Choosing the right toys for your infant is important. Toys help babies explore the world around them, develop their senses, and learn new skills. With so many options on the market, it can be tough to know where to start. This guide will help you find the perfect infant toys of 2024 for your little one.
Considering Your Baby’s Age and Development
Babies develop at their own pace, so it’s important to choose toys that are age-appropriate. Here’s a quick guide to some popular infant toys and the skills they can help develop:
Newborns (0-3 months):
High-contrast colors, black and white patterns, and mobiles that move slowly can help newborns develop their vision. Soft, cuddly toys provide comfort and security.
Infants (3-6 months):
Reach-and-grasp toys, rattles, and teething toys help infants develop their hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. Tummy time toys encourage babies to lift their heads and strengthen their neck and back muscles.
Babies (6-9 months):
Sitting toys with sturdy bases can help babies practice sitting up. Busy boards with buttons, levers, and dials can help babies learn about cause and effect. Stacking cups and nesting toys help babies develop problem-solving skills.
Crawling Babies (9-12 months):
Push and pull toys encourage babies to crawl and explore their surroundings. Activity gyms with tunnels and climbing features provide a fun and challenging play space. Board books with colorful pictures and simple stories help introduce babies to language.
Safety First!
Safety is always the most important consideration when choosing toys for infants. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind:
- Choose age-appropriate toys. Toys that are too small can be a choking hazard.
- Look for sturdy construction. Avoid toys with small parts that can break off.
- Make sure all toys are clean and free of lead paint.
Here are some of our top picks for the best infant toys of 2024, categorized by age group:
Newborns (0-3 months):
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Manhattan Skwish Classic This brightly colored toy is perfect for stimulating a newborn’s vision. The soft, squishy material is also great for little hands to grasp and explore.
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Black and White High-Contrast Board Book These simple board books with bold colors and patterns can hold a newborn’s attention and help them develop their vision.
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Mobiles A crib mobile with slow-moving shapes or soft music can soothe and entertain a newborn.
Infants (3-6 months):
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Sassy Developmental Bumpy Ball This colorful ball has a variety of textures that can help stimulate a baby’s senses. The easy-to-grasp size and bumpy texture are perfect for little hands.
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Lamaze Clip-on Activity Spiral This spiral toy can be attached to a crib, stroller, or car seat. It features a variety of colorful toys and textures that will keep a baby entertained.
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Fisher-Price Rattle Me Shake Developmental Baby Rattle This classic rattle is perfect for helping babies develop their hand-eye coordination and grasping skills. The bright colors and fun sounds will keep them entertained.
Babies (6-9 months):
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Lovevery Play Gyms These play gyms are designed to grow with your baby. They come with a variety of age-appropriate toys and activities that can help babies develop their motor skills, senses, and cognitive skills.
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Skip Hop Explore & More Follow-Me Friends Interactive Electronic Puppy This adorable interactive puppy encourages babies to crawl and chase after it. It features a variety of sounds and lights that will keep them entertained.
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Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Smart Stages Chair This activity chair can be used as a seat, a walker, or a play station. It features a variety of lights, sounds, and activities that will help babies learn about letters, numbers, and colors.
Crawling Babies (9-12 months):
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VTech Sit-to-Stand Learning Walker This sturdy walker helps babies learn to walk while providing them with a variety of activities to keep them entertained. It features lights, sounds, and a snack tray.
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Little Tikes Activity Garden This playhouse features a variety of slides, climbers, and activities that will keep babies busy for hours. It’s a great way for them to develop their gross motor skills and explore their surroundings.
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Soft Cloth Books Soft cloth books are safe for babies to chew on and explore. They come in a variety of colors and textures and can help introduce babies to new concepts.
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Nesting Cups Nesting cups are a classic toy that helps babies learn about sizes and sorting. They can also be used for stacking, pouring, and bath time fun.
More Than Just Toys
While toys are a great way to support your baby’s development, remember that interaction and playtime are just as important. Here are some additional tips for helping your baby learn and grow:
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Talk and sing to your baby. Narrate your day-to-day activities, sing songs, and talk in silly voices. This constant stream of language helps your baby learn and bond with you.
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Get down on the floor and play with your baby. This face-to-face interaction is essential for social and emotional development.
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Provide opportunities for safe exploration. Let your baby explore your home safely. Colorful containers, pots and pans, and safe chew toys can all be fascinating to little ones.
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Read books to your baby. Start with simple board books with colorful pictures. Reading exposes your baby to new words and concepts and helps them develop a love of books.
By following these tips and choosing the right toys, you can help your baby reach their full potential.
Choosing the Right Toys
With so many infant toys on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right ones. Here are some things to consider:
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Your baby’s interests: Pay attention to what your baby seems drawn to. If they love to swat at things, hanging mobiles or activity gyms with dangling toys might be a good choice. If they love to put things in their mouth, teething toys or soft cloth books are a safe option.
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Open-ended toys: Open-ended toys encourage creativity and imagination. These toys can be used in a variety of ways, which helps to keep your baby engaged for longer. Blocks, stacking cups, and nesting dolls are all great examples of open-ended toys.
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Durability: Babies tend to be rough on toys. Choose toys that are well-made and can withstand being thrown, banged, and drooled on.
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Safety: Safety is always the most important consideration. Make sure the toys you choose are age-appropriate and free of choking hazards.
Remember the Fun!
Playtime should be fun for both you and your baby. Choose toys that you enjoy playing with your baby and that will create lasting memories. The most important thing is that your baby is happy and engaged.