Best Baby Toys Per Age Group: Comparing 0 Through 12 Months Old

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Always something to do for the holidays or rainy day?

Play Choice now has the ultimate activity book collection, with over 60 pages of fun coloring pages and educational puzzles.

Baby toys should be age appropriate, which means they match the development of the child. This varies by age group, as babies develop quickly.

For babies under 6 months, toys that stimulate the senses, such as mobiles and teething rings, are suitable. For babies aged 6 to 12 months, toys that promote cognitive and physical development, such as shape sorting and stacking toys, are important.

Baby toys differ from toddler toys because toddlers have a greater need for toys that stimulate creativity, imagination and social interaction.

It's important to avoid toys that could be dangerous to babies, such as overstimulating toys, toys with sharp accessories, and toys that pose a choking hazard.

Find out which toys are suitable for each age group of your baby, from 0 to 12 months old.

Best baby toys by age group

From toddler to toddler activity book collection

Educational games and coloring pages for 3 to 6 years

Your toddler and preschooler will love this e-book, along with the accompanying printables. He or she can play with it at every stage of development, together with mom and dad.

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Best newborn toys for 0 months old

Best textured toy (0 months)

SoftStepsWooden crochet rattle

Natural wood and cotton are better for the environment, but also for your baby, and the texture is great!

8.7
Toy score
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Best Social Interaction Toy (0 months)

nattouMobile with Music

First movement, then textures and colors. They will be able to see more and more and a mobile will grow well with them.

9.1
Toy score
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Newborn babies (0 months old) go through important developments in their first month of life. Although they are still very young, there are some developments that parents and carers can take into account when choosing suitable toys:

  1. Sensory development: Newborn babies begin to discover the world around them through their senses. Toys that provide sensory stimulation, such as high-contrast patterns, bright colors, different textures and soft sounds, can support baby's sensory development. For example, toys with contrasting black and white patterns, soft cuddly toys or rattles.
  2. Sense of touch and motor skills: Although newborn babies' motor skills are still limited, they can move their hands and fingers and are beginning to discover how to move their bodies. Toys with simple shapes and textures, such as teething rings, soft balls or toys with different textures, can stimulate baby's sense of touch and early motor skills.
  3. Social Interaction: Although newborn babies are not yet fully engaged in interactive play, interaction with caregivers is essential to their development. Toys that capture baby's attention, such as soft-figure mobiles, can help encourage eye contact and social interaction between baby and caregiver.

It's important to note that newborn babies especially need warmth, comfort and closeness. While toys can be useful at this age to stimulate the senses, interaction with parents and caregivers is paramount. Play activities such as talking, singing, cuddling and skin-to-skin contact provide an important foundation for the baby's development in this first month.

Best toys for 1 month old newborn babies

Overall best educational toy for newborns (1 month)

TafToys4-in-1 Play Mat

The reason I chose this baby gym is that it's extremely soft, but also the fact that this is a baby gym that can be attached to the play mat. 

8.9
Toy score
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Best Unique Baby Toy (1 month)

itzy ritzyAna the Pink Rabbit

With a crackling sound, textures and a teething ring, you can be sure that this is a maternity gift that can continue to grow.

8.4
Toy score
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The development of a newborn baby in the first month and a one month old baby shows some differences. While the speed of development between these two periods is not vastly different, there are some points to keep in mind:

  1. Sensory perception: In the first month, a newborn baby begins to explore the world around them through sensory perception. As the baby turns one month old, the senses can develop further. For example, they can make better eye contact, look more closely at objects and localize sounds. Toys that stimulate this sensory perception, such as toys with contrasting colors and patterns, soft music mobiles and crackling toys, continue to be useful.
  2. Motor development: A one-month-old baby begins to gain some control over his movements. They can move their arms and legs more consciously and begin to explore their environment through their limbs. Toys that stimulate the senses and motor skills, such as rattles, hanging toys and toys that they can grasp, can contribute to the baby's development.
  3. Interaction and communication: As the baby turns one month old, he begins to become more responsive to faces and voices. Babies can make eye contact, smile and make cooing noises in response to interacting with their caregivers. Toys that encourage interaction and communication, such as toys with faces, soft toys with different textures and toys with sounds, can help baby develop social and emotional skills.

Best toys for 2 month old newborn babies

Best Black & White Baby Toy (2 Months)

ThremhooHigh Contrast Soft Baby Book

Great for this phase when they can see contrasts well and learn the first steps to hold their head up.

8.7
Toy score
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Best grow-along pillow (2 months)

InfantinoTummy Time Cushion

Practice a little bit each time with tummy time and before you know it you will be using the cushion for sitting exercises.

9.3
Toy score
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A two month old baby shows some developmental differences compared to a one month old baby. Here are some aspects in which they may differ:

  1. Sensory perception: At two months old, the baby's sensory perception is further developed. They can direct their focus better and follow objects with their eyes. Babies may also show more interest in colorful objects and sounds. Toys with contrasting colors, moving parts, soft textures and different sounds can stimulate baby's sensory development.
  2. Motor Skills: At the age of two months, the baby begins to have more control over his motor skills. They are better able to hold their head upright and sometimes even lie on their stomach for a shorter period of time. Babies can reach out their hands to objects and grasp objects with their little hands. Toys that stimulate motor skills, such as grasping toys, rattles, hanging toys, and toys that make sounds when touched, can help develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
  3. Social Interaction: At two months old, babies become increasingly responsive and interactive. They begin to smile in response to faces and may make sounds to establish contact. Babies may also start babbling and making cooing noises. Toys that encourage interaction and social connection, such as toys with faces, cuddly toys and interactive books, can help develop social skills and bond between baby and caregivers.

Best newborn toys for 3 months old

Best Mirror Toy for Babies (3 Months)

SESTiny Talents Family Hugs Photo Booklet

Babies as young as 3 months are already starting to look at themselves in the mirror, and this photo book is just really cute.

8.6
Toy score
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Best Hanging Activity Toy for Babies (3 Months)

LamazeCaptain Calamari

Soft, textured and fun, Captain Calamari from Lamaze is a great toy for babies who need a little extra stimulation while on the go.

7.9
Toy score
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At the age of three months, a baby undergoes further development and shows some differences compared to a two-month-old baby. Here are some aspects in which they may differ:

  1. Motor skills: At three months old, the baby is getting stronger and can exercise more control over his body. They are better able to hold their head upright and have more control over their neck muscles. They can reach out their hands towards objects and grasp objects with their little hands. Some babies may even begin to rotate their bodies from tummy to back. Toys that stimulate motor skills, such as rattles, grasping toys, arches, and reaching toys, can help develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
  2. Social Interaction: At three months of age, the baby becomes increasingly involved in social interaction. They can smile and babble in response to faces and voices. They may also start making noises to get attention and communicate. Babies can become interested in mirrors and enjoy seeing their own reflection. Toys that encourage interaction and social connection, such as toys with faces, cuddly toys, music mobiles and interactive books, can help develop social skills and bond between baby and caregivers.
  3. Discovery of the environment: At the age of three months, the baby begins to actively explore his environment. They may become interested in objects and try to grab and examine them. Babies can become aware of sounds and visual stimuli in their environment. Toys that stimulate sensory perception, such as toys with different textures, interactive cuddly toys, play arches with hanging toys and musical mobiles, can stimulate baby's curiosity and promote discovery.

Best baby toys for month 4

Best Interactive Toy for Newborns (4 Months)

Fisher-PriceMusical Click Clack Realistic Keys

The three different keys are attached to a thin ring that the child can easily hold. They can also safely put the toys in their mouth.

8.1
Toy score
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Best Physical Development Toy for Newborns (4 Months)

VTechCuddle & Learn ball

The ball has bright colors and different textures; something babies love. VTech is a brand that responds perfectly to the different development stages of children.

8.1
Toy score
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At the age of four months, a baby undergoes further development and shows some differences compared to a three-month-old baby. Here are some aspects in which they may differ:

  1. Motor skills: At four months old, the baby develops more control over his body and begins to reach new motor milestones. They can sit upright with support and can keep their head stable. Some babies can make small attempts to turn over or roll onto their tummy. They can also start grasping toys with their little hands and transferring objects from hand to hand. Toys that stimulate gross and fine motor skills, such as play gyms, teethers, rattles and stackable blocks, can help develop motor skills.
  2. Sensory perception: At four months of age, the baby is getting better at perceiving his surroundings using the senses. They can follow visual stimuli with their eyes and can become interested in colorful objects and moving toys. Babies can follow sounds more closely and respond to sounds by turning or looking at the source of the sound. Toys that stimulate sensory perception, such as toys with high-contrast patterns, crackling books, music mobiles and toys with sounds, can help develop the senses.
  3. Exploration and Interaction: At the age of four months, the baby becomes increasingly interested in exploring his environment and interacting with others. They may start babbling and making noises such as laughing and cooing. They may also show more interest in playing interactively with caregivers and toys. Babies can use their hands and feet to explore and grasp objects. Toys that encourage interaction and exploration, such as interactive cuddly toys, play arch with hanging toys, crinkle books and toys that the baby can grasp, can contribute to the further development of social, emotional and motor skills.

Best Toys for Babies: Month 5

Best Physical Development Toy For Babies (5 Months)

JanodBaby Forest Stacking Tower

This sustainable brand uses natural materials, so you can let your child play with them with confidence.

8.6
Toy score
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Best Interactive Toy for Babies (5 Months)

VtechPull Along Puppy Pal

By pulling the toy or pressing a button, an LED light will illuminate in the puppy's nose.

7.9
Toy score
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At the age of five months, a baby undergoes further development and shows some differences compared to a four-month-old baby. Here are some aspects in which they may differ:

  1. Motor skills: At five months old, the baby is reaching new motor milestones and developing more control over his body. They can now sit upright with minimal support and can keep their heads stable while sitting. Some babies can make small attempts to pull themselves up or stand with support. They can also gain more control over their hand movements and can grab objects and transfer them from hand to hand. Toys that encourage motor skills, such as stackable blocks, grasping toys, reaching balls and activity tables, can help develop motor skills.
  2. Sensory perception: At five months old, the baby's senses are further developed and they are able to interact more with their environment. They can track objects with their eyes and can become interested in small details and moving objects. Babies can localize sounds better and can respond to their name or other familiar sounds. They may also become interested in exploring objects with their mouths and may begin to discover different textures. Toys that stimulate sensory perception, such as toys with different textures, teething toys, toys with light and sound effects and booklets with tactile elements, can help to further develop the senses.
  3. Interaction and communication: At the age of five months, the baby continues to develop in his ability to communicate and interact with others. They may start babbling and making different noises, such as hissing and cooing. They may also show more interest in imitating caregivers' facial expressions and sounds. Babies may start making grabbing movements to show they want to grab something or get attention. They can also laugh and respond to social interactions. Toys that stimulate interaction and communication, such as soft toys with sounds, mirrors, interactive books and toys that respond to touch or sound, can contribute to the further development of social, emotional and communication skills.

Best toys for babies: 6 months old

Best stimulating toy for infants

Fat brain toysTobble's Neo

The blocks have a rubbery coating on the bottom half, making them easy for your baby to hold and stack.

8.7
Toy score
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Best physical development toy for crawlers

VtechCrawl and Learn

The Vtech Crawl and Learn is a cute teddy bear that encourages your toddler or baby to crawl as it moves across the floor.

8.5
Toy score
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At six months old, a baby goes through further development and there are some differences compared to a five month old baby. Here are some aspects in which they may differ:

  1. Motor skills: At the age of six months, the baby's motor skills are further developed. They can now sit firmly without support and can better balance their body. Some babies can even make small attempts to crawl or move on their stomach. They can also have more control over their hand movements and can grasp objects with precision and transfer them from hand to hand. Some babies may even begin to pull themselves up to standing with support. Toys that stimulate motor skills, such as push and pull toys, stackable blocks, balls to roll and activity centers with different elements, can help to further develop motor skills.
  2. Sensory perception: At the age of six months, the baby's sensory perception continues to develop. They can now track objects better with their eyes and can be more focused on details and movement. Babies can make more advanced grasping movements and can examine objects by putting them in their mouths. They may also produce more sounds, babble and laugh. They may also begin to recognize their own name and may respond to other familiar sounds. Toys that stimulate sensory perception, such as toys with different textures, sound toys, interactive books and toys with light and sound effects, can contribute to the further development of the senses.
  3. Cognitive Development: At the age of six months, the baby also makes progress in his cognitive development. They can understand and recognize objects better, such as recognizing familiar faces and toys. Babies can begin to understand simple cause-and-effect relationships, such as pressing a button to make a sound. They may also show more interest in exploring their environment and may experiment with objects to see what happens. Toys that stimulate cognitive development, such as stackable blocks, shape sorters, toy telephones and interactive toy panels, can help to further develop their cognitive skills.

Best toys for 7 month old babies

Best Cheap Baby Toy (7 Months)

VTechBaby's First Remote Control

Pressing the buttons gives the baby a good sense of touch. It toys has a total of 45 sing-along songs, melodies and other entertaining audio clips.

7.7
Toy score
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Best Musical Toy for Babies (7 Months)

HapePenguin bottlenose dolphin

Great to watch as your baby interacts with a wobbly noise-making penguin.

8.5
Toy score
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At seven months old, a baby goes through further development and there are some differences compared to a six month old baby. Here are some aspects in which they may differ:

  1. Motor skills: By the age of seven months, the baby develops more control over his motor skills and can acquire new skills. They can now sit without support and can even sit stable while playing with their hands. Some babies may also start crawling or crawling on their hands and knees to explore their surroundings. They can also learn to pull themselves up to standing and can hold on to furniture to stand. Toys that stimulate motor skills, such as push toys, crawling and climbing toys, walkers and activity centers with moving elements, can help develop motor skills.
  2. Sensory perception: At the age of seven months, the baby's sensory perception continues to develop. They can track objects even better with their eyes and can be more focused on small details and movements. They are also better at localizing sounds and can respond to their name and other familiar sounds. Babies can
  3. n perform more sophisticated grasping movements and can manipulate objects with their hands to examine them. They can also start exploring different textures and materials by feeling and pinching. Toys that stimulate sensory perception, such as toys with different textures, music toys, stacking toys and toys with interactive elements, can contribute to the further development of the senses.
  4. Social interaction: At the age of seven months, the baby develops further in his social skills and can interact more with others. They may begin to imitate caregiver sounds and facial expressions. Babies may also show more interest in interacting and may try to communicate through babbling, laughing, and making noises. They can also start playing simple games such as peekaboo and enjoy social interaction with other children and adults. Toys that stimulate social interaction, such as cuddly toys, dolls, interactive books and toy telephones, can contribute to the further development of social and communication skills.

Best toys for 8 month old babies

Best baby walker (8 months)

joovySpoon Walker

The carriage has a stable construction. Your child can use this for quite a long time if you purchase it from 8 months. Highly recommended.

9.0
Toy score
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Best Cognitive Development Toy For Babies (8 Months)

TomyHide & Squeak Surprise Eggs

Features 6 plastic eggs in a toy box, and each eggshell breaks in the middle to reveal a chick inside.

8.1
Toy score
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At eight months old, a baby goes through further development and there are some differences compared to a seven month old baby. Here are some aspects in which they may differ:

  1. Motor skills: By the age of eight months, the baby develops more advanced motor skills and is able to perform new movements and skills. They can now sit independently without support and can keep their balance better. Some babies can crawl on hands and knees and others can already start to pull up and stand with support. They can also learn to sit down from a lying position and can experiment with different ways of moving, such as rolling, rocking and turning. Toys that stimulate motor skills, such as push toys, climbing toys, walkers, balls to roll and toys to pull behind, can help develop motor skills.
  2. Cognitive development: At the age of eight months, the baby makes progress in his cognitive development and can acquire new mental skills. They can understand objects better and can hide and find objects. They can also begin to understand simple instructions, such as "come here" or "give me." Babies may also show more interest in exploring the functions of objects, such as opening and closing a lid or turning a knob. They can also develop more object permanence, meaning they understand that objects continue to exist even when they can't see them. Toys that stimulate cognitive development, such as sorting and stacking toys, shape puzzles, toy telephones and interactive books, can contribute to the further development of their cognitive skills.
  3. Language development: At the age of eight months, the baby continues to develop in his language development and can acquire new sounds, words and communication skills. They may start babbling more varied sounds and may imitate sounds made by caretakers. Some babies can already understand a few words and can respond to simple questions with gestures or sounds. They may also show more interest in booklets and enjoy listening to stories and looking at pictures. Toys that stimulate language development, such as booklets with sounds and pictures, toy telephones with sounds and interactive toy panels with words and sentences, can help to further develop their language skills.

Best baby toys for 9 months old

Best Toy Cars for Babies (9 Months)

Melissa & DougSoft Pull-Back Cars

These are already fun for the smallest children from 9 months. Perfect size for your baby and nice and soft.

8.5
Toy score
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Best Wooden Stacking Toy for Babies (9 Months)

Melissa & DougGeometric Stack Tower

A very fun stacking toy with 21 geometric shapes that you can combine or put back on the three pillars of the sturdy wooden base.

8.1
Toy score
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At nine months old, a baby goes through further development and there are some differences compared to an eight month old baby. Here are some aspects in which they may differ:

  1. Motor skills: By the age of nine months, the baby develops more refined motor skills and can perform new movements and skills. They can now crawl independently or move on their stomachs. Some babies can also stand with support and can even take a few steps while holding on to furniture or an adult's hand. They can also experiment with letting go of support and maintaining balance before sitting or sitting down. Toys that stimulate motor skills, such as pushchairs, push toys, slides and indoor playgrounds, can help develop motor skills.
  2. Cognitive development: At the age of nine months, the baby makes progress in his cognitive development and can acquire new mental skills. They can better understand objects and understand more complex cause-and-effect relationships, such as pressing a button to make a sound. They may also show more interest in exploring the functions of objects and may use objects in a purposeful way, such as using a spoon to eat or shaking a rattle to make a sound. They can also understand more advanced object permanence, meaning they know that objects continue to exist even when they can't see them. Toys that stimulate cognitive development, such as sorting and stacking toys, shape puzzles, toys with buttons and switches, and interactive toy panels with challenging activities, can help develop their cognitive skills.
  3. Social interaction: At the age of nine months, the baby develops further in his social skills and can interact more with others. They can start by understanding simple instructions and can try to communicate through gestures, sounds and babbling. They may also show more interest in imitating sounds, facial expressions, and hand movements of caregivers. Babies may also show more interest in playing with others and enjoy simple turn-taking and imitation games. Toys that stimulate social interaction, such as dolls, toy telephones, interactive books and toys that respond to sound and touch, can contribute to the further development of social and communication skills.
  4. Language development: At the age of nine months, the baby continues to develop in his language development and can acquire new sounds, words and communication skills. They may start babbling more varied sounds and can imitate sounds made by caretakers. Some babies can say a few simple words and respond to simple questions or commands. They may also show more interest in booklets and enjoy flipping through the pages and pointing at images. They can also begin to understand simple instructions, such as "give me" or "come here." Toys that stimulate language development, such as booklets with pictures and words, toy telephones with sounds and interactive toy panels with words and sentences, can help to further develop their language skills.

Suitable baby toys for 10 months old

Best baby toy for learning to stand (10 months)

playgoGame table

The table offers stimulating puzzles and other cute toys to keep your little one entertained for hours. Your baby will be introduced to a lot of new stimuli.

8.1
Toy score
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Best Wooden Stacking Train (10 months)

JanodSophie the Giraffe Train

A nice train that you can pull along with the rope, but the best part is of course that you can build it the way you want.

8.1
Toy score
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In ten-month-old babies, there are further developments and differences compared to nine-month-old babies. Here are some aspects in which they may differ:

  1. Motor skills: By the age of ten months, babies are making further progress in their motor skills. They can now often crawl independently or move around on their tummy and some babies can even stand with minimal support or even take a few steps with support. They may also start exploring their environment by pulling up past furniture and trying to walk while holding on to objects. Playing with toys that stimulate motor skills, such as push toys, walkers, balls to roll and toys that allow them to stand and hold, can help develop their motor skills.
  2. Cognitive development: At the age of ten months, babies continue to develop in their cognitive skills. They can now understand objects better and manipulate them in a more purposeful way. For example, they can stack, assemble and disassemble objects. They can also better understand how objects work and can experiment with different actions to get different reactions. They can also begin to understand simple concepts such as size, shape and color. Toys that stimulate cognitive development, such as stacking cups, sorting and shaping toys, interactive booklets and toys that allow them to cause actions and see effects, can help to further develop their cognitive skills.
  3. Social interaction: At the age of ten months, babies develop further in their social skills and are able to interact more with others. They can begin to understand simple instructions and can actively participate in turn-taking and imitation games. They can also start making simple gestures such as waving and clapping. They may show more interest in interacting with other children and adults and may enjoy playing in groups. Toys that encourage social interaction, such as dolls, toy telephones, collaborative building blocks and interactive toy panels with sounds and reactions, can help develop their social and communication skills.
  4. Language development: At the age of ten months, babies continue to develop their language and can acquire new sounds, words and communication skills. They can start babbling more varied sounds and understand more words. Some babies can say a few simple words and respond to simple questions or commands. They may also show more interest in booklets and enjoy flipping through the pages and pointing at images. They can also begin to understand simple instructions, such as "give me" or "come here." Toys that stimulate language development, such as booklets with pictures and words, toy telephones with sounds and interactive toy panels with words and sentences, can help to further develop their language skills.

Suitable toys for 11 month old babies

Best Wooden Cause and Effect Gears (11 Months)

Melissa & DougRainbow Caterpillar Gears

Gears always have something magical for a small child. That's why the Melissa & Doug Caterpillar is so educational.

8.5
Toy score
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Best Portable Shape Sorter (11 Months)

Melissa & DougTake Along Shape Sorter

Another Mellisa & Doug toy that made it to this list! This filled shape sorter is the perfect travel tag-along for babies and toddlers!

8.2
Toy score
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In eleven month old babies there are further developments and differences compared to ten month old babies. Here are some aspects in which they may differ:

  1. Motor skills: By the age of eleven months, babies are making further progress in their motor skills. They can now often stand on their own without support and some babies can even take a few separate steps or walk with minimal support. They may also start climbing stairs or pulling up on furniture to stand up. They can grasp and manipulate objects better with finer hand-eye coordination. Playing with toys that stimulate motor skills, such as walkers, push toys, balls to roll, stacking and sorting toys and toys that allow them to climb and scramble, can contribute to the further development of their motor skills.
  2. Cognitive development: At the age of eleven months, babies continue to develop in their cognitive skills. They can understand objects better and can perform more complex manipulations, such as putting objects together and taking them apart. They can better understand how things work and can experiment with different actions to get different results. They can also begin to understand simple cause and effect relationships. They can understand more words and can say a few simple words. Toys that stimulate cognitive development, such as sorting and shaping toys, stacking and building toys, interactive books and toys that allow them to cause actions and see effects, can help to further develop their cognitive skills.
  3. Social interaction: At the age of eleven months, babies continue to develop their social skills and are able to interact more with others. They can start imitating sounds, gestures and simple actions of adults and other children. They can show more interest in playing with other children and can play simple turn-taking and imitation games. They can also begin to understand simple social rules and can, for example, respond to simple instructions such as "give me" or "come here". Toys that encourage social interaction, such as dolls, toy telephones, interactive toy panels with sounds and reactions, and toys that allow them to collaborate, can help develop their social and communication skills.
  4. Language development: At the age of eleven months, babies continue to develop in their language development. They can understand more words and can say a few simple words. They may also start using gestures to communicate, such as waving or pointing. They can understand simple instructions and can, for example, fetch a toy when asked. They may also begin to babble sounds and produce more varied sounds. Toys that stimulate language development, such as booklets with pictures and words, toy telephones with sounds and interactive toy panels with words and sentences, can help to further develop their language skills.

Suitable baby toys for 12 months old

Overall Best Learning Toy for Babies (12 Months)

JouecoThe Wildies Family

Simple way to introduce your child to hand-eye coordination and shape recognition and a toy that can grow with their development into toddlerhood.

8.4
Toy score
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Best Manipulative Toy For Babies (12 Months)

PlaygroPop-up Farm Animals

Each character emerges from a lid controlled by a button. But each button has a different mechanism – button, switch, slider and standard push button.

7.9
Toy score
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In babies of twelve months old there are further developments and differences compared to babies of eleven months old. Here are some aspects in which they may differ:

  1. Motor Skills: By the age of twelve months, babies are making further progress in their motor skills. They can now often walk independently and can keep their balance better while walking. They can also pick up and throw objects, and can roll and catch balls. They can manipulate objects better with finer hand-eye coordination and can perform simple tasks such as placing shapes in the correct gaps. Toys that stimulate motor skills, such as walkers, balls to roll, stacking and sorting toys, and toys that allow them to push and pull, can contribute to the further development of their motor skills.
  2. Cognitive development: At the age of twelve months, babies continue to develop in their cognitive skills. They can better understand objects and solve simple problems such as opening a lid to get to a hidden toy. They can understand simple instructions and can, for example, put a toy in a basket when asked. They can also begin to understand simple concepts, such as big and small, and can compare objects based on size or shape. Toys that stimulate cognitive development, such as sorting and shaping toys, stacking and building toys, puzzles with large pieces, and toys that help them solve simple problems, can help develop their cognitive skills.
  3. Social interaction: At the age of twelve months, babies continue to develop their social skills and are able to interact more with others. They can play imitation games and can imitate simple tasks such as blowing bubbles or using a toy phone. They can also start showing interest in others and can play simple games such as hide and seek or peekaboo. They may also begin to show emotions such as joy, sadness, or frustration in a more pronounced way. Toys that encourage social interaction, such as dolls, toy telephones, interactive toy panels with sounds and reactions, and toys that allow them to play together, can help develop their social and communication skills.
  4. Language development: At the age of twelve months, babies continue to develop their language developmentAt the age of twelve months, babies continue to develop their language development. They can understand more words and can say a few simple words. They may also start using gestures to communicate, such as waving or pointing. They can understand simple instructions and can, for example, fetch a toy when asked. They may also begin to babble sounds and produce more varied sounds. Toys that stimulate language development, such as booklets with pictures and words, toy telephones with sounds and interactive toy panels with words and sentences, can help to further develop their language skills.

How do toys for newborns under 6 months differ from under 12 months?

Toys for newborns under 6 months differ from toys suitable for babies under 12 months due to the stage in their development, especially motor and cognitive areas.

For newborns under 6 months, toys that stimulate their senses, such as mobiles, rattles and teething rings, are suitable. These toys are easy to grasp and hold and can include soft toys and textured play balls.

On the other hand, toys for babies under 12 months stimulate cognitive development, such as shape sorters and stacking toys, and physical development, such as push toys and walker cars. Babies this age are developing fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.

It's important to note that developmental differences and appropriateness of toys also vary between infants under 6 months old and toddlers. In addition, toy safety is crucial for both age groups.

How do first year toys compare to toddler toys?

First year toys differ from toddler toys because a lot changes in the early years of their development. For example, babies can only really start playing with toys from 6 months, while toddlers can already think about creative solutions.

First year toys stimulate the senses with mobiles, rattles and teethers. It's suitable for babies to grasp, hold and soft, textured balls, for example, are already great fun.

Toys for toddlers promote cognitive development with shape-sorters and stacking toys. It also promotes physical development with push toys, rides and pull toys. Toddlers develop fine motor skills with building blocks and nesting toys.

Toys should always be age appropriateand for the developmental level of the child.

How do you make sure the toys are safe for infants?

Infants are a special group when it comes to toy safety, as they're particularly vulnerable due to their limited motor skills and inability to communicate effectively. To ensure toys are safe for babies, parents and caregivers should follow guidelines and choose non-toxic toys made from natural materials such as cotton and uncoated wood.

They should also avoid toys that contain harmful chemicals or materials. It's important to check age recommendations and follow manufacturer guidelines to avoid toys with small parts that could be a choking hazard.

Regularly checking for loose or broken parts is also crucial, as they can pose a danger to babies.

Certain toys, such as balloons, latex or vinyl gloves, toys with sharp ends, small parts, or string longer than 7 inches (18 cm), should be avoided.

Choosing toys from reputable brands that prioritize safety and use non-toxic materials is recommended.

When it comes to teething toys, it's important to choose ones made of safe materials and designed for chewing.

Finally, toys intended for children ages 3 and under should not have small toys or removable parts that could get stuck in a child's throat, and breakable toys, latex balloons, and plastic packaging should be avoided to avoid a choking hazard.

Does a newborn really need toys?

Yes, newborns need toys to aid their development. Playing with toys is an integral part of a baby's development, from the first month. By interacting with toys, the baby learns to develop social, problem-solving and emotional skills.

Even younger babies can benefit from interacting with age-appropriate toys, such as shaking a rattle from around 6 months.

When do you first introduce toys to newborns?

Newborn babies don't really start playing with toys until 6 months, but you can introduce toys as early as the first month. Parents can use toys to develop their baby's senses and motor skills.

It is important to choose toys that are age appropriate baby, but you can also use everyday objects such as wooden spoons and pans as temporary toys for babies under 6 months.

What toys are best for babies to practice sitting?

The best toys for babies to practice sitting is soft so that they also end up soft, provides sufficient support and still ensures that they have to do some work themselves.

Toys that are just too high to play with lying down are also a very good motivation for the baby to practice sitting.

Softest seat to help baby sit
Infantino Prop-A-Pillar
Product image
8.2
Toy score
Play value
4.4
Price/quality
4.1
Replayability
4.0
Best for
  • Convenient 2-in-1 design for tummy time and learning to sit
  • Colorful design appeals to the imagination
Less good
  • Not very durable

What Makes Pediatric Toys Suitable for Daycare or Nursery?

Pediatric-appropriate toys are suitable for a daycare or nursery when they promote children's development. It stimulates sensory development by exploring textures, colors and shapes with materials such as water, sand, clay, rice, pebbles and beans.

In addition, it promotes children's creativity and imagination, helps develop fine motor skills and stimulates social interaction and emotional intelligence.

Toys are also perfect for a nurseryif they encourage physical activity, which is important for children to explore the world and express emotions.

What are the worst types of toys for infants?

The worst toys for infants are those that are dangerous and offer no developmental benefits. Examples include overstimulating toy robots that cause sensory overload and sitting iPads that encourage screen time. Standing activity centers can also be dangerous and cause injuries in young babies.

For babies, toy balls, bouncing toys and objects that could be dangerous if they get stuck in the baby's mouth or nose are not suitable. In addition, toy dolls with sharp accessories are dangerous and can pose a choking hazard.

Toys with bright colors and patterns and toys that make loud noises are not suitable for babies. These can overload the baby's developing senses and lead to eye strain and sleep problems.

On the other hand, there are toys that are suitable for toddlers, but not for babies. Standing activity centers, seats, and plastic chairs can discourage baby's natural movement and lead to abnormal development. Also, baby jumpers and baby walkers are not recommended as they can cause accidents and slow down the child's motor skills.

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Joost Nusselder, the founder of Speelkeuze.nl is a content marketer, father and loves trying out new toys. As a child he came into contact with everything related to games when his mother started the Tinnen Soldaat in Ede. Now he and his team create helpful blog articles to help loyal readers with fun play ideas.