How to choose bath toys that stay dry (mold and mildew free), plus top picks, here.
In my younger parenting days, I picked bath toys based on what I thought would keep my kids happiest (i.e. busiest) in the bath. Things that squeezed, floated, sank, whatever was most colorful and ‘fun.’
Then the toys didn’t drain properly. Goodbye, bath toys!
My next era was bath-toy-free. There’s no going back to seeing mold in your kid’s squeeze toys. The next batch of kids got a cup, and some bubbles if I was feeling generous. (More bath-time fun, here.)
By now I’ve figured out which toys actually stay dry and fresh and which never fully drain. The youngest kids get to play once again!
Here’s the key: mold comes from trapped water. So any bath toy that doesn’t fully drain or dry will eventually trap mold inside. Look for toys with simple shapes and clean lines, so water won’t get trapped in little crevices. And ideally, choose toys that are hard plastic or silicone, rather than smushy and soft.
Any squeeze toy with a hole? Automatic no. Or if you have one that you love too much to toss, you can seal the hole with a dot of hot glue from a hot glue gun. Instant floating-only toy that won’t get water in.
Also, don’t overdo it! Too many toys means they’re jumbled together and…you guessed it…harder to drain.
5 Tips For a Freshly (Sponge) Bathed Newborn!
My top mold-free options, below.
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