20 best baby toys: play options for newborns to one-year-olds

Price: RRP £14.99 | Buy now from Amazon

Key specs 

Suitable from: Birth | Best for age: Four weeks and above | Size: ‎18.41 x 5.08 x 18.41 cm | Weight: 200g | Batteries: Yes, 2x AA

What we like 

• Tough velcro makes it easy to attach to pram and cots etc
• Three different language settings (English, French and Spanish)
• Excellent toy for tummy time

What we don't like 

• Needs batteries 

What Mumsnet users say 

“Highly recommend the Baby Einstein Star! My daughter was absolutely blown away with it even at eight weeks. I attached it to just above her play mat. She adores it now, even at nearly seven months.” (Recommended by Mumsnet user Sunshine1996)

Our verdict

The Baby Einstein Bright Symphony Star has a jolly face and plays soothing music at just the right volume. It also features contrasting patterns and colours on each of its soft-touch points. Reviewers note that it feels sturdy and well made and are impressed with the tough velcro clasp for attaching the toy to prams and car seats. 

The Bright Star has a friendly voice and the three different language options are unique. In addition, his face glows a cheerful red when you press the right button. It’s perfect for tummy time and will delight babies from the early weeks to beyond a year old. 

Read next: The best baby changing mats to buy, as recommended by parents

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Price: RRP From £2 | Buy now from Amazon

Key specs 

Suitable from: Birth | Best for age: Birth to 12 months | Size: 2.1 x 1.3 m | Batteries: None

What we like 

• Affordable 
• Portable 
• Great for sensory play

What we don't like

• It will seem like an odd gift unless you explain the benefits
• Play must be carefully supervised as babies can rip it up and put it in their mouths

What Mumsnet users say 

“My daughter’s fiery favourite toy, I got a couple from the Pound Shop. Loved laying on it, crinkling it and looking at its shine. When she was bigger she'd crumple it, wrap it around herself, waggle it about under the light. Honestly, a bit annoying as she also had expensive fancy toys which she hated or ignored to play with a £1 blanket.” (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user FatAgainItsLettuceTime)

“My baby’s absolute favourite thing at that age was a foil blanket. Kept him busy for ages!” (Vetted by Mumsnet user Gladiolys)

Our verdict

Foil blankets weren’t designed to entertain babies, but little ones are fascinated with them. The satisfying crinkly noise is entertaining and soothing, and the shiny silver colour glistens as it moves and catches the light, making this one of the best sensory toys for babies. 

These clever blankets are affordable, allowing you to have one in your nappy bag, a spare in the playroom, and one for car journeys. They are lightweight, easy to grab and scrunch up, and make a great peek-a-boo prop too. 

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Price: RRP £15 | Buy now from Amazon

Key specs 

Suitable from: Birth | Best for age: From four weeks | Size: ‎2400 x 10.16 x 0.01 cm | Batteries: None

What we like 

• Lightweight, so easy for a baby to pick up 
• High-contrast colours including monochrome
• Great for sensory play - includes rattle, mirror and crinkly textures

What we don't like

• The plastic clip is slightly less sturdy than velcro

What Mumsnet users say 

“Lamaze toys are great - the butterfly and good old Captain Calamari are our faves!” (Suggested by Mumsnet user Blippibloppi)

Our verdict

Lamaze’s Captain Calamari is one of the best pram toys for newborn babies. His body and tentacles feature crazy patterns and bold colours, and they have unusual textures for curious fingers to explore. 

The Captain is beautifully made and feels robust enough to last into the toddler years. He has a BPA-free plastic teething ring dangling from his squishy body and a fun peek-a-boo eye patch that is guaranteed to make your baby chuckle. We also love the surprise mirror hidden among his tentacles for even more sensory fun.

Read next: When your baby gets a little older, we’ve carefully selected the best toys for nine-month-olds, as recommended by parents

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Price: RRP £12.99 | Buy now from Amazon

Key specs 

Suitable from: Birth | Best for age: Four weeks plus | Size: ‎60.96 x 60.96 x 5.08 cm | Batteries: None

What we like 

• Great for tummy time
• Older babies will love pushing the creatures around the water
• Easy to fill and drain 

What we don't like 

• Needs regular cleaning to keep it from going mouldy

What Mumsnet users say

“With the youngest, we had a sensory ocean-themed tummy time mat filled with water. It was great fun hitting it and fishes swimming across and something a little different.” (Type of toy tried and tested by Mumsnet user bobcatinthewild)

Our verdict

Baby Einstein’s Ocean of Discovery Water Mat feels soft and smooth. When filled with water, your baby can reach out and push the colourful sea creatures around, a great hand-eye coordination game. A mat is one of the best tummy time toys too, an important part of play that strengthens the neck and shoulder muscles. 

This fab mat is easy to fill and drain; just be mindful that it will need the occasional thorough rinse out to prevent mould. We're impressed with the size too; it is big enough for your toddler to get involved and help your little one to make the fish and crab swim around.  

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Price: RRP £125 | Buy now from John Lewis

Key specs 

Suitable from: Birth | Best for age: 0-6 months | Size: H48.3 x W96.5 x D96.5 cm | Batteries: Yes (included)

What we like 

• Beautiful, elegant design
• Mostly machine washable - some toys are spot clean only
• Thick and comfy mat

What we don't like

• Expensive

What Mumsnet users say 

“Baby gyms, [they’re] good for tummy time and exploration, leading to rolling.” (Type of toy suggested by Mumsnet user hellosunshineagainx)

“My daughter really liked a mat with an arch hanging over, with dangling toys. She spent an age trying to grasp the little toys! “ (Style of toy recommended by Mumsnet user Skyla01) 

Our verdict

The Skip Hop Celestial Dreams Activity Arch and Play Mat has a beautiful design that will look fabulous in any nursery. It feels luxurious too; the machine-washable mat is super soft and cosy, and the cuddly animals and birds which dangle from the arch will encourage your baby to reach out and make them dance. 

We love that you can fold this mat up and tuck it back into the durable storage bag, so it will fit neatly into your boot when visiting friends and family. The white and navy contrasting colours are perfect for capturing the attention of developing eyes, and the moon cushion is ideal for tummy time too.

The only downside is the cost, but reviewers rave about the quality and versatility of this stylish mat, claiming it’s well worth the expense, making it one of the best baby play mats on the market.

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Price: RRP £15.99 | Buy now from Amazon

Key specs 

Suitable from: birth | Best for age: First signs of teething | Size: 30 x 90 x 180 mm | Batteries: None

What we like 

• Crafted from natural rubber and food-grade paints 
• Sensory elements
• Easy for little ones to hold
• Good for when your baby starts teething

What we don't like

• Needs washing regularly to prevent mould inside

What Mumsnet users say 

“Sophie La Girafe and anything else they can chew on really.” (Suggested by Mumsnet user DoloresPickleRick) 

Our verdict

Sophie La Girafe is an award-winning classic that has been loved by babies and parents for decades. A cross between a squeaky toy and a teether, Sophie is crafted from natural rubber that has been sourced from the Hevea tree and has soothing properties for teething babies (don’t forget, when those first pearly whites finally appear, it'll be time to invest in a good baby toothbrush too). 

Sophie’s smiley face is adorable, and her high-contrast spotted pattern is great for eyes that haven’t yet developed fully. She is soft to the touch and easy to grab. In addition, when squeezed gently, she makes a gentle bleat which helps with hand-eye coordination and teaches action and reward principles. 

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Price: RRP £4 | Buy now from Amazon

Key specs 

Suitable from: Birth | Best for age: Six weeks plus | Size: 10.16 x 10.16 x 10.16 cm | Batteries: None

What we like 

• Easy for little ones to grasp
• Great for teething and mouth motor skills
• High-contrast colours

What we don't like

• It’s big for a baby toy so it’s not very portable

What Mumsnet users say 

“My son loved an OBall when he was really young. It’s easy to grip and colourful, cheap too.” (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user TheLovleyChebbyMcGee)

Our verdict

The Bright Starts OBall is one of those cool baby toys that both babies and toddlers will love. It is a simple concept, a soft and flexible ball with holes in it. However, the high contrast bright colours and easy-to-grab shape make it a classic toy. 

As your new baby grows, they will enjoy using the OBall as a teether and a fun shape to wrap their tongues around. It can also be rolled, chased, and thrown. When squeezed, it has just enough flex to be satisfying and is robust enough to provide years of fun.

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Price: RRP £59.99 | Buy now from Amazon

Key specs 

Suitable from: Birth | Best for age: Birth to 12 months | Size: H45.7, W68.6, D91.5 cm | Batteries: Yes, 3x AA (included)

What we like 

• Great value
• Sturdy build quality 
• Four modes of play
• Provides loads of sensory fun

What we don't like

• Not very portable unless parts are separated
• Pricey initially, but good value for all the features

What Mumsnet users say 

“At that age, my son loved the Fisher-Price Kick & Play Piano Gym. He loved to kick the keys and hear the music and he’d do tummy time on it and watch the lights. He still sits and plays with it now at eight months! Or he will stand and play with the piano if I take it off and put it on the sofa or a footstool.” (Recommended by Mumsnet user waitingforwinter)

Our verdict

The Fisher-Price Kick And Play Piano will entertain your child throughout their first year, so it’s fantastic value. We love the progression from a newborn-suitable play mat, to a tummy time activity centre and then a standalone piano. It has jolly music, mesmerising lights, and many toys and teethers to grab. 

Fisher-Price is a high-quality toy brand you can trust. Each part of this educational toy will withstand rough use. It’s a source of endless delight you will want to pass down between siblings. And, while the piano gym isn’t instantly portable, when separated, the pieces are lightweight, compact, and great for travel. 

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Price: RRP £8 | Buy now from Amazon

Key specs 

Suitable from: Birth | Best for age: From six weeks | Size: 9 x 23 x 23 cm | Batteries: None

What we like 

• Portable and lightweight
• Sensory textures 
• Easy for little ones to grasp

What we don't like

• Good bath toys but they need to be cleaned to prevent mould 

Our verdict

Newborn development toys should have a range of textures, and these clever A-Z Sensory Play Balls are perfect for small hands and mouths to explore. They are excellent value, and babies will love to squish, throw and roll them. They also make fab bath toys to distract a reluctant child while you are washing their hair with baby shampoo too. 

The textures are interesting to feel and easy for small hands to hold. In addition, they are useful teethers. To keep them hygienic, wash them in hot, soapy water – just make sure they are dried carefully, so they don’t go mouldy.

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Price: RRP £14.99 | Buy now from Amazon

Key specs 

Suitable from: Birth | Best for age: Birth to four years | Size: 15L x 12.4W x 28H cm | Batteries: None

What we like 

• Long-lasting fun
• Great toy for siblings to share
• Excellent quality 

What we don't like

• You can’t pick which colour you receive from some retailers

Our verdict

PeekaPets are the best cuddly toys for newborns. They make sweet, soft friends at birth and will then transform into the main character in hilarious games of peek-a-boo. Delighted parents report that older children enjoy sharing these lovely bunnies with their siblings too. 

These pets are superb quality and brilliant value. They come in pink or white and have silky fur that babies will love stroking. Hand-eye coordination is boosted by learning to press the bunny’s tummy to make him peek out from under his ear – children of all ages find the dramatic pop-up ear hilarious too. 

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Price: RRP £4.99 | Buy now from Amazon

Key specs 

Suitable from: Birth | Best for age: Birth to 12 months | Size: 11 x 2.5 x 11.1 cm | Batteries: None

What we like 

• Puppet book for a sensory experience
• Small - good size for tiny hands 
• Great value
• Based on the well-known nursery rhyme

What to know 

• Only contains one verse of the nursery rhyme 

Our verdict

Books are a timeless source of entertainment for children of all ages, and Old Macdonald’s Farm is a classic nursery rhyme. This cute book is perfect for reading aloud at bedtime, creating bonding moments, and encouraging your little one to see reading as fun. 

The cow’s smiling face on the cover makes a simple finger puppet to add energy to the rhyme and make your baby laugh. The story also allows you to make silly animal noises and point to the different creatures on each page. 

Read next: Keep your baby’s nails neat and avoid scratches during play with the best baby nail clippers.

Price: RRP £35 | Buy now from Amazon

Key specs

Suitable from: Birth | Best for age: All ages | Size: 13D x 13W x 15.8H centimetres | Batteries: USB charger 

What we like

• 12 calming music options
• Create starry sky or jungle backdrop to playtime
• Sensory

What we don't like

• Pricey compared to other toys
• Not a hands-on toy

What Mumsnet users say

“Not a toy, but the Moredig room projectors are brilliant.” (Loved by Mumsnet user Fivemoreminutes1)

Our verdict

Create a magical light and music display for your baby to help calm them and lull them off to sleep with the Moredig Night Light Projector. This is one of the best sensory toys for babies aged six to 12 months as the projector gently rotates the images to create an immersive experience, while the soft music works to calm and soothe.

It projects a colourful sky and jungle image onto the ceiling and walls and plays 12 gentle lullabies, which makes it a great sleep aid too. It's pricier than other toy options, but we think it has great longevity - you can even wheel it out for themed kids' parties when they're a little older.

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Price: RRP £75 | Buy now from Amazon

Key specs

Suitable from: Manufacturer recommends babies should be able to hold head independently but not able to walk yet (up to 11.3kg) | Best for age: Around six months | Size: 19 x 61 x 59.5 centimetres | Batteries: 3x AA

What we like

• Develops sensory, gross motor and curiosity skills
• Reliable brand
• Mixture of lights, sounds and textures

What we don't like

• Large
• Pricey

What Mumsnet users say

"I have a Fisher-Price Rainforest Jumperoo. 10/10, ace, recommend highly!" (Vetted by Mumsnet user CW6789)

Our verdict

The Jumperoo has been a firm favourite with babies and parents since Fisher-Price first released it in 2004. It has so many features that will keep babies entertained while also helping them develop key skills – we love that the seat spins through 360° so that your baby can reach all the different toys. As they bounce and move around they’ll be advancing their gross motor skills too, making this great for sensory play.

The toys on the Jumperoo include things like spinners, clickers, a mirror, and a bead bar which all help babies learn about cause and effect, start to practice fine motor skills, and stimulate their senses. It’s incredibly safe too, thanks to the sturdy steel frame and soft spring covers to keep little fingers safe. 

The seat pad is also machine washable and can be popped in the tumble dryer, so any little accidents can be sorted out quickly and easily.

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Price: RRP £6.99 | Buy now from Amazon

Key specs

Suitable from: Manufacturer recommends 12 months + (but many reviewers have used them from six months with supervision) | Best for age: From six months | Size: 20.6 x 18.01 x 8 cm | Batteries: None

What we like

• Multiple ways to play
• Stacking cups are also one of the best bath toys
• Improves fine and gross motor skills
• Good for problem solving

What we don't like

• Smaller cups can be lost easily

What Mumsnet users say

“My eight-month-old likes stacking cups (she has no idea what they are but she loves knocking my towers down, looking at them and chasing the loose cups around).” (Recommended by Mumsnet user Dipsydoodlenoodle)

“I always recommend stacking beakers. They have so many uses and provide hours of fun.” (Loved by Mumsnet user mdh2020)

Our verdict

They might seem simple, but stacking cups are one of the best baby toys from six months in terms of developmental skills. They help build fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination as babies turn them in their hands and try to build their own towers. They also help teach cause and effect as they knock down towers you build for them, and gross motor skills as they reach for the fallen cups.

These stacking cups from MTS also help with early colour and number recognition and are the perfect size for little hands. As your baby grows, stacking cups are sure to stay a favourite, with many toddlers and older children enjoying them, especially in the bath! 

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Price: RRP £10.99 | Buy now from Amazon

Key specs

Suitable from: Six months + | Best for age: From six months to three years | Size: ‎20.96 x 8.26 x 14.61 cm | Batteries: None

What we like

• Encourages shape and number recognition
• Boosts fine and gross motor skills
• Easily portable

What we don't like

• Easy to lose

What Mumsnet users say

“Hide and Squeak Eggs were a massive hit for mine at that age. They were too young to sort them yet but the lids and the squeaking were the fun bits.” (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user SpinMeRightRoundBabyRightRound)

Our verdict

Who would have thought that eggs could be so much fun? These Hide and Squeak Eggs are always a huge hit with babies and toddlers thanks to the bright colours, fun expressions, and different ways you can play with them.

The toy also works as a shape sorter with each egg having a different shape on the bottom that slots into its own unique spot in the egg carton, boosting your child's developing problem solving skills. And, for an extra bit of fun, when you press each egg you hear a cheerful cheeping sound that babies absolutely love. An egg-cellent (sorry!) addition to all the best baby playpens.

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Price: RRP £42.99 | Buy now from Amazon

Key specs

Suitable from: Six months + | Best for age: Around nine months | Size: ‎460mm x 450mm x 400mm | Batteries: 2x AA batteries

What we like

• Activity panel can be removed for further play
• Lots of features to entertain and engage babies
• Prepares them for walking independently in the future

What we don't like

• They may get more out of it when they're starting to properly walk
• It's advised that you limit time on baby walkers to no more than 20 minutes at a time

What Mumsnet users say

“Baby walkers - everyone seems to have the VTech one. My nine-month-old loves pressing the buttons although she's nowhere near walking yet. My three-year-old still plays with it too.” (Recommended by Mumsnet user DuneFan)

Our verdict

Although a baby at six-months-old most likely won't be at the first-steps stage yet, learning to walk is a huge milestone in the 6-12 month age range and the VTech Baby Walker is one of those toys which develops right alongside your baby. For babies closer to six months, the activity panel on the front can be removed and played with on the floor, making for a brilliant interactive toy. 

It has a shape sorter, gears to turn, animal buttons and light-up buttons and a toy phone for endless fun. As your baby gets older and starts to pull themselves up, the baby walker provides support to help them strengthen, balance and prepare for the taking of those first wobbly steps. The interactive fun also appeals to toddlers far older than those learning to walk, too - meaning you could be getting years' worth of fun for under £50.

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Price: RRP £6 | Buy now from Amazon

Key specs

Suitable from: Six months+ | Best for age: From six months | Size: ‎‎15.5 x 13.5 x 9.5 cm | Batteries: None

What we like

• Appeals to a wide range of ages
• Also a great toy for the paddling pool
• Cheap and cheerful

What we don't like

• Some reviewers said it's smaller than expected

What Mumsnet users say

“Plastic jug, cups, watering can and a colander are favourites here!”  (Type of toy tried and tested by Mumsnet user BlueEyedFloozy)

Our verdict 

Toy watering cans are always one of the best baby bath toys, providing hours of entertainment from the simple action of scooping water, tipping and watching it sprinkle back out. 

Suitable for babies aged six months and above, the Nuby Fun Watering Can has a bright and engaging design and easy-grip handle, perfectly sized for little ones to hold. Enhancing their sensory development, the Nuby Watering Can helps build hand-eye coordination and teaches children about cause and effect, as they watch the bubbles wash off their skin by tipping or tilting the can. And, in the warmer months, it will make a brilliant addition to the paddling pool.

Plus, don't forget to pick up the best baby thermometer while you're building up your baby bath time essentials.

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Price: RRP £89.99 | Buy now from Amazon

Key specs

Suitable from: Six months+ | Best for age: From six months | Size: ‎‎‎75.56 x 22.86 x 40.64 cm | Batteries: 3x AA

What we like

• Grows with your child
• 75+ songs
• Encourages imaginative play

What we don't like

• Difficult to put together
• Pricey

What Mumsnet users say

“Bought this for my son when he was seven-months-old and it was a firm favourite for at least six months. He’s three now and still plays with it occasionally. Obviously it takes up room and isn’t cheap, but it is our most cost-effective toy when you look at the amount it’s played with.” (Reviewed by Mumsnet user ReeseWitherfork)

Our verdict

If you have a large living room or a dedicated play room then the Laugh & Learn Car is a really fun toy to buy for your six-month-old baby. 

The stationary car will grow with them as they learn to sit up, crawl, pull themselves up to standing and finally get on the move. And it’ll keep them entertained every step of the way with Smart Stages technology that you can adapt for different ages.

There are over 75 songs, tunes, sounds, and phrases to help babies learn everything from letters and numbers to first words and greetings. The interactive dashboard is really engaging too, with its steering wheel and lots of buttons and switches to press.

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Price: RRP £19.99 | Buy now from Amazon

Key specs

Suitable from: Six months+ | Best for age: From six months onwards | Size: ‎‎‎‎13.49 x 12.19 x 11.81 cm | Batteries: None

What we like

• Boosts brain development
• Easily portable
• Sensory
• Improves fine motor skills

What we don't like

• Small pieces can be lost easily

Our verdict

This set of beech wood toys is perfect for popping in your bag to keep your baby entertained while you’re out and about. Made from smooth wood, the toys are environmentally friendly and safe for babies to use for teething.

It includes rattles and shakers that babies will love to hold, roll, and shake. 

Perfect for helping with sensory development, fine motor skills, and hand-eye coordination, these beautiful wooden toys would make a great addition to any toy box.

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Price: RRP £14 | Buy now from Amazon

Key specs

Suitable from: Birth | Best for age: All ages | Size: ‎‎‎‎15 x 15 x 15 cm | Batteries: None

What we like

• Encourages reaching and grasping
• Sensory toy
• Suitable for teething

What we don't like

• Tricky to clean

What Mumsnet users say

“A Manhattan Skwish was loved and is always a hit with visiting babies.” (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user 17caterpillars1mouse)

Our verdict

The Manhattan Skwish is as unique and intriguing as its name! It’s suitable from birth, and babies of all ages will be drawn to its lovely bright colours and interesting shape. It's small enough for them to grasp and bright enough to hold their attention while you brush their teeth or trim their talons.

Babies from the age of six to 12 months will love turning this toy in their hands and exploring the beads that gently rattle and slide along the wooden dowels. It's also one of the best teething toys for babies as well.

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