Choosing the right newborn toy can be a fun, rewarding activity. During this crucial stage of development, you’ll want to find toys that stimulate your baby’s brain, encourage motor skills and help them learn new things about their world.
Newborn toy don’t yet see in color, so look for high-contrast black and white patterns. These contrasts stimulate visual development, says Dr. Neela Sethi Young, a pediatrician, lactation expert and MAM Baby ambassador.
Toys that make noise are also a good choice for newborns because they can hear different sounds and learn to turn their head. Babies like rattles, wind chimes and musical mobiles that make small sounds or vibrations.
The Importance of Newborn Toys: How They Contribute to Your Baby’s Development
Some toys feature different colors or varying patterns and textures to appeal to babies’ senses of touch and sound. These can include colorful plush animals with crinkle paper wings and internal rattles or even soft, lightweight toys made of fabric.
Books are another great choice for newborns because they’re often safe and easy to hold. They can also help stimulate baby’s sight and hearing by exposing them to a variety of colors and images, says Dr. Scott.
Clip & Go Toy from Lamaze
This velour-and-ribbon bee toy with a clip on the top makes an easy-to-attach, portable play companion for on-the-go activities. It’s filled with various colors, textures and soft noises to engage your baby’s senses, and it includes a flexible mirror for tracking skills. It’s recommended for babies aged 3 months and up, and it has an excellent 4.8-star rating from Amazon reviewers.