Toys
Top Toys for 2-Month-Olds, Based on Parent Recommendations
Newborn babies sleep a lot, but by the time they reach 2 months, they’re usually more awake and alert during the day. When my daughter turned 2 months old in August, her curious and adventurous side began to show. She was eager to touch and taste everything, which made it the ideal time to introduce play into our routine. However, I was unsure how to start playing with her at this early stage.
How do you engage a baby who’s still learning to hold their head up? According to Jana Sarno, a board-certified behavior analyst and the chief clinical officer at Hopebridge Autism Therapy Centers, “Play looks different at 2 months compared to older babies and toddlers, but there are still ways to engage them that support their development. At this age, what baby needs most is your attention and devotion.” The best toys for 2-month-olds support the development of motor skills and their growing need for social interaction. With the right toy, you might even get to witness your baby’s first smile.
How We Chose the Best Toys for 2-Month-Olds
Parenting involves an overwhelming amount of gear, including toys. If you’re feeling a little lost, we’ve got you covered. We did the research to help you find stimulating toys that can help your 2-month-old reach key developmental milestones. Here’s how we selected the best options:
- We consulted a variety of experts, including a board-certified behavior analyst, to find out what makes a great toy for two-month-olds.
- We conducted a 2024 survey of parents in The Bump community to discover their favorite toys for 2-month-olds.
- The Bump editorial team isn’t just made up of parenting experts; we’re also moms and dads. We relied on our personal experiences using some of these toys with our own children.
- Recognizing that no two families are the same, we also did thorough market research, browsing external forums and user reviews to see what parents nationwide look for in toys for 2-month-olds.
- Editorial integrity is central to everything we do. Read about how The Bump reviews all articles, including product reviews.
Best Toys for 2-Month-Olds
Light-up Rattle for Visual Tracking
SmartNoggin NogginStik
What We Love
- Well-designed with a slim handle made from easy-to-grasp material
- Produces light rattling sounds to engage your baby
- Changes color when tapped or moved
Things to Consider
- A little pricey
- Requires a button battery, which could pose a safety risk
Visual tracking is a crucial skill that helps develop both motor and visual abilities. However, motivating your baby to focus on a single object can be a challenge. The SmartNoggin NogginStik can help. This light-up rattle with a slim handle is one of the most recommended toys for 2-month-olds. Sarno agrees, saying, “Toys with light and sound are motivating for babies when used properly. This rattle helps with eye gaze and neck strength during tummy time and also encourages opening and closing hands.”
One parent shared that the NogginStik kept their baby engaged for up to 10 minutes—quite impressive for a 2-month-old. It’s safe for babies aged 0-12 months, so you can start working on visual tracking right away.
Age range: 0 to 12 months | Batteries required: Yes
Our community says:
“The face and changing colors grab my son’s attention. The slim wand is the perfect size for him to hold.” – Jax, mom of one
Tummy-Time Toy for Neck Control
Melissa & Doug K’s Kids Flip Fish Baby Toy
What We Love
- Durable and machine washable
- Bright colors for visual stimulation
Things to Consider
- Some parents report that babies lose interest as they grow
- Mirror may fog up after washing
Tummy time helps babies develop neck muscles, but it can be tough to keep them entertained. The Melissa & Doug K’s Kids Flip Fish Baby Toy is perfect for making tummy time more enjoyable. This colorful toy includes squeakers to encourage grasping, hidden pictures to spark curiosity, and a crinkly texture for tactile exploration—everything you need to keep your baby happy during tummy time.
One mom shared, “When [my son] was really little, he loved the colors and textures,” and said it kept him entertained for up to 15 minutes at a time, which is a lot for a 2-month-old.
Age range: 1+ months | Batteries required: No
Our community says:
“Great for tummy time interactions, textures, and learning about colors and animals. [Our] daughter loved this toy.” – Lauren, mom of two
Play Mat for Muscle-Strengthening
Lovevery Play Gym
What We Love
- Five developmental zones that promote milestones from birth to 12 months
- Comes with a play guide full of age-appropriate activity ideas
- Easy set-up with no tools required
Things to Consider
- Bulky and may not be ideal for small spaces
- On the pricier side
- Difficult to clean
The Lovevery Play Gym encourages physical activity through Montessori-inspired play zones designed to develop motor skills. After my daughter lost interest in her previous play mat, I switched to the Lovevery Play Gym, and it was worth every penny. The five distinct developmental zones keep my daughter engaged for up to 30 minutes, helping her strengthen muscles while having fun.
The gym includes detachable toys, play cards, and a baby-safe mirror for different ways to engage your baby. Plus, it comes with a play guide to help you get the most out of each developmental stage.
Age range: 0+ months | Batteries required: No
Our community says:
“My baby loves his Lovevery gym! It has taught him so much, and the play guide was a huge help for me and my husband.” – Ellen, mom of one
Textured Activity Book for Grasping
Jellycat Soft Cloth Baby Books
What We Love
- Velcro loop to attach to strollers or car seats
- Filled with textures and shapes for sensory exploration
- Easy-to-clean, durable material
Things to Consider
- Some parents noticed small spelling or factual errors
The best toys for 2-month-olds should encourage grasping. When my daughter turned 8 weeks, she discovered the fun of grabbing things, and I was happy to offer her age-appropriate toys. The Jellycat Soft Cloth Baby Books are perfect for this stage, featuring crinkle pages, bright colors, and simple words like “lamb” and “bunny.” With cloth animal tails and soft textures, these books provide sensory exploration and encourage her to practice grasping.
Age range: 0+ months | Batteries required: No
Our community says:
“My daughter loves her Jellycat book! We practice animal sounds, and it’s a great toy for traveling.” – Anahí, mom of one
High-Contrast Book for Visual Development
Curious George’s Colors: High Contrast Tummy Time Book
Why We Love It:
- Black-and-white and colorful pages stimulate babies as they grow
- Folds out to encourage head-lifting and turning
- Easy to clean and durable
What to Consider:
- Might not hold every baby’s attention for long
High-contrast toys are a popular choice for 2-month-olds for good reason. According to Sarno, “High-contrast toys provide visual stimulation at 2 months old. Books are my go-tos at any age, and black-and-white books are ideal for this stage.” Although baby toys can get expensive, they may quickly lose their appeal as babies’ vision improves. However, Curious George’s High Contrast Tummy Time Book is designed to keep baby engaged longer.
This accordion-style book has high-contrast black-and-white shapes on one side, perfect for younger babies, and colorful, more detailed Curious George images on the other side. It’s an excellent first book to encourage visual development and keep baby entertained.
Age Range: 0+ months | Requires Batteries: No
What Our Community Says:
“The two sides (one black and white, the other in color) make tummy time so engaging! We love lifting our heads to look at it.” —Julie, mom of one and The Bump survey respondent
Monochrome Flash Cards for Visual Focus
beiens Newborn Essentials Baby Sensory Toy Cards
Why We Love It:
- Suitable for various developmental stages
- Created with input from child development experts
- Eco-friendly soy ink
What to Consider:
- Some parents report that the cards can get damaged by moisture
- No display stand
beiens Newborn Essentials Baby Sensory Toy Cards stand out among the many sensory cards available. These high-contrast cards showcase patterns, shapes, and animals designed to stimulate your baby’s visual focus and memory, from 0 to 12 months. The cards are specifically designed to activate baby’s memory and help develop their visual focus.
These cards come in three sets, each with 20 two-sided cards for different age groups (0-3 months, 3-6 months, and 6-12 months). The matte finish helps protect your baby’s sensitive eyes, making these cards a safe and educational tool.
Age Range: 0+ months | Requires Batteries: No
Subscription Set for Developing Senses
KiwiCo Let’s Sense!
Why We Love It:
- Provides activity suggestions for effective use of each toy
- Made from durable, high-quality, non-toxic materials
- Free of BPA, phthalates, and lead
What to Consider:
- A bit pricey
- Some parents found the toys challenging for babies to hold
KiwiCo’s Let’s Sense subscription box is a great choice for first-time parents. It includes several toys for your 2-month-old, focusing on essential skills like vision, motor skills, touch, and more. Each box comes with a 20-page guide full of science-backed activity ideas to help you engage with your baby.
From a wooden rattle for visual tracking and auditory development to a toy set designed to improve grasping, KiwiCo’s box maximizes your baby’s early learning experience. The kit offers a great value for stimulating play and development. Plus, enjoy 50% off your first month with the discount code THEBUMP.
Age Range: 2 to 3 months | Requires Batteries: No
Textured Stroller Toy for Tactile Play
Lamaze Clip & Go Freddie the Firefly
Why We Love It:
- Offers a variety of colors, textures, and sounds
- Durable, high-quality materials
- Easily attaches to strollers or car seats
What to Consider:
- Some 2-month-olds may find it too large to handle
- Some parents said the stitching wore out quickly
Freddie the Firefly from Lamaze is perfect for your tactile baby. The vibrant colors, crinkly textures, ribbons, built-in teethers, and baby-safe mirrors provide a sensory-rich experience that will keep baby engaged.
My daughter loves all of her Lamaze toys, including Freddie, which keeps her entertained for 15 to 30-minute stretches. Plus, it attaches easily to a stroller or car seat, making it ideal for outings and keeping your little one calm on the go.
Age Range: 0+ months | Requires Batteries: No
