Nuby Floating Octopus with 3 Hoopla Rings bath toy

Nuby Floating Octopus vs Munchkin Float & Play Bubbles

We compare two top-rated bath toys to see which one your baby will love most.

Updated August 2026Verified Aug 7, 2026 across 3 sources

The Nuby Floating Octopus wins for most babies over 12 months β€” its engaging ring-toss game develops hand-eye coordination better than the Munchkin Float & Play Bubbles' static visual stimulation. Choose the Munchkin Bubbles for a worry-free, mold-safe option for younger infants.

Mubboo Verdict

Best for most people

Nuby Floating Octopus with 3 Hoopla Rings

More interactive play with ring-toss game develops hand-eye coordination and keeps toddlers engaged, and the tiny price difference is negligible.

Pick the Munchkin Float & Play Bubbles instead if

  • Your baby is under 12 months and calms with visual stimulation β€” the seamless design eliminates mold risk.
  • You prioritize a completely worry-free bath toy with no small parts to lose or choke on.
  • You want the highest-rated option, as the Munchkin scores 4.8β˜… over the Nuby's 4.7β˜….
Price gap$8.97 vs $8.95 β€” a $0.02 difference
Data93,731+ verified reviews analyzed across both products
RatingsNuby 4.7β˜… (60,194 reviews) vs Munchkin 4.8β˜… (33,537 reviews)

Nuby Floating Octopus with 3 Hoopla Rings vs Munchkin Float & Play Bubbles, side by side

Mubboo Pick βœ“

Nuby Floating Octopus with 3 Hoopla Rings

Nuby Floating Octopus with 3 Hoopla Rings bath toy | Mubboo
WHERE TO BUYMubboo Pick βœ“
aAmazonMubboo Pick$8.97β†’
β˜… 4.7 (60,194)

Pros:

  • 60,194 verified Amazon reviews confirm it's a parent favorite
  • includes 3 colorful hoopla rings for interactive tossing play
  • floats upright and moves, encouraging active grabbing

Cons (honest weight):

  • small rings can get lost over time
  • needs thorough drying after each use to prevent mold inside
Best for: kids who love cause-and-effect games
Skip if: You're shopping for a baby under 12 months or want a completely mold-proof design
Better for calming play

Munchkin Float & Play Bubbles

Munchkin Float & Play Bubbles bath toy set | Mubboo
WHERE TO BUYMubboo Pick βœ“
aAmazonMubboo Pick$8.95β†’
β˜… 4.8 (33,537)

Pros:

  • seamless, hole-free design prevents mold growth inside
  • soothing for young babies with gentle colors and calm float
  • 4.8-star rating from 33,537 reviews indicates high satisfaction

Cons (honest weight):

  • offers less active engagement for toddlers
  • some parents find them too basic once baby reaches 18 months
Best for: babies who enjoy visual stimulation and gentle water play
Skip if: You want a toy that encourages cause-and-effect play or hand-eye coordination for an older baby

Where each one wins

8 dimensions scored head-to-head. Nuby Floating takes 3; Munchkin Float takes 4.

DimensionNuby Floating Octopus with 3 Hoopla RingsMunchkin Float & Play BubblesWinner
PriceThe two-cent gap is meaningless; both are under $10.$8.97$8.95Tie
RatingMunchkin edges out with higher user satisfaction.4.74.8 Munchkin Float
Review CountNuby's larger review base provides more confidence in long-term durability.60,19433,537 Nuby Floating
EngagementNuby offers an active, cause-and-effect game.High - ring tossModerate - visual only Nuby Floating
SafetyMunchkin eliminates choking hazards and mold risks.Small rings presentSeamless, no small parts Munchkin Float
Age RangeMunchkin suits younger babies from 6 months.12 months+6 months+ Munchkin Float
Ease of CleaningMunchkin's one-piece design wipes dry in seconds.Needs thorough dryingEasy to wipe Munchkin Float
VersatilityNuby can be used for toss, floating, or chewing.Multiple play optionsSingle function Nuby Floating
Overall3 wins4 wins Munchkin Float

Price β€” Tie

At these similar prices, the choice won't hinge on a tiny difference. Both are under $10, making them affordable stocking stuffers or small gifts from retailers like Amazon or Walmart.

For budget-conscious families, either pick is a safe bet. You're getting a lot of play value for less than the cost of a coffee.

If the price drops on Prime Day, grab either β€” there's no edge.

Rating β€” Munchkin Wins

The Munchkin Float & Play Bubbles hold a 4.8-star rating over the Nuby's 4.7 β€” a slim but consistent margin. Across 33,537 reviews, parents praise the seamless design and baby appeal.

Higher satisfaction often ties to the lack of mold complaints. Many 5-star reviews specifically mention how much their baby enjoys watching the bubbles float.

If you prioritize top ratings, the Munchkin is the safer bet for happiness. But the Nuby's still excellent, and its larger review pool (60,194) suggests widespread satisfaction.

Review Volume β€” Nuby Wins

With 60,194 verified reviews, the Nuby Octopus has nearly double the feedback of the Munchkin. This huge dataset gives a more reliable picture of long-term durability and common issues.

Parents report that the rings hold up after months of frequent bath time. The octopus’s floating mechanism also remains functional over many uses.

When choosing, more reviews mean more confidence in the product's real-world performance. The Nuby's extensive feedback makes it a known quantity.

Engagement β€” Nuby Wins

The Nuby's three tossing rings turn bath time into a game. Babies practice hand-eye coordination and cause-effect as they aim and watch the rings land.

The Munchkin bubbles offer visual stimulation but lack interactive features. After a few baths, some toddlers may lose interest in simply watching them float.

For active play, choose the Nuby. One video review noted the Munchkin focuses on sensory engagement, but the Nuby adds a physical challenge that grows with the child.

Safety β€” Munchkin Wins

The Munchkin's seamless, hole-free design removes mold risks. With no crevices for water to hide, you can wipe them dry instantly β€” a win for busy parents.

The Nuby's small rings raise a choking hazard for babies under 12 months. While the octopus itself is safe, losing a ring could be a concern.

If your top priority is a worry-free bath, go with the Munchkin. It's also drop-proof and has no detachable parts to misplace.

Age Range β€” Munchkin Wins

The Munchkin Bubbles suit babies as young as 6 months, while the Nuby is rated 12 months+. For parents starting bath toys early, the Munchkin covers a wider window.

The Nuby's ring toss requires more developed motor skills. Under one, a baby might just chew the rings rather than toss them.

If you're buying for a shower gift or a very young infant, the Munchkin is the answer. It grows with the child, still entertaining at age 2.

Ease of Cleaning β€” Munchkin Wins

The Munchkin's one-piece design can be dried in seconds with a towel. No need to squeeze water out of hidden holes β€” a major effort-saver.

The Nuby requires shaking out water from the octopus body and ring slots. Mold can develop if not fully drained after every bath.

If you value minimal cleanup, the Munchkin is the clear choice. Wiping it down once keeps it safe for the next use.

Versatility β€” Nuby Wins

The Nuby Octopus works for multiple play styles: ring toss, floating object, or simple chewing. You can invent different games as your child grows.

The Munchkin Bubbles serve a single purpose β€” floating entertainment. While lovely, they lack the variety that keeps toddlers engaged over time.

For a toy that adapts to your baby's development, the Nuby offers more. It's a bath toy and a dexterity trainer in one.

Which should you buy?

Active play with an older toddlerNuby Floating Octopus with 3 Hoopla Rings

Ring toss adds a game element that keeps 18-month-olds busy.

Baby under 6 monthsMunchkin Float & Play Bubbles

Safe, seamless, and calming without small parts.

Worried about moldMunchkin Float & Play Bubbles

Hole-free design completely eliminates hidden water.

Want the highest rated toyMunchkin Float & Play Bubbles

4.8β˜… over 4.7β˜… with consistent praise.

Need the most robust feedbackNuby Floating Octopus with 3 Hoopla Rings

Over 60,000 reviews give confidence in durability.

Teaching hand-eye coordinationNuby Floating Octopus with 3 Hoopla Rings

The ring toss explicitly practices aiming and grasping.

What if neither is right?

Munchkin Fishin’ Magnetic | Mubboo

Munchkin Fishin’ Magnetic

$7.99

A magnetic fishing set that adds another layer of interactive play.

Munchkin White Hot Safety Ducky | Mubboo

Munchkin White Hot Safety Ducky

$2.97

The classic rubber duck with a temperature safety alert.

Frequently Asked Questions

Nuby Floating Octopus vs Munchkin Float & Play Bubbles: Which is better?

For most babies over 12 months, the Nuby wins with its interactive ring toss. For younger infants or parents prioritizing mold safety, the Munchkin's seamless design is better. Both are equally priced under $9, so it comes down to your baby's age and play style.

Is the Nuby worth the extra $0.02?

The two-cent difference is negligible, so price doesn't factor in. The Nuby offers more play variety for older babies, while the Munchkin provides a safer, lower-maintenance option. Choose based on features, not pennies.

Can these bath toys get moldy?

Yes, the Nuby can trap water inside its body and rings, so you must dry it thoroughly after each use. The Munchkin's seamless design prevents this entirely; a quick towel wipe suffices to keep it mold-free.

Where can I buy the Nuby and Munchkin bath toys?

Both are available on Amazon.com. You can also find them at major retailers like Target and Walmart, often during seasonal sales like Black Friday or Prime Day. Check local availability online.

Which toy is safer for a baby under 6 months?

The Munchkin is safer because it has no small parts that could pose a choking hazard. The Nuby includes three small rings that are not suitable for very young babies. The Munchkin is rated from 6 months up.

Comparison based on over 93,700 Amazon verified buyer reviews across the Nuby and Munchkin, manufacturer specifications, and a 2026 video review by Review Click. Ratings and prices reflect current Amazon listings as of June 2026.

Who wrote this and where's the data from?

Mubboo Editorial Team. Recommendations are drawn from editorial consensus based on verified buyer feedback and independent research. Prices update weekly from Amazon.