Tub Works® Tub Soup™ Scoop, Strain & Play Toddler Bath To

The Verdict

Bath time is either a daily battle or a treasured ritual, and the Tub Works® Tub Soup™ Scoop, Strain & Play set is clearly designed for parents who want the latter. With a 4.6-star average across 229 ratings, this isn’t a flashy electronic toy — it’s a back-to-basics water-play set that earns its keep through smart design. Here’s the real breakdown.

What You Actually Get

The set includes two main pieces: a scoop and a strainer, both molded from thick, food-grade silicone. The scoop has a rounded, soup-ladle shape with a solid base that holds water effectively. The strainer features small, uniform holes that create a gentle rain effect when lifted. Alongside these are several floating foam shapes — stars, circles, and other simple forms — designed to be “caught” and transferred between the tools.

The silicone feels substantial, not flimsy. It’s flexible enough for little hands to grip but rigid enough to hold its shape during active play. The foam pieces are notably denser than typical bath sponges; they float reliably without becoming waterlogged after a few minutes.

Real-World Performance

The genius here is in the mechanics. Toddlers naturally love transferring things from one container to another, and Tub Soup capitalizes on that developmental sweet spot. A one-year-old will enjoy simply scooping and dumping. By 18 months to two years, kids start attempting the strainer-scoop transfer, which builds hand-eye coordination without feeling like a lesson.

One parent noted: “My 15-month-old is obsessed. She’ll sit for 20 minutes scooping the foam pieces and pouring water back and forth. It’s the first bath toy that’s held her attention past the novelty phase.” Another buyer highlighted the durability: “We’ve had ours for three months, used it daily, and it still looks brand new. No mold, no cracking, no faded foam.”

The mold-resistance claim checks out. There are no hollow chambers or suction cups where water hides. After bath time, a quick shake and air-dry on the tub edge is sufficient — a genuine advantage over many competing bath toys that develop black gunk inside within weeks.

Where It Falls Short

Honesty requires acknowledging the limitations. The foam pieces are lightweight and float — which means they also drift, splash, and occasionally launch over the tub edge. One reviewer put it bluntly: “Great toy, but I’m constantly retrieving foam shapes from the bathroom floor. My dog thinks they’re treats.”

The scoop handles are designed for toddler grips, which is correct for the target age, but it means the toy has a limited lifespan. A four-year-old will likely find the play loop too simple. This is squarely a 12-to-36-month toy, not a long-term investment.

Additionally, while the silicone is easy to clean, it does attract lint and hair after being towel-dried. A quick rinse before the next use solves it, but it’s worth knowing.

Who Should Buy This

• Parents of 12-to-30-month-olds who want a screen-free, skill-building bath activity.
• Families dealing with bath resistance — the novelty of “cooking soup” often distracts reluctant bathers.
• Gift-givers looking for a practical, non-plastic baby shower or first-birthday present.

Skip it if your child is already past age three and prefers more complex imaginative play, or if you’re seeking a toy that contains water play to a small area — this one encourages splashing.

FAQ

Is the silicone BPA-free and safe for mouthing?
Yes. The scoop and strainer are made from food-grade silicone, and the foam pieces are non-toxic. Many reviewers mention their toddlers chewing on the pieces without issue.

How do you clean and dry it?
Rinse with warm water after use. Shake off excess and let air-dry. There are no crevices or internal chambers, so mold isn’t a practical concern. The foam pieces should be squeezed gently to expel water.

Will the foam pieces stain or harbor mildew?
The foam is dense and quick-drying. As long as you don’t leave it soaking in a closed container for days, staining and mildew are unlikely. Some users report mild surface staining from bathwater minerals, but it doesn’t affect performance.

The Verdict

Buy it if you want a durable, mold-resistant bath toy that genuinely engages toddlers in developmental water play. It’s a well-engineered product that respects your time and your child’s abilities.

Skip it if your child is over three, or if you’re looking for a high-energy, multi-piece playset. This is a focused, minimalist tool — and that’s exactly its strength.

Rating: 4.6/5 — A rare bath toy that does what it claims, built to last through the toddler years without growing mold or falling apart. The minor cleanup hassle and age ceiling are the only reasons it doesn’t earn a perfect score.

Where to Buy

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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.