Welcome, fellow parents! As your baby grows and develops, it’s amazing to see how they explore and learn about the world around them. One of the key ways they do this is through play, and the right toys can make all the difference. That’s why I’m excited to share this guide with you – “Toys for 12 Months: A Parent’s Guide to Delighting Your Baby.”
Each month of your baby’s first year is a new opportunity to introduce toys that will engage their senses, promote cognitive development, and provide endless entertainment. From rattles and soft books to stacking blocks and shape sorters, the possibilities are endless. But with so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to know where to start.
That’s where I come in. As a parent and an expert article writer and blogger, I’ve done the research for you. Over the next 12 months, I’ll be sharing my top picks for toys that are not only fun but also educational and age-appropriate. Whether you’re a new parent or adding to your collection, I hope you’ll find this guide helpful and informative. So let’s get started and delight our little ones with the best toys for 12 months!
1. Month 1: Newborn Essentials – Rattles and Soft Books
Welcome to the world of baby toys! As a new parent, you might be overwhelmed by the variety of toys available for your little one. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Let’s start with the basics – rattles and soft books.
Rattles are a classic choice for newborns. They are not only fun but also help in developing your baby’s hand-eye coordination and auditory skills. Look for rattles that are lightweight, easy to grip, and make a pleasant sound. Avoid rattles with small parts that can be a choking hazard.
Soft books, on the other hand, are a great way to introduce your baby to the world of reading. They are usually made of fabric or soft vinyl and have bright colors, interesting textures, and simple pictures. These books are perfect for tummy time and help in developing your baby’s cognitive skills.
When choosing rattles and soft books, always opt for high-quality, durable toys. They should be free from harmful chemicals and toxins. Brands like Sophie La Girafe, Lamaze, and Manhattan Toy offer a wide range of safe and engaging rattles and soft books for newborns.
Remember, the best toys for your baby are the ones that stimulate their senses and promote learning. So, don’t go overboard with too many toys. Start with the essentials and watch your baby grow and learn.
In the next section, we will explore toys for the second month – activity gyms and playmats. Stay tuned!
2. Month 2: Teething Toys and Sensory Play
Congratulations, your baby is growing and developing quickly! At two months old, your little one is starting to explore the world around them with more intention, and they’re ready for some new toys to help them along the way.
Teething toys are a must-have for this stage. Your baby’s gums may be sore as their teeth start to come in, and teething toys can provide much-needed relief. Look for teething toys that are made of soft, durable materials like silicone or rubber. They should be easy for your baby to hold and have various textures for them to explore. Some popular options include the Sophie La Girafe Teether and the Manhattan Toy Winkle Rattle and Teether.
Sensory play is also essential for your baby’s development at this age. Sensory toys help stimulate your baby’s senses and promote cognitive development. Look for toys that have bright colors, interesting textures, and different sounds. One great option is the Lamaze Spin and Explore Safari Friends, which has various textures, a mirror, and a squeaker.
Another fun option for sensory play is a sensory basket. Fill a small basket with a variety of safe, household items like soft scarves, crinkly paper, and smooth stones. Your baby will love exploring the different textures and sounds.
When choosing toys for your two-month-old, always opt for high-quality, durable toys that are free from harmful chemicals and toxins. Brands like Sophie La Girafe, Lamaze, and Manhattan Toy offer a wide range of safe and engaging teething toys and sensory play options.
Remember, the best toys for your baby are the ones that stimulate their senses and promote learning. So, have fun exploring these new toys with your little one!
3. Month 3: Stacking and Nesting Toys for Fine Motor Skills
Welcome to the third month of your baby’s development! By now, your little one is becoming more alert and active, and they’re ready for some new toys to help them practice their fine motor skills.
Stacking and nesting toys are perfect for this stage. These toys help develop your baby’s hand-eye coordination, problem-solving skills, and fine motor skills. Look for toys that are brightly colored, easy to grip, and have different shapes and sizes. Some popular options include the Fisher-Price Rock-a-Stack and the Melissa & Doug Nesting and Stacking Blocks.
When choosing stacking and nesting toys, always opt for high-quality, durable toys that are free from harmful chemicals and toxins. Brands like Fisher-Price, Melissa & Doug, and Hape offer a wide range of safe and engaging stacking and nesting toys for your baby.
Another fun option for fine motor skill development is a shape sorter. Shape sorters help your baby learn to match shapes and colors while also developing their hand-eye coordination and problem-solving skills. Some popular options include the Fisher-Price Brilliant Basics Baby’s First Blocks and the Melissa & Doug Take-Along Shape Sorter.
Remember, the best toys for your baby are the ones that stimulate their senses and promote learning. So, have fun exploring these new toys with your little one and watch as they develop their fine motor skills!
4. Month 4: Exploring Shapes and Textures – Soft Blocks and Plush Animals
Welcome to the fourth month of your baby’s development! At four months old, your little one is becoming more curious about the world around them, and they’re ready to explore shapes and textures with new toys.
Soft blocks are a great option for this stage. These blocks are perfect for teaching your baby about shapes, colors, and sizes. Look for blocks that are soft, lightweight, and easy to grip. Some popular options include the Skip Hop Baby Development Blocks and the Lamaze Take-Along Soft Book.
Soft blocks not only help develop your baby’s hand-eye coordination and problem-solving skills, but they also promote sensory exploration. Your baby will love the different textures, colors, and sounds of these blocks.
Plush animals are another fun option for exploring shapes and textures. These toys are perfect for cuddling and playing. Look for animals that are soft, durable, and have various textures and sounds. Some popular options include the Jellycat Bashful Hippo and the Baby GUND Flora The Bunny.
Plush animals help stimulate your baby’s senses and promote imaginative play. Your baby will love the different colors, shapes, and sounds of these animals.
When choosing soft blocks and plush animals, always opt for high-quality, durable toys that are free from harmful chemicals and toxins. Brands like Skip Hop, Lamaze, Jellycat, and Baby GUND offer a wide range of safe and engaging soft blocks and plush animals for your baby.
Remember, the best toys for your baby are the ones that stimulate their senses and promote learning. So, have fun exploring these new toys with your little one and watch as they discover the world of shapes and textures!
5. Month 5: Musical Toys and Imaginative Play
Welcome to the fifth month of your baby’s development! At five months old, your little one is becoming more aware of sounds and is ready to explore music and imaginative play with new toys.
Musical toys are a great option for this stage. These toys help develop your baby’s auditory and motor skills. Look for toys that are colorful, easy to grip, and have various sounds and melodies. Some popular options include the Fisher-Price Baby’s First Blocks with Music, the VTech Musical Rhymes Book, and the LeapFrog Learn and Groove Musical Table.
Musical toys not only help develop your baby’s musical skills but also promote sensory exploration and imaginative play. Your baby will love the different sounds, colors, and textures of these toys.
Imaginative play is also essential for your baby’s development at this age. Look for toys that encourage your baby to use their imagination and creativity. Some popular options include the Melissa & Doug Deluxe Puppet Theater, the Hape Playful Pals Wooden Doll Family, and the PlanToys Baby Doll.
Imaginative play helps stimulate your baby’s cognitive and emotional development. Your baby will love pretending to be different characters and exploring different scenarios.
When choosing musical toys and imaginative play toys, always opt for high-quality, durable toys that are free from harmful chemicals and toxins. Brands like Fisher-Price, VTech, LeapFrog, Melissa & Doug, Hape, and PlanToys offer a wide range of safe and engaging musical toys and imaginative play toys for your baby.
Remember, the best toys for your baby are the ones that stimulate their senses and promote learning. So, have fun exploring these new toys with your little one and watch as they discover the world of music and imaginative play!
6. Month 6: Puzzle Toys and Interactive Books
As your baby reaches the half-year mark, their cognitive skills are rapidly developing, making it the perfect time to introduce puzzle toys and interactive books. These toys not only provide endless entertainment but also promote problem-solving, hand-eye coordination, and language development.
Puzzle toys are a fantastic way to challenge your baby’s cognitive skills. Look for puzzles that are brightly colored, easy to grip, and have various shapes and sizes. Some popular options include the Melissa & Doug First Shapes Jumbo Puzzle and the Fat Brain Toys Tobbles Neo.
Puzzle toys help develop your baby’s hand-eye coordination, problem-solving skills, and shape recognition. Your baby will love the different textures, colors, and sounds of these toys.
Interactive books are another fun option for promoting language development and cognitive skills. Look for books that are colorful, engaging, and have various textures and sounds. Some popular options include the BabyLit Classic Board Books and the Usborne Touchy-Feely Books.
Interactive books help stimulate your baby’s senses and promote language development. Your baby will love the different colors, shapes, and sounds of these books.
When choosing puzzle toys and interactive books, always opt for high-quality, durable toys that are free from harmful chemicals and toxins. Brands like Melissa & Doug, Fat Brain Toys, BabyLit, and Usborne offer a wide range of safe and engaging puzzle toys and interactive books for your baby.
Remember, the best toys for your baby are the ones that stimulate their senses and promote learning. So, have fun exploring these new toys with your little one and watch as they develop their cognitive skills and language development!
7. Month 7: Push and Pull Toys for Gross Motor Skills
As your baby reaches their seventh month, they are becoming more mobile and curious about their surroundings. Push and pull toys are an excellent way to promote gross motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and cognitive development.
Push toys are perfect for this stage. These toys help develop your baby’s gross motor skills, balance, and coordination. Look for toys that are sturdy, easy to grip, and have various textures and sounds. Some popular options include the VTech Sit-to-Stand Learning Walker and the Fisher-Price Brilliant Basics Corn Popper.
Push toys not only help develop your baby’s gross motor skills but also promote sensory exploration and imaginative play. Your baby will love the different sounds, colors, and textures of these toys.
Pull toys are another fun option for promoting gross motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Look for toys that are brightly colored, easy to grip, and have various shapes and sizes. Some popular options include the Melissa & Doug Pull-Back Snail and the PlanToys Pull-Along Duck.
Pull toys help develop your baby’s gross motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and problem-solving skills. Your baby will love the different textures, colors, and sounds of these toys.
When choosing push and pull toys, always opt for high-quality, durable toys that are free from harmful chemicals and toxins. Brands like VTech, Fisher-Price, Melissa & Doug, and PlanToys offer a wide range of safe and engaging push and pull toys for your baby.
Remember, the best toys for your baby are the ones that stimulate their senses and promote learning. So, have fun exploring these new toys with your little one and watch as they develop their gross motor skills and hand-eye coordination!
8. Month 8: Dolls and Action Figures for Role-Playing
At eight months old, your baby is becoming more social and interested in playing with others. Dolls and action figures are great toys for promoting social interaction, role-playing, and imaginative play.
Dolls are perfect for this stage. These toys help develop your baby’s social skills, empathy, and nurturing instincts. Look for dolls that are soft, cuddly, and have various textures and sounds. Some popular options include the Jellycat Bashful Bunny and the Melissa & Doug Mine to Love Mini Doll.
Dolls not only help develop your baby’s social skills but also promote sensory exploration and imaginative play. Your baby will love the different colors, shapes, and sounds of these dolls.
Action figures are another fun option for promoting role-playing and imaginative play. Look for action figures that are brightly colored, easy to grip, and have various shapes and sizes. Some popular options include the Fisher-Price Little People Wheelies Stand-Up Vehicle and the LeapFrog Scoop & Learn Ice Cream Cart.
Action figures help develop your baby’s hand-eye coordination, problem-solving skills, and imaginative play. Your baby will love the different textures, colors, and sounds of these action figures.
When choosing dolls and action figures, always opt for high-quality, durable toys that are free from harmful chemicals and toxins. Brands like Jellycat, Melissa & Doug, Fisher-Price, and LeapFrog offer a wide range of safe and engaging dolls and action figures for your baby.
Remember, the best toys for your baby are the ones that stimulate their senses and promote learning. So, have fun exploring these new toys with your little one and watch as they develop their social skills, empathy, and imaginative play!
9. Month 9: Art Supplies and Craft Kits
Welcome to the ninth month of your baby’s development! At nine months old, your little one is becoming more curious about the world around them, and they’re ready to explore their creativity with new toys.
Art supplies and craft kits are perfect for this stage. These toys help develop your baby’s fine motor skills, creativity, and imagination. Look for supplies and kits that are safe, non-toxic, and easy to use. Some popular options include Crayola Washable Fingerpaint, Melissa & Doug Water Wow! Reusable Activity Pads, and Alex Toys First 100 Animals Sticker Book.
Art supplies and craft kits not only help develop your baby’s fine motor skills but also promote sensory exploration and imaginative play. Your baby will love the different colors, textures, and sounds of these toys.
When choosing art supplies and craft kits, always opt for high-quality, durable toys that are free from harmful chemicals and toxins. Brands like Crayola, Melissa & Doug, and Alex Toys offer a wide range of safe and engaging art supplies and craft kits for your baby.
Remember, the best toys for your baby are the ones that stimulate their senses and promote learning. So, have fun exploring these new toys with your little one and watch as they discover the world of art and creativity!
Here are some additional tips for introducing art supplies and craft kits to your baby:
- Start with non-toxic, washable paints and crayons. This will help prevent any messes from becoming permanent.
- Use a smock or bib to protect your baby’s clothes from stains.
- Provide a variety of textures and materials for your baby to explore, such as sponges, brushes, and rollers.
- Encourage your baby to use their imagination and create their own masterpieces.
- Supervise your baby while they are using art supplies and craft kits to ensure their safety.
By introducing art supplies and craft kits to your baby, you’re not only promoting their creativity and imagination, but you’re also helping them develop their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. So, have fun and get messy with these new toys!
10. Month 10: Building and Construction Toys
Welcome to the tenth month of your baby’s development! At ten months old, your little one is becoming more interested in building and creating things, making it the perfect time to introduce building and construction toys. These toys not only provide endless entertainment but also promote hand-eye coordination, problem-solving, and spatial awareness.
Building blocks are a classic choice for this stage. These toys help develop your baby’s hand-eye coordination, problem-solving skills, and spatial awareness. Look for blocks that are brightly colored, easy to grip, and have various shapes and sizes. Some popular options include the Mega Bloks First Builders Big Building Bag and the LEGO DUPLO Town Truck & Tracked Excavator.
Building blocks not only help develop your baby’s hand-eye coordination but also promote sensory exploration and imaginative play. Your baby will love the different textures, colors, and sounds of these blocks.
Interlocking discs are another fun option for promoting hand-eye coordination and problem-solving skills. Look for discs that are brightly colored, easy to grip, and have various shapes and sizes. Some popular options include the Fat Brain Toys Squigz Deluxe Set and the Play-Doh Fun Tub.
Interlocking discs help develop your baby’s hand-eye coordination, problem-solving skills, and creativity. Your baby will love the different textures, colors, and sounds of these discs.
When choosing building and construction toys, always opt for high-quality, durable toys that are free from harmful chemicals and toxins. Brands like Mega Bloks, LEGO, Fat Brain Toys, and Play-Doh offer a wide range of safe and engaging building and construction toys for your baby.
Remember, the best toys for your baby are the ones that stimulate their senses and promote learning. So, have fun exploring these new toys with your little one and watch as they develop their hand-eye coordination, problem-solving skills, and spatial awareness!
Here are some additional tips for introducing building and construction toys to your baby:
- Start with larger blocks and discs that are easy for your baby to grip and manipulate.
- Provide a variety of shapes and sizes for your baby to explore.
- Encourage your baby to build towers, bridges, and other structures.
- Use building and construction toys to teach your baby about colors, shapes, and sizes.
- Supervise your baby while they are playing with building and construction toys to ensure their safety.
By introducing building and construction toys to your baby, you’re not only promoting their hand-eye coordination and problem-solving skills, but you’re also helping them develop their spatial awareness and creativity. So, have fun building and creating with these new toys!
11. Month 11: Science and Discovery Toys
As your baby reaches their eleventh month, they are becoming more curious about the world around them and are ready to explore and discover new things. Science and discovery toys are perfect for this stage, promoting cognitive development, problem-solving skills, and hand-eye coordination.
Experiment kits are a fantastic way to introduce your baby to the world of science and discovery. Look for kits that are safe, easy to use, and have various experiments and activities. Some popular options include the Learning Resources Primary Science Lab Set and the Melissa & Doug Science Lab Caddy.
Experiment kits not only help develop your baby’s cognitive skills but also promote sensory exploration and imaginative play. Your baby will love the different textures, colors, and sounds of these kits.
Shape sorters are another fun option for promoting cognitive development and problem-solving skills. Look for sorters that are brightly colored, easy to grip, and have various shapes and sizes. Some popular options include the Fisher-Price Brilliant Basics Baby’s First Blocks and the Melissa & Doug Shape Sorting Cube.
Shape sorters help develop your baby’s hand-eye coordination, problem-solving skills, and shape recognition. Your baby will love the different textures, colors, and sounds of these sorters.
When choosing science and discovery toys, always opt for high-quality, durable toys that are free from harmful chemicals and toxins. Brands like Learning Resources, Melissa & Doug, and Fisher-Price offer a wide range of safe and engaging science and discovery toys for your baby.
Remember, the best toys for your baby are the ones that stimulate their senses and promote learning. So, have fun exploring these new toys with your little one and watch as they discover the world of science and discovery!
Here are some additional tips for introducing science and discovery toys to your baby:
- Start with simple experiments and activities that are easy for your baby to understand and complete.
- Provide a variety of shapes, sizes, and textures for your baby to explore.
- Encourage your baby to ask questions and make predictions about the outcomes of experiments and activities.
- Use science and discovery toys to teach your baby about colors, shapes, and sizes.
- Supervise your baby while they are playing with science and discovery toys to ensure their safety.
By introducing science and discovery toys to your baby, you’re not only promoting their cognitive skills and problem-solving abilities, but you’re also helping them develop their hand-eye coordination and creativity. So, have fun exploring and discovering with these new toys!
12. Month 12: Outdoor Play Equipment and Sports Toys
As your baby reaches their first birthday, they are becoming more active and curious about the world around them. Outdoor play equipment and sports toys are perfect for this stage, promoting gross motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and social interaction.
Outdoor play equipment such as slides, swings, and climbing structures are great for promoting gross motor skills and physical development. Look for equipment that is safe, sturdy, and appropriate for your baby’s age and size. Some popular options include the Little Tikes First Slide and the Step2 Play and Shade Pool.
Outdoor play equipment not only helps develop your baby’s gross motor skills but also promotes sensory exploration and imaginative play. Your baby will love the different textures, colors, and sounds of these structures.
Sports toys such as balls, frisbees, and hoops are another fun option for promoting hand-eye coordination and social interaction. Look for toys that are soft, lightweight, and easy for your baby to grip and throw. Some popular options include the Fisher-Price Grow-to-Pro Basketball and the VTech Smart Shots Sports Center.
Sports toys help develop your baby’s hand-eye coordination, problem-solving skills, and social interaction. Your baby will love the different textures, colors, and sounds of these toys.
When choosing outdoor play equipment and sports toys, always opt for high-quality, durable toys that are free from harmful chemicals and toxins. Brands like Little Tikes, Step2, Fisher-Price, and VTech offer a wide range of safe and engaging outdoor play equipment and sports toys for your baby.
Remember, the best toys for your baby are the ones that stimulate their senses and promote learning. So, have fun exploring these new toys with your little one and watch as they develop their gross motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and social interaction!
Here are some additional tips for introducing outdoor play equipment and sports toys to your baby:
- Start with small, simple structures and toys that are easy for your baby to use and understand.
- Provide a variety of textures, colors, and sounds for your baby to explore.
- Encourage your baby to be active and move around while playing with these toys.
- Use outdoor play equipment and sports toys to teach your baby about colors, shapes, and sizes.
- Supervise your baby while they are playing with these toys to ensure their safety.
By introducing outdoor play equipment and sports toys to your baby, you’re not only promoting their gross motor skills and hand-eye coordination, but you’re also helping them develop their social interaction and creativity. So, have fun playing and exploring with these new toys!
In conclusion, toys are an essential part of a baby’s development, and the right toys can make all the difference. From rattles and soft books for newborns to outdoor play equipment and sports toys for 12-month-olds, each stage of your baby’s first year presents new opportunities to introduce toys that will engage their senses, promote cognitive development, and provide endless entertainment. By following this guide and choosing high-quality, durable toys that are free from harmful chemicals and toxins, you can delight your baby and help them grow and learn. So, let’s continue to explore and discover the world of toys for 12 months and beyond!
