With curious minds, the best toys for 18-month-olds are able to capture and hold their attention; with engaging characters, bright colours or interactive features that allow them to ‘play pretend’ and replicate grown-up behaviours. Toys suitable for 18-month-olds tend to include large, chunky pieces that are easy for small hands to hold, allow them to use their imagination and can help them learn about cause and effect. Familiar faces and characters are generally very helpful for a child who’s bath shy. If it gets them into the bath when you can’t, then who are we to argue? When should I start using bath toys?

Age suitability - Products will usually have a minimum age recommendation, but you should also look out for products that are safe to use and appropriate for their age, including the CE mark. The alternative for those who are mould-averse is to simply replace your bath toys every few months, but the impact on the environment and your budget could be off-putting. What is the best bath toy? Simply fill the Aquadoodle pen with water and leave them to explore. Their creations will appear like magic as they run the pen across the material. This deluxe set also includes three stampers and a special brush to cover larger areas and is a fun way to practice writing their first letters and numbers. As with any toy that comes with loose parts, you will need to make sure you supervise the child at all times.

4. Best wooden toy for an 18-month-old: BRIO My First Railway Beginner Train Set

They're also great for distracting a fussy baby while you wash them too – don't miss our guide to the best baby shampoo and body wash too, to make bath time that little bit easier. The foam letters for playing in the bath are great.” (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user Mrstumbletap) Our verdict

As with the best baby toys, different bath toys will be enjoyed at different ages and development stages and will boost different skills. Some baby bath toys are suitable from birth, so you can start with some straightforward floating objects to catch your newborn’s eye. They're based in convenient locations including supermarkets, newsagents and train stations. Plus they're often open late and on Sundays. Is there anything more relaxing than In the Night Garden’s Iggle Piggle floating down the river in his boat? It’s a sight that has reduced most parents to tears of gratitude at least once in the early evening.

9. Best bath toy which lights up: Iggle Piggle’s Lightshow Bath Time Boat Toy

Colour scheme - Toys that are colourful will appeal to children who are eager to play and engage with their surroundings and will be easier to spot in the water. Muted colour palettes can look nicer in a modern bathroom, whilst monochrome and contrasting colours are ideal for young babies. Age suitable from: 12 months to 5 years | Batteries required: 3x AAA batteries required What we love We've got round-ups of the best toys for a range of ages, all based on authentic recommendations by real parents. Here are our guides to the best baby toys, best toddler toys, the best toys for 2-year-olds and the best toys for 3-year-olds. Anything that sits in water runs the risk of becoming mouldy so you'll need to wash your child's bath toys regularly. Best of all, the set comes with a mesh storage bag to stash away all the pieces when bath time is over, which can then be hung with suction pads to allow the pieces to dry.