Are conventional bath toys safe for babies to chew on?
Caution. Most plastic bath toys contain PVC, which requires phthalate plasticizers. Soft, squeezable bath toys in particular are often high in phthalates.
What's actually in it
The soft, squeezable bath toys that babies love to chew and mouth are typically made from PVC (polyvinyl chloride). PVC is hard without plasticizers, so manufacturers add phthalates (typically DEHP, DBP, or BBP) to make it soft and flexible. When a baby mouths a PVC bath toy, phthalates leach out through saliva contact at relatively high rates because saliva is slightly acidic and warm, both of which increase migration.
EU regulations limit phthalate concentrations in children's toys, but enforcement of imported toys varies. US regulations also restrict certain phthalates in toys for children under 12, but testing of market products has found violations in imported products.
What the research says
A 2026 study in Recenti Prog Med reviewed evidence on phthalate exposure from clothing and toys and confirmed that children's bath toys are a significant phthalate exposure source, with mouthing behavior being the highest-risk route. The study found that phthalate exposure from direct mouthing of soft plastic toys contributes substantially to children's total phthalate body burden.
Look for bath toys labeled "PVC-free" and "phthalate-free." Natural rubber bath toys are a safe alternative. Thermoplastic rubber (TPR) without PVC is also lower-risk. Any toy that is soft, brightly colored, and doesn't specify being PVC-free should be assumed to contain phthalates.
The research at a glance
| Study | Journal | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Phthalates in children's toys and exposure risk | Recenti Prog Med | 2026 |
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