13 Toys Every Baby and Toddler Must Have

Before welcoming home a newborn, parents often look for the best things for their little bud. From the best clothes, food, diapers, accessories, and toys, they leave no stone unturned to find the best.

Even though a baby may spend his time feeding, napping, and asking for a change of diapers, play time is just as essential. Thus, choosing the right toy that not just entertains, but allows a baby's overall development.

The array of baby toys in the market overwhelms parents. Which is the best toy for your baby's physical and cognitive development? We shall answer this cardinal question in this story.

Top 13 Baby Toys For Infant/Toddler Playtime

Mobile Toys

Mobile toys are meant to hang over baby cradles. They are cute toys that help the baby focus on the moving object improving their gaze and even helps calm them enough to fall asleep. Some babies may even try to reach them, which improves their coordination.

Baby Gym Playmat

Lying on your back all day can be quite boring. Baby gym playmats are toys that can be used from day 1. They have bright, high contrast toys hanging over them. It keeps the tiny ones entertained and the slightly older ones can easily grab and play with the hanging links and toys.

Stacking Toys

Toddlers love stacking toys. They love to put one block over the other and watch it tumble down. It helps in their hand-eye coordination, and discover balancing. Most blocks have numbers, alphabets and other interesting things printed helping in Montessori learning. 

Rattles

Babies love rattles. They help them learn the cause and effect of moving a rattle and the sound associated with it. There are different rattles available which double-up as teethers. Choose carefully a safe and good quality rattle as babies tend to put it into their mouth.

rainboW Stacker

This is a great Montessori toy for infants, toddlers, and kids. It helps in spatial awareness, hand-eye coordination, color recognition, number counting, etc. Toddlers love stacking them and it boosts their imaginative play. 

Touch and Feel Books

Touch and feel books are great toys that help babies fall in love with books and colors. Easy-to-clean & soft, they help a baby learn different textures, sounds, etc. Some even function as rattles and keeps a baby/toddler entertained.

Teethers

Baby teethers are great sensory play for infants and toddlers. They are great soothing toys for teething babies. There are various textures for sensory development.

Bead Maze

Bead maze is a rollercoaster ride for toddlers. They need to pass the pass and swoop the beads through the rollercoaster wires. This development toy helps in fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and inspires curiosity.

Plush Toys

Plush toys are self-soothers and great playmates. They are soft and cuddly, and come with a variety of activities to keep a baby busy. They have bells, mirrors, stuffed animals, and more.

Wooden Blocks

Assorted shapes and colorful wooden blocks are perfect to teach toddlers shapes and colors. It allows them to stack the similar shapes, thus, improving their pincher grasp and hand-eye coordination.

Shape Sorters

These are wooden puzzles wherein different shapes are supposed to be fit into their corresponding blocks. It allows toddlers to understand different shapes and brainstorm to find the correct solution.

Flashy/Musical Toys

Flashy/musical toys will catch an eye of a curious 6 month+. They make sounds and emit lights on the press of a button. This will make them jump and dance on the music. It also makes them curious enough to see the cause and effect of pressing buttons.

Activity Table/walker

Activity tables/walkers are great for 7 months+ toddlers. Those who can stand and hold their head well can enjoy playing with these toys. They are flashy, musical, and educative in many ways.

Playtime is absolutely necessary for a baby's growth. It is not just for fun, but helps in cognitive, emotional, physical development. Don't buy too many toys. Just a few that are entertaining and educative will do.

Hope this list of 13 best toys for baby/toddler playtime helps you narrow down your search. Your lil' bud will definitely enjoy these toys and spread giggles throughout your home.