Which bath spout cover is best?
Bath time can be a fun bonding moment between parents and kids, or it can be a struggle if your little one isn’t a big fan of water yet. No matter what happens, safety is always paramount.
For that reason, parents may select a bath spout cover to prevent injuries. They’re made with soft materials such as polyester, rubber or inflated pillows to protect your child if they bump into the spigot. Many of these designs feature fun characters to make bath time a little more enjoyable.
To find the right bath spout cover for your kids, read our buying guide. We’re covering all the features you should compare among bath spout covers and we’re sharing a few recommendations at the end. Our top choice, Skip Hop’s Moby Bath Spout Cover, is designed with a soft rubber free of BPA, PVC and phthalates.
What to know before you buy a bath spout cover
Popular types
Bath spout covers are either solid or inflatable. Solid designs are made with rubber, silicone, plastic, foam or fabric. Soft yet durable, they’re designed to withstand heavy use. Some solid covers are shaped like popular sea creatures or feature ocean-themed designs.
Inflatable bath spout covers consist of a series of air pillows that encase the spout. Not only are they soft, but they’re also accommodating to spouts of different sizes because they can be inflated as much or as little as necessary.
Fit
Bath spout covers aren’t universal, which means it’s important to measure the spout before comparing designs. Only some covers are designed to be used with shower diverters. Other covers are too short or too small to fit older or oddly shaped spigots.
What to look for in a quality bath spout cover
Bath thermometers
High-tech bath spout covers are equipped with bath thermometers featuring LCD displays. They take the guesswork out of finding the optimal temperature, and according to some parents, their higher prices are well worth the peace of mind.
Spout extenders
Bath spout covers with spout extenders solve a number of problems. For one, the extender makes it easy to fill a baby bath that doesn’t reach the faucet. They’re also helpful to rinse a baby’s hair while maintaining a safe distance from the spout.
Cute designs
It’s common for bath spout covers to be shaped like sea creatures or feature ocean-themed designs, although there are mixed feelings about their aesthetics. Some parents feel the friendly characters invite tampering, while others say the familiar designs make babies feel more comfortable during bath time.
Water effects
Certain bath spout covers incorporate water effects into their designs. They are designed to shoot multiple streams of water in various directions, entertaining and engaging babies. Their designs feature a series of holes, or they leverage their shapes — such as an elephant trunk or hippopotamus nostrils — to stream water.
How much you can expect to spend on a bath spout cover
Inflatable bath spout covers cost $5 or less. More durable designs with unique safety features run closer to $10-$15. Advanced bath spout covers with premium features such as built-in thermometers may cost up to $30.
Bath spout covers FAQ
Are some bath spout covers easier to clean than others?
A. Yes, and the easiest ones to clean tend to be fabric ones that are machine washable. There are also some rubber and silicone bath spouts that can be washed in the dishwasher. Most other bath spout covers require hand washing. This can be somewhat challenging, especially when they have tiny crevices that can trap mold and mildew.
Should I leave the bath spout cover on between baths and showers?
A. No, because there tends to be a buildup of limescale, mold, and mildew around spigots. For that reason, it’s recommended to hang the bath spout cover to air dry after each bath.
Which bath spout covers are best to buy?
Top bath spout cover
Skip Hop’s Moby Bath Spout Cover
What you need to know: This friendly-looking spout cover remains a favorite among parents for how easy it is to put on and remove.
What you’ll love: It can be cleaned in the dishwasher. All edges are rounded to protect kids. It is made with sturdy, thick rubber.
What you should consider: The design isn’t as accommodating to spigots over 8 inches.
Worth checking out
Infantino’s Cap the Tap Bath Spout Cover (Pack of 2)
What you need to know: One of the few cloth spouts on the market, this design is a soft option.
What you’ll love: It is machine washable and dries quickly. Areas closest to the end of the spigot are padded.
What you should consider: Older kids might be able to fiddle with the cover and remove it.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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