Welcome to this exciting sensory world!
Your newborn is starting to explore their senses and develop an awareness of their surroundings.
These toys will gently stimulate their senses while soothing them with comfort and fascination.
Find helpful videos and expert-backed resources on child development to support your journey.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Table Summery of Toys & Benefits
| Toy Type | Benefits |
|---|---|
| High-Contrast Toys | Stimulates visual development, focus, and attention |
| Rattles and Grasping Toys | Develops hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills |
| Teething Toys | Soothes sore gums and offers sensory exploration |
| Mobiles | Encourages visual tracking and provides a soothing focus |
According to the Play and Language Lab at New York University’s Department of Psychology, play is a fundamental building block of infant learning. Infants spend much of their time playing with objects, figuring out how they work and discovering new uses for them. By observing this play, researchers track how infants progress from simple exploration to the complex, symbolic play that fosters creativity and problem-solving skills.
Popular and Trending Baby Toys & Gifts 0-3 Months On amazon.com
- Bright Starts Oball Shaker Rattle Toy $4 on amazon.com
- Black and White Baby Toys, High Contrast Newborn Toys $9 on amazon.com
- Wrist Rattle Foot Finder Socks Set Arm $9 on amazon.com
- Splashin’kids Inflatable Tummy time Premium Water mat Infants $15 on amazon.com
- Baby Einstein 4-in-1 Kickin’ Tunes Music and Language Play Gym $41 on amazon.com
- Let’s Count Soft Book $5 on amazon.com
High-Contrast Toys
Bold, contrasting patterns like black and white, stripes, swirls, and simple shapes engage your baby’s developing eyesight.
Look for high-contrast board books, soft mobiles, textured toys, and playmats with eye-catching patterns.
These toys help them focus and track objects, stimulating their visual development.
Rattles and Grasping Toys
Gentle sounds and easy-to-grip shapes help babies learn to focus, reach for, and manipulate objects.
Choose soft rattles with easy-to-hold handles, lightweight textured toys, and crinkle toys that reward exploration with stimulating sounds.
These toys support fine motor development and hand-eye coordination.
Teething Toys
Sore gums are no fun! Safe and textured teethers help soothe your baby’s discomfort while providing another sensory experience.
Choose options in various shapes and textures to keep their interest and provide multiple ways for them to find relief.
Mobiles
Overhead mobiles with slow-moving, gentle shapes and contrasting colors provide a calming and mesmerizing experience.
Choose mobiles that play soft music or nature sounds for an added sensory touch. Mobiles encourage visual tracking and create a soothing environment.
For more, check our article on Montessori Baby Toys 0-6 Months to get Montessori inspired mobiles.
Infant Play Activities
Baby Play Activities for your 0 – 3 months baby:
- Tummy Time Fun: Place colorful toys just out of reach to encourage exploration during tummy time.
- Mirror Play: Introduce a safe, unbreakable mirror for your baby to discover their own reflection.
- Sing & Shake: Sing songs or use rattles and shakers for musical fun.
- Touch & Feel: Offer toys with different textures (soft, bumpy, crinkly) for tactile stimulation.
- Funny Faces: Make silly faces and expressions for your baby to enjoy and imitate.
Tips
- Keep it clean: Regularly clean and sanitize baby’s toys to keep them safe and hygienic.
- Rotate for renewed interest: Babies have short attention spans, so rotate their toys regularly to keep playtime exciting and offer new things to explore.
- Choose wisely: Opt for soft, safe, and age-appropriate toys. Consider eco-friendly options made from sustainable materials.
- Supervise for safety: Always closely supervise your baby during playtime, especially with smaller toys.
Those rattles and teethers are a great start, but don’t stop there! Expand your little one’s world with our Play Activities for 3 Month Olds article, filled with ideas for engaging games and activities
Note: This article is intended for informational purposes. Always consider your individual child’s interests and developmental needs when selecting toys.
Let’s help parents choose the best toys! Share this if you agree.
Resources
- Zero to Three – Birth to 3 Months: Your Baby’s Development
- Harvard – Center on Developing Child – Activities for Infants, Toddlers, and Children
- UNICEF Parenting – Parenting tips for the first two years of life
- Play and Language Lab New York University – Infants Play & Exploration
- Pathway Org – 0-3 Months Milestones
- Pathway Org – Baby Crib Safety: Tips Every Parent Should Know