Toys

Toys and games for your child

Toys and games for 0-1 month olds

Look for toys that your baby can look at and listen to
Black and white or strong contrasting colours are the most visually stimulating for the time being
Toys that play calming music are a good gentle introduction to sound
If your baby’s likely to spend a lot of time in the car, think about a toy that will attach to the car seat. You can also get non-breakable mirrors so you can keep an eye on them from the front seat
Don't worry about over stimulating your newborn. If it all gets too much for them, they’ll simply switch off and go to sleep

Top toys for newborns

Toys and games for 1-3 month olds

Your baby will be more interested in seeing toys that dangle
Your baby will soon be able to lift their head to look for toys they can play with on their play mat. Putting toys just out of reach will encourage your baby’s motor skills and hand-to-eye coordination
Square blocks that are soft and colourful will help them discover more about textures, colours and shapes

Top toys for 1-3 month olds

Toys and games for 3-6 month olds

Different shapes and sounds will intrigue your baby
Toys that incorporate a number of elements will keep your baby discovering for a while
They might enjoy toys that feature flashing lights and sounds
Rattles are still highly entertaining. Look for ones which make different sounds or which are see-through, so your baby can see what’s making the noise
Rubber ducks and squirty or squeaky bath toys make bath time lots of fun
Books are great for all ages. Look for soft fabric ones or board books that feature touchy-feely textures or sounds

Top toys for 3-6 month olds

Toys and games for 6-9 month olds

Toys that feature different shapes, sounds and react to your baby’s actions will help develop their motor and thinking skills
At this age they may get attached to particular soft toys, and start to have a favourite teddy
Rolling, throwing, chasing…balls are fun for all ages from now on
Building blocks, and knocking them down again, are very popular at this stage
Board books are great fun to read together and your baby can practise turning the page

Top toys for 6-9 month olds

Toys and games 9-12 month olds

Musical instruments are great fun as your baby learns to bang a drum, shake a tambourine and jingle bells
Stacking rings and shape sorters will help develop their hand-to-eye coordination
Push toys will encourage your baby onto their feet in preparation for walking. Choose a well-weighted one to avoid any accidents
Balls are still great fun. If your baby can now stand, they’ll love dropping the ball to the ground and watching it bounce
Books are great for development and for one-on-one time with your baby. Board books are a great way for them to explore new textures, sounds and surprises (think pop-ups) and paper books are great for bedtime stories
Consider outdoor toys too. Balls are a good choice, but if you have the space a sandpit, bucket and spade could keep your baby entertained for quite some time! Make sure that Baby is supervised at all times.

Top toys for 9-12 month olds

Toys and games for 12-18 month olds

Toddlers learn by mimicking, so role-play toys and games are great fun at this age. Toy telephones, floor brushes are all great fun. As are musical farm trucks and houses, cars and diggers. Or even a toy kitchen or workbench, if you have the space
Any toys that encourage imitating are good. Look out for electronic toys that can help teach new words or sounds
Ride-on toys are very popular and help your toddler get their independence. There are many types available, so make sure you can accommodate them in your home. And if you’re not a fan of DIY, look out for ones that are easy to assemble
Washable paints and crayons will help them express their creativity
Building toys also come into play at this age. Either wooden blocks or toys like Lego Duplo or Mega Blocks
Toddlers love to be outdoors. Balls and tunnels are great fun outdoors, as are climbing frames, slides and swings if you have the space. As always, you need to supervise your child at all times