Key takeaways: The AAP says simple toys that encourage interaction, like blocks, balls, books, and stacking toys, are best, and that electronic toys aren’t needed. Choose toys that match your baby’s age and skills, are sturdy, and have no small parts or long cords. The most important “toy” is you.
You don’t need a room full of toys. A few well-chosen ones, plus you, are enough.
What the AAP Says
A 2019 AAP clinical report recommends simple, traditional toys that encourage imagination and interaction with caregivers. Electronic and digital “educational” toys aren’t necessary and may reduce back-and-forth talk.
0 to 3 Months
- High-contrast cards and books.
- A safe baby mirror.
- Soft rattles.
- Your face and voice.
3 to 6 Months
- Rattles and toys easy to grasp.
- Teething toys.
- Soft books and textured toys.
- Play gyms.
6 to 9 Months
- Stacking cups.
- Balls (large, soft).
- Blocks.
- Board books.
- Toys that make noise when banged.
- Containers to fill and dump.
9 to 12 Months
- Shape sorters.
- Push toys (sturdy and stable).
- Simple puzzles with large knobs.
- Toy phones, dolls, and pretend play toys.
- Bath toys (watch for mold).
Household Items Count
Wooden spoons, measuring cups, plastic containers, and cardboard boxes are great toys.
Safety
- Small parts: avoid anything that fits through a toilet paper tube.
- Button batteries and magnets: make sure compartments are secured.
- Cords and strings: avoid long cords that could wrap around the neck.
- Check for recalls at CPSC.gov.
- Follow age labels.
The Bottom Line
Choose simple, safe toys that match your baby’s stage, and spend time playing together.
Want more support for your baby’s first year? My book, From First Breath to First Birthday, is available on Amazon.
Sources
- Healey A, Mendelsohn A; Council on Early Childhood. Selecting appropriate toys for young children in the digital era. Pediatrics. 2019;143(1):e20183348.
- U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Toy safety; recalls. https://www.cpsc.gov
- American Academy of Pediatrics. Choosing safe toys for toddlers and preschoolers. HealthyChildren.org. https://www.healthychildren.org
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice. Always talk with your baby’s health care provider or your own provider about your specific situation. If you think your baby or you may have a medical emergency, call 911.
