When it comes to choosing toys for your little one, it’s not just about finding something cute or colourful. The best baby toys support your child’s development, helping them to explore, learn, and grow at every stage.
Whether you’re a first-time parent or shopping for a gift, this guide will help you understand what types of toys are best suited for each age group, along with the sensory, motor and learning benefits they bring.
Let’s take it one stage at a time…
0–3 Months Toys: A Gentle Introduction
In those early newborn days, babies are adjusting to the world around them. Their vision is still developing, so bold patterns and high-contrast colours are easier to focus on. What they’ll enjoy most is anything that gently stimulates the senses – soft textures to touch, gentle rattles to hear, and comforting items that smell familiar.
Try these out:
- Newborn toys with high-contrast patterns
- Sensory toys with crinkly fabric or sound
- Comforters and soft rattles
4–6 Months Toys: Reaching Out
Around three months, babies become more interactive. They’ll start to smile, reach, and bat at objects, especially if they make a satisfying noise or move in response. Toys that support hand-eye coordination and grasping are perfect now.
Good picks:
- Textured teething toys
- Hanging toys for their playmat or activity gym
- Soft baby mirrors
Look out for toys that encourage tummy time too as it will help build strength for rolling and crawling later on.
7–9 Months Toys: Sit, Chew, Explore
Once your baby can sit unaided, a whole new world opens up. They’ll want to grab, bang, shake and chew everything in sight. At this stage, toys that support fine motor skills and sensory discovery are a big win.
Ideas to explore:
- Stacking toys they can build up (and knock down)
- Soft blocks with different textures or sounds
- Toys with music, lights or simple cause-and-effect features
10–12 Months Toys: On the Move
From crawling to pulling themselves up to stand, babies at this age are keen to get going. They also love copying you like talking on the phone, pushing a buggy, pretending to cook. Toys that encourage mobility and imagination are ideal at this age.
Try these:
- Push-along walkers to support first steps
- Activity cubes with sliding, spinning and flipping parts
- Simple role-play toys like phones, keys or soft kitchens
This stage is all about curiosity and confidence for your little one.
12+ Months: Toddler Toys
Now your little one is on the move and starting to talk, their play becomes even more imaginative. Toys that support learning, like puzzles and shape sorters, as well as those that spark creativity will keep them engaged and entertained.
Great choices:
- Musical toys like drums or xylophones
- Pretend play sets for kitchen, cleaning or shopping
- Educational toys that encourage sorting, building or problem-solving
Every toddler learns at their own pace, so choose toys that match their interests as much as their age.
A Toy for Every Stage
Choosing age-appropriate toys doesn’t have to be complicated. At Mamas & Papas, we’ve grouped our collections to make it easier for you to shop by age or developmental stage, so you can feel confident that every toy supports your little one in the right way.
Browse our full Toy Shop here and if you’re ever unsure, pop into store as our team is always happy to help.
