Looking to make bath time a fun and educational experience? One of these parent-recommended best bath toys for babies, toddlers and preschoolers could be just what you need.

Plastic jug, cups, watering can and a colander are favourites here!” (Type of toy tried and tested by Mumsnet user BlueEyedFloozy) Our verdict Also, make sure anything you give your child is safe to go into their mouth as the reality is, that that's the first place it will go. Look for lightweight objects that they will later be able to grab. Simple bubbles blown in the bathroom will catch their eye, and they might also like toys that light up underwater. Enhancing their sensory development, the Nuby Watering Can helps build hand-eye coordination and teaches children about cause and effect (making it an ideal toy for 9 month olds in particular) as they watch the bubbles wash off their skin by tipping or tilting the can. Start looking for bath toys that do things now, like light up, make a noise or move around, to capture your child's attention.

There are lots of small-world bath toys on the market, from sea creatures to pirate ships and more (watch out for any tiny pieces). STEM bath toys are available for all ages, but there are some particularly nifty ones for older kids – from bath cogs and gears to building toys and bath rain clouds that help them discover how the weather works. How to store bath toys Best of all, the set comes with a mesh storage bag to stash away all the pieces when bath time is over, which can then be hung with suction pads to allow the pieces to dry. 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! This toy attaches to the side of the bath or wall tiles using suction cups and comes with three cones to fill with ice cream bubbles. Just add water and bubble bath to the top, and children can pull the lever to fill the cones with foam and add pretend sprinkles with the sprinkle shaker. 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.

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?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. 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. Anything that sits in water runs the risk of becoming mouldy so you'll need to wash your child's bath toys regularly. 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.

If you spend your life begging them not to draw on your walls and furniture, let them go doodle-crazy in the bath instead. 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) Age suitable from: 12 months to 5 years | Batteries required: 3x AAA batteries required What we love 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. 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.Nuby's Foam Bath Letters and Numbers are ideal for children wanting to practice their counting and ABCs, offering an educational and entertaining way to spell out their name or keywords whilst happily playing in the tub. This bold, bright set from Nuby comes at an affordable price and includes 26 letters (A to Z) and 10 numbers (0 to 9). 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. Storage - How easy is the bath toy to store when not in use? Does it come with a net or storage bag included or do you need to invest in a separate bath toy storage? Familiar faces and characters are generally very helpful for a child who’s bath shy. If it gets them into the bath when you can’t, then who are we to argue? When should I start using bath toys?

If you’re on a tight budget, proprietary bath toys aren't a necessity and lots of parents will say they did perfectly well with just a couple of plastic cups, a colander and a whisk to whizz up the bubbles – which, incidentally, is great for helping young children strengthen their wrists in preparation for mark-making and early writing. The boat also has a shape-sorter with foam shapes that float in the water, and Iggle Piggle himself also comes in two parts to act as a water-pouring toy.

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The foam letters for playing in the bath are great.” (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user Mrstumbletap) 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