Summer Foldaway Baby Bath - Compactly Folds for Easy Storage and Travel Review (2026)

A budget tub built to travel light

Summer designs this tub for parents who want a simple bathing setup that folds down small rather than a tub meant to stay permanently set up in one bathroom. Open, it measures about 34 inches long by 20 inches wide by 7 inches high, and folded it drops to roughly 17 by 20 by 6 inches, small enough to fit in a suitcase or car trunk for a trip to relatives. Summer states the tub covers an age range of 0 to 24 months, giving it a longer usable window than some single-stage foldable tubs. As a Summer-branded product, it targets the value end of the baby bath category rather than competing on premium materials or multi-stage seating.

The removable positioner and inflatable base explained

The tub includes a removable inclined positioner meant to support a newborn who cannot yet sit up, which can be taken out once a baby grows into sitting independently, and an inflatable base that adds a soft cushion under baby with a skid-resistant vinyl surface. That combination gives younger babies more support than a flat-bottomed tub alone would, while still keeping the overall unit simple enough to fold away between uses. The dual-incline cushioned bottom is designed to work for both stages, newborn and older infant, without needing a separate insert purchased separately. This detail is worth noting since a basic-looking budget tub still includes real newborn support built in.

Packing it, using it and storing it between baths

Setting the tub up is a matter of unfolding it and, for a newborn, positioning the inclined support before running water; the inflatable base needs to be inflated ahead of use and should be checked periodically for slow leaks over time, as with any inflatable component. Folded down, the tub is compact enough to store behind a door or pack for travel, which is the main reason to choose it over a rigid single-piece tub. The vinyl and plastic surfaces wipe clean after each bath. Always follow Summer's instructions for supervision and correct positioner use, since no bath insert replaces watching a baby closely during bath time.

How it compares with pricier foldable tubs

Against the OXO Tot Splash and Store, which folds flatter and skips the inflatable base in favor of a fixed support post, the Summer Foldaway adds cushioning that may suit a smaller newborn better, though the inflatable component is one more thing to maintain. Compared with the Frida Baby 4-in-1, which offers a full multi-stage sling and seat system but does not fold, the Summer Foldaway is the more travel-friendly and budget-friendly of the two. Against the Stokke Flexi Bath, rated to about 4 years, the Summer Foldaway's 24 month range is shorter, so families wanting one tub through toddlerhood may prefer Stokke instead.

Verdict: a practical budget pick for travel

For parents who want an affordable tub that folds small enough for regular trips, the Summer Foldaway earns its our score of 7.5 out of 10 thanks to its removable newborn positioner and inflatable base. Families who want a tub built to last well past 24 months should look at a longer-rated option instead, and anyone wary of inflatable parts should check the base periodically for leaks. For newborn-to-toddler bathing on a budget, with travel as a real priority, this tub covers the basics well, and the included positioner means most families will not need to buy a separate newborn insert to get started.

Frequently asked questions