Munchkin Letters and Numbers Bath Toys, 36 Count

Product Information

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. We had the Tomy Foam Cone Factory – great fun.” (Recommended by Mumsnet user livingthegoodlife) Our verdict 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 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).

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.Give them a rinse and squeeze as much water as you can out of them after each bath, and then store them in a cool, dry place where they can drip-dry easily. Anything that sits in water runs the risk of becoming mouldy so you'll need to wash your child's bath toys regularly.

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!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. 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? 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. 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.

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 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. 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?Bath time can be a special time for you and your baby. A bath can not only help to calm and relax your baby before bed, but it can be a great bonding experience too. The best baby bath toys will encourage babies to learn, experiment, and have fun from the earliest weeks, while the best bath toys for toddlers will continue the fun and learning for years to come. 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 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 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.