Soft Infant Sink Tub or Infant-to-Toddler Tub: Which Do You Need First?

You don't need to have both a soft infant sink tub and an infant-to-toddler tub, although having both can make it more convenient to bathe your baby, especially at the beginning.  A soft infant sink tub is made of a soft foam material and fits inside the kitchen or bathroom sink, whereas an infant-to-toddler tub may fit in a farmhouse sink but more often than not is placed inside a shower, tub, or on some water friendly surface.

In this article, we'll step through the differences between a soft infant sink tub and an infant-to-toddler model. 

TLDR

You don't need both, but having both makes early bath time easier. A soft infant/sink tub is the simplest way to bathe a newborn in a NYC-size kitchen or bathroom sink; an infant-to-toddler tub lasts years longer but needs a full tub, shower, or water-friendly surface. Most families start with the sink tub, then transition once baby is able to sit up unassisted or hits the weight limit of 20lbs and outgrows it, whichever comes first.

Table of Contents

• What A Soft/Infant Sink Tub Does Well
• What An Infant-to-Toddler Tub Does Well
• The Honest Answer

What A Soft Infant/Sink Tub Does Well

Soft infant/sink tubs are particularly helpful for those first couple months, when baby is so small. These tuck right in the sink, whether it's the kitchen or bathroom, and you can stand (more convenient than kneeling by the tub!). Soft infant/sink tubs also tend to be quite compact, so storage is a snap. 

What An Infant-to-Toddler Tub Does Well

An infant-to-toddler tub, on the other hand can be used for longer than just those first months. Many of these tubs can grow with your child, and are useable until four, or in some instances, even six years old.

Depending on the size of your sink, you may be able to use it there at first, but then transition to the tub, shower, or elsewhere once your child gets bigger. 

The Honest Answer

Getting a small sink tub makes bathing your baby much easier at the start, so even though it doesn't last as long, most families opt for one anyway. They then transition to a larger tub once baby can sit up unassisted or grows out of the infant tub by hitting the maximum weight, typically 20lbs. Of course, those families in New York apartments with real tub space may just opt for one infant-to-toddler solution from day one and skip the soft infant tub. 

Make a Splash with Babesta

When it's time to choose a tub, you can select an infant sink tub, reclined tub, and even a foldable tub. Think about your sink, tub age range, additional bathing areas, and storage space to decide what's right for you. 

At Babesta, we offer some of the best tubs for a city apartment, safe, comfortable, and easy to store. Just add toys!

Additional Reading

• Bathtime Checklist: What to Add to Your Baby Registry
• Hooded Towel or Regular Towel: What do you Actually Need?
• How to Chose A Baby Tub for a NYC Apartment
• Best Baby Bathtubs for NYC Apartments - Our Picks

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a soft infant/sink tub actually last?

Most babies outgrow a sink tub between three and six months, when they are able to sit unassisted, or when they reach the maximum weight which is typically 20lbs. Be sure to check the manufacturer's weight limit for the exact cutoff for your chosen model. 

Can I use an infant-to-toddler tub in a kitchen sink?

Only if it's small enough to fit. Most infant-to-toddler tubs are sized for a bathtub, shower, or walk-in surface rather than a sink, which is the tradeoff for the extra years of use. 

Do I need to buy both tubs, or can I skip a sink tub?

You can skip it if you already have a real, easy to access tub space from day one. The sink tub mainly solves for apartments without a workable newborn bathing spot. 

Is bathing a newborn in the kitchen sink safe?

Yes, with a properly fitted soft insert that keeps baby secured and supported. Never place baby directly against the bare sink and always keep a hand on them throughout. 

When should I switch from the sink tub to the infant-to-toddler tub?

Once baby outgrows the sink tub's weight limit or starts sitting more upright and active, typically in the four to six months range.