Bath Book vs Colour Changing Bath Book: Which to Buy

Quick answer

A plain waterproof baby book is the better first buy for most babies because it is simple, quiet and works in or out of the water. A colour changing bath book adds a surprise element that keeps older babies and toddlers interested for longer. If you want a floating bath toy or splashing toy instead of a book, choose a soft sensory ball such as Sound ball - Mr. Lion, which rolls, rattles and can be crawled after.

What each bath book actually does

A bath book for babies is a waterproof book made for wet hands. It is usually soft, easy to wipe and light enough for a baby to hold while sitting in shallow water. Its job is to keep a baby calm and occupied without turning bath time into a splash fight.

A colour changing bath book works the same way, but the pictures change when they touch warm water. That change is the main event. It gives your baby a reason to look closely, point and come back to the same page, which is useful once simple page turning stops being exciting.

The trade-off: calm vs surprise

The plain waterproof book is the calmer, more predictable option. There is nothing to activate, so it suits babies who are still learning to hold objects and who get overwhelmed by too much happening at once. It also tends to stay useful outside the bath, which matters if you want one item that works in more than one place.

The colour changing version trades that calm for engagement. The colour change gives you a natural talking point during bath time, and it can hold a toddler's attention when a normal book no longer does. The trade-off is that the changing effect is the reason to buy it, so if your child ignores it, you are left with a book that does the same job as the plain one.

How to fit bath books with other bath time toys

Books and water toys do different jobs, so most families end up with both. A book gives your baby something to focus on while you wash them. A floating bath toy or splashing toy gives them something to chase, grab and drop, which is how crawling and hand skills get practised.

If you are choosing just one water toy, think about the mood you want. For a baby who needs settling, start with a bath book. For a baby who is already active in the water and wants to move, a soft sensory ball is a better match. Sound ball - Mr. Lion has a bell in the tummy and different fabrics, so it works as a floating bath toy and as a crawling target on dry land.

Where plush fits in after the bath

Bath toys get wet, so they are not the thing your baby cuddles afterwards. Keep a separate dry comfort toy ready for the transition out of the water. Plush toy baby - Mrs. Rabbit is made of ultra soft recycled crystal boa fabric and is described as suitable for bedtime snuggles and naptime company, which makes it a practical choice for the after-bath wind-down.

If you prefer a natural material for that role, Plush toy small - Mrs. Cat is made of 100% organic cotton and described as durable and comforting. Either one stays out of the tub and gives your baby something familiar to hold while you dry them off.

Trade-offs at a glance

• Plain waterproof baby book: Gives you a quiet, predictable distraction with no effect to activate. It works in the bath and out of it, but it will not surprise your baby. Choose it for babies who need calming and for a first bath book.
• Colour changing bath book: Adds a warm-water colour change that gives babies a reason to look, point and return to the page. The effect is the main reason to buy it. Choose it for toddlers who are bored with a plain book.
• Soft sensory ball as a bath toy: Sound ball - Mr. Lion rolls, has a bell in the tummy and mixes fabrics. It encourages crawling and grabbing, but it is a toy, not a book, so it will not settle a baby who wants to sit still. Choose it for active babies who want to move in the water.
• Dry comfort plush: Mrs. Rabbit and Mrs. Cat are made for cuddling, not for water. Keeping one dry and ready makes the move out of the bath easier. Buy one comfort toy alongside your bath book, not instead of it.

Product facts to compare

• Plush toy baby - Mrs. Rabbit: Plush toy baby - Mrs. Rabbit is made of ultra soft recycled crystal boa fabric and is described as perfect for bedtime snuggles, naptime company and taking on adventures. Use it as the dry, comforting toy after bath time rather than in the water.
• Sound ball - Mr. Lion: Sound ball - Mr. Lion is soft and huggable with a bell in his tummy and different fabrics for sensory stimulation, and is designed for babies to crawl after. It works as a floating bath toy in shallow water and as a crawling toy once your baby is dry.
• Plush toy small - Mrs. Cat: Plush toy small - Mrs. Cat is made of 100% organic cotton and described as durable, comforting and suitable for day and night. A good option if you want a natural-fibre comfort toy that stays out of the bath.

Which should you buy?

Best for

• Babies under one who need a calm, simple distraction in the bath
• Families who want one waterproof baby book that also works outside the bath
• Toddlers who already enjoy books and will engage with a warm-water colour change

Not for

• Babies who mainly want to splash, crawl and chase - choose a soft sensory ball instead
• Parents looking for a toy that develops motor skills through active play
• Anyone who wants a cuddle toy for after the bath - keep a dry plush separate