Baby Toys

In the first year a baby learns to grasp, pass an object from one hand to the other, follow a sound with their eyes and understand that their actions have results. That is why toys with different textures, gentle sounds and easy-to-hold shapes suit this age. In the second year the focus moves to movement and purposeful action: pushing, stacking, sorting and walking. A good toy grows with the child, so it is worth choosing toys that can be played with in several ways.

• From birth. A ball-shaped rattle and teether in one: rotating rings click softly, beads rattle inside, and the soft rubber handles are easy to grab. It trains grasping, hearing and hand-eye coordination. See more in rattles and teethers.
• From 6 months. Soft sensory blocks with raised numbers, stacking rings and a koala figure. They can be stacked, explored, taken into the bath and chewed. A 6-in-1 sensory activity cube with a shape sorter and different textures also suits this age.
• From 18 months. Suction spinner toys (carrot, bee and sun) that stick to a window, high chair or bathtub, and a wooden walker with a mirror, rotating blocks and a storage box at the back. See the range in baby walkers and push toys.

The first thing to check is the age label on the packaging and in the product description. Babies put everything in their mouths, so a toy should be large enough, with no small detachable parts and no sharp edges. For soft toys, check whether they can be washed; for wooden toys, check that the surface is smooth. Inspect toys from time to time for damage and replace worn ones.

Sensory toys are a baby's first textbook. Smooth, ridged and soft surfaces train touch, clicks and rattles train hearing, and contrasting colours train sight. The more different sensations, the more a baby learns about their surroundings. You will find more toys like these in sensory toys and developmental baby toys.

Looking for toys for the first year? See toys for 0–1 year olds. For the next stage there are toys for 1–2 year olds. Wooden toys for babies are gathered in wooden toys.