The Quick Answer

  • Most cheap, squishy bath toys are made of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC). Because raw PVC is a hard plastic (like a plumbing pipe), manufacturers must pump it full of chemical plasticizers called Phthalates to make it soft and squishy. In a warm bath, these phthalates rapidly leach out of the toy and into the water and the baby's mouth. You must strictly avoid PVC and opt for 100% natural rubber or food-grade silicone bath toys.
Editor's NotePhthalates are potent endocrine disruptors that mimic hormones in the developing infant body.

The Bathtub Solvent

Warm water and soap act as a perfect chemical solvent. When you drop a cheap PVC rubber duck into a warm bath, the phthalates—which are not chemically bound to the plastic—readily leach out.

Because infants frequently drink bathwater and chew on their toys, this creates a dual exposure vector of ingestion and dermal absorption of synthetic hormones.

Section Summary

  • PVC requires Phthalates to be soft.
  • Warm soapy water accelerates the leaching rate.

The Bottom Line

  • Throw away any squishy plastic bath toy that does not explicitly state "PVC-Free" and "Phthalate-Free." The classic rubber duck is often the most toxic item in the bathroom.

What We Recommend

Evidence-based alternatives that address the concerns above.

1

Hevea Bath Toys

Made from 100% natural, biodegradable rubber.

2

Glo Pals

Water-activated sensory toys made of hard, safe, non-leaching plastics.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about toxicology: plastics answered by our research team.

QHow do I stop mold in bath toys?

You can't stop it if the toy has a hole. Buy toys without holes, or systematically plug the holes with hot glue before the first use.

R

Renee, R3 Founder

Environmental Toxins Analyst

Renee is the founder of R3 and a lead researcher in environmental toxins. She specializes in translating complex toxicology reports into actionable advice for families.

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