Toys
8 Best Newborn Toys, Reviewed by a Mom and Baby
In the first few weeks of life, babies spend a lot of time sleeping, but don’t let that fool you. During this time, they’re also undergoing significant physical, emotional, and social development. According to pediatrician Mona Amin, DO, “play is an important part of achieving these developmental milestones.” My daughter, for example, transformed in her first 12 weeks from an unsettled infant into a curious and joyful baby with a growing personality. By the end of the first 12 weeks (also known as the “fourth trimester”), she was cooing, smiling, lifting her head during tummy time, recognizing faces and voices, and exploring with all her senses.
Amin suggests that the best toys for newborns often feature engaging textures, high-contrast patterns, and designs that are easy for babies to grasp. Not sure which toys are ideal for this developmental stage? We consulted with Amin and pediatrician Alexis Phillips-Walker, DO, and tested a variety of top-rated toys to determine the best options. From toys with high-contrast visuals to lightweight, flexible options made for tiny hands, we’ve gathered a selection of newborn toys designed to promote growth and development.
How We Tested and Chose the Best Newborn Toys
While we can’t babysit for you, The Bump is here to help you choose the best toys for your little one. Over the first 10 weeks of my baby’s life, I tested over a dozen toys, noting how she interacted with each one and whether her responses changed as she grew. I used a set of criteria to evaluate the toys, considering how well they encouraged sensory stimulation, exploration, and open-ended play, as well as their practicality, durability, and ease of maintenance.
We consulted with two pediatricians and reviewed the latest guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) to ensure safety in our selections. Since every baby is different, we also reviewed user feedback and market trends to see how these toys performed for families across the country.
The Best Newborn Toys
Overall Best Newborn Toy: Lovevery The Looker Play Kit
What We Love
- Developmentally appropriate, natural materials
- Booklet with helpful guidance
- Encourages open-ended play
Things to Consider
- Items are sold only as a set
- Some items are designed for use with Lovevery’s play gym (sold separately)
Lovevery’s subscription-based play kits offer eco-friendly, developmentally appropriate toys for babies. The Looker Kit, designed for babies’ first 12 weeks, comes with a variety of items and a play guide that details developmental milestones and activities to help your child reach them. It includes high-contrast cards, mittens to help babies discover their hands, and sensory links that make sounds, all of which help stimulate visual and sensory development. The quality and value of the toys in this kit make it difficult to replicate for less money, and the guide is an excellent resource for new parents. The kit is designed to be useful for newborns and can be enjoyed by older babies as well.
Age Rating: 0 to 12 weeks | Care Instructions: Varies
Our tester says: “This kit has everything you need to engage and stimulate your baby. The play suggestions and guidelines are incredibly helpful.”
Best Newborn Toy for Sensory Exploration: Manhattan Toy Wimmer Ferguson Learning Cube
What We Love
- Promotes open-ended play
- High-contrast images
- Multiple activities in one toy
Things to Consider
- Wipe clean only
- Not portable
- A bit expensive
The Wimmer Ferguson Learning Cube helps babies enjoy tummy time while offering visual stimulation and a variety of textures and interactive features. With black-and-white animal imagery, crinkly textures, a mirror, squeaker, and flaps to explore, it’s a great tool for developing sensory and motor skills. My baby loves playing “peekaboo” with the flaps, and as she grows, she’ll be able to explore the cube’s teething ring and rattle. It’s soft and lightweight, ensuring safety during play.
Age Rating: 0+ months | Care Instructions: Spot clean
Our tester says: “This toy provides endless ways to engage and entertain your baby—definitely a must-have for tummy time.”
Best Newborn Toy for Developing Motor Skills: Bright Starts Oball Easy Grasp Classic Ball
What We Love
- Lightweight and easy to grab
- Flexible and durable
- Easy to clean
Things to Consider
- May not interest younger babies
- Requires assistance for newborns to grasp
This flexible, lightweight ball from Bright Starts encourages babies to use their grasping reflex, a crucial developmental skill. The Oball is easy for newborns to hold and helps babies learn to manipulate objects. As they grow, they can play with it independently. The ball is also simple to clean and virtually indestructible, making it an excellent investment.
Age Rating: 0 to 36 months | Care Instructions: Wipe clean
Our tester says: “It’s a great tool for promoting motor skills and coordination, and the bright colors are perfect for catching your baby’s attention.”
Best Comfort Toy for Newborns: B. Toys Fluffy Koko Koala Lovey
What We Love
- Lightweight and easy for newborns to handle
- Multiple textures for sensory exploration
- Machine washable
Things to Consider
- May not interest younger newborns
Unlike many traditional stuffed animals, the Fluffy Koko Koala Lovey is light and flat, making it easier for newborns to interact with. My daughter loves the soft texture and crinkle feature, and it’s become a source of comfort during moments of distress. The lovey is also machine washable, making it practical for everyday use.
Age Rating: 0+ months | Care Instructions: Machine washable
Our tester says: “It’s the perfect comfort toy for newborns—soft, cute, and easy for them to hold.”
Best Stimulating Newborn Toy: Flensted Mobiles Five Flying Swallows Mobile
What We Love
- Visually appealing to both babies and adults
- Captivating, gentle movement
- High-contrast colors
Things to Consider
- Delicate construction
- Potential to overstimulate
The Flensted Swallows Mobile is a minimalist yet enchanting mobile that gently sways in the breeze. Its high-contrast design is ideal for newborns, while its graceful movement makes it visually stimulating. My daughter is absolutely mesmerized by it, and it’s been a great tool to keep her entertained while I get things done around the house.
Age Rating: N/A | Care Instructions: Wipe with dry cloth
Our tester says: “My daughter loves watching the swallows move. It’s definitely her favorite thing, and I can see it becoming a cherished nursery decoration.”
Best Newborn Toy for Visual Development: Wee Gallery Woodland Art Cards for Baby
What We Love
- High-contrast black-and-white designs
- High-quality materials
- Great for tummy time
Things to Consider
- Gallery not available for purchase
Wee Gallery’s Woodland Art Cards feature black-and-white illustrations designed to stimulate visual development in newborns. These durable cards can be displayed during tummy time, encouraging visual tracking, and the simple designs help babies start recognizing shapes and patterns. The cards are also printed on high-quality card stock, making them durable and aesthetically pleasing.
Age Rating: N/A | Care Instructions: Wipe clean
Our tester says: “These cards are high-quality and a wonderful gift idea. They’re perfect for tummy time and introducing vocabulary.”
Best On-the-Go Newborn Toy: Skip Hop Bandana Buddies Chime & Teethe Toy
What We Love
- Soft, gentle chime sound
- Multiple textures for sensory play
Things to Consider
- Spot clean only
- Split ring may not fit all strollers
Skip Hop’s Bandana Buddies toy is great for keeping babies entertained on the go. Its gentle chime and soft textures make it soothing during car rides. It’s a great way to engage babies’ auditory and tactile senses while traveling.
Age Rating: 0+ months | Care Instructions: Spot clean
Our tester says: “This toy is perfect for car rides. The chime is gentle and soothing, and my daughter loves playing with it.”
Best Rattle Toy for Newborns: Manhattan Toy Comet Teether and Rattle
What We Love
- Engages multiple senses
- Colorful and visually stimulating
- Easy to clean
Things to Consider
- A bit heavy for newborns
Manhattan Toy’s Comet Teether and Rattle combines colorful, textured surfaces with two types of sound—clacking rings and chirping noises—encouraging babies to explore different sensations. The flexible design makes it easy to grasp, and it’s a great tool for developing motor skills and teething.
Age Rating: 0+ months | Care Instructions: Surface wash
Our tester says: “It’s a high-quality toy with a great color scheme and engaging sounds. Perfect for sensory development.”
What Are the Best Toys for Newborns?
When choosing toys for your newborn, look for those that are age-appropriate and designed to support the development of their physical, emotional, and social skills. Toys that stimulate the senses—like rattles, high-contrast flashcards, and soft-textured books—are great choices. As babies start to explore their surroundings, consider toys that promote fine motor skills, pattern recognition, and visual development. A tummy time mat, teething toys, and cloth books are all fantastic additions to your baby’s toy collection.
What to Look for in Toys for Newborns
- High-contrast patterns: These are easier for babies to see and help develop visual tracking skills.
- Easy-to-hold designs: Choose toys that are light and easy for tiny hands to grasp.
- Interactive features: Toys that engage the senses (sound, texture, sight) encourage development.
- Safety: Ensure toys are too large to be swallowed and don’t have small parts that could pose a choking hazard.
Remember, the most important thing is to engage with your baby and have fun together while they explore their world!
