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7 Best Toys for Babies 0-12 Months, Approved by a Child Psychologist

7 Best Toys for Babies 0-12 Months, Approved by a Child Psychologist

posted on November 2, 2020

As a mom of two girls and a child psychologist, I see personally and professionally how play helps with development, social skills, emotion regulation, parenting skills, and behavior problems. People often ask me, what the best toys for babies are. Or, what I have in my own kids’ playroom. This is why I started a social media series. There, I share fresh ideas for every month of early childhood. Sometimes a common theme emerges around the toys, but in reality – most fit under multiple categories.

Here is the full list of what I think are the best toys for babies 0-12 months old and why:

Image of Infantino Sensory Balls Blocks and Buddies - Recommended by Child Behavior Clinic

Infantino Sensory Balls, Blocks, & Buddies

Promote sensory exploration and help develop gross and fine motor skills

Infantino's set checked off a lot of boxes for us. They're durable and colorful. They're great as an intro for naming, counting, and sorting. And most importantly, they promote sensory exploration and help develop gross and fine motor skills.

Buy on Amazon


Image of Little Tikes Activity Garden Baby Playset - Recommended by Child Behavior Clinic

Little Tikes Activity Garden Baby Playset

Develop fine motor skills

This was one of our favorites with our older daughter too. She still takes her stuffed animals to the "playground" sometimes. 🤣 It's totally worth the money. There's a shape sorter, ball drop, crawling slide, tap piano, and shutters and a door that open and close. It's great for gross and fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, teaching containment, and playing peek-a-boo.

Buy on Amazon


Image of Skip Hop Explore and More Egg Shaker Trio - Recommended by Child Behavior Clinic

Skip Hop Explore & More Egg Shaker Trio

A fun musical toy

Anything that rattles or jingles is still a big hit. She is finally able to comfortably hold these and shake for longer periods of time. Rattles help with attention span, fine motor and grip skills.

Buy on Amazon


Munchkin Caterpillar Spillers Stacking and Straining Cups Bath Toy

Munchkin Caterpillar Spillers Stacking and Straining Cups Bath Toy

Our favorite baby stacking cups

Cups promote lots of skills including tower-building, nesting, containment, and pouring. Our toddler has also continued to use these in a variety of pretend-play scenarios. Most recently, she used them as "ice-cream cones" that held some of the "ice-cream", crush-proof balls from our favorite trampoline and ball pit.

Buy on Amazon


My First Touch and Feel Picture Cards - Animals

My First Touch and Feel Picture Cards: Animals

Great touch and feel series of cards

In the same vein of Usborne's books, they help babies become familiar with different textures and introduces new vocabulary.

Buy on Amazon


Book cover for Thats Not My Puppy

That’s Not My Puppy

Great touch and feel series of books

Usbourne has some great touch and feel books in their "That's Not My _______" series. They help babies become familiar with different textures and introduces new vocabulary.

Buy on Amazon


SwaddleDesigns Baby Lovie Small Security Blanket Plush Dots with Satin Trim Kiwi

SwaddleDesigns Baby Lovie, Small Security Blanket

A fun peek-a-boo blanket

Ours is from our Lovevery subscription, but SwaddleDesigns makes great lovey and muslin blankets that work just as well. It's a fun game for object permanence and social development. When she covers herself and pulls off the blanket, it also helps with her gross motor development.

Buy on Amazon

As my little one grows, I will update this list so bookmark the page for great toy ideas every month!

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This website, products, services, information, and other content, including information linking to third-party websites are for educational purposes only. They are not intended to replace the advice of a licensed medical or mental health professional. Information provided cannot diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. Engagement between Child Behavior Clinic or Dr. Jacque Bogdanov and others on this site or otherwise does not constitute therapeutic services, psychological advice, or consultation, and should not be considered a therapeutic relationship. If you are in distress and in need of immediate assistance, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.

Last Updated on February 18, 2021 by Dr. Jacque Bogdanov