Are you looking for the best baby toys for your infant’s fine motor development?
There are so many options that it can be a bit overwhelming when buying toys for your little one.
I think it is best to keep it simple!
After working in early intervention for 6 years and my experiences with my own two little ones these top rated baby toys are the ones I feel work great at encouraging fine motor development.
Do not feel like you need to buy EVERYTHING on this list.
Having just a few fun fine motor toys for infants is all you need…having too many toys will be overwhelming to both you and your baby.
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What Fine Motor Skill Development Looks Like for Young Babies
A child’s fine motor development refers to the control of the small muscles in the hands as well as hand-eye coordination.
It is different from gross motor skills as those are the larger muscle movements such as rolling, crawling, standing, and walking.
The development of fine motor skills starts when your baby is first born and changes rapidly throughout the first year.
You may notice your baby’s little hands learning to open and close.
They may try to reach or grasp simple toys.
As they get a little older they may even try to turn pages in books!
You can encourage your child’s development through everyday activities and play.
Baby playtime can be a mix of play together and supervised independent play.
Let’s take a look at some of the best fine-motor toys for babies!
Where is the best place to shop for toys for developing fine motor skills?
All of the motor skills toys for babies on this list can be found on Amazon.
If you click on the picture you will be taken right to the toy I have discussed.
You can also check out local toy stores in your area for fine motor skills toys.
Best Baby Toys for Fine Motor Skills
One of the best toys for newborns is a good rattle.
The first way to use them with your baby is as an interesting object to track with their eyes.
Move the rattle vertically and horizontally across your baby’s field of vision to see if they can track it.
They are small enough for your baby to grasp which is perfect for those tiny hands.
When they are shaken they provide a sound that is motivating for your baby.
Your baby will also enjoy mouthing it which sharpens hand-eye coordination.
Wrist rattles (like these) can also be a fun way to get those little arms going!
They are a great addition to your basket of newborn toys.
Baby Pop-Up Toy with Different Animals
When looking for baby toys for fine motor skills there are lots of options!
Pop-up toys require your baby to push down the doors using their hands.
This is a great activity for finger strength and manual dexterity.
They can also learn different movements to open the doors using the buttons.
You will want to model how this toy works for your baby.
You may do this by opening the doors for your baby and letting your baby close the doors which is easier.
As they play with it more they will learn how to open it as well.
This toy is great for building cognitive skills as well because it is very much like solving a puzzle for a baby and it works on cause and effect as well.
Puzzles for Babies Work on Many Important Skills
Speaking of puzzles..they are one of the top baby toys for fine motor development.
You will want to pick one based on your little one’s stage of development.
Big chunky piece puzzles (like these) are great for when your baby is just starting out.
As they get older you can get ones with more pieces and smaller knobs (like these) or no knobs.
Mix it up by trying out puzzles with different textures (like these) or sound puzzles as they make a great option for sensory play as well.
Balls for Babies
O-Balls are at the top of my list of best infant toys!
They are easy for baby to grasp and come in lots of different varieties.
Some of them rattle which is great for teaching cause and effect.
They also have a car version (check it out here) which my son loved!
There are lots of different balls for babies that they will love well into the toddler years.
RELATED POST: Best Baby Floor Mats for Crawling
Baby Gym
Batting and reaching objects will most likely become one of your baby’s favorite things to do and happens to be great for hand eye coordination.
Baby gyms (this is the one we had) are great for this type of play.
You will get a lot of use out of it as they work well for tummy time too.
Are you an expecting mom? Make sure to start your baby registry HERE!
Colorful Pop Beads
Pop beads allow your baby to work on fine motor skills in a few different ways.
At first, they are great for baby to grasp and hold in their hands.
Then they can work on banging them on their highchair or banging them together.
The next skill that usually comes next is when you put them together and your baby pulls them apart.
As they get stronger and their movements become more refined they will be able to put two beads together all on their own.
Baby Motor Skills Toys: Sensory Balls
Textured balls are a fun sensory toy for your baby to explore.
Babies take in information through touch so these are great for not only working on fine motor skills but also giving your baby a fun sensory experience.
As they get older you can work on your babies social skills (read more about social skill development here) by rolling the ball back and forth between you.
Soft Baby Books are Great for the Development of Motor Skills
Books are not only wonderful for cognitive and early literacy skills but they are also one of the best fine motor skills toys for infants.
When your baby is little start with soft squishy books (like these.)
Your baby will enjoy grabbing them and chewing them.
As they get a bit older go for board pics (this is a favorite at our house).
The pages on these books are easy for your baby to grasp and turn.
I love this Poke-A-Dot book (you can check it out here) for fine motor as well. They are great for practicing pointing!
Colorful Scarfs are Fun Fine Motor Baby Toys
A surprising toy that your baby will love is juggling scarves.
They have an interesting texture and come in lots of vibrant colors.
Gently place them in your baby’s hands and let them explore.
They are also excellent for playing peek-a-boo with.
Stacking Cup Set
Stacking cups have been one of the top infant toys for many years.
Show your baby how to place them inside one another for a puzzle-type activity.
After they have mastered that you can work on stacking them into a tower.
What I love about this toy is there is lots of room for growth!
They don’t need to be able to stack all 5 to be successful. Start with just two at first.
These are also great in the bath tub as your little one can practice dumping and pouring.
Play Piggy Bank
This pig coin bank tends to be a big hit with little ones and offers fine motor practice in a few different ways.
The coins are nice and big so that your baby is able to grasp them and get them into the slot.
There is also a door that they can open and close to take coins out.
Soft Building Blocks
Large soft blocks are another good option to add to your baby’s fine motor skills toys.
You can use them when your baby is small as an object to track.
Take the block and move it vertically and then horizontally to practice visual tracking.
They are great for grabbing and using for two-handed use as baby gets a little older.
Once they are sitting well you can model for them how to stack a couple of blocks and knock them over.
Your baby won’t get hurt or scared when they fall over since they are nice and soft! (This is the set we have).
In my opinion, building toys are always a good investment for young children.
They offer many different ways to work on fine motor control and are also a great for pretend play as your baby gets a little bit older.
Want some more ideas but tired of shopping?
Want some information about your baby’s fine motor skills?
You can read all about them here:
Hope You Find the Perfect Toys for Your Little One
Giving your baby a few age-appropriate toys can be a great way for them to work on important fine motor skills.
Do not feel like you need to buy every toy on this list!
In my personal experience, I find less is more when it comes to toys.
Having too many toys often makes little ones and parents feel overwhelmed so choosing just a few versatile toys is best.
Grab your FREE Milestone Guide HERE.
Fine motor development happens best through play.
When babies have toys that they are curious about they will naturally explore them.
When a baby grabs a rattle they are practicing hand control.
When they push a button to open a door they are refining small motor skills.
Any toy that requires your baby to interact with it will cause them to practice fine motor skills with out them even realizing it!
Fine motor skills are anytime your baby use their hands, fingers, wrists, and vision to explore or complete a task.
When your baby reaches for an object that interests them or holds their bottle during feeding times, those are both examples of fine motor skills.
Yes! Clapping and imitating fingerplays are both examples of fine motor skills.
You can start using a rattle in the newborn days as a toy to stimulate vision.
Bring it across your baby’s field of vision and see if they respond.
You can also shake it near your baby to see if they respond to the sound.
Your baby won’t actually start reaching or grabbing the rattle until they are around 3-5 months.
Related Posts You Will Enjoy
Complete Guide to 0-6 Month Development
5 Fun Bath Toys That Encourage Development
One Minute Milestones: How to Encourage Development in Daily Routines
Kayla O’Neill has a master’s degree in education as well as a bachelor’s degree in special education with an emphasis in early childhood education. She has been working as a developmental therapist with babies and toddlers in early intervention since 2012. She is also a mom with two young children.
Rachel
Saturday 5th of May 2018
We are past that stage but it is ncie to see that soe of our favorites made the list.
MommaMatters.blog
Friday 4th of May 2018
My daughter is 3, so this isn't of much use to me at the moment. But I did see that you recommended some of the toys that my daughter loved when she was this age, and developing those crucial first year motor skills. :) Great read!
Kayla ONeill
Friday 4th of May 2018
I am glad you enjoyed the post. Little ones are learning so much that first year. Simple toys can be a great way to build those fine motor skills and give them extra practice.
Amanda
Thursday 3rd of May 2018
my daughter is five months and she loves rattles! And all those pull vibrating toys. We also got her a small blowup water play mat.
Kayla ONeill
Friday 4th of May 2018
Sounds like you have some of the best baby toys for fine motor development at your house! I bet your little one is learning lots during play time!
jellyfishmountain
Thursday 3rd of May 2018
I used some of these for my son.These are so great for your child's motor and cognitive skills.
Kayla ONeill
Friday 4th of May 2018
I agree! These toys are really great at encouraging cognitive development, fine motor development, and even language skills! The simple toys really seem to work well at helping babies learn new concepts.
lemons2408
Thursday 3rd of May 2018
While I don't have a little one any more, these all look like great gift ideas for young ones!
Kayla ONeill
Friday 4th of May 2018
Yes I do think toys that encourage fine motor skills make great gifts for Christmas or for a baby shower! I know I would have loved to receive any of these items as they have been big hits in my house!