
Best Toys & Gifts for Babies 0–6 Months
Playtime is essential to your baby’s development. Here are our favorite toys for learning and fun.

By Briana Engelbrecht and Amylia Ryan
Medically Reviewed by Holly Peretz OT
Fact Checked by Shannon Vestal Robson

In This Article
It may seem like all your baby is doing during their first six months of life is sleeping, eating and pooping—but there’s actually some pretty cool stuff going on behind the scenes. Babies' brains are busy developing at a rapid pace. In addition to their valuable day-to-day interactions with you, play is a great way to encourage and support your little one’s development. Providing babies with a safe space on the floor to explore their body and surroundings and offering age- and developmentally-appropriate toys encourages them to practice their skills and have fun while doing it.
Before I was an editor at Babylist, I studied early childhood development and taught preschool. When choosing toys for new babies, I look for ones that are safe, simple and inspire exploration and open-ended play. Things like rattles and other grabbing toys, balls, activity gyms and board books provide a rich sensory experience and encourage developmental milestones during your baby's first six months. I also spoke to two experts: Dr. Karen Klawitter, a board certified pediatrician with over 25 years of experience, and Kiara DeWitt, a pediatric neurology RN and lead educator at Cook Children's Medical Center, about the safety considerations to keep in mind when shopping for toys.
Whether you’re looking for a few new toys to add to your baby’s collection or the perfect gift for a little one in your life, here are our favorite toys for babies between the ages of 0-6 months (and be sure to check out our guide for the best toys for the next stage, too!)
Best Toys for Tummy Time
Between 0-2 months, your baby will start holding their head up and noticing things in their surroundings. A play gym is the perfect spot for them to work on neck, core and arm strength during tummy time and also observe the world around them. Providing a few simple, high-contrast toys is a bonus for stimulating visual development.
Best Toys for Hand-Eye Coordination
Around 2-4 months, your baby will make an exciting discovery—they have hands! Black and white high-contrast images help develop baby's vision but don’t forget fun colors too. Engaging, easily graspable toys will motivate them to use those little arms and hands (working on depth perception and fine motor skills).
Best Soft Books for Young Babies
Reading with your baby not only inspires a future bookworm, but it’s also great for language development. These soft, chewable (and indestructible) books are perfect for young babies to explore and introduce them to new words.
Best Toys for On-the-Go Entertainment
Babies really seem to “wake up” around the four-month mark. And it’s also a time when a lot of parents feel ready to face outings with a little one. These bright toys easily attach to strollers or infant car seats that clip onto a stroller base for lots of fun on the go (just make sure to remove any toys from your baby’s car seat before putting them back in the car).
What Pediatric Experts Say About Safe Toys for Babies
According to Dr. Karen Klawitter, a board-certified pediatrician with over 25 years of experience, safety and developmental appropriateness should go hand in hand when choosing toys. “Large toys with no small parts, made from non-toxic materials and with secure battery compartments are essential,” she says.
Toy packaging isn’t always the most reliable source of safety info—especially when you’re looking at toys from lesser-known brands. “Trust your instincts and your senses,” says Kiara DeWitt, a pediatric neurology RN and lead educator at Cook Children's Medical Center. “If a toy smells off, sheds fibers or has seams that trap moisture, skip it. Washability is just as important as the design.”
No matter which toys end up being favorites, always follow age recommendations, check for small parts and stay updated on recalls. If something doesn’t feel right, trust your gut. And if you're not sure, talk with your healthcare provider or check a trusted source like the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
Play should be safe and fun!
Expert Sources
Babylist uses high-quality subject matter experts to provide accurate and reliable information to our users. Sources for this story include:
Kiara DeWitt, a pediatric neurology RN and lead educator at Cook Children's Medical Center.
Dr. Karen Klawitter is a board-certified pediatrician with 25+ years of experience. She provides virtual care through JustAnswer and Community Health Northwest Florida, is a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics—and a mom of five.





























