing and encouraging imagination and creativity to motor skills, understanding cause and effect and communication skills. Every bath time needs a really good boat and we love this ferry by Green Toys that’s sure to remind them of holidays to France or the Isle of Wight. If your child goes through a stage of not enjoying bath time (and many do), a couple of new bath toys might encourage them into the tub. When you’re away or on holiday, seeing a familiar toy come out at bath time may also help them to feel more comfortable and secure.

Whilst some bath toys can be used from birth, to get the most out of your bath toys, we recommend introducing them from around six months of age. Whilst all babies differ in terms of their development, at six months your baby is likely to be able to sit up (either unaided or with support) and have good head control. This allows them to really play and explore their surroundings – and is often the turning point for babies who are more reluctant bathers! Which bath toys are safe for babies? It comes with two toy cars to load up, a slide-out ramp and a cargo bay that unclips for fuss-free washing. As for design, it's easy to grip in the bath, and it generally feels really solid – we think it will last for years. It's also pretty versatile as bath toys come so you may well find it relocating to your baby play mat or playpen when bathtime's over! Iggle Piggle’s Bath Time Boat Toy has an ever-changing light-up pattern in three LED colours that create a soothing glow under the water that children seem to find really relaxing – perfect for a quiet bath before bedtime.Once they can be trusted not to put everything in their mouths, creative toys like bath crayons are a great buy. Do encourage them to keep their artwork to the sides of the bath though – crayon marks don't tend to come out of the grouting.

While they are recommended for children aged three and over, Mumsnet users say that foam letters can also be a great way for younger toddlers to interact and learn in the water. The only downside? You’ll need somewhere to store them once bath time is over and, unlike some more expensive designs, this particular set doesn’t come with a net storage bag. But with so much available on the market, which bath toys are the best for your baby or toddler? We've delved into the Mumsnet forums to find out what the real experts - the UK's largest online network of parents - think of the best bath toys currently on offer, from budget-friendly options to stimulating STEM bath toys, foam makers and light-up options. Age suitability - Products will usually have a minimum age recommendation, but you should also look out for products that are safe to use and appropriate for their age, including the CE mark. Colour scheme - Toys that are colourful will appeal to children who are eager to play and engage with their surroundings and will be easier to spot in the water. Muted colour palettes can look nicer in a modern bathroom, whilst monochrome and contrasting colours are ideal for young babies. This set of six cups, in muted colours, is made from 100% recycled plastic, are BPA-, PVC- and phthalate-free, and can even go in the dishwasher for cleaning.We had the Tomy Foam Cone Factory – great fun.” (Recommended by Mumsnet user livingthegoodlife) Our verdict We think Nuby Foam Bath Letters and Numbers are the best bath toy currently available. Mumsnetters praise their versatility, affordability and their encouragement of interactive play. And they're educational too - win-win! How we chose our recommendations Recommendations from real parents Familiar characters and toys with buttons to push or levers to pull will distract toddlers from the dreaded hair wash and help develop their understanding of cause and effect. Start looking for bath toys that do things now, like light up, make a noise or move around, to capture your child's attention.