Best Toys for your Newborn's Development

With so many options available it can feel overwhelming to know which toys to purchase for your baby. As a speech therapist and mom, I recommend these toys that foster development of early communication skills as well as connection with your baby.

1. Light Up Rattle

The multi-activity NogginStick light-up rattle was designed by early childhood specialists to stimulate your baby’s development. The versatility of this toy is wonderful as it incorporates black and white for vision development, a mirror for baby to see their reflection, a rattle to encourage reaching and shaking, and a rattle noise to stimulate their auditory senses. It also changes colors when touched which provides opportunities for early awareness of cause and effect.  

2. Black & White Book

This Black & White board book provides high-contrast images perfect for a baby's newly developing vision. Try this out in tummy time to catch your baby’s attention! Infants are near-sighted and begin to first see black and white around 8-12 inches away. They slowly develop the ability to see primary colors with red being the first around two weeks old. Babies are thought to have full color vision by about five months.

3. Wrist Rattles

Try out these soft wrist rattles to develop baby’s recognition of their hands and feet to encourage reaching and kicking. Not only does it help baby become more aware of their hands and feet, but it promotes rolling as their core muscles are strengthened when they reach and grab for their feet. Babies will cross midline to play with their feet around 6-7 months but begin reaching for them much earlier.

4. Crinkle Paper Toy

With high-contrast colors, a size perfect for little grasping fingers, and designed to feel good against baby’s gums, this crinkle paper toy is a perfect way to promote sensory development. It encourages baby to bring their hands to the middle which ensures they are using both sides of their developing brain. Bringing hands to the middle of their body also helps develop early hand dominance, body awareness, core strength, and trunk rotation.

5. Floor Mirror

A floor mirror is a great way to capture your baby’s attention and target visual development. When looking at their reflection and seeing themselves smile and blink, babies begin to develop social-emotional skills and a sense of identity. This rolling mirror is great for encouraging early crawlers to begin to move towards their reflection. 

6. Musical Bar

To promote sound and visual awareness, try this musical activity station with an interactive light bar with modes for colors, animals, or music. Music builds neural pathways throughout the brain and can be a fun and interactive activity for caregivers and baby. As baby grows, use the kickstand to prop it up for your little one to play with while practicing their sitting. 

7.Ring Links

Ring links are a versatile newborn essential perfect for on-the-go. Rings encourage grasping, bringing hands together, and bringing toys to their mouth to explore. The rings can easily be linked together to hang from a play gym or a carseat. They are a simple toy with plenty of benefits!

8. Play Mat

This deluxe playmat provides learning opportunities as your baby grows with re-positionable activity toys, maracas, and a removable light-up keyboard. If you prefer a more minimalist baby Play Gym, consider this option with five Montessori-inspired development zones or this one pictured below. Play mats provide babies with opportunities to develop cognitive skills while also fostering early independent play. 

9. Sensory Book

Our most-used toys are the ones that grow with baby, and this sensory book is a tummy time essential at our house. One side of the book is ideal for younger babies as it has high contrasting colors. The other side is great for older babies as it includes interactive, sensory pieces. It easily folds up making it a convenient on-the-go option.

10. Hanging Toys

These plush hanging animal toys provide sensory input through crinkle paper, squeaks, and textured teethers to promote sensory exploration. These high-contrast hanging toys are perfect for younger babies with developing visual skills as they include the first colors babies can see: black, red, and white.Hanging toys are great for keeping your baby entertained in the car seat or stroller! 

I hope this list is helpful as you connect with your baby and help them learn, explore, and grow. Have fun!! 

Looking for more toy recommendations? Check out my amazon storefront which has toy recommendations categorized by age (ages newborn- 2 years old)! 

Wondering which skills your baby should be meeting & when?

Here is a FREE Communication Milestones Checklist to guide you! 

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