Congratulations on the arrival of your precious newborn! As you embark on this beautiful journey of parenthood, you may find yourself wondering about the best toys to stimulate your precious little one’s senses and encourage their development. In this article, we will explore a variety of age-appropriate and engaging toys that are specifically designed to captivate and entertain newborn babies. From soft and cuddly plush toys to interactive mobiles, we will provide you with the perfect inspiration to create a nurturing and stimulating environment for your bundle of joy. So, let’s dive in and discover the wonderful world of toys for newborns!
Check Baby Toys Guide & Review
Soft and Plush Toys
Stuffed Animals
Stuffed animals are a classic and timeless choice for newborns. These soft and cuddly companions offer comfort and companionship to your little one. They often come in a variety of animal shapes and sizes, from bears to rabbits to elephants, allowing you to choose one that resonates with your baby. Stuffed animals can also be a source of sensory stimulation, as they are often made with different textures and fabrics.
Soft Blocks
Soft blocks are a fantastic option for newborns who are just starting to explore their surroundings. These blocks are made from soft and squishy materials, ensuring that they are safe for your baby to handle and play with. They can be stacked, squeezed, and thrown without the risk of injury. Soft blocks not only encourage your baby’s fine motor skills but also teach them about shapes, colors, and cause-and-effect.
Baby Rattles
Baby rattles are a classic toy that has stood the test of time. The gentle shaking sound produced by these toys captures a newborn’s attention and engages their auditory senses. Rattles often come with different textures, patterns, and shapes that your baby can explore through touch and sight. As your little one grows, they will learn to grasp, shake, and manipulate the rattle, which promotes their hand-eye coordination and cognitive development.
Fabric Books
Fabric books are a wonderful way to introduce reading to your newborn. These books are made from soft materials and usually have colorful illustrations and textures that captivate your baby’s attention. You can read aloud to your little one while they touch and explore the book’s different pages. Fabric books are durable and can withstand chewing and squeezing, making them a perfect toy for teething babies. Their portable and lightweight nature also makes them ideal for on-the-go entertainment.
Teething Toys
Teething toys are an absolute must-have for newborns going through the uncomfortable teething process. These toys are specifically designed to provide relief to sore gums and help your baby’s teeth emerge. Teething rings, teething mittens, and teething toys with rattles are all excellent options. For added relief, consider freezable teethers that can be chilled in the refrigerator. Silicone teethers are also popular due to their soft and chewable texture. Teething toys not only soothe your baby’s pain but also encourage the development of their grasping and chewing abilities.
Sensory Toys
Activity Gyms
Activity gyms are a versatile and visually stimulating toy for newborns. These mats come with various attached toys, mirrors, and textures that capture your baby’s attention. They provide a safe and comfortable space for your little one to explore and engage in tummy time. The bright colors and contrasting patterns on the gym’s mat and hanging toys enhance your baby’s visual and sensory development. Activity gyms also promote the strengthening of their muscles and gross motor skills as they reach, grasp, and kick the hanging toys.
Mobiles
Mobiles are a classic addition to any nursery and are designed to entertain and calm newborns. These hanging toys often feature soft and colorful characters or objects that rotate or sway when gently activated. The gentle movement and visual stimulation provided by mobiles can help soothe and engage your baby. As your little one grows, they will be fascinated by the mobile’s movements and gradually learn to track objects with their eyes. Mobiles are also a great way to introduce your baby to different shapes, colors, and patterns.
Mirror Toys
Mirror toys are a captivating addition to your newborn’s playtime. Babies have a natural fascination with their own reflection, and mirror toys allow them to explore and interact with that fascination. These toys often come in the form of handheld mirrors or larger, unbreakable mirrors attached to soft, plush frames. The reflection in the mirror helps develop your baby’s sense of self and body awareness. Mirror toys can also aid in their cognitive and emotional development as they express joy and surprise at seeing their reflection.
Texture Balls
Texture balls are an excellent toy for newborns to explore their tactile senses. These soft and textured balls come in various shapes and sizes, offering different textures and patterns for your baby to touch and feel. Babies can practice grasping and holding the balls, enhancing their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. The different textures also provide sensory stimulation, helping your baby develop their sense of touch. Texture balls are lightweight, making them easy for your little one to manipulate and play with.
Musical Toys
Musical toys are a delightful way to introduce your newborn to the world of sound and rhythm. From musical mobiles to toy pianos and xylophones, these toys offer auditory stimulation that can capture your baby’s attention and evoke joy. Musical toys often produce soft melodies or pleasant sounds that are gentle on your baby’s ears. As your little one grows, they can experiment with creating their own tunes and become more aware of cause-and-effect relationships. Musical toys also help develop your baby’s sense of rhythm and enhance their auditory and cognitive abilities.
Developmental Toys
Baby Play Mat
A baby play mat provides a safe and comfortable space for your newborn to explore and develop their motor skills. These mats are often designed with colorful patterns, textures, and interactive elements that promote your baby’s sensory development. They usually come with attached toys, mirrors, and crinkle sounds to engage your little one’s attention. As your baby grows, the play mat can be transformed into a larger play area, allowing them to crawl, roll, and play with their toys.
Stacking Rings
Stacking rings are a classic toy that promotes your baby’s hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. These toys consist of rings in different sizes and colors that can be stacked onto a central post. As your newborn grows, they will learn to grasp, manipulate, and stack the rings according to size. Stacking rings also introduce your baby to concepts such as size, color, and cause-and-effect relationships. The gentle clinking sound produced by these toys is an additional auditory stimulus for your little one.
Shape Sorters
Shape sorters are a fantastic toy to introduce your newborn to basic shapes and problem-solving skills. These toys typically consist of a box or container with openings in different shapes, and accompanying blocks or shapes that fit into these openings. Your baby can practice grasping, holding, and manipulating the blocks, enhancing their fine motor skills. As they develop, they will begin to understand how each shape fits into its respective hole, promoting their cognitive development and spatial awareness.
Nesting Cups
Nesting cups are a versatile and engaging toy for newborns. These cups come in various sizes and can be stacked, nested, and poured. Nesting cups promote your baby’s hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills as they learn to manipulate and stack the cups. The cups often feature different textures, patterns, and numbers, providing your baby with sensory stimulation and an early introduction to basic counting. Nesting cups can also be used for water play during bath time, adding an element of fun and creativity to your baby’s bath routine.
Puzzles
While puzzles may seem more suitable for older children, there are puzzle options available for newborns that focus on their early developmental stages. These puzzles feature large, easy-to-grasp pieces that often have knobs or other features for simple manipulation. Puzzle shapes can include animals, vehicles, or familiar objects, allowing your baby to develop their cognitive skills while exploring different shapes and images. Introducing puzzles at an early age sparks your baby’s problem-solving abilities and enhances their hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.
Crib Toys
Crib Mobiles
Crib mobiles are a popular addition to a newborn’s nursery. These hanging toys provide visual stimulation and gentle movement that can captivate your baby’s attention. Crib mobiles often feature soft plush toys or colorful characters that rotate, inviting your little one to gaze and track their motion. The gentle music or lullabies played by some mobiles can also create a soothing environment and help your baby relax and fall asleep. Crib mobiles can be a source of entertainment and comfort for your baby during nap time or bedtime.
Security Blankets
Security blankets, also known as loveys, can be a source of great comfort for newborns. These soft and cuddly blankets often feature a plush toy or a friendly face attached, providing your baby with a sense of security and familiarity. Security blankets can be easily carried and hugged, offering a soothing touch and scent that reminds your little one of home. They can also become a transitional object, providing comfort during challenging moments, such as being away from parents or going on car trips. Security blankets can quickly become a beloved companion for your newborn.
Crib Projectors
Crib projectors are a fantastic addition to your baby’s crib, creating a soothing and visually stimulating environment. These projectors often feature images, shapes, or scenes that are projected onto the ceiling or walls of the room. Some projectors also emit soft sounds or lullabies that help calm your baby and create a relaxing atmosphere for sleep. The projected images can engage your baby’s visual senses and provide a gentle distraction before bedtime or during wakeful periods in the crib.
Attachable Toys
Attachable toys are designed to hang from the sides of the crib, providing your newborn with visual and tactile stimulation. These toys often come in various shapes, colors, and textures that capture your baby’s attention and encourage exploration. Attachable toys promote your baby’s fine motor skills as they reach out and grasp the toys, strengthening their hand-eye coordination. They can also be easily detached and used for on-the-go entertainment, such as hanging them from strollers or car seats.
Pull-string Toys
Pull-string toys are a simple yet engaging option for newborns. These toys often feature soft plush characters or objects that are attached to a string or cord. By pulling the string, your baby can activate different movements or sounds, providing them with a sense of control and interaction. Pull-string toys promote your baby’s grasping and hand-eye coordination skills as they learn to hold and manipulate the string. These toys also encourage cause-and-effect understanding as your baby recognizes that their actions produce a response.
Teething Toys
Teething Rings
Teething rings are a go-to choice for soothing a teething baby’s sore gums. These rings are typically made from soft, chewable materials that are safe for your baby to gnaw on. The textured surfaces of teething rings provide gentle massage and counter pressure, alleviating discomfort and inflammation caused by teething. Some teething rings can be cooled in the refrigerator, offering additional relief through cold therapy. Teething rings are lightweight and easy for your baby to hold and manipulate, making them a practical and soothing toy during the teething phase.
Teething Mittens
Teething mittens are a convenient and soothing option for teething babies. These mittens are worn on your baby’s hand and feature a textured surface specifically designed for chewing. Teething mittens provide instant relief as your baby can directly massage and chew on their sore gums. The mittens are made from soft, safe materials that are gentle on your baby’s skin. They are also easy to clean and can be washed to maintain proper hygiene. Teething mittens offer a hands-free teething solution for your little one, ensuring relief even when on-the-go.
Teething Toys with Rattles
Teething toys with rattles combine two essential features to engage and soothe your teething baby. These toys often feature a teething surface made from soft, chewable materials and an integrated rattle for auditory stimulation. The rattle sound not only captures your baby’s attention but also provides an additional sensory experience. Your baby can grasp and manipulate the toy, stimulating their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Teething toys with rattles are also ideal for teething babies who enjoy exploring different textures and sounds during the teething process.
Freezable Teethers
Freezable teethers are a remarkable way to offer maximum relief to your teething baby’s gums. These teethers are designed to be chilled in your refrigerator, providing a soothing cold sensation that helps alleviate teething discomfort. Freezable teethers are typically made from food-grade silicone or other safe materials that are free from harmful chemicals. The cold temperature eases inflammation and reduces pain, allowing your baby to chew and gnaw on the teether for longer periods. The textured surfaces of these teethers add an extra massaging effect on sore gums, offering comprehensive relief during the teething phase.
Silicone Teethers
Silicone teethers are a popular choice for teething babies due to their safety, durability, and chewable texture. These teethers are made from soft, flexible silicone material that is gentle on your baby’s gums. They often come in various shapes, such as keys, animals, or fruits, providing different options for your baby to chew on and explore. Silicone teethers are easy to clean and maintain, making them a practical choice for parents. The lightweight nature of these teethers enables your baby to grasp and hold them easily, promoting their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
Bath Toys
Squirt Toys
Squirt toys are a delightful addition to your baby’s bath time. These toys are specially designed to be squeezed and filled with water, allowing your baby to spray and splash in the tub. Squirt toys often come in various shapes, like animals or characters, making bath time more enjoyable and interactive for your little one. They can enhance your baby’s hand-eye coordination as they learn to aim and squeeze the toys. Squirt toys also introduce cause-and-effect relationships as your baby discovers that squeezing the toy results in a splash of water.
Floatable Toys
Floatable toys bring fun and excitement to your baby’s bath time experience. These toys are designed to float on the water’s surface, captivating your little one’s attention. Floatable toys often feature colorful designs and friendly faces that engage your baby’s visual senses. They can also be easily grasped and manipulated by tiny hands, promoting your baby’s fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Floatable toys encourage imagination and creativity during bath time play, making it a joyful and engaging experience for your baby.
Waterfall Toys
Waterfall toys add a touch of wonder and exploration to your baby’s bath routine. These toys often attach to the tub wall or the tub’s edge and allow water to flow through various channels, creating a mini waterfall effect. Your baby can watch and interact with the cascading water, stimulating their visual senses and curiosity. Waterfall toys often come with different spinning wheels or gears that your baby can manipulate, introducing them to basic physics principles. This interactive and engaging toy can make bath time more entertaining for your little one.
Stacking Cups
Stacking cups are a versatile and practical toy to have during bath time. These cups come in different sizes that can be nested or stacked, allowing your baby to explore various water play activities. Stacking cups promote your baby’s hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills as they learn to pour, fill, and empty water. The cups often feature different drainage holes, encouraging your baby to understand the concept of cause-and-effect through water flow. Stacking cups can also be used for water temperature exploration, pouring practice, and building water towers.
Bath Books
Bath books are a brilliant choice for storytelling and learning during bath time. These books are made from waterproof materials, ensuring durability and longevity even when exposed to water. Bath books often feature vibrant illustrations and simple text that capture your baby’s attention. The tactile nature of the waterproof pages allows your baby to explore the book through touch. Bath books can be easily cleaned and dried, making them suitable for water play without worrying about damage. They provide a playful and educational experience while encouraging language development and bonding between you and your baby.
Grip and Grasp Toys
Squeeze Balls
Squeeze balls are a fantastic sensory toy that helps strengthen your baby’s grip and grasp. These balls are typically made from soft, squeezable materials that offer tactile stimulation when compressed and released. Squeeze balls come in various sizes and textures, catering to your baby’s sensory preferences. As your baby squeezes and manipulates the ball, they develop their fine motor skills and hand strength. These toys are lightweight and easy for your baby to hold, promoting their dexterity and coordination.
Stacking Blocks
Stacking blocks are a classic toy that your newborn can enjoy from the early months. These blocks are made from soft materials, ensuring they are safe for your baby to handle and play with. Stacking blocks teach your baby about shapes, colors, and sizes as they explore stacking and building structures. These blocks also enhance your baby’s hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills, and problem-solving abilities. Soft stacking blocks are lightweight and free from sharp edges, allowing your baby to experiment and play with them without the risk of injury.
Ring Stacker
Ring stackers are a timeless toy that promotes your baby’s hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. These toys consist of a central post and a set of rings that can be stacked onto the post. The rings often come in different colors, sizes, and textures, offering various sensory experiences for your baby. As your baby grasps and manipulates the rings, they develop their hand strength and coordination. Ring stackers also introduce your baby to concepts like size, order, and cause-and-effect relationships.
Textured Balls
Textured balls are an excellent choice to engage your newborn’s tactile senses and promote their fine motor skills. These balls often feature a variety of textures, patterns, and colors that captivate your baby’s attention. The different sensory experiences provided by textured balls enhance your baby’s tactile development and sensitivity. Your baby can explore the balls’ surfaces through touch, strengthening their grasp and hand coordination. Textured balls are lightweight and easy for your baby to hold and manipulate, making them an enjoyable and stimulating toy.
Clutching Toys
Clutching toys are designed to be easily grasped and held by your baby’s small hands. These toys often feature rings, loops, or handles that allow your baby to clutch and manipulate them comfortably. Clutching toys can come in various shapes, colors, and textures, enticing your baby’s curiosity and sensory exploration. They promote your baby’s fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination as they learn to grasp, shake, and move the toys. Clutching toys also encourage the development of your baby’s self-awareness and independent play, fostering a sense of confidence and accomplishment.
Self-Entertaining Toys
Crib Mirrors
Crib mirrors are a delightful and engaging toy that introduces your newborn to their reflection. These mirrors are designed to be safely attached to the crib, allowing your baby to observe themselves while lying down. Crib mirrors promote your baby’s self-awareness and body recognition as they interact with their own reflection. The mirror’s surface often features bright colors, patterns, or friendly characters that capture your baby’s attention. Crib mirrors create a visually stimulating environment and can provide entertainment and comfort during your baby’s alone time in the crib.
Busy Boards
Busy boards are a fantastic option for promoting sensory exploration and fine motor skills in newborns. These boards consist of various textures, objects, and sensory elements that your baby can touch, press, and manipulate. Busy boards often feature buttons, zippers, toggles, and other interactive elements that introduce your baby to cause-and-effect relationships. Your baby can practice their hand-eye coordination and dexterity as they engage with the different features on the board. Busy boards provide tactile and sensory stimulation, encouraging your baby to explore and learn through play.
Activity Cubes
Activity cubes are a multifunctional and interactive toy for newborns. These cubes often feature different activities on each side, such as buttons to press, gears to turn, or shapes to manipulate. Activity cubes promote your baby’s cognitive and fine motor skills as they explore and interact with the various elements. The cubes provide sensory stimulation through different textures, colors, and sounds. Your baby can practice their hand-eye coordination and problem-solving abilities as they learn to navigate and manipulate the activities on the cube.
Light-up Toys
Light-up toys are a captivating and visually stimulating choice for newborns. These toys often feature glowing lights or LED displays that capture your baby’s attention and curiosity. Light-up toys can introduce your baby to cause-and-effect relationships, as their touch or interaction with the toy activates the lights. The dazzling colors and patterns produced by the lights enhance your baby’s visual development and tracking abilities. Light-up toys can provide both entertainment and gentle exposure to different visual stimuli, supporting your baby’s cognitive and sensory development.
Sensory Balls
Sensory balls are a versatile toy option that engages your baby’s senses and motor skills. These balls can feature various textures, patterns, and tactile elements that stimulate your baby’s touch and vision. Sensory balls often produce exciting sounds or have bells inside, capturing your baby’s auditory attention. Your baby can explore these balls through grasping, rolling, throwing, and crawling after them, promoting their gross motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Sensory balls are lightweight and easy to manipulate, ensuring a safe and enjoyable playtime experience.
Music Toys
Musical Mobiles
Musical mobiles are a beloved addition to a newborn’s crib that combine visual stimulation and soothing melodies. These mobiles feature hanging toys or characters that rotate or sway while playing soft lullabies or melodies. The combination of gentle movement and calming music creates a serene and comforting environment for your baby. Musical mobiles provide visual and auditory stimulation, promoting your baby’s cognitive development and sensory awareness. They can also become a part of your baby’s sleep routine, signaling a transition to a more relaxed state.
Music Boxes
Music boxes are a charming and nostalgic toy that can bring joy to your newborn. These boxes produce enchanting tunes when wound up or activated. Music boxes often feature a spinning figurine or a scene accompanied by the melodious sounds. Your baby can watch and listen to the music box, stimulating their auditory senses and visual tracking abilities. Music boxes can be placed near the crib or used as a comforting toy during nap time or bedtime routines. The soothing melodies create a tranquil ambiance and foster a sense of calm and relaxation.
Piano Mat
Piano mats are an exciting way to introduce your newborn to the world of music and sound. These mats feature a keyboard that your baby can interact with by kicking or pressing the keys with their hands. Piano mats often produce different musical notes or sounds, allowing your baby to experiment with rhythm and melody. The colorful designs and interactive elements on the mat engage your baby’s visual senses as they explore and play. Piano mats promote your baby’s gross motor skills and hand-eye coordination while providing a playful and musical experience.
Xylophones
Xylophones are a delightful musical instrument suitable for newborns who are just beginning to explore sounds and rhythm. These instruments consist of colorful metal or wooden bars that produce distinct tones when struck with a mallet. Xylophones often feature a simple and child-friendly design that allows your baby to experiment with different sounds and pitches. Your baby can explore cause-and-effect relationships as they learn that hitting the bars produces sounds. They can also practice hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills by manipulating the mallet and striking the bars.
Rattle and Roll Musical Toys
Rattle and roll musical toys combine the elements of music and movement in a fun and interactive package. These toys often feature colorful designs, rattling sounds, and rolling wheels that capture your baby’s attention and engage their senses. Rattle and roll musical toys feature various shapes and characters that your baby can grasp, shake, and chase. The rattling sounds stimulate your baby’s auditory senses, while the rolling movement of the toy encourages your baby to crawl and follow the toy’s motion. These toys provide a multisensory experience that supports your baby’s cognitive and motor development.
Black and White Toys
Contrast Books
Contrast books are an ideal choice for newborns due to their high contrast images and patterns. These books feature black and white illustrations or bold, contrasting colors that are visually stimulating for your baby. Newborns’ visual development is still developing, and they are particularly attracted to high contrast visuals. Contrast books can help capture your baby’s attention and improve their visual tracking abilities. As your baby grows, they will begin to recognize and respond to the patterns and shapes in the book, enhancing their cognitive and sensory development.
Black and White Mobiles
Black and white mobiles are designed specifically to engage and stimulate your newborn’s visual senses. These mobiles feature hanging objects, shapes, or patterns in high contrast colors, such as black and white. The distinct contrast in colors stimulates your baby’s developing vision, grabbing their attention and encouraging visual tracking. Black and white mobiles can be placed above the crib or in other areas where your baby spends time, providing visual entertainment and promoting their early visual development.
Crib Cards
Crib cards are a versatile and portable toy for newborns. These cards often feature high contrast images, patterns, and shapes that capture your baby’s attention and promote visual engagement. Crib cards can be attached to the crib or stroller, allowing your baby to interact with them in different settings. These cards can be easily carried and shown to your baby during playtime or daily activities, providing a visual stimulus and aiding in their cognitive and sensory development. Crib cards are a practical and visually captivating toy for newborns to explore.
Sensory Cards
Sensory cards are designed to provide a tactile and visual experience for newborns. These cards often feature different textures, fabrics, and patterns that your baby can touch and explore. Sensory cards can have smooth surfaces, crinkly textures, or fuzzy materials that stimulate your baby’s sense of touch. The contrasting colors and patterns on the cards provide a visual stimulus that supports your baby’s visual development. Sensory cards can be used during tummy time, playtime, or as a sensory activity to enhance your baby’s sensory exploration and engagement.
High Contrast Soft Toys
High contrast soft toys are a delightful combination of visual stimulation and comforting cuddles for newborns. These toys often feature black and white patterns or bold, high contrast colors that attract your baby’s attention. High contrast soft toys provide a visually engaging companion for your little one, promoting visual tracking and strengthening their visual development. The soft and plush materials of these toys offer comfort and sensory exploration through touch. The combination of visual and tactile stimulation in high contrast soft toys engages your baby’s senses and fosters their cognitive and sensory development.
In summary, newborn babies benefit greatly from a wide range of toys that stimulate their senses, promote their motor skills, aid in their cognitive development, and provide companionship. Soft and plush toys such as stuffed animals, soft blocks, and baby rattles offer comfort and sensory exploration. Sensory toys like activity gyms, mobiles, and texture balls promote visual and tactile stimulation. Developmental toys like baby play mats, stacking rings, and puzzles enhance fine motor skills and cognitive development. Crib toys such as crib mobiles, security blankets, and attachable toys provide entertainment in the crib. Teething toys such as teething rings and teethers offer relief during the teething process. Bath toys like squirt toys and stacking cups make bath time enjoyable. Grip and grasp toys like squeeze balls and stacking blocks promote hand-eye coordination. Self-entertaining toys like crib mirrors and musical toys encourage independent play. Music toys such as musical mobiles and pianos introduce your baby to sound and rhythm. Finally, black and white toys like contrast books and sensory cards stimulate newborns’ developing vision. By providing a diverse range of toys, you can create a stimulating and nurturing environment for your newborn’s growth and development.
