From rattles to storybooks, discover the best playthings to entertain your baby
Congratulations! You've made it through the newborn fog, and your little one is becoming more alert and engaged. But what toys are just right for your baby at this age?
“This is an exciting stage where babies start to interact more with their environment,” says baby and toddler development expert Sophie Pickles, aka @mummypickles. “The right toys can help stimulate their senses and support their budding skills.”
Sophie adds, “Reading books, singing songs, and playing with simple toys, such as rattles, are all wonderful ways to engage with your baby. But remember, you're still their favourite plaything! Anything you explore together will simply elevate bonding time for the two of you.”
So, while you're busy being your baby's personal entertainment system, let's check out some brilliant toys that can give you a bit of a breather and add some extra fun to your baby’s day. (Remember to check age suitability before you buy.)
Our 5 top toys for young babies
1. Rattles
Shake it up, baby! Rattles are like mini workout equipment for your little one's hands and brain. When they grab and shake that rattle, they're learning about cause and effect (shake = noise) and boosting their hand-eye coordination. Want to kick it up a notch? Try ankle rattles. They're like tiny bells for your baby's feet, encouraging leg movements and giggles galore.
Shake things up with a rattle
2. Musical toys
Cot mobiles and musical toys introduce your little one to the world of rhythm and melody. Lullabies soothe fussy moments and encourage sleep, while nursery rhymes offer simple patterns and cheerful melodies that capture attention and boost listening skills. Singing and gesturing to these rhymes not only aids early language development but also creates joyful bonding moments with your baby.
3. Playmats and gyms
Think of a playmat or gym as your baby's first adventure playground. It's the perfect spot for tummy time, helping to build those important neck and arm muscles. Many come with dangling toys that encourage reaching and grasping. As your little explorer grows, they'll use their playmat for rolling and eventually sitting up. Just keep a close eye on them – they might start planning their escape route!
4. Baby books
It's never too early to start reading to your baby! Storytime helps you bond while boosting baby's language skills. Books with bright pictures, fascinating flaps, or fun textures are perfect for capturing your little one's attention. As you read, your baby absorbs the sounds of words and learns to focus on images. At this age, babies start distinguishing colours, so point them out as you go. Which book will become your bedtime favourite?
5. Sensory toys
Get ready for some hands-on exploration! Sensory toys come in all sorts of textures – bumpy, smooth, crinkly, squishy – each one a new discovery for your baby. These toys are great for developing fine motor skills and satisfying your little one's growing curiosity. Try putting a toy with different textures on their highchair tray and watch as they investigate each one with serious concentration.
