For children to develop and maintain their active minds it is necessary to give them the right toy. And this can be as early as possible.
At the present time, manufacturers are making these toys with a lot of thought process and run many physical and chemical tests. Making it completely safe to introduce to young infants.
Toys are the primary method to acquire basic social and learning skills for infants. And some of the best toys you can give are riding toys, musical toys, shape sorter, soft plush, and rattle sensing toys. You can choose them based on a number of factors like age, size, safety and many more.
Now all these might lead to confusion with so many toys in the market and all promising to be their best. So, we have tried making this process simpler by reviewing the best available toys. Along with this, we have also mentioned features that you should consider while purchasing.
Features to consider while purchasing toys for infant development
1. Age
Toys are made for different age groups and this can focus on different sectors of development. So must choose the one that is age-appropriate for your child to enhance their skills.
2. Size
Size is an important factor to consider. Try avoiding too small toys, this can be dangerous and can lead to choking whereas too big toys would not be comfortable enough to play.
3. Safe
This is another factor that should not be missed. You must avoid toys that have sharp edges or any small parts. Also look out for safe materials such as plastic, cotton, Polypropylene and avoid materials like BPA, PVC, Phthalates, Bisphenol-a, Latex, Varnishes, Paints, Stains, and Cadmium.
4. Washable
Kids usually tend to put toys in their mouth so it is important to keep them clean. Getting a toy that can be easily washed will make your job easier. Some toys can be simply put in a machine while others can be wiped with a wet cloth.
5. Durability
It is always suggested to get a toy that is durable. This serves a longer shelf life and kids can spend more time with it.
Best Toys for Infant Development
Best Toys for Infant Development
1. Munchkin Mozart Magic Cube
Why we like it
This can be the best way to introduce infants to music. This cube looks like it got a makeover though the functionality remains the same. It features 8 kinds of Mozart’s music including harp, French horn, piano, flute and violin instrument sounds. With this, your kids can explore the beautiful sounds and also create their own masterpiece. The orchestra button can bring together all five musical instruments and create one of eight Mozart’s Masterpiece. All you have to do is just press the button. And this is completely safe to use and does not have any form of toxins. This toy is a great option for enhancing auditory senses and suitable for 3 months and above.
The music list includes
- Non Piu Andre (Marriage of Figaro)
- Country Dance #5, K.609
- Come Sweet May, K.596
- Ah! Vous Dirai-Je, Maman, K.265 ( Twinkle, Twinkle)
- Der Vogelfanger (Magic Flute)
- March in D, K.408
- Lander, K.606
- LaCi Darem La Mano (Don Giovanni)
Age- This is suitable for 3 months and above
Size- 5.2 x 5.2 x 5.2 inches
Material- This is made of Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene, Non-Phthalate Polyvinyl Chloride, Steel, and Misc.
Washable- You can wipe it with a wet cloth
Pros
- Includes 3 AAA battery
- There is a volume control option
- Can work for 5 hours straight
Cons
- Needs to be carefully washed so that water does not come in contact with battery
2. Baby Einstein Take Along Tunes Musical Toy
Why we like it
This is perfectly aged for 3 to 36 months. This is a combination of music and lights and a perfect entertainer for kids. You can switch between 10 melodies that shuffle between masterpieces of Mozart, Vivaldi, Chopin and Rossini. It comes with an easy press button that allows the kid to toggle between seven different classical melodies. Along with the music, colourful lights display across the screen and engage your kid along with enhancing the visual reception.
Age- This is perfectly suited for 3 to 36 months.
Size- 5.1 x 5.1 x 1.1 inches
Material- This is made up of Polypropylene
Washable- This can be easily wiped with a wet cloth
Pros
- This comes with 2 batteries
- Colourful display
- Can be easily washed
Cons
- Not suitable for below 3 months
3. Skip Hop Bandana Buddies Baby Activity and Teething Toy
Why we like it
This toy can help discover multi-sensory skills. This is a soft plush toy and comes with various colours and textures. It can be used as a teether and a soft cosy companion to play with. Moreover, the teether can be detached as the child grows. There are a total of seven varieties of toys to choose from. All are in the form of different animal characters. The different textures, colours, rattle and crackle sounds keep your child engaged and stimulate visual and auditory reception.
Age- This is suitable for 4 months and above
Size- 5 x 3 x 10 inches
Material- This is made of Polyester and Poly-cotton Blend
Washable- This should be gently hand-washed
Pros
- BPA-free, PVC-free, Phthalate-free
- Works as teether as well
- Has many colours
Cons
- Few consumers find it difficult to reattach teether
4. WISHTIME Rattle Teether Baby Toys
Why we like it
This pack of toys come with 11 pieces and is perfectly suited for 3, 6, 9, 12 and 18-months babies. This is definitely a budget-friendly deal to buy. It also comes with a feeder bottle.
All the different toys make a crinkle sound that entertains them and enhances the auditory sense. Plus, this is completely safe to use. These toys are FDA, ASTM and BPA free. Moreover, this is certified by CPSC acceptance and has passed all physical and chemical tests and are perfect for infants.
Age- This has a wide suitability range of 3, 6, 9, 12 and 18-months baby.
Size- 10.2 x 6.7 x 6.7 inches
Material- This is made of ABS plastic
Washable- This can be easily wiped with wet clothes
Pros
- Affordable
- offers many varieties
- Passed physical and chemical test
Cons
- Sizes are not specified for each toy
5. VTech Turn and Learn Driver
Why we like it
This toy is designed to be an absolute interactive and educational toy. It features a steering wheel that moves the dog front and back. And the five colour buttons play songs and phrases that teach about different animals and vehicles. This playful car encourages imaginative play with leaver. And the traffic lights, side mirrors add to their visual reception. This is perfect for 6 months to 3 years and it helps develop motor skills.
Age- 6 months to 3 years
Size- 8.86 x 10.79 x 4.33 inches
Material- This is made up of plastic
Washable- You can wipe it with a wet cloth
Pros
- Includes 2 AA batteries for demo
- Includes 3 play mode
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Not very durable
6. HAHA Baby Toys
Why we like it
This collection toy is a great value for money. There are four different hanging animals. Each of them is colourful and comes in different shapes. They are wind chime designed and feature crinkle ears and wings. Plus, each toy comes with a teether and squeaky belly that makes it more fun to play.
All these toys are certified from ASTM F963 & CPSIA & CPC. Playing with these toys will develop sensory skills and gross motor skills.
Age- This is suitable for 0, 3, 6, 9 to 12 Months baby
Size- 12 x 9 x 3 inches
Material- This is made with a soft cloth and polyester stuffing
Washable- This can be hand washed
Pros
- Includes drawstring back
- C clip hanger
- Crinkle ears and wings
Cons
- Length cannot be altered
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7. Play22 Baby Blocks Shape Sorter Toy
Why we like it
This can be a great educational tool. It encourages infants to play with blocks while teaching them about different shapes. These 18 varieties of a block are made of premium quality plastic and come in various bright colours. It features 5 different shapes and kids need to find the right block to fit in the box. With this toy, kids can improve the eye and hand coordination and develop over motor skills.
Age- This is recommended for 3 years and above
Size- 5.9 x 5.9 x 5.8 inches
Material- This is made up of hard plastic and free of BPA and other toxins
Washable- You can wipe it with wet clothes
Pros
- Helps in learning about shapes
- Completely safe to use
- Helps to improve the hand and eye coordination.
Cons
- Does not make any sound
8. Tapiona Large Baby Play Gym
Why we like it
This toy is specifically designed for a 0 to 6 months baby. The toy is designed as an active infant mat and babies can kick and play on this mat. There is a piano on the bottom of the mat that has beautiful melodies. And these can be produced just by kicking them while lying or sitting. Along with this, there are 5 linkable toys that are in the shape of moon, bear, heart and owl. While kicking or reaching out for toys the motor skills get developed and by listening to the piano sounds their auditory senses get activated.
And the best part about this is you can detach the piano and overhead arches and wash the fabric in the machine.
Age- This is suitable for 0-6 month infant
Size- 32.68 x 32.68 x 21.65 inches
Material- Mat is made up of soft cloth
Washable- It can be washed in a machine
Pros
- Piano and arches can be detached
- The piano can be used even after the child grows
- No hassle in washing
Cons
- Does not include battery
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9. Sassy Developmental Bumpy Ball toy
Why we like it
This bumpy ball toy comes with bright colours and bold patterns and easy to grab bumps. All these features make it a perfect toy for 6 months and above infants. The big bumps encourage reaching, grasping and transferring from one hand to another. This helps develop their motor skills while the fun rattle sound creates a neural connection and enhances their auditory senses.
Age- This is suitable for 6 months and above
Size- 5.5 x 7.5 x 8.9 inches
Material- This is made with Polyester, plastic, foam
Washable- It is suggested to clean with a wet cloth
Pros
- Has a lot of colour and textures
- Encourages kids to develop motor skills
- Makes fun rattle sound
Cons
- Not durable
10. Baby Einstein Bendy Ball Rattle Toy
Why we like it
Baby Einstein is one most favourite brands for toys and thus we have another interesting toy from this brand. This adorable little toy will be a complete entertainer for your kid. This small colourful ball makes a rattling sound as the ball moves along. And this sound enhances the auditory receptive while the little fingers explore the different texture of the ball.
Age- This is recommended for 3 months and above kid
Size- 4 x 4 x 4 inches
Material- Plastic
Washable- Wipe it with a wet cloth
Pros
- Makes fun rattle sound
- Free of BPA
- Features a colourful caterpillar
Cons
- Needs supervision while playing
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Conclusion
Getting the right toy for your infant is definitely not an easy task. But we hope with our curated article you can find the best suitable product. However, if you are still unable to choose there here are some of our own recommendations.
- If you are looking for a musical toy then go for Munchkin Mozart Magic Cube. This cube-shaped toy is very innovative, it includes 8 classical Mozart’s masterpieces. And you kids can use their creativity to make their own masterpiece by adding or deleting the inbuilt melodies.
- And if you want a toy for newborn babies then this would be the best option Tapiona Large Baby Play Gym for Babies 0+ Activity Toys. This is a play mat and comes with linkable toys and piano. This can be very engaging and also helps in the development of motor skills.
All our listed toys are free of toxin and completely safe to use.
Do share your thoughts and drop down your queries in the below comment section and we will revert to them as soon as possible.
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