Bathing kids often feels more like a foam-fueled battlefield than a relaxing evening routine. But everything changed — temporarily — when the Robo Alive Junior Baby Shark (3 Pack) by ZURU entered our house. Or at least, that’s how it seemed at first.
When Hope Floated
As a tired parent of three energetic little whirlwinds, I was desperate for something that would make bath time less chaotic. I spotted this pack of three mini robotic sharks, and it felt like a golden ticket to peace and quiet.
And, truthfully, the first bath was magic. The sharks activated the moment they hit the water, swimming on their own with their soft silicone fins and bright colors. The kids were giggling and pointing — even fighting over who got which color. For a moment, I just stood there in awe. No yelling, no tears, just calm aquatic joy.
But the dream, like all too many in parenthood, didn’t last.
The Bubble Bursts
Day two: one shark stopped moving. Batteries were changed — it twitched, then went lifeless. Another one turned on by itself while dry on the bathroom shelf, buzzing like some cursed talisman. Cue a midnight panic from my toddler.
And it’s not just us. Plenty of other parents report similar issues: sharks that die after a couple of uses, water getting into the mechanics, or battery life so short you start questioning your sanity. Some even noticed that the sharks would start spinning their tails out of water — but not swim when submerged.
To be fair, even when they stopped swimming, my kids kept playing with them. They floated them around, gave them dramatic shark voices, even made up songs. That was some comfort. These toys are undeniably cute and engaging — when they work.
But the value for money? That’s up for debate. If your child expects the sharks to swim every time, be prepared for tears. And extra batteries. And maybe a screwdriver on standby.
Final Verdict from a Sleep-Deprived Parent
Despite the unpredictable functionality, Robo Alive’s Baby Sharks still earned a permanent place in our bath routine. My kids don’t care if they swim or not — they’ve become little plastic companions for splashy adventures.
That said, manage your expectations. Don’t expect long-term performance, and absolutely don’t count on them as a daily swimmer. For a few nights of peaceful bath time and giggles? Totally worth it. For a long-term investment? Maybe not.
But if you’re a parent desperate for five calm minutes and a half-warm cup of tea, they might just be the heroes you need — even if one of them floats face-down after a week.
