Best baby toys and play gear
For the first year you need very little: a play gym for tummy time and reaching, a teether or two, and something to rattle and grab. Toys that do one thing slowly often outlast flashy electronics.
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Compare all 15 at a glance
Prices are estimates and change often. Amazon shows the current one.
| Product | Best for | Est. price | Biggest plus | The catch | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Melissa & Doug Rainbow StackerMelissa & Doug | Stacking Toy | $12–$20 | Durable | Paint can chip | Amazon |
| Baby Einstein Octoplush Musical ToyBaby Einstein | Soft Musical Toy | $12–$20 | Soothing | Needs batteries | Amazon |
| Hape Pound & Tap BenchHape | Wooden Toy | $25–$35 | Durable | Noisy | Amazon |
| Infantino Textured Multi Ball SetInfantino | Textured Balls | $8–$14 | Inexpensive | Small | Amazon |
| Fat Brain Toys DimplFat Brain Toys | Sensory Toy | $10–$16 | Fun | Small | Amazon |
| Bumbo Floor SeatBumbo | Supported Sitting | $40–$60 | Supportive | Not for raised surfaces | Amazon |
| mushie Silicone Sun Teether ToyMushie | Silicone Teether | $10–$16 | Safe silicone | Small | Amazon |
| Manhattan Toy Winkel Rattle & Sensory TeetherManhattan Toy | Sensory Teether | $10–$16 | Easy grip | Small | Amazon |
| WubbaNub Infant PacifierWubbaNub | Pacifier with Plush | $12–$20 | Easy to hold | Needs washing | Amazon |
| Vulli Sophie la Girafe TeetherVulli | Classic Teether | $20–$30 | Classic | Pricey | Amazon |
| Skip Hop Silver Lining Cloud Activity GymSkip Hop | Stylish Gym | $60–$90 | Stylish | Pricey | Amazon |
| Fisher-Price Rainforest JumperooFisher-Price | Best Jumper | $90–$140 | Entertaining | Bulky | Amazon |
| Fisher-Price Deluxe Kick 'n Play Piano GymFisher-Price | Classic Gym | $40–$60 | Fun to kick | Noisy | Amazon |
| Tiny Love Gymini Deluxe Activity GymTiny Love | Best Value Gym | $60–$90 | Entertaining | Bulky | Amazon |
| Lovevery The Play GymLovevery | Best Play Gym | $140–$180 | Designed around development | Pricey | Amazon |
Every toys & gear pick, in detail
Common questions
When should I start tummy time?
Short sessions can begin from the first days, while baby is awake and someone is watching. Build up as baby gets stronger. A play gym makes it more fun.
Are teethers safe to freeze?
Chill them in the fridge rather than the freezer. Frozen teethers can be too hard and hurt tender gums.
General information only, not medical advice. Ask your doctor, midwife or pediatrician about your situation.