Did you know that many bubble bath products are loaded with chemicals, fragrances, phthalates, and other harmful ingredients, including formaldehyde?
Bubble baths can lead to skin irritation, worsen eczema, and cause urinary tract infections (1).
As cautious moms, we want to avoid products that could be harmful to our babies. So we dove deep into the world of bubbbles to find the best baby bubble baths to keep your little safe. We’ll even teach you to make your own!
We’ll review our top five picks here and share our tips for choosing the safest products for your child.
- Long-lasting bubbles
- Cruelty-free
- Suitable for all skin types
- Organic and natural ingredients
- No-tears formula
- Suitable for babies with skin conditions
- All-in-one product
- Tear-free formula
- Long-lasting bubbles
- Easy to use
- Pod system eliminates mess and waste
- Leaves no residue on baby
- Suitable for babies of all ages
- Hypoallergenic
- Pediatrician tested
The Best Bubble Bath of 2023
Here are our favorite bubble baths for kids.
Alaffia Baby Bubble Bath
Best All-Natural Product
Moms who care about the planet and their baby’s delicate skin will find that Alaffia baby bubble bath checks all the boxes. We love that this product takes an ethical approach; it’s fair trade and totally natural.
You can forget about dyes, gluten, animal products, or harsh sulfates that irritate your baby during bathtime. The core ingredient is raw shea butter, which helps moisturize and soften skin.
As for fragrance, the lavender and lemon balm is calming and refreshing, making it a hit with moms. Plus, it’s great for bedtime bathing; the relaxing qualities could help you put your baby down sooner. Other options include vanilla citrus mint or an unscented version.
But how does this bubble bath hold up? Well, you get lots of bubbles using very little of the product. However, this “oomph” can make the final washdown a challenge.
Pros
- Easy to lather.
- Long-lasting bubbles.
- Suitable for all skin types.
- Designed for daily use.
- Moisturizing action.
- Subtle fragrance.
Cons
- It would be easier with a pump top.
- It can be tricky to rinse off.
Our Ratings
Babyganics Fragrance-Free Bubble Bath
Best Fragrance-Free Bubble Bath
Does your baby break out in a rash around perfumed soaps? Are you tired of dealing with irritated skin from other products?
Babyganics fragrance-free bubble bath is free of harsh chemicals, including artificial dyes and parabens. Its non-allergenic formula has been tested by experts.
It uses a mix of natural fruit and vegetable extracts to cleanse and nurture your baby’s skin. This includes sunflower, tomato, black cumin, red raspberry, and cranberry oils.
What we really like about Babyganics is how gentle it is! Even little ones who suffer from eczema can enjoy bubble baths with this product.
Pros
- It contains organic and natural ingredients.
- No-tears formula.
- Hydrates delicate skin.
- Suitable for babies with skin conditions.
Cons
- You need to use a lot to get the bath super bubbly.
- The bubbles don’t last long.
Our Ratings
Babo Botanicals Wash & Bath
Best All-Purpose Baby Bubble Bath
As a mom, your days are full-on busy. If you’re like me and don’t want your bathroom to resemble a beauty salon, Babo Botanicals is a great solution.
This 3-in-1 formula allows your little one to play in the bubbles while you get down to business! Shampoo your baby’s hair, wash away the dirt, and nourish their skin all at the same time.
It’s also allergen-free and made of natural ingredients, which is great for moms who want to avoid chemicals. Despite being scented, the formula is tear-free.
However, this bubble bath has a “lavender and meadowsweet” scent, which some people don’t like. I love it, and so does my family, but it may not be for everyone.
Pros
- Shampoo, body wash, and bubble bath all in one product.
- Tear-free formula.
- The lavender scent doubles as a sleep aid.
- Bubbles are long-lasting.
Cons
- The scent may not suit everyone.
- The consistency is a little watery, making it too easy to dump in more than you planned.
Our Ratings
TruKid Bubble Podz
Best No-Mess No-Fuss Baby Bubble Bath
These bubble pods could save you the typical pre-bath struggle and post-bubble bath clean-up — no sticky bottles or spills! All you have to do is take out a pod and drop it in the bath.
Does your little one like to get hands-on? Encourage them to hold on to the pod and watch it transform into bubbles.
Choose a mild scent your child will love, such as lavender, watermelon, or yumberry, or go with the unscented version if you prefer to avoid fragrances.
If your children love a big bath full of bubbles, you might find these pods lacking. The bubbles produced by one pod can be a little underwhelming in a big tub. You may need to use more, which makes it more costly.
Pros
- Easy to use.
- The pod system eliminates mess and waste.
- Leaves no residue on baby or bath.
Cons
- One pod is insufficient in larger tubs.
- Minimal scent to the product.
Our Ratings
Burt’s Bees Baby Bubble Bath
Best Bubble Bath for All Ages
If you have children who differ in age, you could save time and money by buying just one bubble bath product. Burt’s Bees is geared for children of all ages — even the tiniest tots!
This hypoallergenic bubble bath is appropriate for use on the most delicate skin. This makes it ideal for babies and children with extra-sensitive skin.
This bubble bath is 99.8% natural and has a mild fragrance. Ingredients include sunflower and coconut oil, which can help restore moisture to the skin.
Pros
- Suitable for babies of all ages.
- Hypoallergenic product.
- Tear-free formula.
- Light, inoffensive fragrance.
Cons
- Fewer bubbles than with some other products.
Our Ratings
Is Bubble Bath Safe for Babies?
There are several things you should consider before your baby takes the plunge and starts having bubble baths.
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
Questions have been raised surrounding bubble baths and an increased risk of UTIs in young babies. This is why some medical experts suggest that children under three years old avoid soapy suds.
Even if your child is older, they could still be prone to infection. The difference is that older children can tell you when something is wrong.
However, you may be able to lower the chances of UTIs. Try not to let your little one soak in the tub for too long, and encourage your baby to pee after bathing.
Before your baby can talk and communicate their symptoms, it’s up to you to keep an eye out for them. These can include strong-smelling urine or frequent urination, obvious discomfort, or a mild fever (2).
Baby’s Skin
If you’re tempted to add your favorite soak solution into your baby’s bath session, think again! What might feel relaxing and soothing for you could irritate your baby’s skin.
Babies have ultra-sensitive skin because their skin is one-fifth as thick as adults’ skin. It takes time for skin to thicken, and a baby’s first year of life is their most vulnerable.
Anything you put onto your child’s skin should be created for babies. Baby bubble bath is made with milder detergents for a gentle cleanse, and it shouldn’t dry out the skin.
How to Choose the Best Baby Bubble Bath
There are a few things to consider when choosing a bubble bath for your baby. Some of these things are a personal choice, while others are essential.
Check the Small Print
If a bubble bath claims to be child-friendly, don’t assume it’s ok for all ages. Some products may not be suitable for use on young babies or toddlers.
Ingredients
Natural ingredients tend to be less harsh for a baby, and you should know what they are. Even if a bubble bath claims to be natural, always check the small print. There might be some artificial ingredients hidden inside. Research any components you don’t know about.
Tear-free Formula
It’s only natural for a baby to splash around in the tub. If you want to avoid drama, opt for a bubble bath mild enough not to sting their eyes.
Scent
You might want to consider a fragrance that you find appealing if opting for a scented product. Think about your baby too: children could have clear preferences or aversions to certain smells even at an early age. Also, consider that scents can be irritants for your baby’s skin.
DIY Baby Bubble Bath
If you’re feeling creative, why not try your hand at making your own baby bubble bath?
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Castile soap: this bubble maker comes from vegetable oils — usually olive oil. You can pick and choose the type you buy. This type of soap is entirely free of animal fats, which means it’s vegan and eco-friendly.
- Vegetable glycerin: This is a non-toxic liquid made from plant oils. It’s a natural moisturizer and, most importantly, child-friendly.
The method is simple:
- Mix two cups of castile soap with half a cup of vegetable glycerin.
- Pour a quarter of the bubble bath mixture into the bath under running water, and enjoy!
Happy Bathing!
My top pick as the best bubble bath has to be Alaffia Baby Bubble Bath. As a mom, I don’t want to be exposing my child to synthetic soaps at bathtime. I also want the future of the globe to flourish for my little one’s sake — Alaffia addresses both of these issues.
It is also suitable for everyday use and kind to sensitive skin. The gentle formula could go a long way to preventing tears in the tub.
Let’s not forget the whole point of a bubble bath — lots of long-lasting bubbles! Alaffia ticks that box too.
