50+
Products Tested
100%
Safety Tested
30+
Test Children
4.7
Avg. Rating

Developmental Milestones by Quarter

Understand what your baby learns at each stage and which toys support that development

0-3 Months

👶 Discovery & Bonding

  • Focusing on faces and high-contrast patterns
  • Responding to sounds and voices
  • First smiles and social interaction
  • Lifting head during tummy time
Ideal toys:

Mobiles, high-contrast cards, soft rattles, security blankets

3-6 Months

🤲 Grasping & Exploring

  • Intentional reaching for objects
  • Bringing objects to mouth
  • Rolling from tummy to back
  • Babbling and vocalizing
Ideal toys:

Teething rings, sensory balls, play mats, soft squeeze toys

6-9 Months

🧸 Sitting & Playing

  • Independent sitting
  • Understanding object permanence
  • Passing objects between hands
  • Crawling or scooting
Ideal toys:

Stacking cups, peek-a-boo toys, activity cubes, musical instruments

9-12 Months

🚶 Mobility & Language

  • Pulling up on furniture
  • First words ("mama", "dada")
  • Developing pincer grasp
  • Understanding simple instructions
Ideal toys:

Push walkers, shape sorters, board books, push-and-pull toys

Key Development Areas

How toys stimulate each skill

Sensory Development

Babies learn about the world through seeing, hearing, touching, tasting and smelling. Toys with different textures, colors and sounds stimulate all senses.

Recommended toys:
  • Textured sensory balls
  • Crinkle books
  • Musical rattles

Fine Motor Skills

The development of small muscle movements in hands and fingers. Grasping, holding and manipulating objects builds these skills.

Recommended toys:
  • Stacking rings
  • Soft blocks
  • Activity board

Gross Motor Skills

Large muscle movements like rolling, sitting, crawling and eventually walking. Toys that encourage movement support this development.

Recommended toys:
  • Play gym with arch
  • Crawl-through tunnels
  • Push toys

Language & Communication

From babbling to first words. Interactive toys with sounds, songs and responses stimulate language development.

Recommended toys:
  • Talking plush toys
  • Board books
  • Music boxes

Cognitive Development

Learning about cause and effect, object permanence and problem solving. Interactive toys teach babies how the world works.

Recommended toys:
  • Pop-up toys
  • Shape sorters
  • Peek-a-boo toys

Emotional & Social Development

Bonding with caregivers, recognizing emotions and first social interactions. Plush toys and interactive toys support this bond.

Recommended toys:
  • Stuffed animals
  • Mirror toys
  • Interactive dolls

Our Top Recommendations

Expert-tested and parent-approved

Fisher Price 2-in-1 Soothe 'n Snuggle Otter
Editor's Choice
Fisher-Price

Fisher-Price 2-in-1 Soothe 'n Snuggle Otter

★★★★★ (4.9/5)

Soothing motion and soft music help babies relax. The otter mimics breathing, which has a calming effect.

0+ months
Read Review
Fancy Baby Sensory Balls Set
Best Seller
Fancy Baby

Fancy Baby Sensory Balls Set

★★★★★ (4.8/5)

Set of various textures and colors that stimulate the sense of touch. BPA-free and safe to chew.

3+ months
Read Review
CoComelon Airplane Car
New
CoComelon

CoComelon Airplane Car

★★★★☆ (4.6/5)

Colorful vehicle with popular CoComelon characters. Stimulates grasping, pushing and exploring.

6+ months
Read Review
Disney Stitch Giftset Bath
Disney

Disney Stitch Giftset 3pcs Bath

★★★★☆ (4.4/5)

Adorable Stitch bath set with three pieces. Makes bath time fun and playful with safe materials.

0+ months
Read Review
🛡️ Safety First

Our Safety Checklist for Baby Toys

Every product we recommend is rigorously checked for safety. Here's what we look for:

  • CE Marking

    Meets all EU safety standards

  • BPA-Free

    Free from harmful chemicals

  • No Small Parts

    Safe from choking hazards

  • Rounded Corners

    No sharp edges that can cut

  • Washable Materials

    Hygienic and easy to clean

Expert Tips

Practical advice for choosing and using baby toys

💡

Less is More

Babies become overwhelmed by too many toys at once. Offer 2-3 toys and rotate weekly. This keeps toys interesting and encourages deeper exploration.

🎯

Follow Their Interest

Notice what your baby looks at and reaches for. This tells you what interests them. Choose toys that match this natural curiosity.

Timing Matters

Play when your baby is alert and content – usually after a nap and feeding. Avoid playtime when they're tired or hungry for the best learning experience.

👨‍👩‍👧

Play Together

The best toy is you! Your face, voice and interaction are the most powerful development tools. Use toys as a means for playing together, not as a replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to the most common parent questions

View Other Age Groups

Discover toys for every developmental stage of your child.