These toys support early learning and help infants develop essential motor and sensory skills.
It’s late afternoon, and you’re juggling work calls while your little one needs attention and stimulation. Finding ways to keep your infant engaged and learning can feel overwhelming when every minute counts.
Developmental toys designed for infants offer simple solutions by encouraging growth in key skills through play. In the next section, we’ll share expert picks to help you choose the perfect toys that support your child’s early development.
What Expert Picks For Best Developmental Toys For Infants
Tohibee Baby Montessori Sensory Toy
Your go-to choice among Best Developmental Toys for Infants, designed to engage multiple senses and encourage motor skills.
The TOHIBEE Baby Montessori Sensory Toy is a multi-sensory developmental toy designed specifically for infants aged 0 to 18 months. It features a variety of bright colors and textured silicone balls to stimulate babies’ senses while offering soothing teething relief through its high-quality silicone and ABS plastic materials. This toy aims to encourage grasping, reaching, and motor skill development with its baby-friendly size and engaging components like a rattle ring and rotating ball.
In everyday use, this toy proves reliable and easy to handle, fitting comfortably in small hands and even in diaper bags for travel. Its lightweight design and durable materials mean it holds up well to frequent play and teething, keeping babies engaged and soothed without fuss. From car rides to quiet playtime, it provides consistent sensory stimulation and comfort.
Pros:
- Engages multiple senses with varied textures and bright colors
- Safe, high-quality silicone materials ideal for teething
- Compact and lightweight, perfect for travel and on-the-go
- Designed to encourage gross motor skill development
- Suitable for a wide infant age range (0-18 months)
- Easy to grasp and hold for little hands
- Includes multiple sensory elements like rattle and rotating balls
Cons:
- Limited color options—only available in blue
- May not be engaging for older toddlers beyond 18 months
My Honest Take
This toy is ideal for parents seeking a versatile developmental tool that doubles as a teether for young infants. Its ease of use and portability make it a convenient option for both home and travel. Beginners will appreciate how straightforward it is to introduce this toy, while experienced parents will value its durability and sensory variety. A practical tip is to keep it within easy reach during travel to calm fussy moments.
Safety is well considered with non-toxic materials and a design that fits tiny hands comfortably. Overall, it’s a thoughtful, reliable choice for nurturing your infant’s early learning and comfort.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Parents of newborns to 18-month-olds | Safe and engaging sensory and teething toy for early development |
| Traveling families | Compact, lightweight design fits easily in diaper bags |
| Infants developing motor skills | Encourages grasping, reaching, and sensory exploration |
Urmywo Black And White Baby Toys
One of the Best Developmental Toys for Infants designed to stimulate early visual and sensory growth.
The URMYWO Black and White Baby Toys is a soft activity book designed specifically for newborns and infants up to 12 months. Featuring high contrast black and white patterns along with a baby-safe mirror, it helps stimulate a baby’s visual development and sensory skills. The book’s 11 different patterns and interactive elements like a flip little red flag and crinkle paper encourage exploration and focus, making it a thoughtful choice for early learning.
In everyday use, this toy stands out for its durable, non-toxic materials and secure straps that make it easy to attach to cribs, strollers, or play areas. It’s soft and lightweight, comfortable for babies to handle during tummy time or independent play. Parents often find it a reliable way to keep their infants engaged while supporting motor skills and brain development without overwhelming them.
Pros:
- High contrast patterns effectively support visual development
- Includes a baby-safe mirror for added sensory engagement
- Soft and washable polyester material is safe and gentle
- Straps allow easy attachment to various baby gear
- Interactive elements like crinkle paper and a flip flag
- Suitable for tummy time to strengthen muscles
- Unisex design makes it a versatile gift option
Cons:
- Limited to medium size, may not engage older infants as much
- No electronic or sound features for additional stimulation
My Honest Take
This toy is ideal for new parents looking for a simple, effective way to support their infant’s early development. It’s beginner-friendly, easy to clean, and safe, which gives peace of mind when introducing it to a newborn. I’d suggest using it during tummy time and quiet play moments to maximize its benefits while ensuring the baby remains comfortable and engaged. Its straightforward design is refreshing and focuses on what matters most at this stage.
Best for / Why
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Newborns to 3 months | High contrast visuals support early visual development |
| Parents seeking safe sensory toys | Soft, non-toxic materials with secure attachments |
| Tummy time activities | Encourages muscle strengthening and motor skills |
| Gift for baby showers | Unisex design and lifelong appeal for infants |
Bright Starts Oball Easy Grasp Ball
One of the Best Developmental Toys for Infants, this ball encourages early motor skills with its unique easy-grip design.
The Bright Starts Oball Easy Grasp Ball is designed specifically for infants to develop their fine and gross motor skills. Its flexible structure and large finger holes make it easy for little hands to hold and explore, making it a perfect first toy. Suitable for newborns and up, this ball also comes in bright colors that attract attention and encourage interaction.
In everyday use, this ball is lightweight and durable, perfect for crawling babies who love to chase and roll it around. Its compact 4-inch size easily fits into diaper bags, making it convenient to bring along for outings or stroller rides. Cleaning is simple, providing a hassle-free experience for parents.
Pros:
- Flexible design with large finger holes for easy grasping
- Encourages both fine and gross motor skill development
- Compact and portable for on-the-go play
- BPA-free and safe for newborns
- Bright, engaging colors
- Durable and easy to clean
Cons:
- Limited to a single size and color combination
- Not suitable for older toddlers seeking more complex toys
My Practical Opinion
This ball is ideal for parents looking for a simple, safe, and effective developmental toy for their infant. It’s especially good for beginners who want a no-fuss toy that supports early motor skills. After purchasing, you’ll appreciate how easy it is to clean and carry around, making daily playtime smooth and enjoyable.
One tip: use it during tummy time to encourage reaching and crawling, which helps build strength. Overall, it’s a straightforward, dependable toy that fits well into any infant’s play collection without overwhelming them or parents.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Newborns and infants | Easy grasp design suits tiny hands and early development |
| Parents seeking safe, BPA-free toys | Made from safe materials and easy to clean |
| On-the-go families | Compact size fits easily into diaper bags and strollers |
| Babies practicing crawling | Encourages gross motor skills through chasing and rolling |
Urmywo High Contrast Baby Toy
One of the Best Developmental Toys for Infants, this toy supports early visual and sensory development with engaging black and white patterns and interactive features.
The URMYWO High Contrast Baby Toy is designed as a tummy time companion for infants aged 0 to 12 months. It combines black and white high contrast patterns ideal for newborn visual stimulation with colorful designs to engage older babies. The toy also includes a safe, flexible mirror and soft crinkle paper pages that unfold into a play mat, promoting sensory exploration and cognitive development.
In everyday use, this toy proves versatile and portable, easy to attach to cribs or car seats, making it convenient for both home and travel. The materials are gentle and safe, and the interactive elements hold a baby’s attention well. It’s a reliable choice for parents wanting a simple yet effective developmental toy that grows with their child’s sensory and motor skills.
Pros:
- High contrast patterns support early visual development.
- Interactive crinkle paper encourages tactile exploration.
- Flexible safety mirror promotes self-recognition.
- Portable and easy to attach in multiple locations.
- Unfolds into a versatile play mat.
- Suitable for infants from newborn to one year.
- Lightweight and compact for on-the-go use.
Cons:
- May be too simple for older infants beyond 12 months.
- No electronic features or sounds for additional stimulation.
My Recommendation
This toy is ideal for new parents looking for an easy-to-use and safe developmental toy that encourages early sensory and motor skills. It’s simple to set up and clean, making it a practical choice for daily use. For beginners, it offers peace of mind with its non-toxic materials and secure attachments. My tip: use it during supervised tummy time sessions to maximize your baby’s engagement and development.
It’s a calm, thoughtful option that fits naturally into a baby’s play routine without overwhelming them with complex features.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Newborns and young infants | High contrast patterns support early visual development. |
| Parents seeking portable toys | Lightweight and easy to attach to cribs or car seats. |
| Babies learning sensory and motor skills | Interactive crinkle paper and mirror encourage exploration. |
Baby Einstein Glow & Discover Light Bar
One of the Best Developmental Toys for Infants that combines music, colors, and animal sounds for engaging learning.
The Baby Einstein Glow & Discover Light Bar is a multisensory developmental toy designed for infants starting at 3 months old. It features colorful lights, classical melodies, and animal sounds that engage babies during floor play or tummy time. The toy offers three interactive modes—Xylophone, Animal, and Color—that help infants explore music, learn animal names and sounds, and recognize colors in English, Spanish, and French.
In everyday use, this toy proves reliable and easy to integrate into playtime. Its design allows it to sit flat for tummy time or prop up for seated play, adapting as the baby grows. The buttons and rattle drum respond with lights and sounds, encouraging fine motor skills and cause-and-effect understanding. Cleaning is straightforward with a damp cloth, and lightweight construction makes it portable and manageable for caregivers.
Pros:
- Engages multiple senses with lights, music, and sounds
- Teaches colors in three languages for early language exposure
- Three distinct play modes keep the baby interested
- Adjustable setup for tummy time and sitting play
- Supports fine motor skill development
- Unisex design suitable for boys and girls
- Compact and lightweight for easy handling
Cons:
- Requires 3 AA batteries, which are not included
- Limited to infants up to 36 months, so outgrown relatively quickly
My Honest Take
This toy is ideal for parents looking to introduce their infants to sensory and language learning early on without overwhelming them. Its simple setup and multi-mode play make it beginner-friendly, and it holds a baby’s attention with changing stimuli. I appreciate the ease of cleaning and the thoughtful design that grows with the child’s abilities. For peace of mind, the unisex and compact design fits well in most play spaces.
One tip is to rotate this toy with other developmental toys to keep engagement fresh. Overall, this light bar provides a balanced mix of education and entertainment that suits infants at various stages of early growth.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Parents of infants 3-36 months | Offers developmental support through interactive music and lights |
| Caregivers wanting language exposure | Teaches colors in English, Spanish, and French |
| Families needing a compact, lightweight toy | Easy to handle and clean for everyday use |
Infinno Baby Wrist Rattle Socks Set
One of the Best Developmental Toys for Infants, this set encourages sensory exploration with colorful rattles designed specifically for newborns.
The Infinno Baby Wrist Rattle Socks Set includes soft, colorful wrist rattles and foot finders designed for infants aged 0 to 12 months. This set promotes sensory exploration by engaging babies through sight, touch, and sound. Its bright colors and contrasting patterns encourage babies to reach and grab, aiding in their early motor development. Packaged in a gift box, it also makes a thoughtful baby shower present.
In everyday use, the rattles fit comfortably on baby’s wrists and ankles thanks to soft cotton materials and adjustable straps that grow with the child. The enhanced rattle sound keeps little ones engaged without being overwhelming. From my experience, the socks stay in place well during playtime and feel gentle enough for infants to chew on safely.
Pros:
- Encourages sensory exploration through multiple senses
- Soft, baby-safe cotton materials suitable for chewing
- Adjustable straps for growing infants
- Bright colors and patterns stimulate vision
- Comes in an attractive gift box
- Louder rattle sound to attract attention
- Fits comfortably on wrists and ankles
Cons:
- Limited to infants up to 12 months
- No additional toy functions beyond rattling
My Practical Opinion
This set is ideal for parents looking for a simple yet effective developmental toy for newborns. It’s easy to put on and comfortable, making it suitable for everyday wear and play. Beginners will appreciate the soft materials and secure fit, while experienced parents will value its focus on sensory stimulation without overwhelming complexity.
One tip is to supervise during play to ensure the rattles stay in place and for safety when babies start chewing on the socks. Overall, it’s a gentle and engaging option for early sensory development that balances practicality with thoughtful design.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| New parents | Simple, safe sensory toy for early infant development |
| Gift shoppers | Attractive packaging and useful baby shower gift |
| Infants 0-12 months | Designed specifically to fit and engage newborns and young babies |
| Caregivers focused on sensory play | Stimulates sight, touch, and sound effectively |
Sassy Stacks Of Circles Stacking Ring
One of the Best Developmental Toys for Infants, this toy encourages hand-eye coordination and sensory exploration through stacking and sorting.
The Sassy Stacks of Circles Stacking Ring is a colorful, multi-textured set designed for infants aged 6 months and older. It features a straight post with nine chunky rings that vary in size, texture, and weight to engage babies in sorting and stacking activities. The toy helps develop fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and sensory exploration with its combination of tactile surfaces and colorful beads that create visual and auditory stimulation.
In everyday use, this stacking ring set is sturdy and simple to handle for little hands. The chunky rings make it easy for babies to grasp and manipulate, encouraging independent play and learning. The variety of textures keeps infants interested and encourages mouthing safely. The size and weight distribution of the rings help maintain engagement without overwhelming the child.
Pros:
- Helps strengthen hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills
- Variety of textures supports sensory development
- Colorful beads in clear ring connect sound with sight
- Chunky rings are easy for babies to grasp
- Durable construction suitable for everyday use
- Includes 9 pieces for extended play options
Cons:
- May be too simple for older toddlers
- No built-in storage for rings
My Practical Opinion
This stacking ring set is ideal for parents looking for a straightforward, effective developmental toy for infants starting around 6 months old. It’s easy to introduce and doesn’t require setup or maintenance, making it a convenient choice for busy families. The sensory variety promotes engagement without overstimulation, and the durable design offers peace of mind during mouthing and play. I appreciate how it encourages independent learning while being gentle and safe for little ones.
One tip is to supervise initially to show your baby how to stack the rings, then watch as they build coordination and confidence over time. This toy fits well in a beginner’s collection but can also complement more advanced toys as your child grows.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Infants 6-24 months | Designed for early developmental stages with appropriate size and textures |
| Parents seeking sensory toys | Varied textures and sound elements aid sensory exploration |
| Families wanting easy-to-use developmental toys | Simple design and durable materials make it practical and reliable |
How To Choose Best Developmental Toys For Infants For Your Needs
Choosing the right developmental toys for infants helps support their growth and learning in a safe, engaging way.
- Is the toy made from safe, non-toxic materials?
- Does it encourage sensory exploration and curiosity?
- Is it suitable for the infant’s current developmental stage?
- Can the toy promote fine and gross motor skills?
- Is it easy to clean and maintain?
- Does it offer opportunities for interactive play?
If you still have questions, the FAQs help.
Faqs Of Best Developmental Toys For Infants
Are developmental toys for infants safe to use daily?
Yes, choose toys made from non-toxic, BPA-free materials designed for infants. Always check for small parts that could pose choking hazards.
What size developmental toys are best for infants?
Select toys that fit comfortably in an infant’s hands and mouth. Avoid toys that are too large or heavy to ensure ease of use and safety.
How do I clean developmental toys for infants?
Clean toys regularly with mild soap and warm water. Avoid harsh chemicals to keep toys safe and hygienic for daily use.
Can infants use developmental toys every day?
Yes, daily use supports learning and growth. Rotate toys to maintain interest and ensure they remain clean and safe.
What safety features should I look for in infant developmental toys?
Look for rounded edges, sturdy construction, and non-toxic materials. Brands like Fisher-Price offer toys that meet strict safety standards.
How do I ensure the toy size is safe for infants?
Check that toys are larger than an infant’s mouth to prevent choking. Follow age recommendations on packaging for proper sizing.
Final Verdict: Best Developmental Toys For Infants For Most People
When selecting developmental toys for infants, it’s important to consider the child’s age, interests, and the specific skills you want to encourage. Toys that stimulate sensory exploration and motor skills tend to offer the most benefit during these early stages.
Ultimately, the best choice balances safety, engagement, and educational value, allowing infants to explore and learn at their own pace. Observing how your little one interacts with different types of toys can guide you towards what truly supports their growth.
Trust your instincts and enjoy the journey of discovery together.