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The first year of a baby’s life is full of developmental milestones. As babies grow and change, they do their best learning through play. There are plenty of toys aimed at developing babies’ increasing skills and helping them build their muscles through movement. Adding a variety of developmental toys to a baby registry is a great way to get your baby off to a good start. When searching for developmental toys for babies, it’s important to review the age guidelines to make sure the toy you choose is safe and suitable for little ones. Appropriate baby toys should be non-toxic, with no small parts or pieces or other choking hazards. It’s also important to consider that babies learn by exploring toys with their mouths and experimenting by grabbing, shaking, and dropping objects. To find the best developmental toys for babies, we surveyed 875 parents to learn more about what toys their children play with, how they interact with them, and why they enjoy playing with them. We also reviewed guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) on toy-buying tips and how to buy safe toys, along with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on developmental milestones. When reviewing dozens of developmental toys for babies, we carefully considered age recommendations, design, sturdiness, types of play, and value. We also had a pediatric neurologist from our Review Board review the contents of this article for accuracy in terms of what to consider before buying and other ways to stimulate development. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Best for Newborns: Best Toy Ball: Best Teething Toy: Manhattan Toy Skwish Classic Rattle and Teether at Amazon ($22) Best for Grasping: Best Wooden Toy: Best for Tummy Time: Splashin'kids Inflatable Tummy Time Water Mat at Amazon ($16) Best On-the-Go: In This Article Our Picks How We Selected and Tested What to Look For FAQ Why Trust Verywell Family Pros Post is one size Various textures Cons Smaller than expected Parents we surveyed highly recommend stacking toys for babies, such as the Sassy Stacks of Circles Ring Stacker, because they keep littles engaged and work on expanding their skills. The Sassy Stacks of Circles includes eight rings of different sizes and textures to help strengthen hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills and provide a sensory experience. We love how the toy’s post is one size, so kids can stack the rings in any direction without becoming easily frustrated. Pros Plays music Has volume control Cons Requires batteries For a great developmental baby toy for less, there’s this musical toy from Baby Einstein. Both a rattle and a little music box, it’s a great way to stimulate baby’s senses, and it’s a good size for little fingers to grasp. It plays seven different melodies, which are taken from pieces by Chopin, Mozart, and other classical masters. It runs on two AA batteries, and there is a handy volume control, too. Pros Stimulates baby's vision Made of recycled card stock Cons Only 6 cards per pack Babies slowly develop color vision approximately one week after birth, and until they fully see color, they see in black, white, and shades of gray. The Wee Gallery Black and White Flash Cards stand out and can help stimulate a baby's vision. A great interactive toy, parents can show baby the images while identifying the animals and talking about them. The cards measure 5x7 inches and are made of sturdy recycled card stock that has been laminated. There are six cards in all, which feature a lion, snake, monkey, parrot, bear, and tiger. They’re perfect for throwing in the diaper bag for any time you want a little on-the-go entertainment, and they’re a great way to encouragetummy time, too. Pros Multiple textures Helps develop grasp Cons Reports of thin fabric This bumpy ball from Sassy is bright, colorful, and made of various textures to capture baby's attention and help them learn to grasp and eventually pass objects back and forth between their hands. It also rattles gently to further entertain and stimulate their senses. The 20 Best Toys for 6-Month-Olds' Development and Play Pros Teether and rattle combined Helps develop fine motor skills Cons Not easy to clean This developmental baby toy tops our list for its versatility and the simple fact that kids love it. The Manhattan Toy Skwish grows with your child; use it as a rattle and teether for infants as young as newborns and to help children develop fine and gross motor skills and recognize colors as they grow. Thetextured wooden beads and elastic strings are easy for babies to grasp and are perfect for introducing tactile, sensory play. Kids are mesmerized as the primary-colored beads move back and forth on the dowels and rattle. When the toy is squished, it always returns to its original shape. Plus, the wood's water-based finish is non-toxic and can be cleaned by wiping it with a damp cloth dipped in a bit of soapy water. Pros Bright colors Offers teething relief Cons Beads sometimes get stuck (difficult to hear rattle) It’s a teether, it’s a rattle, and it’s a developmental toy that parents say babies go crazy for. There are two easy-to-grasp teething balls—one on each end—with a rattle filled with colorful beads holding them together. Newborns will be fascinated as you move it in front of them. As they get older, they can shake, rattle, and roll it themselves. When those teeth start coming in, they can find some relief by gnawing on it as well. The Best Baby Teethers for Soothing Your Little One's Sore Gums Pros Adjustable height Easy to assemble Cons Lightweight (older babies may be able to pull it down) If you’re trying to keep things simple and don’t want a pile of loud and bright plastic toys, this minimalistic overhead play gym from Haba is a good choice. Babies can use it while lying on a blanket or from an infant seat, where they can watch the cute frog hop as he’s pushed along the bar. There are also beads at the bottom to encourage fine motor skill development, and more hanging elements can be added to the bar as you choose. It can easily be adjusted up and down to your desired height, too. Pros Convertible; grows with baby Music isn’t too loud Cons Smaller than it looks Our pick for the best playmat for baby development is the Fisher-Price Deluxe Kick Play Paino. It’s a dynamic play mat that comes with four ways to play, three smart stages, and sensory activities. It’s also very plush, so your baby is comfortable regardless of what position they’re in. This musical gym playmat is large and colorful. It has a repositionable toy bar with five activity toys that take babies from laying down on their back, to tummy time, to sitting up and interacting. It’s also easy to compartmentalize, so you can travel with it as well. The five repositionable toys are good for babies to teeth, suck, click, and rattle. The removable keyboard has five light-up keys as well to further stimulate the baby’s mind. What we love about this toy is the "Smart Stages" technology. There are three stages geared toward your baby’s development. Level one is geared toward the baby’s senses by playing 20 minutes of different lights, sounds, and music for them to enjoy. Level two is focused on learning about animals and the accompanying noises that they make. The final level explores silly songs and numbers, colors, and shapes for the baby. It’s machine washable and comes in an easy-to-open and recyclable box. Pros Some sea animals move in water Large size Cons Best to replace water after every use This tummy time water mat is comfy, easy to use, and full of fun friends for babies to look at and try to catch. One of our writers used this exact tummy time mat with her son when he was a baby and loves how easy it is to use. Fill the middle of the mat with water and inflate the mat’s edge with air to create a soft landing for tummy time. Bright, colorful sea animals, including some that move, will catch a baby’s eye and keep them entertained. Pros Soft with various textures Provides sensory stimulation Cons Not machine-washable It’s a bit crazy looking, but babies and parents alike love the Whoozit. While it comes in various forms, we love this 6-inch version that can be attached to a stroller or car seat. It provides sensory stimulation in abundance, and its bright colors and graphic patterns fascinate babies. Various shapes in different textures make grasping fun for babies, and there’s rattling, squeaking, and crinkling when it's touched.A hidden mirror is even located under the red nose, so babies can see themselves in the reflection. Pros Large panels Sewn-on handles; good for traveling Cons Bulky; hard to stand on its own Sometimes sensory toys can be a great way for babies to integrate and promote new sensory experiences and regulate their emotions. The Sassy Reversible Soft Sensory Activity Panels is our pick for the best sensory development toy due to the multiple tactile elements, colors, and portability.It's a four-piece sensory toy that is filled with different fabrics and textures that are great for car rides and tummy time. The panels can be used singularly, or you can velcro them together to create a book or panel format. Each panel side has a different sensory experience and activity, while the opposite side has black-and-white imagery that helps develop your baby’s vision. There’s also a sewn-on handle, so you can bring this toy wherever you go or attach it to a car handle or backpack when you’re on the go. It’s primarily made out of satin and is easy to wash. Just wipe clean with a soft, damp cloth and then air dry. Pros Comes with a parent guide Designed for fine and gross motor skills Cons Ships every two months Your baby is trying to figure out the world around them through their senses. When your baby is teething, feeling, and tasting everything around them, having toys built for their exploratory nature is important. Our pick for the best toy kit is the sensory play kit by Lovevery. This developmental toy kit for babies comes with seven activities, including a spinning rainbow, magic tissue box, magic tissues (for the box), organic cotton rainbow ball, “Parts of Me” book, play socks, tummy time wobbler, and a play guide for your five to six-month-old baby. All of these toys play with different senses and are designed for this specific stage in your baby’s development which helps them gain confidence and strength. This developmental play kit only ships every two months, so make sure you order ahead of time to take advantage of this stage for your baby. To select the best developmental toys for babies, we surveyed 875 parents, asking them what toys their kids love and how they play with them. We also asked parents to detail their favorite brands and why they continue to buy from them, whether it be price, the durability of the brand's material, or another feature. Next, we reviewed guidance from the AAP on tips for buying toys and toy safety, along with guidance from the CDC on developmental milestones for babies from birth to one year. After reviewing guidance from the AAP, CDC, and parents, we researched dozens of developmental toys for babies, studying their design and features. We looked for toys that encourage social and emotional skills, physical development, and cognitive development, as well as toys that encourage sensory play and build fine and gross motor skills. When buying developmental toys for babies, keep safety first in your mind by thinking large. If the toy can fit entirely into your little one’s mouth, it’s best to skip it as it then becomes a choking hazard. Be sure the toy is sturdy (no smaller parts can break off) and made of nontoxic materials that could lead to poisoning. Milestones give parents and caregivers an idea of where their child should be developmentally. While all babies develop at their own pace, many toys can encourage babies to work on important skills. Providing toys that promote different types of play keeps babies engaged and helps them work on a variety of skills. While many toys offer multiple play features, these are especially good for specific types of play. What types of toys are best for baby development? You might think the best toys for baby development are the ones that your baby can play with independently. But the best toys actually engage caregivers along with babies. Play-based interactions that are rich in language, pretending, problem-solving, reciprocity, cooperation, and creativity are the best way to help young children develop. Toys that are easy to grasp and shake; play music; feature black-and-white shapes or colors; provide sensory stimulation with various textures, squeaks, and sounds; or encourage your baby to practice their fine motor skills can be fun to use with your baby. What toys will help children develop? As long as a toy is safe and age-appropriate, it will likely help a child grow and learn, especially if you participate in playtime with them. There’s no one toy that will ensure your child reaches their next developmental milestone. Instead, provide a small selection of toys that stimulate their senses and prompt curiosity, movement, and imagination. What can I do to stimulate my baby's development? Engaging with your baby while using facial expressions, gestures, and vocalizations can help with social development with no need for expensive electronic toys (which can actually detract from social engagement). Whether you’re playing peekaboo or patty cake, reading a book or stacking a few blocks, playing with your baby is the best way to stimulate their development. How much does a good developmental toy cost? Developmental toys are a great way to help stimulate a baby's mind as they reach new development milestones, and they range in price based on different factors such as the type of play that the toy stimulates (gross motor activity, fine motor activity, and/or sensory play), material, and the developmental stage that your baby is currently in. You can find great options for developmental toys from $5 to $100. Katrina Cossey is a commerce writer, enthusiastic shopper, and devoted mom. She spent several years in broadcast journalism but found her true passion in writing about the best products for families, pregnant people, and kids of all ages. She’s researched thousands of baby products, toys, gifts, and more and personally tested many of them. In her spare time, you’ll likely find her in the beautiful outdoors of Oklahoma with her husband and 4-year-old son.The Splashin' Kids Tummy Time Water Mat was a big hit in Katrina's house when her son was a baby thanks to the swimming sea creatures and bright colors. When it comes to toys for kids, our team has you covered. The Verywell Family team of editors (who are parents or have nieces and nephews of their own) have tested, gifted, and personally recommend every item we feature. Find more of our top toy picks for every developmental stage and personality phase here::max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/verywellsbest-developmental-toys-for-babies-update-tout-4706406a6e024fa6b40a833ac9c03225.jpg "The 12 Best Developmental Toys for Babies, According to Parents (1)")
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Baby Einstein Take Along Tunes Toy
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Manhattan Toy Skwish Classic Rattle and Teether
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Fisher-Price Deluxe Kick & Play Piano Gym
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Manhattan Toy Baby Whoozit Activity Toy
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How We Selected and Tested Developmental Toys for Babies
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Safety
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Why Trust Verywell Family
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