Developmental Toys for your Baby’s First Year

August 12, 2022

Developmental toys play a key role in your baby’s cognitive and physical development. When choosing the type of toys for your baby, consider the safety and simplicity of the toy, which will encourage exploration and open-ended play. Here are some of my favorite toys that will get your baby started on building crucial skills and jump start their developmental journey.

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1. Sassy Sensory Activity Panels

First up, the Sassy Sensory Activity Panels. These panels include high contrast images made of simple pictures and shapes which are in black and white. Because babies have an easier time focusing of high contrast images, these panels are important for the visual development of your baby. They have gentle crinkles and fun textures which your baby will love. You can attach them using the velcro strips to form a soft book, or use them separately.

Age: 0 months +

2. Smily Mia Penguin Soothing Teether

Next, the Smily Mia Penguin Soothing Teether. Does your baby constantly drop toys and struggle to pick them up? The Smily Mia Penguin is a toy that may help rescue your baby from such struggles. There is a stem inside the hollow penguin body for your baby’s little hand to grasp. It also features nipple-shaped designs which make an easy transition for breastfed babies. It is important to remember that this toy is not a pacifier and should not be used to put your baby to sleep.

Age: 0-6 months

3. Lovevery Activity Gym and Play Mat

The Lovevery Activity Gym and Play Mat is a durable play gym that can be used immediately after birth and through your baby’s first year. It is designed with different activities which support physical development, and that the baby will enjoy all day long. It has five Montessori-inspired play zones that parents can also take part in. The setting up and collapsing of this toy takes a maximum of two minutes.

Age: 0-12 months

4. LeapFrog My Pal Scout/Violet

The LeapFrog My Pal is definitely a fan favorite. It helps with teaching first words, colors, numbers and emotions. I think the best feature is that you can program this toy to learn your child’s name and other personal favorites.

Age: 6 months +

5. Lamaze Play & Grow Freddie the Firefly

Next, the Lamaze Play & Grow Freddie the Firefly. This is a toy that was created with the help of child development experts. Features of each Lamaze animal friend on this toy will impress your little one. It has bright colors, a peekaboo mirror, a teether, clinking rings, and more. It also has a variety of animals to choose from, like a peacock, a dragon, or an octopus. It makes a good combination with tummy time.

Age: 1-6 months

6. Double feature mirror by Wimmer-Fergusson

Babies find it very interesting looking at their images even if they do not understand that it is their reflection. The Double Feature Mirror is a baby-safe mirror that contains no glass. It can help babies with the development of their vision and works great as entertainment during tummy time. On the opposite side of the mirror, there is high contrast art for more stimulation.

Age: 2-8 months

7. Baby Einstein Take Along Tunes

The Take Along Tunes musical toy is a mini-sized music player with an easy-to-grip handle. It has seven classical melodies with a volume control button, flashing lights and movable beads on the handle. Your baby will love the cheerful music from this toy.

Age: 3-12 months

8. Infinno Inflatable Tummy Time Mat

Next, the Infinno Inflatable Tummy Time Mat is a must have. It is no doubt that a tummy time mat is important for developing strong head, neck and shoulder muscles. Once filled with water, the center of the mat has colorful, floating sea animals great for continuous play. It is very durable, so you do not have to worry about it leaking. My daughter loves this so I’m confident your baby will too.

Age: 3 months +

9. Wee Gallery Education Flashcards

Next, the Wee Gallery Education Flashcards. These high-contrast toys are designed to stimulate your baby’s senses and aid in brain development. Each card is made with eco-friendly ink that is safe for infants and toddlers. They can keep your baby entertained while you are at a restaurant or having a conversation with on the phone with a client.

Age: 0 – 18 months

10. Manhattan Toy Winkel Rattle

Your little one will fall in love with the Winkel Rattle & Sensory Teether Toy. It contains BPA-free loops wrapped around a central rattle. It is good for grasping, shaking, and chewing. The Winkel Rattle is portable, so you can toss it into your diaper bag, or you clip it on the stroller for playtime.

Age: 0 – 24 months

11. Naturals Infinity Montessori Toys

This 3-in-1 Montessori Toy Set includes 12 different colored blocks, 6 soft stacking rings and 4 squishy toy balls, which make for hours of fun. They are great for learning colors, shapes, textures, counting, and learning developmental concepts such as balance, fine motor skills, and problem-solving. Not only are they great for development, but the soft, BPA-free material works well for teething babies.

Age: 0-3 years.

12. SmartNoggin NogginStik Developmental Light-Up Rattle

The SmartNoggin NogginStik is an award-winning rattle designed to help babies meet important developmental milestones. It lights up red, blue and green to keep your baby’s attention and encourage visual tracking. The rattle itself is very soft-sounding, which is an upgrade from the typical, loud and annoying rattle sound. It is a great addition to your baby’s first toy collection.

Age: 0 months +

Final Take Away

Baby toys are crucial for their physical and cognitive development. Playing allows your baby to learn about themselves and their world. It is important to select toys that will give your baby the chance to learn and refine new skills.