We have seen how Ernie loves his rubber duck. And just like him, he wants his child to have a bath toy that she enjoys bathing with. You go to the toy store looking for the perfect bath toy for your child, but find yourself in the middle of too many options that leave you baffled and wondering which ones to buy for your child.

Bath toys, like any normal toy, require careful thought and consideration by parents before purchasing. Follow these tips and it will not be difficult for you to make your selection.

Tip No. 1: Durability. Look for bath toys that are made of durable materials that won’t wear out easily from frequent tugging or squeezing.

Tip #2: Security. Opt for bath toys that are made of cloth, rubber, or soft materials that won’t hurt your child if he accidentally bumps into them. Check to make sure a toy doesn’t have sharp or pointy edges, small parts that could easily fit in your child’s mouth, or parts that could come loose like small buttons sewn on. Also make sure it doesn’t have any parts that could rust since bath toys are always submerged in water.

Tip No. 3: Educational Value. Choose toys that are not only fun to play with, but also stimulate your child’s mind. Give him a bath puppet to encourage imaginative play and positive interaction, or give him a multicolored bath mitt to improve his visual perception and color discrimination. Always remember that every minute of your child’s day has the opportunity to learn and engage in mind-enriching activities, including bath time.

Tip No. 4: Keep your child’s interest. Of course, a bath toy that will grab your child’s attention for only a few seconds is obviously not a good buy. Select toys that are fun for your child to play with and have features or activities that will hold your child’s attention throughout bath time and even for days afterward. It’s also smart to alternate different sets of bath toys each day so your child doesn’t get bored easily with them.

Tip No. 5: Budget. Don’t look for toys that hurt your wallet or those extremely cheap ones that seem too good to be true but are actually poorly built. Choose toys that are reasonably priced and affordable, but are guaranteed to the highest safety and quality standards to ensure you only get the best for your child.

Although the wide selection of bath toys can make it difficult for you to choose, with these simple tips, it won’t be difficult to find the right types of bath toys.