Age-by-Age Toy Buying Guide

Based on child development research, this guide will help you pick out appropriate playthings for your kids at every age and stage of childhood! Some toys are recommended for more than one age category, since kids of different ages often enjoy the same toy, each playing with it at his or her own level.

Abilities and interests

Babies rely on sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell to learn about their new world. To delight their senses and encourage their exploration, look for toys that make noise or feature high-contrast, black-and-white, or brightly colored images. Textured toys that are safe for mouthing are great for infants who can reach for objects.

Toy Suggestions

Crib gyms**
Floor gyms
Activity quilts*
Mobiles**
Safety mirrors
Teething toys
Large, interlocking rings or keys.
Cloth toys*
Soft dolls*
Stuffed animals (with short pile fabric)*
Musical and chime toys
Rattles

* These items should never be left in the crib of a sleeping child.

** Remove these items when your baby is five months old or is able to push up on their hands and knees.

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