Buying suitable toys for your baby can be challenging and expensive. And since babies grow up so fast, some toys may not entertain your child for very long. Luckily, several brands make durable, affordable baby toys. For example, the Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Smart Stages Puppy Walker is an educational toy ideal for babies six months and older.
Babies love toys that respond to their touch. Many baby toys light up, produce music and talk to your baby when they are squeezed, pressed or shaken. Additionally, interactive toys often have educational elements.
Ensure that the toy you buy fits your baby’s age range. Many plastic toys aren’t suitable for infants but may be ideal for children 6 months old and up. On the other hand, toys meant for 2-month-olds may not appeal to babies approaching the 1-year mark.
The best baby toys stimulate your baby’s brain. Toys that help your baby learn new words or recognize shapes are both fun and educational. According to the National Institutes of Health, musical toys can improve your baby’s detection of auditory patterns. Infants primarily rely on their sense of touch, meaning toys with various textures tend to be the most stimulating.
Avoid toys with small pieces and sharp edges. Pay close attention to the materials used and avoid toys made with BPA. Keep an eye on your baby when playing with soft toys or toys attached to blankets, as they may pose a suffocation risk. Also, consider the toy’s weight, as heavy objects may hurt your child if they accidentally drop them.
Although toys with music and sounds are stimulating, make sure the volume isn’t too high. According to the NIH, repeated exposure to loud noises can be detrimental to your baby’s hearing and may lead to stress.
Baby toys range in price depending on brand, size and features. But you can expect to find a quality baby toy for around $20.
A. As your baby gets older, it’s beneficial to buy new toys suited for their age range. Rotating your child's toys as they grow older will aid in their development.
A. It’s best to keep toys out of your infant’s crib until they are at least a year old. Keeping the crib free of toys will significantly reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome.
Fisher-Price Laugh and Learn Smart Stages Learn with Puppy Walker
What you need to know: Your child can play with this walker toy while sitting or walking.
What you’ll love: The puppy’s nose lights up when you press it, and the plastic book on the puppy’s chest helps your child learn their numbers and alphabet. This toy features seven activities and is a great way to help your child learn to walk. Many users noted their children enjoyed playing with this toy for years.
What you should consider: This walker can move too fast if used on hardwood floors.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon and BuyBuyBaby
Baby Einstein Ocean Glow Sensory Shaker Musical Toy
What you need to know: This musical toy plays numerous melodies when shaken.
What you’ll like: It features a fun jellyfish design that glows in various colors when activated. This toy has numerous textured ropes for your child to inspect, and the lights and sounds are easy for children to activate. It’s small and light enough for long car rides.
What you should consider: Some buyers felt this toy was too loud.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Baby Einstein Tinker’s Crawl Along Songs Tummy-Time Toy
What you need to know: This toy is ideal for children 6 months and older, making it a perfect option for tummy time.
What you’ll love: This baby toy features a dozen different melodies and three languages, and it even helps teach your baby shapes and numbers. Many parents said their children played with this toy for hours at a time. Plus, the toy rolls around as your baby plays with it.
What you should consider: Many buyers reported that this toy stopped rolling after a few months.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon and BuyBuyBaby
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Cody Stewart writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
