When it comes to newborns, everything from their clothes to toys needs to be carefully considered. Developmental toys are a popular choice for parents who want to help their babies learn and grow. These toys are designed to stimulate a baby’s senses, encourage exploration, and promote cognitive and physical development.
One of the most critical things to consider when choosing a developmental toy for a newborn is safety. Newborns are delicate and vulnerable, so it’s essential to choose toys that are made from non-toxic materials and don’t have any small parts that could be a choking hazard. Another important factor to consider is the toy’s size and weight. Newborns have limited motor skills, so it’s best to choose toys that are easy for them to hold and manipulate.
In this article, we’ll take a look at the best developmental toys for newborns. We’ve researched and tested a range of toys to find the ones that are safe, engaging, and effective at promoting development. Whether you’re a new parent or looking for a gift for a friend or family member, you’ll find plenty of great options here.
Best Developmental Toys for Newborns
If you’re looking for the best developmental toys for your newborn, you’ve come to the right place. As a parent, you want to provide your little one with toys that not only entertain them but also help them learn and grow. In this article, we’ve rounded up the top developmental toys for newborns that will stimulate their senses, encourage exploration, and aid in their development. From soft toys to activity gyms, we’ve got you covered. Check out our list below to find the perfect toy for your little one.
QQchickchicky Developmental Bumpy Ball Toy
If you are looking for a safe and practical developmental infant toy for your little one, QQchickchicky’s bumpy ball is a great choice. This toy is suitable for newborns up to 3 years old and can help develop motor skills and brain nerves.
Pros
- Soft and colorful ball that is easy for small fingers to grasp
- Encourages reaching, grasping, and transferring from one hand to the other
- Develops senses and fully exercises the sense of touch and color vision
Cons
- Some parents may find the noise level of the ball too high
- The ball is smaller than other similar toys on the market
- The fabric may not be as durable as some other materials
This toy is perfect for parents who want a safe and reliable developmental toy for their newborn. The bumpy ball is designed to quickly develop your baby’s brain with its bright colors and sounds. It also helps your baby touch the world and fully exercise their senses.
The QQchickchicky bumpy ball is suitable for all babies under 3 years old, making it a great investment for parents who want a toy that will grow with their child. The chunky size of the ball encourages reaching, grasping, and transferring from one hand to the other, helping your baby develop their motor skills.
While some parents may find the noise level of the ball too high, others appreciate the soft and colorful design that is easy for small fingers to grasp. However, the ball is smaller than other similar toys on the market, and the fabric may not be as durable as some other materials.
Overall, if you are looking for a reliable and practical developmental toy for your newborn, the QQchickchicky bumpy ball is a great choice. With its bright colors, fun sounds, and safe design, it is sure to provide hours of entertainment and developmental benefits for your little one.
TOHIBEE Baby Montessori Sensory Toys
If you are looking for a developmental toy for your newborn, the TOHIBEE Baby Montessori Sensory Toys might be a great choice for you.
Pros
- Multi-sensory toy with 12 bright colors and textured silicone balls to stimulate baby’s senses
- Food-grade teether made of soft silicone, BPA-free and phthalate-free, to help relieve gum pain and ensure safety
- Developmental Montessori toy with impact size designed for little hands to encourage grasping and reaching to develop gross motor skills
Cons
- Some parents might find the moving pieces a potential choking hazard
- Some babies might lose interest quickly
- Not suitable for babies who are allergic to silicone
This baby sensory toy is an essential travel toy that is perfect for tiny hands and easy to store in diaper bags. It can keep your baby busy for a long time during car or plane trips. This toy is also a great gift choice for baby showers, birthdays, or Christmas stocking stuffers.
The TOHIBEE Baby Montessori Sensory Toys has received a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 209 customer reviews on Amazon. While some parents might find the moving pieces a potential choking hazard, most parents are satisfied with this toy’s quality and effectiveness in developing their baby’s gross motor skills.
BABY K Baby Rattle Socks & Wrist Toys (Set E) – Newborn Toys for Baby Boy or Girl – Brain Development Infant Toys – Hand and Foot Rattles Suitable for 0-6, 6-12 Months Babies – Newborn Christmas Gifts Butterfly Bugs Set E
If you’re looking for a fun and stimulating toy for your newborn, the BABY K Baby Rattle Socks & Wrist Toys (Set E) could be a great choice.
Pros
- Stimulates baby’s senses with black and white monochrome design and crinkling bug friends attached to each wearable rattle.
- Encourages gross motor skills development with cute ladybug and butterfly that entice your baby to grab and kick, stimulating hand, eye and foot coordination.
- Easy to put on and remove with ergonomically-designed monochrome wrist rattles that can wrap around your little one’s wrist safely and securely.
Cons
- May be too big for some babies’ wrists, as they are designed for 0-6 and 6-12 months babies.
- Rattles are a little quiet, and it takes quite a bit of force to make them jingle.
- Wrist rattles may fit a little tight on some babies.
The BABY K Baby Rattle Socks & Wrist Toys (Set E) is a great choice for parents who want to enhance the sensory development of their babies. The set includes four whimsical characters – spider, butterfly, ladybug and bee friends – that will keep your first stage infant happy and occupied when you’re on the road! These toys are suitable as a baby shower gift or newborn congratulatory gift, and new families are sure to appreciate these soft infant toys for their bundle of joy.
The black and white monochrome design with crinkling bug friends attached to each wearable rattle helps stimulate your little one’s visual development, while the cute ladybug and butterfly entice your baby to grab and kick, stimulating hand, eye and foot coordination. The ergonomically-designed monochrome wrist rattles can wrap around your little one’s wrist safely and securely, making them easy to put on and remove.
However, some babies may find the wrist rattles a little too tight, and the rattles are a little quiet, requiring quite a bit of force to make them jingle. Additionally, the wrist rattles may be too big for some babies’ wrists, as they are designed for 0-6 and 6-12 months babies.
Overall, the BABY K Baby Rattle Socks & Wrist Toys (Set E) is a fun and stimulating toy for newborns that can help with their sensory and motor skills development.
Hide N Side Baby Toy Gift Set
If you’re looking for a gift for a newborn, this Hide N Side Baby Toy Gift Set is worth considering.
Pros
- The set includes a crinkle baby book, ball teether, and educational soft toys, making it a great all-in-one gift.
- The toys are designed to aid in sensory development and are suitable for infants between 6 and 12 months old.
- The set is lightweight and easy for infants to hold and play with.
Cons
- The illustrations in the book may not be to everyone’s taste.
- The ball teether may not be as durable as some other teething toys.
- Some may find the price to be a bit high for what’s included in the set.
This baby toy gift set is a great option if you’re looking for a gift that will aid in sensory development. The crinkle baby book, ball teether, and educational soft toys provide a variety of textures and sounds for infants to explore. The set is also lightweight and easy for infants to hold and play with.
The book is made of soft material and features wipe-clean pages with colorful illustrations that make crinkle sounds when touched. The ball teether is easy for infants to grip and pass from hand to hand, and the educational soft toys provide additional sensory stimulation.
While some may find the illustrations in the book to be a bit unusual, the set as a whole is a great gift option for newborns. The ball teether may not be as durable as some other teething toys, but it’s still a good option for infants who are starting to teethe. The price may be a bit high for what’s included in the set, but the quality and variety of toys make it a worthwhile purchase.
Aboosam Tummy Time Mirror Toys
If you’re looking for a fun and safe toy to help your newborn’s early brain development, Aboosam Tummy Time Mirror Toys might be the perfect pick for you.
Pros
- The high-contrast black and white patterns on the pages of this sensory toy can improve your baby’s cognitive abilities.
- This tummy time floor mirror set contains all the essential elements needed in the early brain development of newborns.
- The safe and skin-friendly fabrics used in this toy make it perfect for babies from 0 months up.
Cons
- Some customers find the photo selections on the toy peculiar.
- The mirror might not be useful until your baby is propping themselves up higher on their arms.
- The toy might not keep your baby engaged for endless hours of fun.
Aboosam Tummy Time Mirror Toys is a great tool for early learning education and enlightenment. The toy set contains a safe baby mirror for imitation, a cloth book with textured animal tails, a baby teether, and a baby squeaker for attention. The 6-month-old baby toys help strengthen your baby’s leg and arm muscles to prepare them for crawling.
The high-contrast color pages, cartoon patterns, and interesting 3D animal tails with different textures provide plenty of touch-and-feel fun, perfect for sensory explorations. The squeaky and crinkled paper inside the page stimulates your toddler’s curiosity, improves your baby’s audio recognition, and motor skills.
This infant toy uses 100% safe skin-friendly fabrics and high-quality cotton, featuring washable, no sharp edges, and non-toxic materials. The play mat is easy to fold and put into the bag, and you can use Montessori toys anywhere like a car seat, bed, crib, etc.
In conclusion, Aboosam Tummy Time Mirror Toys is an excellent choice for parents who want to provide their newborns with a fun and safe toy that helps with their early brain development.
Thremhoo Developmental Toys Set
If you’re looking for an affordable and versatile developmental toy set for your newborn, the Thremhoo Developmental Toys Set is a great option.
Pros
- Includes a soft book, mirror, teething toy, and mat with crinkle paper for a variety of sensory experiences
- High contrast black and white book is ideal for newborns and promotes visual development
- Helps with tummy time and encourages motor skill development
Cons
- Some customers have reported that the toys are smaller than expected
- The quality of materials could be better
- Not suitable for older babies or toddlers
This set is a great value for the price and provides a range of sensory experiences to promote your baby’s development. The high contrast book is especially helpful for newborns whose vision is not yet fully developed. The teething toy and crinkle paper mat also provide tactile stimulation, while the mirror encourages self-discovery during tummy time.
While some customers have noted that the toys are smaller than expected, they are still suitable for young babies. The quality of materials could be better, but for the price, this set is a good option. Keep in mind that these toys are designed for babies 0-6 months old, so they may not be suitable for older babies or toddlers.
Overall, if you’re looking for an affordable and versatile developmental toy set for your newborn, the Thremhoo Developmental Toys Set is worth considering.
AWOTOY Musical Caterpillar Toy
If you’re looking for a toy that will help your newborn develop their fine motor skills and auditory senses, the AWOTOY Musical Caterpillar Toy is a great option.
Pros
- The built-in music IC box plays a lovely lullaby for about 22 seconds, making it perfect for soothing your little one.
- The caterpillar’s body is designed with three different sensory features – crinkle, rattle, and bell – to help stimulate your baby’s senses and encourage exploration.
- Made with high-quality plush fabric and filled with elastic PP cotton, this toy is safe and soft for your baby to play with. It’s also a teether toy, which can help alleviate teething discomfort and prevent the habit of hand-eating.
Cons
- Some reviewers wished the toy made more noise or had lights.
- A few customers received defective toys that didn’t play music properly.
- The toy is smaller than some people expected, so be sure to check the size before purchasing.
Overall, the AWOTOY Musical Caterpillar Toy is a great option for parents who want to encourage their newborn’s development. The toy is safe, soft, and designed to stimulate your baby’s senses.
Musical Turtle Baby Toy
If you’re looking for an educational and interactive toy for your little one, the Musical Turtle Baby Toy is worth considering.
Pros
- With various fun play modes, your baby will have a blast exploring and learning.
- This toy encourages babies to crawl or sit up, helping to develop their motor skills and coordination.
- Made of shatterproof ABS material with rounded edges, this toy is safe and friendly for infants.
Cons
- Some parents may find the volume too loud even on the lowest setting.
- The toy may not move as smoothly on carpeted floors.
- The phone string could pose a safety hazard if not cut.
The Musical Turtle Baby Toy is perfect for infants who are 6-12 months old. It offers a range of play modes, including chasing the crawling turtle, playing the hand drum, and learning ABCs and 123s. The toy also plays eight lullabies, 13 animal sounds, and 10 pop baby songs, keeping your little one entertained for hours.
This toy encourages babies to crawl or sit up, helping to develop their motor skills and coordination. It’s also made of shatterproof ABS material with rounded edges, making it safe for infants. The lights are soft, protecting your baby’s eyesight, and the sounds are pleasant, not annoying. The toy comes with two volume settings, which is a plus for parents who prefer a quieter playtime.
However, some parents may find the volume too loud even on the lowest setting. The toy may not move as smoothly on carpeted floors, which could be frustrating for babies trying to crawl after it. Additionally, the phone string could pose a safety hazard if not cut.
Overall, the Musical Turtle Baby Toy is a cute and educational toy that your baby will love. It’s perfect for Easter or Christmas gifts and is suitable for both baby boys and girls.
Bright Starts Oball Shaker Rattle Toy, Ages Newborn Plus
If you’re looking for a developmental toy for your newborn, the Bright Starts Oball Shaker Rattle Toy is a great option. With its colorful rattle beads and flexible Oball material, this toy is perfect for your baby’s developing motor skills.
Pros
- The two mini Oballs are easy for your baby to hold and grip.
- The colorful rattle beads create fun sounds to entertain and delight your baby.
- The textured rattle is clear so your baby can see the colorful beads.
Cons
- Some customers have reported that the sound the toy makes is not loud enough.
- The toy may be too lightweight for some babies.
- The toy may not be as durable as other options.
This lightweight toy ball makes a great gift for baby showers and fits in most diaper bags for on-the-go play. The Oball Shaker Toy is easy for baby to pick up and too much fun to put down!
The clear, textured handle reveals brightly colored beads that your baby will love to hear rattling all around. Every squeeze and grip helps develop your baby’s motor skills and builds their confidence as they grasp and hold their first ball.
Overall, the Bright Starts Oball Shaker Rattle Toy is a great choice for parents looking for a fun and engaging developmental toy for their newborn.
Thremhoo Tummy Time Baby Mirror Infant Toys
If you’re looking for a toy to help your newborn’s brain development, the Thremhoo Tummy Time Baby Mirror Infant Toys is a great option.
Pros
- The high contrast patterns are perfect for your baby’s developing eyesight.
- The sensory toy book is an excellent way to support cognitive development.
- The foldable and hangable design makes it easy to use on the go.
Cons
- The mirror quality is not great.
- The book might not be as engaging for older babies.
- The teethers attached to the toy are not very durable.
This infant toy is designed to help your baby explore the world during tummy time. The high contrast patterns on the mirror and soft book are easier for your baby’s developing eyesight to see, and the toy helps prevent flat head and strengthens your baby’s leg and arm muscles to prepare for crawling. The sensory toy book is a great way to support your baby’s cognitive development, and the cute patterns, rattle, squeaky and crinkle paper inside the page stimulate your baby’s curiosity.
Aside from strengthening your baby’s leg and arm muscles, this sensory toy with teethers can also delight brain development and enhance hand-eye coordination. Suitable for use in tummy time or in a sitting position, the toy encourages parent-child play interaction and joint activity. The high quality baby mirror calendar is lightweight and foldable, and you can tie it to the car headrest with a rear-facing car seat, or for crib, stroller, or even going out.
Overall, the Thremhoo Tummy Time Baby Mirror Infant Toys is a great choice for parents who want to help their newborns develop their brains and muscles.
ZICOTO Soft Tummy Time Book with Large Stimulating Baby Safe Mirror – High Contrast Montessori Sensory Developmental Toy for Newborn/Infant 0-3 & 3-6 Months
If you’re looking for a meaningful and fun toy that will enhance your baby’s daily tummy time sessions, then the ZICOTO Soft Tummy Time Book is a great option. This soft baby book is designed to support newborns during the first 6 months of their development in experiencing texture, vision, sound, and teething activities.
Pros
- The book is double-sided, offering age-appropriate entertainment according to your baby’s developmental stage.
- The high contrast colors stimulate and aid visual development, while the safe mirror helps your baby to look at themselves and track movements.
- The various textures, 3D activities, and a BPA-free soft teether promote the development of a better sense of touch and other fine motor skills.
Cons
- Some customers have noted that the book is smaller than they expected.
- The crinkle pages may not be as loud as some babies prefer.
- The book may not hold up as well after repeated use.
The ZICOTO Soft Tummy Time Book is a great way to engage and entertain your baby during tummy time, nappy changing, or any time you want to provide meaningful stimulation. The book is designed to promote motor skills effectively and is made of premium materials with a baby-safe design. Plus, it makes for a cute and useful baby shower or newborn gift.
URMYWO Black and White Baby Toys
If you want to stimulate your newborn’s visual development, the URMYWO Black and White Baby Toys are a great option.
Pros
- Helps with visual development
- Captures your child’s attention
- Safe and easy to attach
Cons
- Not very thick
- Does not stand up easily
- Verlcro straps may not fit all surfaces
Designed to aid visual development in newborns, this soft book contains 11 different high-contrast black and white patterns and one baby-safe mirror. The book also has a little red flag that flips, making it more fun for babies. The crinkle paper hiding in the pages encourages exploration and provides endless hours of fun. The bright colors and contrast background attract the baby’s attention and help develop their ability to focus. The book is made from soft polyester, is non-toxic, and has strong stitching. It is also hand-washable and safe for babies. Verlcro straps make it easy to attach to a crib, stroller, baby fence, or wall.
The URMYWO Black and White Baby Toys are ideal for tummy time and can improve fine motor skills, prevent flat head, and help strengthen leg and arm muscles. These soft activity books are great gifts for newborns and toddlers, and are perfect for baby showers, birthdays, and Christmas.
In summary, if you want to aid your newborn’s visual development and capture their attention, the URMYWO Black and White Baby Toys are a safe and easy-to-use option.
Aboosam Tummy Time Baby Mirror Toys
If you’re looking for a developmental toy that can help with your baby’s early brain development, the Aboosam Tummy Time Baby Mirror Toys might be a good choice for you.
Pros
- Provides all the stimulating elements needed in the early brain development of newborns
- Can help baby to exercise their arms and legs muscles to prepare to crawl
- Designed with high contrast, bright colored images, and interesting 3D animal tails with different textured, which provides plenty of touch-and-feel fun
Cons
- The mirror is a bit hard to use when it’s in the triangle fold, as it leans back and not straight
- The straps can be annoying when it’s not being hung up
- The crinkle book is not very durable and can be easily ripped by a teething baby
The Aboosam Tummy Time Baby Mirror Toys is designed to provide all the stimulating elements needed in the early brain development of newborns, including a safe baby mirror for imitation, a crinkle cloth book for reading, and teethers for babies. It is also selected by parenting experts and can help baby to exercise their arms and legs muscles to prepare to crawl. The larger tummy time mirror makes your little angel’s tummy time become more interesting, and the fun crinkle books with textures tails are perfect for sensory explorations.
The toy is made of fabric material that is non-toxic and absolutely safe for babies, and it is easy to fold and put into the bag. It can be played in cribs, strollers, car seat or on the tummy time mat, making it a perfect newborn baby toy and gift.
However, the mirror is a bit hard to use when it’s in the triangle fold, as it leans back and not straight. The straps can also be annoying when it’s not being hung up, and the crinkle book is not very durable and can be easily ripped by a teething baby.
Overall, if you’re looking for a developmental toy that can help with your baby’s early brain development, the Aboosam Tummy Time Baby Mirror Toys is definitely worth considering.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best developmental toys for your newborn, there are a few things to keep in mind. Here are some features you should look for:
Age Appropriateness
Make sure the toy is appropriate for your baby’s age. Newborns have limited motor skills and visual abilities, so toys should be simple and easy to grasp. Look for toys that are labeled for 0-3 months or 0-6 months.
Sensory Stimulation
Newborns are discovering the world through their senses. Toys that stimulate their senses of sight, sound, touch, and taste can help with their cognitive development. Look for toys with bright colors, different textures, and sounds.
Safety
Safety should always be a top priority when choosing toys for your baby. Make sure the toy is free of small parts that could be a choking hazard, and that it is made of non-toxic materials. Check for any sharp edges or loose parts that could be dangerous.
Durability
Newborns can be rough on toys, so choose ones that are durable and can withstand some wear and tear. Look for toys made of sturdy materials that can be easily cleaned.
Educational Value
While newborns may not be able to learn in the traditional sense, toys that promote exploration and discovery can help with their cognitive development. Look for toys that encourage your baby to reach, grasp, and explore.
By keeping these features in mind, you can choose the best developmental toys for your newborn that will help with their growth and development.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most recommended toys for newborns to enhance their development?
Newborns need toys that stimulate their senses and promote their development. Soft toys, rattles, and textured toys are some of the most recommended toys for newborns. Toys with contrasting colors and patterns can also help in developing their vision.
Which toys are best suited for the cognitive development of a 0-3 month old baby?
For cognitive development, toys that encourage exploration and discovery are ideal. Mobiles, soft toys with different textures, and toys that make sounds can help in developing their cognitive abilities.
What types of toys are beneficial for a newborn’s sensory and motor skills?
Toys that encourage movement and sensory exploration are beneficial for a newborn’s sensory and motor skills. Play mats, soft toys with different textures, and toys that make sounds can help in developing their senses and motor skills.
How can toys influence the developmental milestones of babies aged 6-12 months?
Toys can play a significant role in the developmental milestones of babies aged 6-12 months. Toys that encourage crawling, standing, and walking can help in developing their gross motor skills. Toys that promote problem-solving, cause and effect, and imaginative play can help in developing their cognitive and social skills.
What criteria should parents consider when choosing their baby’s first toy?
When choosing their baby’s first toy, parents should consider the toy’s safety, age appropriateness, and developmental benefits. Toys that are easy to grasp, soft, and free of small parts are ideal for newborns.
Are there specific toys that support the development of newborn girls and boys differently?
No, there are no specific toys that support the development of newborn girls and boys differently. All newborns require toys that stimulate their senses and promote their development, regardless of their gender.
