There's nothing that gets kids quite as excited as the idea of anything colourful and smelling as sweet as freshly picked strawberries, especially when it's a bath product! Bath bombs are a great way to add some fun to their bathtime routine. So, we've selected the best bath bombs for kids that'll blow them away.
Watch their fascination as the bath bomb dissolves to reveal a surprise toy that they can play with during bathtime. Or, for a more relaxing bath before bed, one made from lavender essential oils to help them unwind. After all, kids deserve to indulge in self-care too.
We've rounded up the best bath bombs for kids to make bathtime an enjoyable part of their routine. From bath bombs containing toys to bath bombs for sensitive skin, we truly have included them all.
Are bath bombs safe for kids?
Often, bath bombs can contain glitter, colouring, scents and other irritants that can cause flares for kids with eczema or sensitive skin. That's why bath bombs should be treated with a level of caution. Always do a patch test before submerging them in water with a new product like a bath bomb.
If unsure, it's best to stick to bath bombs made from natural and organic ingredients. Another alternative is creating your own bath bombs from scratch, so you know exactly what ingredients are in them. We've also included a DIY tutorial, so you can have a go at making your own as a fun activity for the kids to get involved in.
What age are bath bombs suitable for?
Some bath bombs are marketed for as young as six months old, but we would recommend waiting until your child is much older before using bath bombs.
Babies have extremely delicate skin, so introducing them to anything new may irritate the skin or risk an allergic reaction. Especially as babies explore with their mouths, they may be tempted to put the residue into their mouth, which could be harmful to them, no matter how 'gentle' the product is marketed as.
Waiting until they're around three years old to use bath bombs when they're less likely to put objects in their mouths - would be best. Even then, sticking to organic products is the best course of action. Look for bath bombs without glitter, overly strong scents and natural ingredients, especially if they have eczema or sensitive skin.
How do kids use bath bombs?
Bath bombs are incredibly easy to use. With your child, pick a favourite bath bomb based on the look, smell and ingredients used. Of course, if your child has sensitive skin or skin prone to allergies, you'll want to take this into consideration too.
Once you've selected your favourites together, run them a warm bath and help them in. All they need to do is drop the bath bomb into the water and watch the magic. The bath bomb will begin to dissolve and make the water change colour as it fizzes away.
Most bath bombs contain essential oils, so if a bath is used as part of their bedtime routine, why not choose a calming lavender scent? As well as putting their minds and bodies in a state of relaxation, they'll start to associate bathtime with bedtime and prepare for sleep.
Best bath bombs for kids
Best bath bomb for kids before bed
www.lush.com
Perfect for a warm bath before bedtime, allow lavender, camomile and sandalwood essential oils to envelop their senses. Gentle and soft against the skin, the Ickle Baby Bot bath bomb will get them into a state of relaxation before bed.
Pros:
• Vegan-friendly
• Contains natural essential oils
• Plastic-free**
Cons:**
• Contains synthetic perfume and colouring
Review: "My three-year-old loves this. Sometimes we break a bit off and mix it in a bowl of water to make potions, other times she has it in her bedtime bath and it really helps to settle her to sleep. It’s a good price and I can usually get three uses from it."
Best bath bomb for kids with vibrant colours
www.miniu.co.uk
Totally out of this world - the Mini U Moon bath bomb will transport your tot to a galaxy of bath time fun. Drop into a warm bath and watch as the gentle, stain and mess-free trail turns the water ocean blue and moonshine yellow as the fizzy gets busy and leaves you feeling over the moon!
**Pros:
• Vegan-friendly
• Releases amazing colours
• Contains shea-butter for lovely soft skin
Cons:
**• Just the one per pack
Review: "The colours are bright and vibrant and my son loved how the moon started spinning as it released its colours. Has a lovely scent from the shea butter and was gentle enough for my son's skin too."
Best bath bomb for kids with a cute appeal
www.lush.com
This super cute bath bomb in the shape of a Magic Cow dissolves to form a rainbow of colours that swirl around the bathtub. With popping candy and a dreamy scent of coconut, orange and patchouli oil, what's not to love?
**Pros:
**• Vegan-friendly
• Appealing to kids
• Plastic-free
Cons:
• Contains synthetic perfume and colouring
Review: "I purchased this very cute-looking bath bomb whilst on holiday in Truro from the lovely Lush on Sunday.
It has a gorgeous clean scent to it, shaped like a sweet cow and white with rainbow flecks. My son and daughter dropped it into the bath and we loved the way it gently spun giving a rainbow effect. The water finally turned a soft lilac shade and left their skin very soft."
Best bath bomb for kids who love tractors
www.etsy.com
If you know a kid who's obsessed with tractors, why not get them this tractor bath bomb? It's handmade, handpainted and created with love from a small business. With a delicious bubblegum scent, pop this in their bath and watch their delight as it fizzes and dissolves.
Pros:
• SLS-free
• Fun designs available
• Handmade**
Cons:**
• Must be aware that it may make the bathtub slippery due to oils used
Review: "A gift for my tractor-mad nephew, he loved it! Thanks."
Best multipack kids bath bombs
www.miniu.co.uk
This white cloud bath bomb looks plain on the outside, but gently place onto the surface of a warm bath to release the rainbow! Kids will love making patterns and seeing the water transform.
Pros:
• Three in a pack, so more fun bath time!
• suitable for vegans
• against animal testing, free from gluten, soy and dairy
Cons:
• The box can get a bit flimsy if it gets in the splash zone!
Review: "This is such a fun bath bomb for kids as the colours are a real surprise. They love the patterns that are made - honestly I think they'd like me to use all three in one bath! I love the cherry blossom scent, and knowing that it's kind on their skin. Plus at £8.99 for three it's a fun treat that doesn't cost the earth."
Best bath bomb for kids who love dinosaurs
For little boys and girls who love dinosaurs, these Dino Egg Bath Bombs will have them fascinated. Not only do they come with a surprise toy inside, but they also include fact cards about the history of each dinosaur. Pop these into their bath and watch the water change colour as a little dinosaur hatches from the egg.
Pros:
• Educational
• Includes dinosaur toy inside
• Includes fact sheets about dinosaur history**
Cons:**
• May stain
Review: "Five year old son loved these. Good quality and size. Toy inside also good."
Best bath bomb for kids about the solar system
Wanting to teach them about the solar system during bathtime? These Planet Bath Bombs that are rich in essential oils and beautifully packaged are sure to be a hit with the youngsters. Make learning fun during bathtime by teaching them all about the planets.
Pros:
• Vegan-friendly
• Educational
• Contains natural essential oils**
Cons:**
• Expensive
Review: "Great communication from seller. Product looks great. I am sure my friend's son is going to be 'over the moon' with his Galactaspa bath bombs! Thank you."
Best bath bomb for kids with animals
With surprise animals nestled on top, from unicorns to giraffes to tigers, these bath bombs will mean your kids can play while they bathe. Bathtime can never be boring when you're learning all about animals and colours in the world around you.
Pros:
• Cruelty-free
• Contains natural essential oils
• Handmade**
Cons:**
• May stain
Review: "This product is great, they give off a nice smell and a bright vibrant colour. They are well packaged and arrived perfectly intact. My child has eczema and these bath bombs do not dry out her skin or cause irritation. They also do not leave a slimy residue that needs to rinsed off like other products I've tried. I would definitely buy it again. (My only criticism is that they do go very quickly, other balls seem to take longer to dissolve, however, I guess that may be because they use more natural products?)"
Best bath bomb for kids with rubber duck
foreverloveonline.co.uk
Moisturising cocoa and shea butter slowly melt away leaving a playtime companion floating on the water. With scents of fresh cotton and lavender pure essential oils, this bath bomb will get them ready for bed and leave their skin super soft.
Pros:
• Contains essential oils
• Includes toy
• Lovely scent**
Cons:**
• Contains synthetic perfume and colouring
Review: "Love all the bath bombs. Smell lovely. Great fizz. The kids love them"
Best bath bomb for kids who love gaming
www.etsy.com
If your little one is an avid gamer, they'll be delighted with the toys hidden inside these divinely smelling bath bombs. From popular gaming franchises like Mario, Sonic and Minecraft, these familiar friends will be able to join in on bathtime again and again.
Pros:
• All CSA approved and IFRA certified
• Includes toy inside from popular game franchises
• More bath bombs from seller available**
Cons:**
• Expensive
Review: "These are fab! They smell great, they fizz for ages and the toy is cute. My little boy turned 6 today. He had one last night as a birthday eve gift. He can't wait for tonight's bath!"
Best bath bomb for kids with unicorn
foreverloveonline.co.uk
Pop this unicorn bath bomb in their bath and watch as it releases rays of sweet orange and mandarin essential oils as a sweet raspberry ripple fragrance fills the air. After bathtime is over, they'll be able to keep their unicorn toy to play with, both in and out of the bath.
Pros:
• Vegan-friendly
• Includes toy
• Contains essential oils**
Cons:**
• Contains synthetic perfume and colouring
Review: "For granddaughter as she loves unicorns."
Best surprise inside bath bombs
www.miniu.co.uk
This set comes in six yummy scents: Kiwi, Blueberry, Melon, Vanilla, Mango and Banana. Plus, each of the bath bombs contains a sponge toy surprise - and if you find a golden duck sponge you could win a prize!
Pros:
• Collectable toys included (and the chance to win a prize)
• Bright colours without the nasties
• Range of scents
Cons:
• smaller bath bombs
Review: "Although these bath bombs are on the smaller side, the colour they release is impressive! My little girl loved watching the water change, and was excited to keep an eye out for the surprise animal. Now that she knows they're inside she begs for a bath bomb every bath time! I've not found a golden duck yet but I'm keeping an eye out too!"
Best bath bomb for kids with ezcema
www.etsy.com
Including all-natural ingredients like coconut oil for smooth skin, anti-inflammatory oats and vanilla scent for sweetness, you can trust that this isn't going to react with their skin. For a spa experience, put this into their bath and let it soak over their skin.
Pros:
• Anti-inflammatory properties
• All natural ingredients
• Doesn't irritate skin**
Cons:**
• May not be as exciting for little ones
Review: "Fab bath bombs bought for my super cute great-nephew who loves bath bombs but has eczema. These went down a storm! Best Great-Aunt :) Thank you!"
Best bath bomb for kids with sensitive skin
www.etsy.com
Another one for sensitive skin, this Colloidal Oatmeal Bath Bomb works wonders. Made with natural ingredients and containing coconut oils to moisturise the skin, this bath bomb turns your bath into a nourishing milk bath full of anti-inflammatory properties.
Pros:
• Vegan-friendly
• Natural ingredients
• Anti-inflammatory**
Cons:**
• May not be as exciting for little ones
Review: "Brilliant, very ‘fizzy’ much to my granddaughter’s delight and suitably gentle and skin-friendly for her 4 year old skin. Orders from this seller are always well packed and quick to arrive."
Best bath bomb for kids to relax
www.etsy.com
Calming camomile and organic lavender prepare your little one ready for bed. If they have trouble sleeping, using one of these in the bath may help. In fact, lavender has been proven to help promote sleep and help to calm any anxieties.
Pros:
• Promotes sleep
• Contains natural essential oils
• Sustainable packaging**
Cons:**
• Colour not as intense as others
Review: "These are absolutely amazing. I got them as a gift before and thought they were so good I bought a box for my friend who also loves them. They last for such a long time when dissolving unlike other bath bombs I’ve had and the scents are so lovely. I’ll definitely be ordering again."
Best bath bomb for kids to feel sleepy
www.lush.com
Creating a dreamy, shimmery bath good enough for any mermaid, the Twilight Bath Bomb from LUSH is another one that's ideal for getting them relaxed and ready for bed. Containing subtle scents of lavender, it will calm their senses ready to lull them off into a dream world.
Pros:
• Vegan-friendly
• Subtle
• Plastic-free**
Cons:
**• Not as intense as used to be
Review: "One of my favourite bath bombs. The Twilight is so pretty in a hazy mauve tone with a half-moon and stars embossed and stamped out on the top. The smell is absolutely gorgeous, malty and lavendery. Its bath art turns the bath water swirls of turquoise and pink with the final colour a dusky lilac. This is a perfect bath before bedtime to really help relaxation."
DIY: How to make your own bath bomb
As well as being able to buy bath bomb making kits, you might find it a fun idea to make bath bombs from scratch and have the kids watch, or if they're old enough, join in with the fun! Here's what you will need to create your own bath bomb, as well as a handy YouTube tutorial.
Ingredients list:
Baking soda, Epsom salt, citric acid, cornstarch, soap or food colouring, castor oil, essential oil and a plastic mould.
Step 1) To begin, add half a cup of baking soda, a quarter of a cup of Epsom salt, a quarter of a cup of cornstarch and a quarter of a cup of citric acid to a mixing bowl. Whisk these dry ingredients together.
Step 2) Using a smaller bowl, add three teaspoons of castor oil, a few drops of food colouring, a tablespoon of essential oil and a tablespoon of water. Slowly pour the contents of the smaller bowl bit by bit into the mixing bowl and whisk as you go. You want the mixture to be of a thick and even consistency.
Step 3) Now it's time to fill your mould. A plastic bauble mould or soap mould may work best for this. Scoop the mixture into each half and make sure it's packed in tightly. At this point, you can also add surprise toys into the centre of your mixture for them to discover when they have their bath.
Step 4) Place the two halves of the mould together to create a sphere shape. After that, you'll want to click the mould together, so that your bath bomb is sealed. Now, you can start the process of drying out the mixture.
Step 5) Once you've left them overnight or in the fridge to dry out, open up your bath bomb. Gently tap on the plastic to loosen it from the mould. Carefully remove your bath bomb, and it's good to go! The kids are ready to enjoy their bath with a bath bomb that's been homemade with love.