At this stage, babies are just beginning to explore the world through their senses. Sensory toys should be safe, soft, and designed to gently stimulate sight, sound, and touch without overwhelming them.
Bright colors, high-contrast patterns (like black and white), and gentle lights can catch their attention visually. Sounds like soft rattles, musical toys, and toys with crinkle fabric help them connect cause and effect while developing auditory awareness. For touch, textured teethers, plush toys, and fabric books with different surfaces encourage tactile exploration and soothe teething discomfort. Play gyms, tummy time mats, and soft hanging toys also promote reaching, grasping, and early motor skill development.
Top Sensory Toys for Infants
Toys should be safe, durable, and easy to handle. Bright colors and simple shapes help with visual and cognitive development, while push-and-pull toys or small instruments encourage motor skills and cause-and-effect learning. Materials should be non-toxic and able to withstand rough handling.
Soft Rattles
Lightweight rattles that are easy for small hands to grasp help develop fine motor skills and hand–eye coordination. The gentle sound provides auditory stimulation without being overwhelming. Some rattles have multiple textures on the handle to also engage touch.
Focus on:
- Lightweight and easy to grasp for tiny hands.
- Produce gentle, non-overwhelming sounds.
- Made of safe, non-toxic materials.
Taggies Embroidered Soft Ring Rattle (via Amazon)
Textured Teethers
Made from safe, chewable materials, these soothe sore gums while providing a variety of tactile sensations. Textures like ridges, bumps, or soft nubs encourage tactile exploration and oral sensory input.
Focus on:
- Free of BPA, phthalates, and harmful chemicals.Offer varied textures for tactile
- exploration.
- Easy to clean and sanitize.
Crinkle Toys
Toys with crinkle fabric produce a soft, crackling sound when touched. This gentle auditory feedback encourages babies to reach, grasp, and explore, connecting their movements with sensory outcomes.
Focus on:
- Soft fabric that’s safe to touch and chew.
- Crinkle sound is gentle, not loud or startling.
- Lightweight for babies to hold and manipulate.
Fabric Activity Books
Soft books with different textures, flaps, or squeakers introduce tactile and auditory variety. High-contrast patterns and bright colors promote visual tracking and early attention skills.
Focus on:
- High-contrast colors and patterns to engage vision.
- Include varied textures and flaps for touch and curiosity.
- Sturdy stitching to withstand pulling and chewing.
Melissa & Doug Soft Activity Baby Book (via Amazon)
Baby-Safe Mirrors
Shatterproof mirrors allow infants to explore reflections, aiding visual development, self-recognition, and cause-and-effect learning as they see their movements reflected.
Focus on:
- Shatterproof, durable construction.
- Smooth edges to prevent injury.
- Large enough for visual engagement but light to handle.
Play Gyms / Tummy Time Mats
These mats often have hanging toys, textures, and built-in mirrors or crinkle sections. They encourage reaching, batting, rolling, and strengthening of neck and core muscles while providing multi-sensory engagement.
Focus on:
- Include multiple sensory elements (textures, hanging toys, mirrors).
- Soft, padded surface for comfort and safety.
- Easy to clean and portable.
Soft Plush Toys with Tags
Plush toys with sewn-in fabric tags give babies small elements to grasp and explore. Tags vary in texture and shape, supporting tactile exploration and fine motor coordination.
Focus on:
- Tags vary in texture and are securely sewn.
- Plush material is soft and safe for mouthing.
- Lightweight for easy handling and exploration.
Gentle Musical Mobiles
Mobiles with soft music or chimes can calm infants while providing auditory and visual stimulation. Moving elements also help develop visual tracking and attention skills.
Focus on:
- Soft music or chimes, adjustable volume if possible.
- Moving elements are safe and securely attached.
- Materials are non-toxic and baby-friendly.
Disney Winnie The Pooh Musical Mobile (via Amazon)
Conclusion
Babies are discovering the world through their senses, so toys should be gentle, safe, and engaging. Bright colors, high-contrast patterns, and soft lights capture visual attention. Simple rattles, crinkle toys, and toys with soothing sounds build auditory awareness. For touch, textured teethers, plush toys, and fabric books with different surfaces invite exploration. Play gyms and tummy time mats promote motor development and reaching.