The right baby toy is “all about stimulating the senses: visual, auditory, and tactile,” says Laurie Leahey, senior editor at Toys, Tots, Pets & More (TTPM). “Sensory stimulation for babies is a key feature because that’s the way babies explore the world around them. Toys that are safe for babies to put in their mouths or that offer a lot of different textures, colors, patterns, and sounds will really help promote the development of a baby’s senses.” Always check the age recommendations issued by the manufacturer to ensure the toy is suitable for the newest family member. Toys with small pieces, magnets, and button batteries should be avoided since they pose a choking hazard or serious injuries if ingested. We carefully considered toy safety, age recommendations, design, ease of use, features, material, developmental milestones, and value when reviewing products. Here are the best infant toys for the newest addition to the family. Price at time of publication: $14 Price at time of publication: $8 Price at time of publication: $13 Price at time of publication: $40 Price at time of publication: $11 Price at time of publication: $8 Price at time of publication: $30 Price at time of publication: $20 Price at time of publication: $40 Price at time of publication: $13 Price at time of publication: $7 Price at time of publication: $140 Price at time of publication: $25 Price at time of publication: $19 Price at time of publication: $9 Price at time of publication: $22 Price at time of publication: $22 Price at time of publication: $37 Price at time of publication: $43 Price at time of publication: $17 Price at time of publication: $13 Price at time of publication: $84 Realistic-looking toys that look like adult objects are a solid choice as babies get older, as “they want to mimic what they see their parents doing,” says Leahey. Price at time of publication: $12 Price at time of publication: $20 Price at time of publication: $119 Price at time of publication: $26 Price at time of publication: $29 Price at time of publication: $45 We also spoke with Laurie Leahey, senior editor at Toys, Tots, Pets & More (TTPM) and Neela Sethi Young, MD, a pediatrician, lactation expert, and MAM Baby ambassador to find out what to look for in baby toys, like sensory stimulation and age recommendations. We chose infant toys that are entertaining and developmentally appropriate for the recommended age groups.
What to Look for in Infant Toys
Safety
It’s vital for parents and caregivers to buy safe toys for their children to avoid possible injuries. Opt for toys that are larger when shopping for infants, as toys with small pieces pose a choking hazard. Any baby toy should be larger than a baby’s mouth to prevent choking. Additionally, avoid toxic materials due to potential poisoning, as well as thin plastic, loose stuffing, button batteries, high-powered magnets, and toys with bean-like pellets, which all pose choking hazards. Always follow the manufacturer’s age recommendation to ensure your little one plays safely.
Developmental Milestones
The first year of a child’s life goes by quickly, and during that time they’re learning tons of new skills. Developmental milestones are sets of skills children do at certain age ranges. By 2 months old, babies will be learning to open their hands briefly, while 9-month-old infants begin to smile and laugh at games like peek-a-boo. But, keep in mind that every child is different, and toys are a great way to help children expand their skillset while having fun in the process. For example, help babies strengthen their ability to reach for toys during tummy time with the Fisher-Price Deluxe Kick & Play Piano Gym. Or, get babies moving and strengthening their gross motor skills with the Crate and Barrel Wonder and Wise Activity Push Walker.
Age Recommendations
Following the recommended age for a toy not only keeps your baby safe, but it also ensures that the toy isn’t too advanced. A 2-month-old baby will not be able to effectively play with a toy made for older infants, as they haven’t learned the vital skills needed to play with the toy yet. On the flip side, an 11-month-old infant likely doesn’t need a tummy time mat, so you’ll want to keep up with their developmental milestones to make sure you’re buying an age-appropriate toy.
Milestones
By four months of age, babies have developed vital skills that help them learn, vocalize, move, and play. Toys can help babies reach developmental milestones.
Physical activity
Promote motor development, self-regulation, and peer interaction with toys that encourage physical activity. Check out balls, push-and-pull toys, or ride-on toys when shopping for infants.
Why Trust Verywell Family
Maya Polton is a former marketing manager and current freelance writer who covers food, home, and parenting. She’s also the mom of a 10-year-old son, 7-year-old son, and 3-year old daughter. Her go-to infant toys are non-musical, easy to wash, and don’t take up a lot of space. Can you tell she has three kids? Katrina Cossey is a commerce writer for Verywell Family with nearly eight years of experience under her belt. Katrina’s background in journalism began at an Emmy Award-winning news station in Oklahoma before she obtained her B.A. in professional media. Her love for service journalism and helping others led to her commerce writing role, which allows her to research and recommend the best products for families, pregnant people, and kids of all ages. When she’s not writing and researching, you’ll likely find her outdoors with her husband and their thrill-seeking toddler son. The Baby Gund Animated Plush was a huge hit in her household when her son was an infant. The whole family loved how the elephant played peek-a-boo with its ears and sang a fun (and catchy) song.
More Toys and Gifts for Kids
When it comes to toys and gifts for kids, our team has you covered. The Verywell Family team of editors (who are parents or have nieces and nephews of their own) have tested, gifted, and personally recommend every item we feature. Find more of our top gift and toy picks for every age and stage here:
The Best Christmas Gifts for Kids The Best Newborn Baby Gifts The Best Unique Baby Gifts The Best Baby Gifts The Best Gifts for Baby Girls The Best Baby Boy Gifts The Best Gifts for 2-Month-Olds The Best Gifts for 3-Month Olds The Best Toys for 4-Month-Olds The Best Toys for 5-Month-Olds The Best Toys for 6-Month-Olds The Best Toys for 7-Month-Olds The Best Toys for 8-Month-Olds The Best Toys for 9-Month-Olds The Best Toys for 10-Month-Olds The Best Toys for 12-Month-Olds The Best Gifts for 1-Year-Olds The Best Toys for 15-Month-Olds The Best Toys for 18-Month-Olds The Best Educational Toys for 2-Year-Olds The Best Toys for 2-Year-Olds The Best Toys for 3-Year-Olds The Best Gifts for 3-Year-Old Girls The Best Toys for 3-Year-Old Boys The Best Gifts for 4-Year-Old Girls The Best Toys for 4-Year-Old Boys The Best Educational Toys for 4-Year-Olds The Best Toys for 5-Year-Olds The Best Gifts for 5-Year-Old Girls The Best Gifts for 5-Year-Old Boys The Best Toys for 6-Year-Old Boys The Best Gifts for 6-Year-Old Boys The Best Toys for 6-Year-Olds The Best Toys for 7-Year-Olds The Best Gifts for 7-Year-Old Girls The Best Toys for 7-Year-Old Boys The Best Toys for 8-Year-Olds The Best Gifts for 8-Year-Old Boys The Best Toys for 9-Year-Olds The Best Toys for 10-year-Olds The Best Gifts for 10-Year-Old Girls The Best Gifts for 10-Year-Old Boys The Best Gifts for 12-Year-Old Boys The Best Gifts for Teens The Best Gifts for 14-Year-Old Boys The Black-Owned Gift Guide
