Best Baby Bath Mats for a Brilliant Bathtime

Best Baby Bath Mats for a Brilliant Bathtime

Safety is a big concern for every parent, and it becomes especially important to keep your baby safe when they grow big enough to bathe in the big tub. While you’re dealing with soap and toys and games, the last thing you want to worry about is your baby slipping in the tub. That’s why you need a baby bath mat. You can enjoy bonding with your child and breathe easy knowing that the bath mat is working with you to keep your baby safe.

Important Factors to Consider When Buying a Baby Bath Mat

If you’re not sure why you need a baby bath mat, keep reading! We’ll also discuss the most important features to consider in a baby bath mat.

Why You Need a Baby Bath Mat

Bathrooms are a common place for accidents to occur, and they are especially likely to happen in the tub or shower. And let’s face it—kids are wiggly all the time! You’ll need to equip your bathroom with the necessary items to keep your baby safe during bathtime while you’re bonding and having fun, and a bath mat is one of the best tools to get the job done. They add grip to the bottom of the tub, so your baby won’t slip while they’re playing and while you’re washing them.

But keeping your baby from slipping is not the only reason why you need a baby bath mat. Tubs are often too cold and hard for a baby to sit comfortably on. Bath mats make the bottom of the tub feel softer while insulating your baby’s sensitive skin from the cold. And let’s face it: bath mats are super fun! You can buy them in bright colors and fun patterns or with their favorite cartoon characters on them. This may come in handy if your baby isn’t very fond of soap and water.

What to Look for in a Baby Bath Mat

Choosing a baby bath mat is not just about the bright colors and cute designs. You will also want to choose a mat that is safe, reliable and durable. In the following section, we’ll discuss the most important features to consider in a baby bath mat.

Its Safety Features

Safety should always be the first concern when it comes to your baby. Bath mats are made specifically to reduce the slipperiness of the tub. This is what keeps your baby safe as they wiggle and play while you clean them down! If the top of the mat is too soft, this could still lead to a baby slipping, even if the bottom is super secure. You should choose a bath mat that has some texture on the surface to avoid this problem.

The suction cups on the bottom of the bath mat are what keep them secured in place. The more suction cups there are, the better the grip will be. Choose a bath mat with cups that spread across the entire area on the bottom of the mat. This will ensure the best overall suction and grip. Also look to see if the suction cups form a decent vacuum with the base of the bathtub: this will further reduce the risk of the mat shifting while your baby moves in the tub.

The Surface of Your Bath

Most bathtubs are smooth, and because many bath mats are designed for these types of surfaces, they will not grip properly on tubs with rough textures. Before choosing the best bath mat for you, check your bathtub. If it is textured, choose a bath mat that is compatible with this type of surface.

What It’s Made Of

You will want to avoid bath mats that are made with ingredients like BPA (bisphenol-A) and phthalates. These are chemicals used for making plastics that can be harmful to your baby. You should also choose a bath mat that is allergen-free, especially if your child has particular skin sensitivities.

Most bath mats will be made with a mixture of materials like rubber, latex and/or PVC (aka vinyl). Although there are natural versions of these materials, bath mats are usually made with their synthetic versions to lessen production costs. For the most part, whether they are natural or synthetic, these materials are safe to use with your baby as they are made to be non-toxic. Just be warned: they may give off a strong smell. This does not mean they are toxic for your baby.

Its Comfort Factor

You want to make sure that your baby is as comfortable as possible during bathtime. The thicker the bath mat, the more comfortable your baby will be. And if your baby is just transitioning into the big bathtub, you want to choose a bath mat made with a softer material to keep them happy and safe while you scrub them down.

Time Needed for Maintenance

Be warned: soap scum and standing water will build up underneath your bath mat over time. If you don’t take the time to clean it properly, it will get moldy really fast! If you’re a super busy parent, you can choose a baby bath mat that is machine washable. This will reduce the time you need to take out of your day to keep the mat clean and safe to use. You should also choose a bath mat with built-in ventilation holes if your bathroom doesn’t vent properly. However, if you don’t mind pulling the mat up once in a while to clean and dry out, that’s okay too. A good rule of thumb is to wash your bath mat and hang to dry at least once a month.

Design, Shape, and Size

Mats that have bright colors, fun patterns or cartoon characters can make bathtime a little more appealing for kids who aren’t big fans of soap and water. There are many bath mats out there that come in more neutral colors if that works better for you. (Some kids are more into bath toys than mats!) Also, if you’re bathing more than one kid before bedtime, you’ll want to choose a bath mat with enough room for every kid sitting in the tub!

There are also a variety of shapes and sizes to choose from when it comes to bath mats. Again, if you want your mat to be more baby-centric, you can choose something that is animal shaped, but please be aware that it may not cover the entire floor of the bath. You can go for a more traditional shape which is more likely to offer full coverage across the tub. Just be sure to measure your tub before purchasing a bath mat to avoid buying something too big or too small.

Its Antibacterial Qualities

It’s odd to say, but bathrooms are an ideal area for germs to grow. This is because they thrive in damp, dark places. If you want to keep your baby safe from germs in the bathroom, you could buy a bath mat with an antibacterial surface designed especially to combat bacterial growth. Additionally, if you buy a bath mat with holes, it will drain water through it more easily and help the mat to dry out quicker, making it harder for bacteria and mold to grow. Of course it is also important for you to regularly clean your bathroom as well!
dad washing two babies in the tub

Top 10 Best Baby Bath Mats 2023

1. Best Overall Bath Mat: Skip Hop Non-Slip Baby Bath Mat

Skip Hop Non-Slip Baby Bath Mat

Why we like it: Not only is the whale design super adorable, it is also extremely durable. Parents love the ventilated holes along the wave design that allows water to flow through easily and helps the mat dry quickly after each use.

Editor’s Rating:

The Skip Hop baby bath mat is a perfect (and super cute) addition to your bathtub to keep your little one safe and happy during bathtime, especially if they are just transitioning into the big bathtub. It has textured waves with ventilating holes that help it to drain water and dry more easily, so you won’t have to hang it up after every bath. But when you do need to clean it and hang it to dry, the clever curved tail design makes it easy to hang from your shower head. It measures 30” x 15” and is perfect for smaller sized tubs.

The non-slip, textured material is phthalate-free, and the suction cups stretch across the bottom of the mat to ensure it stays securely in place. They are made for bathtubs with smooth surfaces. This bath mat is made to endure: parents have stated that even after a year of continual use, it did not develop any mold! Some parents have said that the raised sections on the top of the bath mat can sometimes be uncomfortable on baby bums.

Pros

  • Cute whale design is fun for kids
  • Great for kids transitioning to the big bathtub
  • Ventilating holes help it to dry more easily
  • Made with non-slip, phthalate-free, textured material

Cons

  • Raised section on the top of mat may be uncomfortable for some babies

2. Best Antibacterial Bath Mat: Epica Anti-Slip Bath Mat

Epica Anti-Slip Bath Mat

Why we like it: The Epica Anti-Slip bath mat keeps mold, mildew and germs away with its antibacterial finish.

Editor’s Rating:

If your baby is not too bothered about bright colors or cartoon characters, this is the mat for you. It’s neutral beige color will fit into any bathroom color scheme, making it work for both you and your baby’s needs. The mat is 16” x 28” in size and is made with a latex-free, anti-slip rubber material that actually repels slippery soap! It is textured on the bottom and covered across the bottom with suction cups to keep your baby from slipping around. It is compatible with smooth and textured bathtub surfaces.

If that’s not enough, the Epica Anti-Slip bath mat is made with an antibacterial finish to keep mildew, mold and germs from growing. Some users have complained that it doesn’t drain water from the bottom very well. And for all you busy parents out there, you’ll be happy to know that this bath mat is machine washable! You won’t have to use up any of your precious time scrubbing it down when it needs a good clean.

If for some reason you are unhappy with your purchase, customer service is there to help you! Parents who have had issues were sent replacements for free.

Pros

  • Neutral beige color fits in with all color schemes
  • Made with latex-free, anti-slip rubber that repels slippery soap
  • Antibacterial finish helps to keep away mold, mildew and germs
  • Machine washable
  • Excellent customer service

Cons

  • Doesn’t drain water from the bottom as well as other products

3. Best Premium Bath Mat: Gorilla Grip Bath Mat

Gorilla Grip Bath Mat

Why we like it: The Gorilla Grip bath mat is extra-large in size to provide more coverage across your bathtub. If that’s not enough, it’s super soft in feel which will keep your baby’s bum nice and comfortable during bathtime.

Editor’s Rating:

Like the Epica Anti-Slip bath mat, the Gorilla Grip bath mat can be purchased in neutral colors that will match with any color scheme. However, if your baby likes bright colors, there are more than twenty to choose from with this product!

This bath mat is free of BPA, latex and phthalates, and its extra-large size (35” x 16”) provides more cover across your bathtub floor. They will install best on tubs with smooth surfaces. Some users have complained about its strong smell. Gorilla Grip bath mats are machine washable and super soft, making bath time on your feet and your baby’s bottom as comfy as possible. It also boasts 324 suction cups that are sure to keep the mat securely in place. Furthermore, it is antibacterial, keeping mildew and germs at bay.

Pros

  • 20 color options
  • Extra-large size provides more coverage
  • BPA, latex and phthalate free
  • Antibacterial and machine washable

Cons

  • Some may find the smell overwhelming

4. Most Color Options: TIKE SMART Bath Mat

TIKE SMART Bath Mat

Why we like it: Like the Yimbora bath mat, the TIKE SMART bath mat is covered with cushioned circles on its top to keep feet and baby bums nice and comfortable.

Editor’s Rating:

TIKE SMART bath mats are extra-long (39” x 16”), non-slip and made with vinyl. They are compatible with smooth bathtub floors. Just be careful not to get too much soap on them during bath time, as your baby may still slip even if the mat is securely in place. If you don’t need an extra-long bath mat, don’t fret! You can also buy it in a medium size, and you have twenty-six colors to choose from!

These bath mats are antibacterial and antimicrobial, and free of phthalates, BPA and allergens. When you’re pressed for time, you can toss them into the washing machine. Parents really love the ventilating holes that help the bath mat dry quickly after bath time.

TIKE SMART bath mats come with a 100% free return policy for life, no questions asked! If you run into any issues with your purchase, simply call customer service, and they’ll replace it.

Pros

  • Machine washable
  • Comes with a 100% free return policy for life
  • Comes in twenty-six different colors and two sizes
  • Has cushiony circles on the surface that make bath time comfortable
  • Antimicrobial, antibacterial and free of phthalates, BPa and allergens

Cons

  • May still be slippery during bathtime

5. Best Budget Bath Mat: Yimbora Bath Mat

Yimbora Bath Mat

Why we like it: Yimbora bath mats are extra-long, covering more of your tub’s surface. It is also covered in squishy circles that keep your baby comfortable in the bath.

Editor’s Rating:

Yimbora bath mats are extra long (40” x 16”) like Gorilla Grip bath mats, ensuring that most of your bath is covered in protective, anti-slip material. It has a cutout at the end so that it won’t cover up the drain. They work best on tubs with smooth surfaces. Your baby will love the feel of the soft, cushiony circles on the top, and you’ll enjoy the ventilating holes that help the mat to dry out quickly after bath time.

You have sixteen colors to choose from with Yimbora bath mats, and they can be purchased in 1- or 2-packs. They are made with material that is free of BPA, latex and phthalates. However, it is important to note that it is made with PVC which may have an overpowering smell for some people. If that’s not enough, you can pop this mat right into the washing machine when it needs a thorough clean.

Pros

  • Extra-long size to cover most of your bathtub floor
  • Soft, cushiony circles on the top are comfortable on baby bottoms
  • Can be purchased in 1- or 2-packs in sixteen different colors
  • Machine washable
  • BPA, latex and phthalate free

Cons

  • PVC material may be too smelly for some people

6. Best Animal Design: Munchkin Quack Duck Bath Mat

Munchkin Quack Duck Bath Mat

Why we like it: Who doesn’t love the classic rubber duckie? If your baby loves bright, shiny animals, this is a super fun choice.

Editor’s Rating:

If your baby plays with yellow rubber duckies in the tub, this is a perfect addition to bathtime! Its textured surface keeps your baby from slipping, and the underside is covered in suction cups to keep them securely in place. The mat is smaller in size compared to other products (16” x 32.5”), so it won’t provide full coverage across your bathtub floor.

If you prefer not to have the baby bath mat out all the time, you can easily roll it up and store it away. Like the Epica Anti-Slip bath mat, it is compatible with smooth and textured bathtubs. This bath mat is made with PVC which some people have found to be too smelly, but it is phthalate free.

Pros

  • Fun, brightly colored animal design
  • Textured surface and suction cups keep it secure
  • Easy to roll up and store away
  • Made with phthalate-free material

Cons

  • Smaller size won’t cover entire bathtub floor
  • Some may find the PVC material smells overpowering

7. Best for Learning: Munchkin Dandy Dots Bath Mat

Munchkin Dandy Dots Bath Mat

Why we like it: If you want to turn bathtime into a learning experience, this is an excellent choice for you. Kids can practice their color vocabulary while they bathe.

Editor’s Rating:

This multi-colored bath mat is not only fun to look at, but it is also a great tool to use to teach your child about colors! Naming the colors can be an excellent distraction for babies who aren’t fond of bathtime. Some parents have noted that the raised bumps may be uncomfortable for some babies. The raised dots may also collect water (despite hanging them to dry) and cause mold to grow.

The Munchkin Dandy Dots bath mat is lengthy size (30.5” x 14.25”) and can cover a decent amount of your bathtub floor. They are made with BPA and latex free and are compatible with smooth bathtubs. It is super easy to clean, so don’t fret if you’re pressed for time. material. Just be careful not to use chemicals that are too harsh as it may result in the material discoloring.

Pros

  • Great tool for teaching colors
  • Covers a decent amount of bathtub floor
  • Made with BPA and latex free material

Cons

  • Raised dots may collect water and cause mold growth
  • May discolor if cleaned with harsh chemicals

8. Most Comfortable: OTHWAY Non-Slip Bath Mat

OTHWAY Non-Slip Bath Mat

Why we like it: The OTHWAY Non-Slip bath mat is super comfortable for you baby to sit on. The extra-thick, heavy-duty rubber not only secures firmly to the bathtub floor, but it also provides a soft, comfortable padding for your baby to sit on.

Editor’s Rating:

OTHWAY Non-slip bath mats are really, really cushy, making them super comfortable for your baby to sit on during bathtime. That’s because it is made with extra-long (31.5” x 15.75”), extra-thick rubber and has a cobblestone surface that massages feet and tushies alike! It has strong suction cups spread across the bottom of the material, ensuring that the mat will secure firmly in place. You don’t have to worry about it slipping around and resulting in any slips or falls. They are available for purchase in three different colors.

This bath mat does not have proper ventilation, so you will need to remove it from the tub and hang it to dry after each use. Some parents have still noticed mold and mildew growth persisting, even after washing it regularly. Not to worry, though. Purchasing this bath mat comes with a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee. Within 60 days of purchase, you can get your money back if you are unhappy with the bath mat. Within 18 months, you can get your bath mat replaced. Beyond that, the company is there to support you through any issues you have with the bathmat for life.

Pros

  • Comes with three color options
  • Cobblestone surface makes it extra comfortable
  • Can return for you money back within 60 days and replace within 18 months

Cons

  • Doesn’t have proper ventilation
  • May still see mold/mildew growth after regular cleaning

9. Best Cartoon Design: BEEHOMEE Bath Mat

BEEHOMEE Bath Mat

Why we like it: The fun cartoons of ocean animals will keep your baby entertained (and distracted) while you clean them down! This is a great choice for parents who have kids that get fussy when bathtime rolls around.

Editor’s Rating:

The BEEHOMEE bath mat has a bumpy surface for excellent, non-slip support and is covered from end to end in strong suction cups. It doesn’t matter if your baby bathes sitting or standing up, you can be confident that this bath mat will keep them from slipping and sliding around while you wash them. This bath mat is compatible with smooth surfaced bathtubs. If that’s not enough, the mat is comparably long (35” x 16”) compared to other products, so your baby will stay protected across more of the bathtub. And like the Munchkin Quack Duck bath mat, you can roll this up and store it away easily when it’s not in use.

Your kids will love the fun and colorful sea creature cartoons. This is especially important for parents who have kids who aren’t big fans of bathtime. They’ll give your kids something to look forward to when bathtime comes. Some parents have said that it has an overpowering smell.

Pros

  • Easy to roll up and store away
  • Kids will love the fun sea animal cartoons
  • Excellent non-slip surface and strong suction cups

Cons

  • Mat may be too smelly for some

10. Best Textured Surface: Munchkin Soft Spot Cushioned Bath Mat

Munchkin Soft Spot Cushioned Bath Mat

Why we like it: Not only will the Munchkin Soft Spot Cushioned bath mat cover the entirety of your bathtub floor, but it also has an excellent textured surface that is sure to keep your wiggly one from slipping and falling.

Editor’s Rating:

This bath mat is one of the largest out there, measuring 36” x 17” in length. It will cover the entirety of most bathtub floors, so you won’t have to worry about your wiggly little baby falling anywhere in the tub during bathtime.

It also has ventilating holes that are spread throughout the mat to keep mold and mildew from growing underneath the mat. Parents will also enjoy its neutral gray color that is sure to fit in with any color scheme. One downside is that it is made with PVC material (that is BPA free!) which some parents find too smelly.

Pros

  • Made with BPA free material
  • Ventilating holes keeps mold and mildew at bay
  • Neutral gray color matches any bathroom color scheme
  • Large length (36” x 17”) will cover most or all of your bathtub floor

Cons

  • Some may find the material a bit too smelly

Buying the Best Baby Bath Mat

close up of smiling baby wrapped in a pink towel

In this section, we’ll review why you need a bath mat and the most important features to consider when purchasing one. We’ll also share tips on how to safely bathe your child and on how to properly clean your baby bath mat. Finally, we’ll discuss the concerns around using bath mats with PVC and answer some common questions parents have about bath mats.

Why You Need a Baby Bath Mat

It’s common to have an accident in the bathroom, especially when you’re getting in and out of the tub or shower, and when you’re dealing with wiggly kids, it’s not surprising for parents to be especially concerned about safety during bathtime. That’s where bath mats come in! Not only do they keep your baby from slipping, but they also make your baby feel more comfortable and insulate their bottoms from the cold. Plus, you can buy them in fun colors, patterns and designs to keep your kids entertained during bathtime!

What to Look for in a Baby Bath Mat

Choosing a baby bath mat is not just about the cute factor. You should also choose a mat that is safe, reliable and durable. In the following section, we’ll review the most important factors to consider in a baby bath mat.

  • Non-Slip Surface: This is the first concern every parent has when it comes to their baby. Bath mats are designed to reduce the risk of slips and falls for everyone, but it is especially important for your baby. Make sure to choose a mat that is not too soft on the top, as this could still result in slips. Instead, choose a bath mat with some texture on the surface to keep your baby safe while they wiggle and move in the tub.
  • Suction Cups: The bottom of the bath mat should have suction cups that help to keep the mat secured in place. The more suction cups there are, the better the grip will be. You should choose a bath mat that has suction cups that spread over the entire bottom area of the mat to ensure the best suction and grip. Suction cups that form a decent vacuum with the base of the bathtub is also ideal as this will further reduce the risk of the mat shifting while your baby moves in the tub.
  • Bath Surface: Before you buy a bath mat, you want to check the surface of your tub? Is it smooth or textured? This is an important fact to be aware of as not all bath mats are compatible with textured bathtubs.
  • Materials: Avoid bath mats made with materials like BPA (bisphenol-A) and phthalates. These chemicals are used for making plastics and can be harmful to babies. You should also look for bath mats that are allergen-free, especially if your child has extreme skin sensitivities. Most bath mats are made with either the natural or synthetic versions of rubber, latex and/or PVC. These materials are virtually safe for you baby, so don’t be alarmed if they emit a strong smell. This does not mean they are toxic.
  • Comfort: If your baby is comfortable in the bath, they will have a better time and make your job easier. Choose a thicker bath mat to ensure overall comfort, and if your baby is just transitioning into the big bathtub, choose a bath mat made with softer material to keep them happy and safe while you clean them.
  • Maintenance: Soap scum and standing water will build up under the bath mat over time. It’s unavoidable. If you don’t clean it down regularly, it will get moldy really fast and won’t last as long. If you don’t have the time to clean it up yourself, consider purchasing a bath mat that is machine washable. You should also consider a bath mat that has built-in ventilation holes, especially if you don’t have excellent ventilation in your bathroom. But if you don’t mind cleaning the mat yourself once in a while, that’s okay too. Just be sure to clean it down thoroughly and hang dry it at least once a month.
  • Design, Shape and Size: Mats that have bright colors, fun patterns or silly shapes may make bathtime more appealing for babies who aren’t big fans of soap and water. But if that’s not a problem for you and your baby, there are bath mat options that keep your baby safe in more neutral tones. And if you’re bathing more than one kid, just be sure to buy a mat that will cover the entire floor of the tub.
  • Antibacterial Properties: Unfortunately, bathrooms are an ideal area for germs to grow. This is because they thrive in damp, dark places. If you want to keep your baby safe from germs, you should buy a bath mat with an antibacterial surface to combat bacterial growth. Additionally, you should buy a bath mat with holes. They drain water more easily and help the mat to dry out quicker, making it harder for bacteria and mold to grow. Of course you should also regularly clean your bathroom to keep the germs at bay.

Tips on How to Bathe Your Baby Safely

If this is your first baby, have no fear! Learning how to take care of your baby and keep them safe can be overwhelming, and if you’re not yet confident during bathtime, here are some tips on how to have fun and keep your baby safe when it’s time to get cleaned up.

Make Sure Your Baby Is Properly Supervised

No matter what, never leave your baby unattended. Even if you need to look away for just a few seconds! They should always be within arm’s reach. Ignore doorbells, phones ringing, etc. Those things can wait until bathtime is over. If you forgot something for the bath, take the baby with you to get it or ask someone else in the house to get it for you. Never leave them alone in the bath.

Though it may not seem like a big deal, it is important to emphasize this because many drownings have occurred when parents stepped away from the bath to quickly attend to some other issue. And don’t be fooled into thinking your child is safe because the bathtub isn’t full: babies can drown in just 1 inch of water.

Don’t worry though! Just make sure to gather everything you need for bathtime in the bathroom before you put the baby in the water. Put your phone on silent, put on some music and enjoy bathtime with your special little one.

Make Sure the Bath Mat Is Secure

If this is your first time installing a baby bath mat, read through the instruction manual carefully before setting it up. Bath mats that are not installed properly can result in slipping.

Make Sure to Properly Support Your Baby

If your baby is just transitioning into the big bath and can’t support themselves yet, be sure to have an additional support system in the bath (like a baby bath seat) while you bathe them.

Make Sure the Water Temperature Is Safe

Your baby’s skin is sensitive, so even if the water doesn’t seem hot to you, it can still burn them. Bathing water should be kept around 100°F which is slightly warmer than body temperature. If your baby likes it warmer or cooler than this, that’s okay too. And don’t overthink it: you don’t have to use a thermometer to measure the water temperature. Your hand can check pretty effectively too!

Make Sure You Baby Proof the Tub

Anything that can fall on or poke your baby in the tub should be removed during bathtime. It might seem like you’re overdoing it, but remember that your baby is curious and will grab things. They are also still working on their balance and may topple over easily. Additionally, you could purchase a spout cover just in case your baby falls forward in the tub.

Make Sure the Water Depth Is Not Too High

As we said earlier, babies can easily lose their balance in the bath, and they can drown in shallow water. That’s why you should refrain from filling up your tub when it’s time for the baby to have a bath. They don’t need that much water to bathe in. Just fill the tub with enough water for them to splash in and for you to wet a washcloth to clean them thoroughly. A good rule of thumb is to make sure that their lower body is not halfway submerged in water.

Make Sure to Use Safe Shampoos and Soaps

Not all soaps and shampoos are safe for your baby to use. Choose ones that are made specifically with babies in mind: they will be sensitive on your baby’s skin and won’t contain perfumes that can cause infections like UTIs.

Make Sure to Keep Things Clean

Cleaning your baby and draining the tub is not the end! Make sure you rinse bath toys, the bath mat and any other bathtime items after bathtime is over.

Make Sure to Have Fun

Keeping your baby safe can feel overwhelming, especially for new parents. So make sure to have fun (at least some of the time!). To make bathtime enjoyable for the two of you, bring in bath toys and play games before and after you wash them down. This way, you’ll both look forward to bathtime everyday!

How to Keep Your Baby Bath Mat Clean

If your baby bath mat is not machine washable, you will need to clean it regularly by hand. Some parents may choose to clean it after every use while others choose to clean it weekly or monthly. That is okay as long as there is not too much soap scum build up or standing water build up underneath the mat between cleans. Check out this article for more tips on how to properly clean a bath mat.

Concerns About PVC Bath Mats

Over time, PVC bath mats can become slick, which is a concern for parents who want to keep their baby from slipping in during bathtime. Even if you never leave your baby during their bath (which you should always do), a PVC bath mat can actually add to the problem, especially as your baby grows and becomes more mobile during bathtime. This is why many parents opt not to purchase bath mats made with PVC.

How PVC smells is another huge issue with parents. Some products made with PVC give off a really strong smell which can be quite off-putting. Additionally, it may take several washes to remove the smell altogether, but this is not always successful. Although this is not an indication of toxicity, some parents would rather not deal with the smell. If this is something you’d rather not deal with in your family, that is okay! Choose a bath mat made with a different material (like rubber) instead.

FAQs About Baby Bath Mats

Do I Have to Use a Baby Bath Mat?

You don’t, but they are highly recommended as they help you keep your baby from slipping in the tub. Babies are super wiggly when they’re not sleeping, and it doesn’t hurt to have some extra help to keep them safe in the bathtub. While you’re at it, you should consider getting a bath mat for outside the tub to keep you safe from slipping around during bathtime too!

When Will My Baby Be Ready to Bathe in a Full-Size Tub?

When your baby can sit without assistance, they are ready to switch to the regular tub. Please remember that you should remain with your baby at all times when they are in the bath. It is safe to let them bathe on their own when they are six-years-old or older.

Are Bath Mats Sanitary?

Bath mats are a great way to keep you from slipping and falling in the tub, but they will collect soap scum, loose hair and standing water over time. That is why you should clean them regularly (at least once a month) to keep them sanitary and to help them last longer.

Is a Bath Mat the Same Thing as a Bath Rug?

No. Bath mats are meant to be used inside the tub and are made with non-slip materials to keep you safe. Bath rugs are meant to be used outside of the tub and are made with soft fabrics and materials that dry your feet when you get out of the bath.

Final Thoughts

Being a parent can feel overwhelming at times, especially if you’re a first-time parent. Bathtime should not be overly frustrating. It’s a wonderful time to bond with your child, let loose and have a little fun. Baby bath mats are there to help keep your baby safe and to help keep you sane! Now that you know more about baby bath mats, you’ll be sure to find the best one for you and your little one.