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Best baby toys from newborn to 12 months: tried and tested by parents
The fun never ends during your baby's first year, especially with the huge choice of toys available for them to play with. Here are the best baby toys for infants, from the newborn stage all the way up to 12 months, as tried and tested by Mumsnet users, the largest online network of parents in the UK.
By Madeline Littlejohns | Last updated Aug 31, 2023
During their first year, your baby will be reaching important milestones and developing new skills. When searching for the best baby toys, it's crucial to choose toys that are age- and development-appropriate.
In the first few weeks, your beautiful new baby will show little interest in anything other than cuddles and milk. However, in a surprisingly short time, they will turn their heads toward music, high-contrast colours and patterns. Not long after that, they will start to make excited grabs at sensory toys within their reach.
When they get a little older, and have outgrown their baby bouncer (usually at around six months), they'll be building up their strength ready for crawling and cruising. They’ll also be getting more dexterous by the day and will love grabbing toys and passing them from one hand to the other.
Babies learn and develop so much during that all-important first year and the best infant toys will help boost their development and understanding, from the cause-and-effect of stacking blocks to the musical instruments and textured toys which promote creativity and sensory fun. When it comes to finding the best baby toys for newborns or the 6-12 month stage, you want to look for toys that will help them practise these emerging skills, as well as keep them engaged for the months to come.
From bath toys and play mats to the best baby walkers for those first adorable, wobbly steps, our guide to the best baby toys has you (and your little one) covered through every fun stage of their first year.
Best baby toys at a glance
Best overall baby toy: Baby Einstein Star Bright Symphony Plush | £14.99
Best budget baby toy: Steroplast Emergency Foil Blanket | £2
Best travel baby toy: Lamaze Play And Grow Captain Calamari | £15
Best tummy time toy: Baby Einstein Opus's Ocean of Discovery Tummy Time Water Mat | £12.99
Most versatile baby toy for newborns: Skip Hop Celestial Dreams Activity Mat And Gym | £99
Best teething toy: Sophie La Girafe | £15.99
Best developmental baby toy: Bright Starts OBall | £4.99
Best musical baby toy: Fisher-Price Deluxe Kick & Play Piano Baby Gym | £59.99
Best sensory baby toy: A-Z My First Play Multi-textured Sensory Balls | £8
Best soft baby toy: PeekaPets Bunny | £14.99
Best baby book: Old Macdonald’s Farm Baby Board Book | £4.99
Best soothing baby toy: Moredig Night Light Projector | £35
Best baby toy for 6 months-plus: Fisher-Price Roarin' Rainforest Jumperoo | £75
Best budget toy for 6 months-plus: MTS Baby Stacking Cups | £6.99
Best baby toy for problem-solving: TOMY Toomies Hide and Squeak Eggs | £10.99
Best baby walker: VTech First Steps Baby Walker | £29.99
Best baby bath toy: Nuby Fun Watering Can Bath Toy | £6
Best baby toy for gross motor skills: Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Smart Stage Crawl Around Car | £89.99
Best wooden baby toy: Toys of Wood Oxford Wooden Rattles Musical Set | £19.99
Best classic baby toy: Manhattan Toy Skwish | £14
1. Best overall baby toy: Baby Einstein Star Bright Symphony Plush
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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2. Best budget baby toy: Steroplast Emergency Foil Blanket
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.
Related: The best trikes for babies and toddlers, according to Mumsnetters
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3. Best travel baby toy: Lamaze Play And Grow Captain Calamari
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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4. Best tummy time toy: Baby Einstein Opus's Ocean of Discovery Tummy Time Water Mat
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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5. Most versatile baby toy for newborns: Skip Hop Celestial Dreams Activity Mat And Gym
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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6. Best teething toy: Sophie La Girafe
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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7. Best developmental baby toy: Bright Starts OBall
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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8. Best musical baby toy: Fisher-Price Deluxe Kick & Play Piano Baby Gym
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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9. Best sensory baby toy: A-Z My First Play Multi-textured Sensory Balls
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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10. Best soft baby toy: PeekaPets Bunny
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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11. Best baby book: Old Macdonald’s Farm Baby Board Book
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.
12. Best soothing baby toy: Moredig Night Light Projector
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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13. Best baby toy for 6 months-plus: Fisher-Price Roarin' Rainforest Jumperoo
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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14. Best budget toy for 6 months-plus: MTS Baby Stacking Cups
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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15. Best baby toy for problem-solving: TOMY Toomies Hide and Squeak Eggs
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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16. Best baby walker: VTech First Steps Baby Walker
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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17. Best baby bath toy: Nuby Fun Watering Can Bath Toy
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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18. Best baby toy for gross motor skills: Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Smart Stage Crawl Around Car
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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19. Best wooden baby toy: Toys of Wood Oxford Wooden Rattles Musical Set
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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20. Best classic baby toy: Manhattan Toy Skwish
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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What to look for in a baby toy
If you’re choosing a toy for your baby, here are a few tips on what to look for:
Safety: Make sure it has been made by a trusted manufacturer that complies with safety standards and is suitable for your baby's age.
Contrasting colours and patterns: A young baby doesn’t have fully developed eyesight and high-contrast images, with defined edges, are much easier for them to see and interact with. Black and white toys may seem boring, but they will capture a newborn's attention more than pretty pastels.
Easy to grab and hold: It may be a foil blanket they can scrunch up in their hands or a pram toy with long, thin tentacles – toys that are lightweight and designed to be held by tiny hands will delight your little one.
Music and sounds: Babies love tracking fun sounds and they will build head and neck strength as they look around. Music, nature sounds, crinkly fabric, and squeakers are all fascinating for little ones.
Action and reward: Interactive elements in a toy are educational and gratifying, even for the smallest babies. As they play, make sure you give plenty of loving encouragement too. Place the rattle in their hand, press the buttons that play music together and show them their gorgeous little face in the activity mat mirror.
Budget: Babies don’t need lots of toys, two or three that they love will do. Your attention as they play is more important. Singing, gently dancing, and talking to them about what they are seeing are lovely ways to encourage your baby and show your love, and they don’t cost anything. If you do invest, choose toys that will last. Activity toys with several modes of play, sensory toys, and books are all great ideas.
What toys should a newborn have?
Sensory toys with sounds, music, colours, textures, and patterns will aid your baby's mental and physical development. They will also delight throughout their first year, so they are good value. Look for lightweight toys designed to be grabbed, held, and gnawed too.
What toys should every 6-month-old have?
There are no hard and fast rules about what toys your baby should be playing with, as long as they’re safe and age-appropriate. We do love the Fisher-Price Jumperoo though for all the features that it offers. It is so much more than just a bouncer, with interactive toys for babies to explore and enjoy. They also last really well as they’re so sturdy and well made, so they can easily be passed on to family or friends when your baby outgrows it.
And you can’t go wrong with a classic set of stacking cups that will keep babies entertained for ages. They’re also really easy to pop in a bag to take to the grandparents if they offer to babysit for you.
Read next: The best Montessori toys for babies and toddlers
How to use baby toys safely
Safety is always a parent’s top priority when it comes to their baby. So naturally you want to make sure that the toys you pick out for them are safe and that you and your baby use them properly.
When it comes to choosing toys for your baby, here are the three key things to keep in mind:
Trustworthy toys
Only buy from reputable retailers and brands you trust. Consumer reviews are a good indication that a toy is authentic and high quality too.
Safety standard checks
Check that the toy you want to buy has the UKCA or the CE mark. These marks show that the toy has been made to certain health, safety, and environmental standards. Also look for the British Toy and Hobby Association’s mark on the label. This shows the toy was made by a member of the British Toy and Hobby Association and that the manufacturer has made a commitment to making good quality, safe toys.
Suitable for your child's age
Always check the manufacturer’s recommended age for any toys you buy and double check for any small parts that could be potential choking hazards.
Once you’ve got your new toys home there are some things you can do to make sure you and your baby play with them safely. Firstly, you should only let your baby use their toys when you’re there to supervise. It's also essential that you follow sleep safety advice from The Lullaby Trust: keep their cot clear, and never put your baby down to sleep with toys in their cot.
Another thing to be aware of is faulty toys, as they could be potentially dangerous. Regardless of how trustworthy the brand or retailer is, you should assess your baby's toys regularly for threads coming loose on fabrics, stuffing coming out of soft toys, sharp edges, damage, and general wear and tear.
How we selected the best baby toys
No one knows more about the toys babies love than the parents who've tried and tested them all. As home to the UK's largest online network of parents, Mumsnet is the place to be for all the expert advice you need about the best toys for your baby.
All the products we feature here have been rated by real parents (our Mumsnetters) and their children. We also looked to trusted consumer reviews as well as bestseller lists to bring you the toys parents across the UK and beyond say their children love and that offer an abundance of learning and development opportunities.
Recommendations from real Mumsnet users
If anyone knows about the best toys on the market, it's the parents in our trusted Mumsnet community. To get their independent feedback on this topic, we scoured our forums to find the toys for babies that real mums and dads have tried, tested and loved.
Expert opinions
To make sure we choose the best, safest toys for you we also researched the thoughts and opinions of experts in the field.
Authentic customer reviews
Just in case the reviews of our Mumsnet users weren’t enough, we also visited a range of retailer sites and searched through the reviews there to make sure all the toys came highly recommended.
About the author
Madeline Littlejohns is a freelance writer and blogger who has been writing product reviews and round-ups for Mumsnet for over a year. She also writes about family life, psychology and photography on her blog This Glorious Life.
As a mum of two, she has tried her fare share of baby toys and likes nothing more than providing parents with honest product recommendations. In her spare time, she loves walking to the beach near her home in Swansea with her children, eating cinnamon rolls, and having fun with her camera.
Why you should trust us
We work hard to provide unbiased, independent advice you can trust. We do sometimes earn revenue through affiliate (click-to-buy) links in our articles. This helps us fund more helpful articles like this one.