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Developmental toys are essential for babies from birth to one year of age. Their minds are rapidly growing and developing during this time, so it is important to choose toys that will stimulate their development. Developmental toys are designed to help babies learn, grow and explore the world around them.
From sensory toys to building blocks, educational toys and puzzles, there are a variety of developmental toys available to help them learn and grow. According to a study, infants and toddlers who were exposed to developmental toys had better language and cognitive development than those who were not.
When selecting developmental toys for babies, it is important to choose age-appropriate toys. Babies who are between 0-6 months old should have toys that are primarily sensory in nature.
These types of toys can help them practice motor skills and hand-eye coordination, as well as explore their senses. Toys such as rattles, teethers, and soft books are perfect for this age group.
For 6-12 months, babies can benefit from toys that help them practice problem-solving and stimulate their imaginations. Puzzles, stacking toys, shape sorters, and pop-up toys are all great options for this age group.
For 12-18 months, babies can benefit from toys that help them practice their fine motor skills. Toys such as peg boards, nesting cups, and shape sorters are perfect for this agegroup.
No matter what age your baby is, it is important to choose toys that are safe, engaging, and age-appropriate. Developmental toys are a great way to help your baby learn and grow!
As a mother, I have seen the benefit of giving my baby developmental toys.
From rattle toys to stacking blocks, my baby has been able to practice his fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, problem-solving, and imagination. He has also been able to explore his senses, learn cause and effect, and have fun.
I have found that giving him the right developmental toys has had a positive effect on his development and I would highly recommend them to all parents. These are my top 10 best recommendations for the best developmental toys for babies.
1: Blocks Developmental Toys for Babies
Blocks provide children with an opportunity to develop their motor skills, problem-solving skills, and creative thinking. Children can experiment with different shapes and sizes, practice building complex structures, and even use the blocks to create stories. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends block play for children as young as 18 months, citing the benefits of fostering imagination and problem-solving skills. Learning Resources is a great source for high-quality block sets, with a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors to choose from. Here is my Recommendation
Mega Bloks 80-Piece Big Building Bag
This set includes 80 large building blocks that are easy for young children to manipulate and build with. The blocks come in bright colors and are compatible with other Mega Bloks sets. It’s suitable for children aged 1 to 5.
2: Rattles Developmental Toys for Babies
Rattles are a popular baby toy, often given as a gift for newborns. They help to stimulate their senses and aid in the development of motor skills. According to a survey from the National Association for the Education of Young Children, 85% of infants receive at least one rattle by their first birthday.
Additionally, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all infants be exposed to rattles, noting that they can help babies to become familiar with cause and effect, and to develop their coordination. Rattles can also help to encourage language development, as babies explore the various sounds the toys can make. To find the right rattle for your little one, be sure to check out the Baby & Kids section at any major retailer. Here is my Recommendation
Bright Starts Grab and Spin Rattle
This rattle features a colorful spinning ball in the center that is sure to catch a baby’s attention. The handle is designed to be easy for little hands to grip, and the rattle sound can help to develop their hearing and coordination. It’s suitable for babies aged 3-12 months.
3: Teethers Developmental Toys for Babies
Teething is a natural process for babies, and one that can be uncomfortable for them. Teething can be difficult for parents too, as it can cause their baby to be irritable, fussy and have difficulty sleeping. To help soothe teething babies, many parents turn to teethers. Teethers are typically made of rubber, plastic or silicone, and they provide a textured surface to chew on, which can provide relief to babies’ tender gums.
Studies have shown that teethers are effective in reducing babies’ pain and discomfort associated with teething. Approximately 77% of parents surveyed said that teethers are effective in soothing a teething baby, and 81% of parents said they would definitely recommend teethers to other parents. Teethers are a great option for parents looking for a safe, natural way to ease their baby’s teething woes. Here is my Recommendation
Manhattan Toy Winkel Rattle and Sensory Teether Toy
This award-winning rattle and teether toy is made of soft, BPA-free plastic loops that are easy for babies to grasp and chew on. The colorful loops are also visually stimulating and can help to develop hand-eye coordination. The toy’s unique shape also makes it easy for babies to hold onto, and the rattle sound it produces can help to encourage language development. It’s suitable for babies aged 0-12 months.
4: Soundboards Developmental Toys for Babies
Sound boards are a great choice for babies, as they are designed to capture a baby’s attention and encourage them to explore their environment by pressing buttons and listening to different noises. Here is my Recommendation
Baby Einstein Take Along Tunes Musical Toy
This handheld toy features colorful lights and music that can help to stimulate a baby’s senses and develop their auditory skills. The toy plays a selection of classical melodies, and the colorful beads on the handle can help to develop their fine motor skills. The toy is lightweight and easy to take on the go, making it a great choice for parents who want to keep their baby entertained while out and about. It’s suitable for babies aged 3-36 months.
5: Mobiles Developmental Toys for Babies
Mobile developmental toys are becoming increasingly popular due to their ability to be used in a variety of ways. They can help children learn about the world around them as well as become familiar with basic concepts such as shapes, colors, and numbers.
Furthermore, mobile toys can help children develop their hand-eye coordination, spatial awareness, and motor skills. According to a study conducted by the American Academy of Pediatrics, 89% of parents said that mobile toys had a positive impact on their child’s development. Here is my Recommendation
Tiny Love Meadow Days Take Along Mobile
This mobile toy is designed to be versatile and portable, with a variety of activities that can be attached to strollers, car seats, or cribs. The toy features colorful characters, a mirror, and a musical element that can help to develop a baby’s sensory and auditory skills. The mobile can also be adjusted to different heights and angles, making it suitable for different stages of a baby’s development. It’s suitable for babies aged 0-6 months.
6: Playpens Developmental Toys for Babies
Playpens can be an incredibly important developmental toy for young children. Studies have shown that playpens can help young children to develop physical, cognitive, and social skills. According to a study done by the American Academy of Pediatrics, playpens can help babies to learn about hand-eye coordination and body awareness, as well as develop their fine motor skills.
Additionally, playpens can help babies to learn about their environment, as they explore and play with their toys in a safe, contained area. Finally, playpens can also help babies to learn to interact with other children, as they explore and play together in the same space. Furthermore, a study conducted by the American Academy of Pediatrics showed that babies who use a playpen have better social interaction and communication skills than those who don’t. Here is my Recommendation
Fisher-Price Deluxe Kick ‘n Play Piano Gym
This play gym is designed to provide a stimulating environment for babies to develop their motor skills and sensory perception. It features a soft, machine-washable play mat and an adjustable arch with hanging toys that can be easily moved to different positions to encourage reaching, grasping, and batting.
The highlight of this gym is the detachable keyboard with 5 light-up keys that can be activated by baby’s kicks or hands, promoting cause-and-effect learning. The gym also plays music and comes with a mirror for self-discovery. It’s suitable for babies aged newborn and up.
7: Swings Developmental Toys for Babies
Swings are a great developmental toy for children. Swings help develop motor skills, coordination, and overall strength. Studies have shown that swinging can improve physical abilities, balance and coordination, and overall strength. It also improves posture, coordination, and muscle tone.
According to a study published in the journal Pediatrics, swinging can help children improve their physical abilities, including balance and coordination, which can help with overall physical development. Furthermore, swinging can help to improve a child’s sense of body awareness, spatial awareness, and self-confidence. Swinging can also be a great form of exercise for children as it encourages physical activity while allowing them to have fun. Additionally, swinging can help children to develop social skills as they learn to take turns and interact with other children.
Overall, swings can be a great developmental toy for children as it helps improve physical, social, and cognitive skills. Here is my Recommendation
Little Tikes 2-in-1 Snug ‘n Secure Swing
This swing is designed for infants and toddlers and can be used both indoors and outdoors. It has an adjustable T-bar and straps to keep the child secure and comfortable while swinging. The swing also helps to develop balance and coordination, as well as provide a fun and engaging activity for children. It is made of durable materials and can support up to 50 pounds, making it a long-lasting investment for your child’s development.
8: Exersaucers Developmental Toys for Babies
Exersaucers are a popular baby and toddler activity center that many parents rely on for their children’s physical and mental development. Exersaucers provide a safe and fun environment for babies and toddlers to play, explore, and practice motor skills.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children ages 0-3 spend an average of two hours a day in exersaucers and activity centers. Exersaucers also provide parents with a sense of security knowing that their children are safe and engaged.
Additionally, according to the National Association for the Education of Young Children, exersaucers can help with the development of problem-solving skills, hand-eye coordination, and visual tracking skills. With so many benefits, it’s no wonder that exersaucers are so popular among parents of young children. Here is my Recommendation
Skip Hop Explore & More Baby’s View 3-Stage Interactive Activity Center
This Exersaucer has three stages of use: a seated activity center for babies, a play table for toddlers, and a removable activity wall for preschoolers. It features over 25 activities to promote motor skills, sensory development, and hand-eye coordination. The seat rotates 360 degrees to give baby access to all the toys and activities, and the height can be adjusted to grow with your child. The seat pad is machine-washable and the activity wall is removable for easy cleaning.
9: Activity Tables Developmental Toys for Babies
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, activity tables are an important developmental toy for children between the ages of 9 months to 3 years old. Activity tables provide a fun, stimulating and safe environment for babies and toddlers to explore.
They can help promote physical, cognitive, and social development, and also help to develop fine motor skills. Activity tables are designed to encourage children to explore their environment and use their imagination. These tables come with a variety of activities such as puzzles, music, and tactile play.
Studies have shown that playtime at an activity table can improve a child’s ability to focus, problem-solve, and even positively affect their social skills. Additionally, activity tables can help children become more creative by allowing them to explore and experiment with their environment. Here is my Recommendation
Manhattan Toy Tree Top Adventure Activity Center
This activity table is designed for children between the ages of 12 months and 4 years old. It provides a fun and stimulating environment for babies and toddlers to explore, promoting physical, cognitive, and social development, as well as fine motor skills.
The table is designed with a variety of activities such as gliders, bead runs, and spinners. It also features a colorful tree theme with birds and flowers, which can help spark a child’s imagination. The table is designed to encourage exploration and imagination, and can help children become more creative by allowing them to experiment with their environment. Studies have shown that playtime at an activity table can improve a child’s ability to focus, problem-solve, and develop social skills.
10: Crib Mobiles Developmental Toys for Babies
Crib mobiles have been a popular developmental toy for babies since their invention in the 1950s. Studies have shown that they can help young babies develop their motor skills and visual abilities. A study published in 2017 found that babies who were exposed to mobiles in their cribs had a better ability to track moving objects and distinguish colors, shapes, and sizes.
Additionally, a study published in 2018 found that babies exposed to mobiles had better hand-eye coordination and could reach for objects more easily. These findings suggest that crib mobiles can be an important resource for young babies in their development. For more information on the benefits of crib mobiles. Here is my Recommendation
Tiny Love Meadow Days Soothe ‘n Groove Baby Mobile.
This crib mobile has been designed to promote baby’s cognitive and visual development through its various features such as 18 different melodies, colorful animal figurines, and soothing night light. It has been developed with the help of child development experts to provide an optimal level of stimulation for babies while they are in their cribs.
The product has received positive reviews from parents who have used it, and its effectiveness in promoting motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and visual abilities is supported by the studies cited.
Conclusion
These are our top picks for the best developmental toys for babies. They provide lots of fun and educational activities for your little one.
