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Developmentally Appropriate Baby Toy Recommendations from a Pediatric Nurse
Toys recommended for younger age groups often remain beneficial and engaging as children get older.
1-3 months old:
At this stage, babies can only see objects at a close distance. Their tiny hands are often clenched, especially during the first 1 to 2 months. Their neck muscles are still weak and cannot support their head for long periods. Tummy time is crucial for strengthening their neck and back muscles.
Toys that encourage sensory exploration and support motor development are ideal. Great options include baby-safe mirrors, soft cloth books, and lightweight rattles that help little ones discover their hands and feet. A baby gym can promote reaching and grasping skills, while high-contrast toys keep babies visually engaged during longer tummy time sessions. It’s also important to offer toys they can grasp to encourage palm opening and strengthen their motor skills.
1.Infantino Baby’s 1st Rattle Bundle
Find their hands and feet
Cause and effect
Tracking
Small rattle help open their clenched hands
2. Manhattan Toy Deer One Soft Activity Crinkle Book
Tummy time toy
safe material
Explore different texture.
Soft, beautiful design
3.Manhattan Toy Atom Rattle & Teether Grasping Activity Toy
Perfect for tiny hands
Stimulates multiple senses, color, sound, shape…
Soft rattle sounds
3-9 months old:
At 3-9 months, we are able to:
- Motor
- Stronger neck
- Rolls over (4–6 months)
- Sits with/without support (6 months)
- Grasps and transfers toys
- Cognitive
- Explores with mouth and hands
- Recognizes familiar faces/voices
- Tracks moving objects
- Learns simple cause and effect
- Communication
- Babbles (“ba,” “da”)
- Responds to name (8-9 months)
- Enjoys games like peekaboo (6 months)
1.Tiny Land Montessori Baby Toy Set 4-6 Months
Great toy set for babies above 3 months
Who doesn’t like a tissue box?
Geometric toys thats also great to practice motor skills
Rolling beads that teaches cause and effect!
OEKO-TEX certified
2. Melissa & Doug Flip Fish Soft Baby Toy
Explore hidden pictures
Soft & safe
Tail squeaks
3.HABA Rainbow Baby Ball
Machine washable
Colorful-visual stimulus
When grow older, we can kick it and throw it around!
Crinkle toys
3.Hape Apple Grab Toy
Easy for small hands to hold
Well made by Hape
Fine motor skills
4.Hape Beaded Raindrops
Montessori-Inspired
Highly recommended by child life specialists
Engaging and perfect for car rides or medical procedures
Ideal for babies under 1 year old
Soft raindrop sound that is soothing, not overpowering
9 – 12 months old:
At 9-12 months, we are able to:
- Motor
- Sits, crawls, pulls to stand
- Pincer grasp
- May start walking (12m)
- Cognitive
- Knows objects exist when hidden
- Stacks, bangs, drops
- Imitates actions
- Communication
- Follows simple commands
- Says “mama”/“dada”
- Points, shows preferences
1. Jumble Jangle Baby Teething Toys
-Safe material from reputable Britain brand
-Pass both EU and CPSC standard
-Suction, drop proof
-Silicon material, soft to chew on
-fine motor, sensory
2. Melissa & Doug First Bead Maze
-Also great for 12 months and up
-Fine Motor & Hand–Eye Coordination
-Problem-solving, cause–and–effect learning, and 3D spatial understanding
-Secures to high chairs or tables via suction, encouraging focused solo play and building concentration
3. Mobi Wigloo Activity Toy
-safe material:Made from 100% food-grade silicone, BPA, Phthalate, and Latex-free
-CREATIVE PLAY
-Spatial imagination
-Busy toy
-Midline play
What is midline play❓什么是中线玩法？
(Midline play refers to activities where a baby or child moves their hands or other body parts across the center of their body—known as the midline.) Encouraging midline play supports overall brain development, coordination, and future skills like writing, dressing, and sports.
12 – 24 months old :
At 12-24 months, we are able to:
- Motor
- Walks, climbs
- Stacks objects
- Feeds self with fingers or spoon
- Cognitive
- Explores purposefully
- Understands simple object use
- Communication
- Says a few words
- Points to express needs
- Follows simple directions
- Shows big emotions
- Plays alongside other kids (parallel play)
1. Jumble Dream Wooden Busy Board
-Safe from reputable Britain brand (unlike most other busy board on market)
-Pass both EU and CPSC standard
-Fine motor skills
-Travel friendly
-Encourage independence play
2.Manhattan Toy Beats to Go
-Musical toy
-Midline play
-Motor and coordination skills
-Best for kids 15 months and up to 5-6 years old!
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