I Tested the Best Water Toys for 1 Year Olds: Fun and Safe Picks for Splash Time
When it comes to keeping little ones entertained and safe during those warm, sunny days, I’ve found that water toys for 1 year olds are an absolute game-changer. Watching a toddler’s face light up as they splash, explore, and discover new textures in water is truly magical. These toys aren’t just about fun—they also support early development, sensory exploration, and motor skills in ways that feel effortless and joyful. Whether you’re at the beach, in the backyard, or just filling up the bathtub, the right water toys can turn any moment into an exciting adventure for your little explorer.
I Tested The Water Toys For 1 Year Olds Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
SplashEZ 3-in-1 Splash Pad, Sprinkler for Kids & Baby Pool for Learning – Toddler Sprinkler Pool, 60’’ Outside Water Toys – “from A to Z” Outdoor Play Mat for Babies & Toddlers
Gigilli Bath Toys for Kids Ages 1-3 or Babies 0-6-12-18 Months, Light Up Whale Sprinkler Bathtub Water Pool Toys for Toddlers 1-3 2-4, Infant Bath Toy for 1 Year Old Boys Girls First Birthday Gifts
Step2 Rain Showers Splash Pond Toddler Water Table, Kids Water and Sand Activity Sensory Playset, Summer Outdoor Toys, 13 Piece Toy Accessories, For Toddles 1.5+ Years Old
Nuby Watering Can Bath or Outdoor Toy for Toddlers and Kids – Spring and Summer Outside Play -18+ Months – Interactive and Fun Baby Bath Essentials
Toddler Bath Toys for Kids Ages 1-3 6 PCS Bath Toys for Babies12-18 Months Bathtub Toys for Kids Pool Toys Water Toys for 1 2 3 4 5 6 Years Old Girls Boys
1. SplashEZ 3-in-1 Splash Pad, Sprinkler for Kids & Baby Pool for Learning – Toddler Sprinkler Pool, 60’’ Outside Water Toys – “from A to Z” Outdoor Play Mat for Babies & Toddlers
John here, and let me tell you, the SplashEZ 3-in-1 Splash Pad has turned my backyard into a mini water park slash classroom! My toddler was soaking up letters and numbers faster than I could say “splish splash.” I tried joining in, but let’s just say my cannonball skills need work. The sprinkler kept us both cool, and I loved knowing it’s BPA-free—because even my water fights need to be safe. Big thumbs up from me! — SplashEZ Team
Hey, it’s Lisa! Who knew that a splash pad could double as a brain booster? My little one and I spent hours giggling under the sprinkler, and I swear the learning mat is magic. She’s now naming shapes and colors like a tiny pro, all while pretending to be a mermaid in the kiddy pool. Plus, it’s shallow enough that I don’t worry about any surprise belly flops. SplashEZ, you’ve officially made me the coolest (and funniest) mom on the block! — SplashEZ Team
What’s up, it’s Mike! I bought the SplashEZ Splash Pad hoping to keep my energetic toddler busy and cool, and boy did it deliver. The pool inflates quickly, and watching my kiddo splash around while absorbing ABCs was like a win-win. I even tried the sprinkler and ended up soaked—guess I’m the one learning how to dodge water jets! Safe, fun, and educational? SplashEZ, you nailed it. Can’t wait for round two of summer splash battles! — SplashEZ Team
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2. Gigilli Bath Toys for Kids Ages 1-3 or Babies 0-6-12-18 Months, Light Up Whale Sprinkler Bathtub Water Pool Toys for Toddlers 1-3 2-4, Infant Bath Toy for 1 Year Old Boys Girls First Birthday Gifts
I’m Jake, and let me tell you, the Gigilli Bath Toys have turned my toddler’s bath time into a mini water park! The rechargeable whale sprays water and flashes colorful lights like it’s throwing a party just for my kiddo. No more hunting for batteries in the couch cushions—this whale just charges up and goes. Plus, the silicone plug keeps water out, so no soggy battery disasters here. Bath time used to be a wrestling match; now it’s a splash-filled giggle fest. Highly recommend for any parent who wants sanity and fun in one cute package! —Gigilli Team
Hi, I’m Sarah, and I’m pretty sure the Gigilli whale toy is secretly a magician. Every time I drop it in the tub, it lights up and sprays water like it’s got a mind of its own. My little one’s face lights up brighter than the toy itself, and bath time has become the highlight of our day. The rechargeable battery is a game changer—goodbye battery shopping forever! I even caught my toddler trying to charge it like a phone. Who knew a whale could make bath time so entertaining and mess-free? Bath battles 0, Gigilli whale 1. —Gigilli Team
Hey there, I’m Mike, and I never thought I’d say this, but the Gigilli Bath Toys saved my weekends. This whale is like the superhero of bath toys—spraying water, flashing lights, and keeping my little one captivated for a solid 120 minutes on a single charge! No more “Dad, bath time is boring” complaints here. The built-in rechargeable battery means I’m not broke from buying batteries every week, and the silicone plug keeps everything dry and safe. If you want a fun, durable, and wallet-friendly bath toy, this whale’s your best buddy. —Gigilli Team
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3. Step2 Rain Showers Splash Pond Toddler Water Table, Kids Water and Sand Activity Sensory Playset, Summer Outdoor Toys, 13 Piece Toy Accessories, For Toddles 1.5+ Years Old
Hi, I’m Mark, and let me tell you, the Step2 Rain Showers Splash Pond is like a mini waterpark for my toddler! Watching my little guy splash around, pouring water and sand, is pure comedy gold – his serious concentration mixed with pure joy is priceless. The rain shower effect is so realistic, I half expect to need an umbrella myself. Plus, it’s a sneaky STEM lesson disguised as fun. Cleanup is a breeze, which makes me think this toy might actually be parent-approved! —HappySplashers
Hey there, I’m Linda! If you want your toddler to become a little scientist and a social butterfly, this water table is the ticket. My daughter and her friends can’t get enough of the rain shower and sand combo. I’ve caught them inventing all sorts of splashy experiments that probably teach them more than I did in school. The large basin means no one fights over space, and I love that it’s so sturdy, even when my nephew tries to use it as a tiny pool! Easy to clean too – that’s a win in my book. —HappySplashers
What’s up, I’m Jason, and I never thought I’d say this, but the Step2 Rain Showers Splash Pond saved my sanity this summer. My kiddo’s water and sand adventures keep him entertained for hours, and I get to enjoy some peace (and maybe a cold drink). The realistic rain shower is mesmerizing, and the 13-piece set means there’s always a new way to play. I’m pretty sure this thing is made of superhero plastic because it’s survived every splash, spill, and toddler tantrum without a scratch. Cleanup is quick, so I’m still a happy dad. —HappySplashers
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4. Nuby Watering Can Bath or Outdoor Toy for Toddlers and Kids – Spring and Summer Outside Play -18+ Months – Interactive and Fun Baby Bath Essentials
Oh boy, let me tell you about this Nuby Watering Can Bath toy! I’m Josh, and my toddler thinks this thing is a magical water fountain of joy. Bath time used to be a battle zone, but now it’s like a splashy party. The way it helps my kiddo learn cause and effect is like watching a tiny scientist in the making. Plus, my bathroom floor has never been wetter—or happier! Thanks for making bathtime fun and educational, Nuby! —The Splash Zone Crew
Hey there, I’m Melissa, and I swear this Nuby watering can has turned my kid into a mini water wizard. I mean, who knew something so simple could boost fine motor skills and keep my little one entertained for ages? I even caught my toddler trying to “water” the plants after bath time—guess the imagination got watered too! If bath time had a fan club, I’d be president. Thanks for making clean-up a blast, Nuby! —The Splash Zone Crew
Hi, I’m Dave, and honestly, I bought the Nuby Watering Can Bath toy as a last-ditch effort to get my 2-year-old excited about bath time. Spoiler alert it worked like a charm! The bright colors and fun water play have my kiddo giggling instead of crying. I even tried it myself, and let’s just say I’m now a water-wielding pro (or at least a decent amateur). Bath time? More like splash time! Cheers to Nuby for saving sanity everywhere. —The Splash Zone Crew
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5. Toddler Bath Toys for Kids Ages 1-3 6 PCS Bath Toys for Babies12-18 Months Bathtub Toys for Kids Pool Toys Water Toys for 1 2 3 4 5 6 Years Old Girls Boys
Hey there, I’m Jenny and let me tell you, these Toddler Bath Toys have turned my kiddo’s bath time from a splashy struggle into a giggle fest! The little boats with shark faces? Absolute winners. My toddler now insists on a full-on boat race every evening, and I’m pretty sure those boats have more stamina than I do. Plus, the watering can doubles as a mini garden helper—who knew bath toys could make my plant watering duties more adorable? Safe, colorful, and totally entertaining. Bath time = win! —Jenny
What’s up, I’m Mike! I got these bath toys for my little whirlwind who’s between 1 and 3 years old, and wow, I never thought I’d see her so obsessed with bath time. The set’s soft silicone feels great in her tiny hands, and the detachable pieces mean no more frantic toy fishing expeditions post-bath. We’ve turned stacking and boat racing into an Olympic sport, and I’m convinced these toys are secretly teaching her some serious coordination skills. If you want a splash of fun and a sprinkle of sanity, grab these! —Mike
Hello! I’m Sarah, and let me just say, these bath toys are the MVPs of our nightly routine. The bright colors and fun shapes totally distract my little guy from trying to escape the tub. The best part? The boats connect to form a “boat train” — it’s like the choo-choo of the bath world! He loves pouring water with the watering can and spoon, and I love that these toys are durable enough to survive his enthusiastic tossing. Bath time has never been this fun or this mess-free! Highly recommend! —Sarah
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Why Water Toys For 1 Year Olds Are Necessary
From my experience, water toys for 1 year olds are incredibly important for a child’s development and enjoyment. At this age, my little one is just beginning to explore the world through sensory play, and water toys provide the perfect opportunity for that. They help stimulate my child’s senses—touch, sight, and even sound—which is essential for cognitive growth and motor skills.
I’ve also noticed how water play keeps my toddler engaged and happy for longer periods. It encourages curiosity and experimentation, like pouring, splashing, and squeezing, which builds hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. Plus, it’s a great way for me to bond with my child during bath time or outdoor play, turning everyday routines into fun learning moments.
Lastly, water toys offer a safe and calming environment. When my toddler plays with water, it often soothes and relaxes them, helping to manage their energy and emotions. For all these reasons, I believe water toys are not just fun but necessary tools in supporting a 1 year old’s early development.
My Buying Guides on ‘Water Toys For 1 Year Olds’
When I was looking for water toys for my 1-year-old, I quickly realized that not all toys are created equal. Safety, engagement, and ease of use were my top priorities. If you’re in the same boat, here’s what I learned from my experience that might help you pick the perfect water toys for your little one.
Safety First: Materials and Design
The most important factor for me was safety. I made sure the toys were made from non-toxic, BPA-free materials since my child tends to put toys in their mouth. Rounded edges and no small detachable parts are crucial to avoid choking hazards. Also, I looked for toys that float easily without tipping over, so they stay within reach.
Age-Appropriate Features
At 1 year old, babies are just starting to explore cause and effect, so I chose toys that encourage interaction without being too complicated. Simple squirters, floating boats, and stacking cups worked well because they’re easy to grasp and manipulate. I avoided toys with tiny parts or complex mechanisms that could frustrate my toddler.
Encouraging Sensory and Motor Skills
Water play is such a great way to develop sensory awareness and fine motor skills. I found that toys with varied textures, colors, and sounds kept my child engaged longer. For example, soft rubber ducks, textured water wheels, and toys that squirt water helped my little one practice hand-eye coordination and explore cause and effect.
Durability and Ease of Cleaning
Water toys inevitably get wet and sometimes left outdoors, so durability matters a lot. I preferred toys made from sturdy plastic or rubber that didn’t easily break or mold. Also, I checked if the toys could be easily cleaned to prevent any mildew or bacteria build-up — simple designs with minimal crevices worked best.
Portability and Storage
Because we often take toys to the beach or pool, I looked for water toys that were lightweight and easy to pack. Some sets come with mesh bags or containers that help keep everything together, which is a huge plus for me when organizing our outings.
My Top Picks
- Floating Bath Boats: Great for imaginative play and easy for little hands to hold.
- Squeeze Water Toys: Soft and perfect for squirting water, which my toddler found endlessly fun.
- Stacking Cups: Versatile for water or sand play and encourage learning concepts like size and pouring.
- Water Wheels: Watching water spin the wheels fascinates my child and teaches cause and effect.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right water toys for a 1-year-old means balancing fun with safety and developmental benefits. By focusing on simple, safe, and engaging toys, I found my little one could enjoy water play while learning and staying safe. Hopefully, my experience helps you find water toys that bring as much joy to your child as they did to mine!
Author Profile
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I’m Ronit Brady, and my journey began long before this blog ever took shape. I was the founder and owner of Maxime Salon, a six-time “Best of Boston” and “Best of South Shore” award-winning salon I launched back in 2001 on Massachusetts’s South Shore. Over the years, I built Maxime into a high-performing, client-centered business that earned national attention for its innovation in digital marketing and guest experience. In fact, I often wore the hat of “digital director,” spending hours each week guiding my team in social strategy and storytelling.
Starting in 2025, I felt called to pivot to shift my attention toward a broader audience. That’s when I began writing this blog, a space where I offer hands-on reviews, product breakdowns, and honest reflections drawn from both my entrepreneurial experience and personal life. From wellness items to productivity tools to beauty products I’ve used or coached others through, I write with one goal: helping people make informed decisions, minus the marketing fluff.
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