My daughter loves caring for her baby dolls. Playing with babies is perfect for kids to learn caretaking and nurturing skills and can be a key factor in their cognitive and verbal development.Â
Baby doll play also allows children to mimic behaviors that they see in others. It always amazes me how early my daughter mimics my behavior and displays nurturing techniques with her dolls.
They can do so much with baby dolls. Kids can push them in strollers, feed them, put them down for naps, talk to them, hold and cuddle them.Â
But as a parent how can you take any pretend play to the next level? Add water, of course!
Water play is one of the best and most entertaining sensory activities for kids. It helps them to develop fine motor skills and coordination through lifting and pouring and introduces them to different textures.Â
When purchasing a toy that will be used in the water, especially “waterproof baby dolls”, there are some things to consider.Â
It is important to be sure that the toy is waterproof. This means that the toy must be sealed so there are no holes and have the ability to completely dry quickly so mold will not grow.Â
I’ve been through this process myself MANY times, so trust that the product you’ll find here are parent-approved 🙂
Best Waterproof Baby Dolls
Adora Baby Bath Toy Bunny
Adora Bath Time Baby With Bunny Robe, 8.5"
This baby is perfect for water play! It is 8 5” tall with a soft body and fresh baby powder scented vinyl that dries quickly.
The baby comes with a cute bathrobe that can be put on the baby doll when it’s taken out of the tub. This doll is machine washable, which is great if the doll gets dirty. This doll is perfect for any child over 1.
JC Toys La Newborn 10 Piece Layette Deluxe Bathtub Gift Set
JC Toys 10 piece Deluxe Bathtub Set, 12"
This 12” babydoll is lifelike and waterproof. The doll comes with it’s own bathtub, a diaper, hooded towel, rattle, rubber duck, Birth Certificate, and bath toys. The accessories provide more opportunities to enhance pretend play.
The baby’s joints are sealed and moveable so you can be sure water will not enter the doll’s body but you are still able to rotate the doll’s arms, legs and head. This baby and accessories are great for children 2 years and up.
8 piece Layette Deluxe Bathtub Gift Set
This doll is a bit bigger than the one mentioned above at 14". The Layette baby doll is realistic looking and comes with a pink bathtub, bodysuit, bath towel, diaper, pacifier, Birth Certificate, Hospital Bracelet, and other bath toys for the baby. The baby’s joints are sealed and moveable so you can be sure water will not enter the doll’s body and are still able to rotate the doll’s arms, legs, and head. This baby and accessories are great for children 2 years and up.
8 piece Layette Deluxe Bathtub Gift Set | JC Toys, 14"
JC Toys – Lots to Love Babies 14″ All Vinyl Doll
JC Toys Lots to Love Baby Bath Doll, 14"
If your child is potty training and wants their doll to potty train too, this 14” doll and gift set is perfect! It includes a frog potty (but doesn’t actually pee, no water enters the body). It also includes a baby bottle, pacifier, bib, hooded towel, and diaper.
The joints are sealed to prevent water from getting inside but moveable so you are able to rotate the doll’s arms, legs, and head. This baby and its accessories are great for children 2 years and up.
Waterbabies Doll Bathtime Fun, Unicorn, Water Filled Baby Doll, Multi-Color
Waterbabies Doll Bathtime Fun Unicorn Doll
The Waterbabies Bath Time Fun Doll is a water-filled doll. The doll is filled with water using a funnel that comes with the doll. The water inside the baby makes it look and feel real.
The baby comes dressed in an animal-themed outfit and with some accessories including, a floaty, play shampoo bottle bath squirter, towel, and funnel. This baby and its accessories are great for children 3 years and up.
Cabbage Patch Kids Splash N’ Float Doll for Bath Tub & Pool
Cabbage Patch Kids Splash N' Float Doll With Inflatable Unicorn
The Cabbage Patch Kids Splash N’ Float Doll is a bit smaller at 9”. The doll comes with a fun inflatable Unicorn tube, a removable swimsuit, and a matching headband.
The doll has holes in the body that are used to drain any water that may enter the doll during water play. The arms, legs, and head of the doll are movable making it easy to dress and play with. This Cabbage Patch Doll is great for kids 3 and up.
Waterbabies Wee Mermaid
Waterbabies Wee Mermaids are very cute and squishy! The doll has a brightly colored mermaid tail and a themed hat. They come pre-filled with water. The water-fill technology makes them move, wiggle, and feel soft! It also makes them perfect for water play for children 3 months and up. 
Waterbabies Wee Mermaid Baby Doll
Waterbabies Doll Giggly Wiggly
Waterbabies Giggly Wiggly Pink Safari Doll
This water-filled baby makes giggle sounds when you squeeze her tummy! She also has an emptying baby milk bottle, pink safari printed removable onesie, and matching headband.
With the doll, you will receive a funnel that allows you to fill your doll with warm water, so they feel like a real baby! This baby and its accessories are great for children 3 years and up.
Waterbabies Wee Goldfish Baby Doll
Waterbabies Wee Goldfish Baby Doll
Waterbabies Wee Goldfishbaby doll has a squishy pre-filled water body and a goldfish hat. The water-fill technology of the doll makes it move, wiggle, and feel soft!
It also makes them perfect for water play for children 3 months and up.
Cabbage Patch Kids Basic Newborn Drink N’ Wet Swim Time
Cabbage Patch Kids Drink N' Wet Swim Time Doll, 9"
This 9” tiny newborn Cabbage Patch Kid is perfect for the bath for kids three and up! The doll has an all-plastic body and strategically placed holes to drain the water keeping the doll dry on the inside.
The doll comes with a removable purple polka dot bathing suit, matching headband, sunglasses, and a pineapple-shaped sippy cup.
Waterbabies Bath Time Fun
Waterbabies Bath Time Fun
This Waterbaby is unicorn themed! It has a unicorn bathrobe to dress the baby in after she gets wet and a float that the baby can sit in while in the tub or pool.
With the doll, you will also receive a funnel that allows you to fill your doll with warm water, so it feels like a real baby! This baby is suitable for kids 3 and up.
Things to Consider When Buying Waterproof Baby DollsÂ
When buying a doll that you know is going to get wet, it’s important to ensure that the doll is not going to get moldy because of water sneaking into the body cavity.
The body of the baby doll must either be sealed, completely filled with water, or have a hole in it for the water to drain out after use.
In addition, you want the body of the doll to be a material that will wick away water instead of absorbing it. Another thing to consider is whether or not the doll comes with accessories.
Doll accessories can add to the fun of the doll and may create more opportunities for pretend play and interaction between the child and the doll.
For some kids, pools or bathtubs can be scary and intimidating but bringing their baby along can provide comfort and make the water more fun.Â
I think it’s safe to say that combining baby dolls and water play is the ultimate way to keep kids entertained for long periods of time. In addition, it is a great activity for the development of children of all ages.Â