Not all baby toys are worth it in our opinion. Some are brilliant for developing motor skills or sensory awareness while others just take up space.
Let’s break down which toys actually help babies grow, based on age and purpose.
Age-Appropriate Toy Selection
Whether you're shopping for a newborn or a 10-month crawler, here's what to look for!
0–3 Months: Sensory + Visual Toys
Babies aged 0 - 3 months are just beginning to take in the world through sight, sound and touch, and the right toys can support that early development.
At this stage, high-contrast visuals are especially important, as newborns can only see clearly 8 - 12 inches away and respond best to black and white or bold patterns.
Gentle rattles, crinkle books and soft toys help with sensorimotor integration and tactile awareness.
Slow-moving mobiles or hanging toys can also provide soothing visual stimulation without overwhelming a baby’s senses.
These toys aren’t about “learning” just yet. They’re simply about helping your baby explore light, sound and touch in small, manageable doses.
4–6 Months: Tactile Play + Early Grasping
Between 4 and 6 months, babies start to develop stronger hand control and enjoy exploring objects by grasping and mouthing them.
At this stage, lightweight, easy-to-hold toys like soft rattles, teething rings and textured balls are ideal to encourage these emerging skills.
Water-safe toys add a fun sensory element during bathtime, turning a routine into an opportunity for play and learning.
Our Make a Splash Bathtime Boats (a set of 3) are made from 100% eco-friendly wheat straw plastic and BPA-free materials, making them safe and durable for tiny hands.
These little boats are perfectly sized for gripping and squeezing in the tub, helping babies discover cause and effect as they splash and play, all while sparking their imagination and turning bathtime into an exciting high-seas adventure.
Look for toys with different textures and simple features that babies can easily manipulate. These early play experiences support hand-eye coordination and build confidence in handling objects.
7–12 Months: Fine Motor + Problem-Solving
Between 7 and 12 months, babies become more curious and start developing fine motor skills and problem-solving abilities.
At this stage, toys that encourage stacking, sorting and fitting shapes together help build coordination and cognitive skills.
Common examples include stacking rings, shape sorters, simple puzzles and soft blocks, many of which encourage babies to experiment and learn through trial and error.
Our Learn & Play Alphabet Puzzle Toy features 26 soft, BPA-free silicone letters in calming neutral colors, making it perfect for introducing your little one to the magical world of letters while supporting fine motor development.
This interactive set sparks curiosity and gently guides babies and toddlers through early language exploration, making it a great gift for a first birthday or any milestone.
When choosing toys for this stage, look for safe, durable materials and designs that challenge your baby just enough to keep them engaged without causing frustration.
Nurture Curiosity and Coordination
Choosing the right toys at each stage of your baby’s first year can make a real difference in supporting their growth and development.
If you’re looking for carefully selected, safe, and engaging toys to accompany your baby’s developmental journey, explore our curated collections designed to grow with your little one.
Author:Navinth Ravi - Founder & Managing Director
Updated: Jul 29, 2025
As a dad, Navinth knows just how tricky it is to find gifts that are both practical and meaningful. That’s why he founded Newly Born UK! Now he travels the world sourcing unique and thoughtful, baby-safe products that align with our ethos, so we can continue providing unique gifts to little ones and their parents, every single day.
