Frequently asked questions
The First Glimpse: 0-6 Months (The "Lying Down & Looking" Phase). My baby just stares. Do they even need toys yet?
Absolutely! Staring, looking, and tracking are their first forms of play and learning! Toys stimulate their developing senses.
What toys are best for a brand-new baby (0-3 months)?
Think high-contrast. Black and white cards or soft books, gentle rattles (that you shake for them), unbreakable baby mirrors, and colourful mobiles (placed safely above their crib or changing table) are perfect for visual stimulation.
My baby can grab things now (around 3-6 months)! What's next?
Soft, lightweight rattles they can easily hold and shake, crinkly fabric books, soft sensory balls with different textures, and safe teethers (they’ll be putting everything in their mouth soon!).
Should I worry about noisy toys?
Gentle, soft sounds are wonderful. Overly loud or electronic toys can be overwhelming for little ears. Focus on simple rattles or crinkles.
My baby is sitting up! What toys are good for independent play?
Stacking cups or rings, soft building blocks, basic activity cubes with buttons to press and levers to pull (cause-and-effect toys are a hit!), and soft animals or dolls for early pretend play.
My baby puts EVERYTHING in their mouth. What's safe?
Everything should be larger than a golf ball to prevent choking. Silicone or natural wood teethers, soft cloth books, and durable plastic toys that are easy to wipe clean are great. Always check for small, detachable parts.
What toys help them get ready to crawl or move around?
Rollable balls they can chase, “O-ball” type toys that are easy to grasp, and push-along toys (for when they start to pull themselves up).
Are musical toys okay now?
Yes! Simple shakers, baby drums, or light-up musical toys that encourage pressing buttons can be very engaging. Look for volume controls!
: My toddler is starting to walk! What toys encourage that?
Push walkers (stable ones, not just front-weighted), pull-along toys, and small, low ride-on toys where they use their feet to propel themselves are fantastic for developing gross motor skills.
They're starting to understand so much! What toys help with learning words and shapes?
Chunky shape sorters, simple puzzles with large knobs, board books with bright pictures, and toy animals or people they can name.
What about starting to be creative?
Large, non-toxic crayons, playdough (always supervised!), and big, easy-to-stack building blocks are perfect for encouraging imagination and fine motor skills.