Toys for Birth to Six Months

The toys suggested below are generally appropriate for typically developing infants aged birth to six months. Many of these same toys are also suitable for kids who are not developing according to typical milestones, though they may need to be used differently. (For information on selecting or adapting toys for kids with disabilities, see Selecting Toys for Children with Disabilities or visit the National Lekotek Center at www.lekotek.org or www.ableplay.org.) Parents and caregivers must always ensure that any toy they let a child use is safe for that child.

From birth:

Parents who sing, talk, and read to baby
Well-secured, unbreakable crib and wall mirrors
Soft-bodied dolls with faces and without parts (e.g. eyes, hair) that can detach
Simple stuffed animals without parts (e.g. eyes, hair) that can detach
Simple hand puppets (to be used by adults) with faces
Simple mobiles with high contrast design—well-secured and out of baby’s reach
Music boxes to be operated by adults
Rhythmic music (e.g. lullabies)

From about six to eight weeks:

Large sturdy books (e.g. cardboard) with colorful pictures
Rattles
Teethers
Squeeze toys
Wrist or ankle bells
Simple crib and play gyms operated by movement of baby’s hands or feet (use only while supervised)

From about four months:

Toy keys on a secure ring
Simple interlocking rings
Texture balls and toys
Grip balls
Soft blocks
Large pictures of faces
Toys on suction cups
Toys that make noise
Floating water toys
Busy box

Adapted from Martha B. Bronson: The Right Stuff for Children Birth to Eight; Theodosia Sideropoulos Spewock & Jean Warren: Play with Purpose; and other sources.

Provided By Susan J. Oliver, Tropomedia
This information is provided on behalf of the toy experts at your neighborhood toy store.