Best Baby Toys for 0-6 Months
- We have selected the best developmental baby toys from trusted brands as recommendations
- You don't need toys right away - around age 2-3 months babies are more awake and interested in discovering their world (and toys)
While it may seem newborn life is only eat-sleep-poop, it’s never too early to introduce playtime that will have important long-term benefits for physical an cognitive development. You really don’t need toys for a newborn (although I loved reading to my baby early). Around 2-3 months old you will notice that baby is awake more and interested in discovering the world around them. This is a great time to introduce some of the toys we have selected below.
What are the best developmental baby toys for ages 0-6 Months?
In deciding on our recommendations, we have drawn from our experience running a children’s toys business for many years, have also met with many toy brands to learn more about the companies and products, and of course spoken to lots and lots (and lots) of moms. Our recommendations are from brands we trust and are products we (and our babies) truly love.
This isn’t a long list, because you really don’t need that many toys – but these toys will engage your baby, appeal to their senses through sight and sound, help with cognitive and physical development, fine motor skills and of course provide some fun and entertainment.
Types of Toys for Ages 0-6 Months Old
- Activity Mats
- Musical and Interactive Toys
- Rattles & Grasping Toys
- Teethers
- Swings and Bouncers
- Mirrors
- Board Books and Soft Books
- Stroller Toys
- Soft Toys
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Activity Mats
Baby play gyms – also known as activity mats – are an excellent way to entertain baby, while also promoting sensory activities, motor skills and encouraging tummy time! We think these are so important that we’ve put together a detailed post on our favorite mats.
Musical and Interactive Toys for Baby
Baby Einstein Take Along Tunes
This toy may look simple, but it is a baby favorite (which makes it a mom favorite!). It is easy for babies to grasp, plays classical songs (Mozart, Chopin, Vivaldi, etc.) when the button is pressed, and lights up. Best of all, the music is not annoying for parents (it has volume control) and is small and easy to throw in a bag to entertain baby on the go. Highly Recommend!
Age Guidelines: 3+ Months
Teethers and Rattles
Manhattan Toy Winkel
The Winkel’s soft loops are easy for babies to grasp, safe for teething and the toy is also a rattle. Both of my kids loved this toy. It’s also easy to throw in a diaper bag or entertain baby in a carseat. Age Guidelines: 0+ Months
Sassy Rattles and Gift Sets
Sassy makes great infant rattles. They are colorful with high contrast patterns, easy to grasp, have multiple textures and are great developmental baby toys. The ring rattle is my favorite, but I would recommend buying the gift set that includes a few other rattles and teethers as well.
Age Guidelines: 0+ months
Sophie the Giraffe Teether
Sophie the Giraffe is the classic teether that has been around for over 55 years. It is made from 100% natural rubber and vegan, food-grade dye and is still handmade in France. This is a pricey teether, but truly a baby favorite. Both my kids loved this teether – the legs are easy to grasp, and between the nose, ears and feet there are many areas for teething.
Age Guidelines: 0+ Months
Green Toys Twist Teether Toy
This eco-friendly toy and teether is made in the USA (California, to be exact) from 100% recycled milk containers. My kids loved shaking this, grabbing the the different charms (each has a unique texture) and used it as a teether. It is dishwasher safe and easy to take on the go.
Age Guidelines: 0+ Months
Baby Mirrors
Sassy Tummy Time Floor Mirror
These mirrors are great for baby – not only do babies love seeing their reflection, but they are great to encourage tummy time and try to make it more fun.
Age Guidelines: 0+ months
Best Baby Books
Look, Look Board Book
This playmat is our pick if you don’t want to spend a lot. The activity gym is colorful and has a variety of hanging toys as well as a mirror. A key difference between this and some of the more expensive options is that while all options have great hanging toys, this mat does not have the different textures and activities on the mat, although it does have music!
Product Measurements (inches): 30″ (width) x 30″ (length) x 18″ (height)
Best Playmat for Travel and Outdoors:
Fisher Price On-The-Go Baby Dome – $$
While not a traditional playmat, the Fisher-Price dome is a great choice if you are looking for something for travel or for outdoor use. The dome folds flat with convenient handles when on the go. The portable playmat come with 2 hanging toys and can also be used as a bassinet. Many parents find it ideal for outdoor use since it has a canopy for sun protection and insect-protective netting – great for at the beach or park!
Other Top Picks
Other popular mats include the Fisher-Price Deluxe Kick ‘n Play Piano Gym where babies can use their feet to “play the piano”.
