As a parent, you want to provide your little one with toys that not only entertain but also support their development during the crucial first months of life. From stimulating their senses to encouraging motor skills, the right toys can play a vital role in your baby’s growth and exploration. Here are our top 10 picks for toys designed with infants aged 0 to 6 months in mind:
1. Soft Plush Animals
Soft plush animals are perfect for cuddling and sensory exploration. Choose toys with contrasting colors and textures to stimulate your baby’s vision and touch. My little one prefers the ones like Lamaze musical inchworm that have different elements attached to it, like if there are several different tags she can pull or if part of the toy is made of crinkly material.
2. Rattles
Rattles are classic toys that captivate infants with their gentle sounds and engaging movements. Look for rattles with easy-to-grasp handles and bright, colorful designs. Just be smarter than me and choose the one that is not too heavy or too bulky. I’ve seen stars the first time my baby hit me in the head with it. After learning my lesson, we choose the stuffed ones that were a much better option for us.
3. Teething Toys
Teething toys are a must. While not all kids are teething at the same time and you might not need these toys from 0 to 6 months, in my opinion, it is better to be prepared. Olivia didn’t get her first teeth until she was almost 10 months but she started having teething problems a lot earlier. Teething toys provide relief for your baby’s sore gums while also introducing them to different textures and shapes. Opt for BPA-free teething toys that are safe for chewing and easy to clean. For example, this banana teething toy is our favorite and Olivia is still using it at 15 months.
4. Mobiles
Mobiles are specially designed to capture newborns’ attention and promote visual development. Hang a mobile above your baby’s crib or play area to stimulate their growing eyesight. According to the research black and white mobiles are the best as up until around 6 months this contrast is far more stimulating for babies than colors.
5. Baby Gym Playmat
Tummy time is a must, and what better place to do it than a comfy baby gym playmat? A baby gym playmat offers a safe and comfortable space for your infant to explore and play. Look for mats with hanging toys, mirrors, and crinkly textures to encourage reaching, kicking, and tummy time. There are so many different types now that you will surely find one that is perfect for your little one. We had Fisher-Price Playmat Rainforest with Emily, gave it to my friend for her 2 kids and used it now for Olivia and it still looks like the first day, so it definitely gets a good recommendation from me.
6. High-Contrast Books
High-contrast books feature bold black-and-white patterns that are visually stimulating for newborns. Reading these books together and pointing out the different shapes and images is an excellent way to spend quality time with your baby and it can help keep them occupied during the tummy time.
7. Sensory Toys
Sensory toys are an excellent way to stimulate your child and expose them to different sensations. For example, sensory balls are lightweight and easy for infants to grasp, making them ideal for developing hand-eye coordination and motor skills. Choose toys with various textures and colors to engage your baby’s senses. I originaly recommended this sensory toy as it was our favorite, but it recently got recalled from Amazon so I would suggest doing your research before purchasing it. Olivia likes those like that because it has a few different activities the baby can do, and it won’t get old while the baby grows.
8. Crinkle Toys
Babies love crinkle toys because of that satisfying crinkling sound they make when they play with them. Because they provide auditory stimulation for your baby these soft, fabric toys are perfect for sensory exploration and quiet playtime.
9. Tummy Time water mat
The water mat is a great tool for any parent struggling with getting their baby to do tummy time as it makes this activity more engaging. The colorful, floating shapes inside the mat catch the baby’s attention and ensure they are happy on their tummy for a longer period. At the same time, it encourages them to reach and push, enhancing their motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
10. You
I know, I know, you should be on the first and not the last place. Remember you are your baby’s favourite toy in the world. Not only you can carry them, cuddle them, swing them, but you can also touch them and speak or sing to them. You are the most multifunctional toy they can have. Put them on your knees and sing to them, count their fingers, massage them, do tummy time with them. Whatever you do, your baby will be thrilled.
These top 10 toys for infants aged 0 to 6 months are sure to delight your little one while supporting their growth and development. From sensory exploration to fine motor skills, each toy offers valuable opportunities for learning and play. So go ahead, fill your baby’s world with fun and discovery! But, don’t feel bad if you can’t afford all of these toys or if you are choosing a more minimalistic approach to toys. You are doing great, and your baby is happy to have you. You can find different ways to stimulate their senses and introduce them to this big new world.