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12 of the best newborn baby toys 2024
DOES A NEWBORN NEED TOYS?
A newly born baby will just sleep and feed but from around one month old they may like to explore the world around them a little more and it may be nice to a have few toys like teethers, rattles, books, pram toys and soft toys to entertain, stimulate the senses and aid development. Many can be attached to the pram or car seat.
See also baby activity gyms.
How to clean baby toys
If they can be safely submerged in water and depending on the toy, they could go in the washing machine or dishwasher. Always check the label first. They could also be washed in the sink with washing-up liquid and warm water.
Some toys, like Sophie the Giraffe, should not be put in water. In this case, give them a once-over with a sterilising wipe. These are great for disinfecting dirty toys. You could also use a UV steriliser. If some water isn’t a problem for the item, wipe them down with a 50/50 mixture of water and white wine vinegar.
Are polyester toys safe for babies?
Polyester is a synthetic fibre, which is usually made from petroleum. It is very commonly used to stuff soft toys. But because they are highly processed, they are safe for children. And many fabrics, even natural ones like cotton have chemicals added during manufacturing. If you want to avoid any risk, and it’s an item you feel your child will be sucking on a lot, look for ones made from GOTS-certified organic materials.
THE ‘MUST-HAVE’ TOYS FOR BABIES UP TO 6 MONTHS OLD
All these toys are suitable from birth onwards.
This list has been narrowed down to the very best with thorough research and the following considered:
Consumer reviews
Best-seller lists
Recommendations from industry experts
Award-winning products
Personal experience and the products loved by other parents.
The list is updated annually. It was last updated on 26 January 2024.
If you buy through a link, I may earn a small affiliate commission. 5% of profits are donated to UK Baby Banks to help parents in need of essentials.
1. LAMAZE Freddie The Firefly
Hugely popular newborn toy.
Can clip on a pram or car seat.
Soft and cuddly with a squeaker, mirror, crinkle wings, clacking rings and things to chew on when teething.
Entertains and stimulates the senses.
Available in several different animals.
2. Bright Starts Oball Classic Easy-Grasp Toy
This simple toy has thousands of five-star reviews.
The 32 finger holes make it very easy to grasp and it is soft and flexible.
Great for developing fine motor skills.
Diameter of 4 inches.
Suitable from newborn.
Easy to wipe clean.
3. Bright Starts Lots of Links
These best-selling links have three uses: as a toy to keep a child busy linking, twisting, bending and squeezing them, as a teething ring and as a device to attach toys to areas like a pram chassis.
There are 24 in the pack.
Made from BPA-free plastic.
Suitable from birth.
Easy to wipe clean.
4. Peekapets
Mumsnet has called these, ‘the best cuddly toys for newborns.’
They are super soft with ears that cover the eyes but prick up when the tummy is pressed.
No batteries are required.
Suitable from birth.
5. LAMAZE Activity Spiral Baby Pram Toy
A soft spiral with three hanging toys that can be attached to many different places including car seats and prams.
Develops fine motor skills and provides lots of stimulation.
Includes colourful patterns and crinkle sounds.
6. Baby Einstein star bright symphony
Plays classical melodies.
Gentle dancing lights.
Two modes: parent-activated or motion activated.
7. Sophie la girafe
The classic teething aid.
Stimulates all the senses.
Made from 100% natural rubber and non-toxic paint.
8. beiens soft cloth jungle tails books
Soft cloth books with animal tails.
Crinkle pages on the cover.
Non-toxic
Washable
9. Playgro Activity friend Clip Clop horse
This plush toy encourages both gross and fine motor skills and stimulates the senses.
Includes a teether.
Can clip onto a pram or car seat.
10. Lamaze Garden Bug Wrist Rattle and Footfinders
A gift set containing two ankle socks and two wrist straps with colourful bugs, different textures and rattles for a baby to discover and interact with.
Made from baby-safe materials so fine for a baby to chew on.
The wrist straps attach with Velcro.
Suitable from birth.
11. Fisher Price Soothe ‘n’ Snuggle otter
Plush toy with a soft belly that moves up and down in a gentle, soothing rhythm.
Plays from a choice of calming music, white noise, womb, snoring or heartbeat sounds.
Also has soft lights.
Fabrics are machine washable.
See also the best white noise toys and apps.
12. My little learner baby sensory fold out board
A freestanding black and white baby sensory board to stimulate and entertain your baby.
The high-contrast patterns and shapes aid brain and eye development.
The board is double-sided, wipe-clean and has rounded corners for safety.
Perfect for tummy time, distraction during nappy changes or for whenever you need a break.
MORE OF THE BEST:
Extra large muslins • dummies • baby books and apps • baby nests • cot mobiles • baby carriers • car seats • prams • Babygros • bodysuits • baby hats • changing mats • cots and cot beds
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