Bath time can be a symphony of splashing, singing, and the occasional (adorable) meltdown. Trying to keep your little one entertained while getting them clean can feel like a juggling act. But what if there was a way to turn bath time into a full-blown aquatic adventure? Enter the world of bath dolls!
These adorable companions are more than just toys, they’re imagination sparklers, water exploration buddies, and bath time extenders (hallelujah for busy mums!). From creating playful storylines to encouraging water exploration, bath dolls offer a multitude of benefits that can transform bath time into a fun-filled experience for both you and your little one.
Types of Bath Dolls Available
Not all dolls are created equal, especially when it comes to bath time. Regular dolls are often made from materials that can absorb water, leading to mould and mildew growth – yuck! Bath dolls, on the other hand, are made from waterproof materials that can get wet, splashed, and submerged without worry.
There are two main types:
- Soft Body Dolls are made from soft, quick-drying fabrics like terrycloth or fleece. They’re perfect for little ones who love to snuggle during bath time, and their soft bodies are easy for small hands to grasp and carry.
- Hard Body Dolls are typically made from plastic or vinyl, making them more durable for splashy play. However, they require more attention when cleaning to ensure no mouldy surprises lurk inside.
OUR PICK OF THE CROP
10 Best Bath Dolls Mums Recommend
With over 16 years of experience and a community of over 100,000 Australian mums, we’re committed to helping you find the perfect bath towel for your baby.
Below, you’ll find 10 of the best bath dolls recommended by the mums from the Mum’s Grapevine community, listed in no particular order.
Soft & Squishy
Corolle Mon Premier Bath Boy Doll ($54)
Boy oh boy – this little bath buddy is too cute for words. Vanilla-scented, and perfectly sized to be hugged by little arms, he has movable arms and legs, a soft body, and eyes that close when he’s laid down for naps. He comes with his own ducky toy and even has a sewn-in tab on his back for hanging and drying.
Doll Size: 30.4 cm
Age Range: 4+ year olds
Submersible: Yes
Clean Crew
Adora Bathtime Baby (from $26)
Splish – Splash! Adora’s BathTime Babies are the perfect doll for the bath, pool, beach, lake or any water fun! This sweet little babe is all set to swim, and with an exclusive QuikDri body that’s oh-so-huggable, she’ll be dry in a jiffy and ready for sleepy-time snuggles.
Doll Size: from 21.5 cm
Age Range: 1+ year olds
Submersible: Yes
Clean Cuties
Djeco Pomea Hard Body Doll ($62)
With classic features, adorable blinking eyes and anatomically correct, there’s loads to love about this little doll. Her soft vinyl body is ideal for swimming in the sea, in the pool or in the bath.
Doll Size: from 32 cm
Age Range: 18+ month olds
Submersible: Yes
Life Saver
Lilliputiens Bath Dolls ($36.25)
Lilliputiens Bath Dolls offer a delightful selection of soft-bodied companions designed to make bath time a joyful experience for your little one. Made from quick-drying, high-quality materials, these dolls are perfect for splashing, submerging, and endless bath time fun.
Doll Size: 18cm
Age Range: 6+ month olds
Submersible: Yes
Hugger
Babi LullaBaby Water-Safe Bath Doll ($60)
The cutest water-safe companion for bathtime fun! With a cuddly soft design, towel and bath ducky, toddlers can nurture, cuddle and develop empathy through play. After the bath, gently squeeze the water out and tumble dry on low for endless adventures.
Doll Size: 33cm
Age Range: 2 year olds
Submersible: Yes
Rubber Dolly
Bonnika Baby Rheya Rubber Doll ($70)
Made entirely from natural rubber, this doll is perfect for little ones who love to chew and explore textures during bath time. The fully enclosed design ensures there are no hidden nooks for water to get trapped, minimizing the risk of mold growth. Plus, the soft rubber is gentle on your baby’s skin and easy to clean.
Doll Size: 30cm
Age Range: 0+ year olds
Submersible: Yes
Wind It Up
BABY Born My First Swim Doll ($70)
These adorable dolls feature a wind-up mechanism that activates swimming motions when placed in the water. Watch your little one giggle as their bath buddy performs a front crawl or butterfly stroke (no batteries required!). Made from waterproof material, these dolls are easy to clean and dry.
Doll Size: 31cm
Age Range: 1+ year olds
Submersible: Yes
Splash Sister
Götz Cosy Aquini Doll ($149)
Made with a soft, quick-drying fabric torso perfect for snuggles, this doll also features a specially designed waterproof vinyl head and limbs. This allows for submersion in the bath without worry of mould or mildew growth. Plus, the Cosy Aquini Doll boasts high-quality rooted hair that can be washed, brushed, and styled
Doll Size: 33cm
Age Range: 3+ year olds
Submersible: Yes
Hola Bebe
Marina & Pau Bath Dolls ($115)
Made in Spain with high-quality vinyl, these dolls are built to withstand splashy adventures. They often come with fun accessories like bathrobes, dummies, and magic milk bottles, sparking imaginative play and encouraging pretend-care routines.
Doll Size: 45cm
Age Range: 3+ year olds
Submersible: Yes
Wash Wishes
Kmart Bath and Doll Set ($19)
When it comes to value for money, this bath doll set is tough to beat. It includes everything littlies need to dive right into bath play, including pretend shampoo and lotion bottles for Dolly. The included toy tub — complete with a working shower — means that play doesn’t have to end when bath time does.
Doll Size: 19cm
Age Range: 3+ year olds
Submersible: Yes
Know a bath doll we should add to our list? Contact us and let us know, we’ve been collating Australia’s best baby products into shortlists for over 16 years and we’re always happy to support new brands and businesses.
Read next …
- Soft Strokes: 17 Baby Hair Brushes Mums Recommend
- 9 tips for keeping bath toys squeaky clean
- Soothing Solutions: 14 Baby Skincare Products Mums Recommend
- 8 tips for bathing a baby and toddler together
Ask other mums
Looking for a bath doll and still not sure if any of these are right for you? Join the huge Grapeviner community in one of our private Facebook Due Date Groups and ask thousands of other mums with babies the same age as yours which ones they recommend. Get answers today!
We want you to know
We’re Mum’s Grapevine, a team of mums who’ve been there and done that (we have a combined 19 kids, so we know a thing or two about parenting!). We’ve been writing about all things baby and parenting for over 16 years, and we’re passionate about helping new mums find the best products for their little ones.
Sometimes, we do include paid inclusions in our reviews, but we promise that we only recommend products that we truly believe in and have either used or personally seen. Our goal is to give you, our Grapeviner mums, the inside scoop on the latest and greatest parenting products, and we’re always striving to maintain our high standards of quality and honesty.
Thanks for trusting us to be your go-to source for all things baby-related!
xoxo