Back when Ernie of "Bert and Ernie" fame sang his famous love song to his rubber duckie, millions of children could relate; the classic yellow rubber tub toy was the most popular (and in many cases the only) floating fun item to be found in the family bath tub.

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These days, all that's changed. Kids have a staggering array of colorful, waterproof toys to bring with them into the tub. Parents, however, are not always impressed with the selection. Tub toys are cute and fun at first, but kids get bored with them fairly quickly, and they end up gathering dust (or rather, mold) somewhere under the bathroom sink. Speaking of mold, typical squirting tub toys harbor lots of it, and are notoriously difficult to clean. No matter how much water you can squeeze out, there always seems to be some left over.

Another concern among parents has been the use of unhealthy plastics in children's tub toys. Some companies have responded to this concern by creating tub toys that are free of the "problem plastics." These choices are better for kids and for the environment.

While squirting rubber toys are still purchased and enjoyed by kids everywhere, many parents are looking for some alternatives that are safer, cleaner, and more mentally stimulating for their little ones.
For the latest on product recalls and other news about children's products, visit www.cpsc.gov.

At this tender age, your baby can't verbalize and doesn't invent games just yet, but she definitely loves to see interesting sights and be entertained. Most children at this age enjoy being bathed, and are still in their baby bathtubs, enjoying lots of hands-on care and attention from mom.

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Soft, colorful items are best for babies this age. Try adorable accessories like the Tub Joy Bath Mitt from Alex. These cute, friendly-looking terrycloth bath mitts do double duty, cleaning your little splasher and keeping her smiling at the same time with lovable character designs.

Baby Einstein's Bath Puppet is a similar product, and it comes in a large variety of characters and colors. Any medium size brightly colored rubber or plastic toy can be fun for your baby to play with in the tub. They like grabbing and chewing on things, so always be sure the toys you choose are safe for these activities. Steer clear of anything with small parts or anything that could easily be broken into small pieces. Seek out phthalate-free and BPA-free plastics.

Age 1-3

Toddlers are exercising their independence, which might make bath time a challenge. This is the age when children may decide they're not happy about being bathed, and will let you know it loud and clear. A mom needs to be inventive and ready to provide fun diversions that will get kids in the tub, and keep them there until they're clean.
Bath Books have always been a favorite for moms and kids alike. The durable plastic books are fun to look at and can take whatever punishment a toddler can dish out. With so many titles and themes to choose from, bath books make the tub a great place to encourage your child's love of reading.

Toy Boats and other classic floating toys are another good choice for this age. Babies are able to sit on their own, and are beginning to take the lead in playing with mommy. You have both hands free (when you're not using them to wash your child) so you can easily share some fun, imaginative games.

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Kids entering their toddler stage love to play with toys that demonstrate cause and effect and help them understand how things work. The Flow 'N' Fill Spout Bath Toy from Yookidoo Toys satisfies your budding scientist's curiosity with a great set of features. This cool toy sticks to the side of the tub with a strong suction cup. The toy has a shower-maker, a tumbler arm with peek-a-boo action, and a propeller turner. The shower function draws water up from the tub, and your child can enjoy watching the different functions and making them work.

Age 3 to 5

Preschool-age children are quickly changing. Their fine motor skills and communication skills are improving by leaps and bounds, and they love to get their hands on toys that allow them to practice their new abilities.

The Rubba Dub Hoops in the Tub by Alex Toys attaches by a suction cup to the side of the tub or wall, so your kids can shoot some hoops right in the water.
If there's a little artist in the house, try Crayola Bathtub Crayons. Your children can enjoy doodling away on the tub and walls while they bathe, and their masterpieces will clean right off with warm water and a sponge whenever you're ready. Bath paints are another option for an art-loving child. These paints double as bubble bath or soap, are mild and non-toxic, and wash away easily. Kids love using these paints on the tub, and on themselves.

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The preschool years are also a time when some children begin to separate themselves by gender. Boys may gravitate to traditional male toys like sports-related games and cars, while girls may become more interested in dolls, clothes, and other "girl stuff." For young ladies who fall into this category, try the Mattel Little Mommy Bath-Time Doll. This doll comes with its own bath floatie and accessories that provide plenty of fun and distraction in the tub.

When kids get older, they may not need as much enticement to get into the tub, or as much distraction to stay in it, but that doesn't mean they don't like to have some good clean fun.
EduShape Tub Fun Bath Sets are sets of colorful foam blocks that children can stick to the tub or tile wall to create scenes, words, or math equations. They're a neat way for older children to practice their reading and math skills.

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Classic watercraft tub toys like battleships and submarines also work well for school-age children. Some of these are pretty high-tech, with remote controls and lots of fancy features, but they tend be pricey, need a lot of post-use maintenance, and are better suited for a pool instead of a bathtub. Toysmith's Diving Submarine is a good choice if you want a moving watercraft toy without the high cost or fuss. This toy runs on baking powder, which allows it to dive and resurface again and again.