As a first-time mom, I wanted to read all the articles and know all the things. (Can any mamas out there relate?) One of the things that I consistently read really stuck with me. I learned that when it comes to childhood development, playtime is serious business! And now as a mom of two (one two year old and one six year old 😭), I’ve witnessed it first-hand. Play is key for your baby’s cognitive, physical, and emotional development. So what are the best ways to play? It varies by age as your little one’s skills improve and change, but here are some of the best educational baby toys + toddler toys loved by my family!
Educational Toys for 0-6 months old
During this age little ones begin to develop eye-hand coordination and love exploring with their mouths. Big hits around our house were our plush activity toy, play gym, and plastic mirror that was essential for tummy time! This Baby Einstein musical toy was a diaper bag go-to for both my girls! My youngest also loved this plush fish that has liftable flaps that make crinkle sounds! I would also recommend colorful cloth books (We love Peek-a-boo Forest!!), teething toys, and other sensory toys.
Activity Gym | Musical Toy | Developmental Bumpy Ball | Firefly Activity Toy | Sophie the Giraffe Teether | Tummy Time Mirror | Activity Ball | Peek A Boo Plush Book | Flip Fish | Teething Mitt | Peek-a-Boo Forest Plush Book
Educational Toys for 6-12 months old
This is when babies get mobile! They crawl, they scoot, they walk, they terrorize. Just kidding. Kinda. 😂 Fine motor skills are really picking up too. My girls loved dumping and filling repeatedly at this age. Because of that, this picnic set was one of our most-used toys! And it still is used by both girls today! Blocks and balls were big hits too! For on-the-go, we loved this Dimpl toy. It’s so simple but my girls love popping the circles from one side to the other! Other age-appropriate suggestions are nesting toys, shape sorters, books (especially these lift the flap books!), or a jumperoo!
Sensory Balls | Picnic Set | Where is Baby’s Belly Button Book | Stacking Rings | OBall | Nesting Cups | Dimpl | Mega Bloks | Jumperoo | Shape Sorter
Educational Toys for 12-24 months old
At this age, little ones are fascinated by cause and effect. Toys with lots of buttons, levers, and switches were big for us. My girls also loved toys that kept them moving, and they both began showing interest in imaginative play! Our top toy picks for this age were play-doh, activity table with tons of buttons, a walker-baby stroller and the cozy coupe car. Puzzles, books, a water table, baby games, and multi-stage tricycles are also great options for this age!
Activity Table | Tool Set | Play-Doh | Musical Instrument Set | Fox in Socks book | 4-in-1 Tricycle | Water Table | Shapes Puzzle | Cozy Coupe Car
Want more educational baby toys? Read next:
The Ultimate Gift Guide for Baby
Such a great post! I was clueless when Leighton was younger on which sensory toys to buy.
I’m bookmarking this for the future since this doesn’t apply to me….yet 😉 xx Adaleta Avdic
Love this post! I’m always looking for new toys and ways to stimulate my daughter’s brain!!
MY BFF is having a baby boy soon, so I am bookmarking this to share with her! So informative!
cute post! all these toys look like fun!
kelseybang.com
I’ll definitely have to remember this for the future!
xo,
Angela
Love this post! My son is 15 months and loves his tool set 🙂
Such a great post of all the best toys! My kids have almost everything here. Glad to know I was able to provide them with the best!
With my baby on the way, this was such a great post!
Kate
fortheloveoffancy.com
Great post, I have a few friends who have a baby on the way, so this is helpful as I buy gifts!
I’ll be coming back to this post when I have babies! haha
Definitely taking note for my niece 🙂
xoxo!
Shelby
http://www.glitterandgingham.com
My bestie just had a little kiddo!! I will pass this awesome post on to her!!! xo
These are amazing! My mentor just had a baby on Monday so I will definitely be sending her this link!
xo,
Britt
http://www.bybrittanilauren.com
I swear by the Sophie giraffe! My niece and nephew are OBSESSED!
I am definitely bookmarking this post for when I have kids, soooo helpful!
xoxo,
Bailey
Here’s The Skinny
Such great information!
xo,
L
livingincolorblog.com
I’ll be sharing this post with my friend who’s little boy is 10 months!
xo, Sara
Amazing list! Thanks girl.
Sharing this with all my mama friends — this is so helpful!
Alicia | AliciaTenise.com
Thank you this was very useful!