There are so many options to choose from when looking at developmental toys, products, and clothing can be overwhelming that first year of parenting.
If you are looking for the best toys for baby’s first year I have them in the list below.
Your baby will change a TON that first year.
I have broken the list up into two groups. The first part of the list contains toy recommendations for 0-6 months.
The second part of the list is first year toys for babies 6-12 months.
Want more information about a specific toy? Just click on the image!
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Best Baby Toys for 0-6 Months
Balls
This has to be one of my favorite baby toys of all time! It is perfect for little ones because it is easy to hold on to so it makes it easy to explore.
They can use one hand to grab it or hold it in mid-line for a closer look.
It is light weight so babies can shake it all by themselves.
Another great option for balls are ones like theseas they provide lots of different textures that your baby will enjoy.
Rattles
Babies learn through exploring with their mouths and rattles provide a safe option for doing just that.
This is one of the best toys for infants 0-3 months.
They fit perfectly into your little one’s hand which allows them to take a closer look.
When they give the rattle a shake they are learning about cause and effect.
Shape Sorter
A shape sorter is a very open-ended toy that encourages learning in many different ways.
The shapes are small enough for your baby to hold in their hands and perfect for banging on tables or high chairs which are great for encouraging cognitive development.
If you take off the lid your baby can play the very entertaining game of putting things in and dumping them out.
It may seem like a simple concept but it requires your baby a lot of coordination to do just that.
Put the lid back on and show them how to put the shapes in through the holes and you have just made a very challenging but fun game!
Mirror
Mirror play allows your baby to meet their best friend…themselves which makes this an essential baby toy!
Make sure you get an unbreakable one like this one.
This is a wonderful way to entertain your baby during tummy time and encouragesocial skills.
While your baby is laying on a blanket or play mat (this one would work well) Just place the mirror in front of them and tell them about the baby they are seeing.
Cars
Simple cars like the one pictured above are another one of my tummy time toys for babies 0-3 months!
Slowly rolling a car like this onefront of your baby will encourage them to track it with their eyes which is great for vision skills.
Place it just out of reach and let your baby try to reach for it or squiggle to get it.
Soft baby toys allow your baby to hold and explore while feeling safe and cuddly.
They are some of the best toys for babies 3-6 months.
The ones pictured above are great because they have teethers for feet so your baby can mouth and gnaw them for oral stimulation and it will help soothe sore gums.
If you are looking for a clip on options these ones would work well!
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.
