When a baby is born, it may seem like all they need is milk, sleep, and cuddles. And while that’s mostly true in the first few weeks, gentle play is also an important part of early development. But what kind of toys are suitable for a newborn? And when should you introduce them?
At Miracle Angels Resolution, we often receive questions from new or intended parents about how to support their baby’s growth from day one. Here’s a simple guide to baby toys, starting right from birth.
👶 0–3 Months: Sensory Exploration Begins
At this stage, your baby’s vision is still developing. They see best about 8–12 inches away and are drawn to high-contrast patterns and soft sounds.
Recommended toys:
High-contrast black and white cards or books
- Soft rattles with gentle sound
- Unbreakable baby-safe mirrors
- Mobiles with slow movement and simple patterns
- These toys stimulate visual development and early auditory awareness—no overstimulation needed, just soft and simple.
🐣 3–6 Months: Grabbing, Kicking, and Smiling
By now, babies start reaching for objects, bringing them to their mouths, and tracking movement. They’re discovering their hands and bodies!
Recommended toys:
Soft fabric books with textures
- Tummy time mats with mirrors and crinkle fabric
- Teething-safe rattles
- Activity gyms with hanging toys
- These encourage motor development, hand-eye coordination, and sensory exploration—all while keeping baby entertained during tummy time.
🧸 6–12 Months: Sitting, Crawling, and Exploring
Your baby is now on the move! They’re curious, mobile, and full of expression. This is a fun stage for interactive play and early learning.
Recommended toys:
Stacking rings or soft blocks
- Cause-and-effect toys (push buttons, light-up music toys)
- Soft balls or rolling toys to chase
- Simple shape sorters or pop-up animals
- These toys support cognitive skills like problem-solving, memory, and object permanence, while also developing fine and gross motor abilities.
At Miracle Angels Resolution, we often include age-appropriate sensory toys in our newborn welcome packages to help parents get started with gentle developmental play from day one.
If you're unsure what to prepare, start simple, follow your baby’s cues, and enjoy every little moment of discovery.