Our writers test and research products independently. When you buy through a link on our site we may earn a commission, but we’ll only ever publish an honest review. Find out more.
Best toys for newborns to 6-month-old babies
Even from the earliest days, toys are a great way to help your baby to develop physically and mentally. So, with fun and learning in mind, we’ve put together a list of the best toys for newborns.
By Gemma Lumley | Last updated Aug 19, 2025
In the first few weeks, your beautiful new baby will show little interest in anything other than cuddles and milk. However, in a surprisingly short time, they will turn their heads toward music, high-contrast colours, and patterns. Not long after that, they will start to make excited grabs at the best toys for newborns within their reach.
Once you’ve already bought all the newborn essentials like the best baby thermometer, now comes the fun part when you get to select their toys. Choosing toys that are educational, durable and that spark joy is important; look for jolly music, lots of colour, unusual sounds, and interesting textures. Also remember that the best newborn toys are easy for tiny hands to hold and engage with, whether they’re playing in a playpen or on a mat on the floor.
To help you choose, we’ve scrutinised the toys that our trusted Mumsnet users have bought for their children and rated highly - after all, who better to vet the best toys for newborns than the largest online network of UK parents? We've also investigated the suggestions of child development experts and best buy lists from top toy retailers to ensure we’re presenting you with only the very best for your little one. All of our parenting guides – covering everything from the best bath toys to baby walkers – follow this triple-check selection process, so you can trust that we only bring you the top suggestions that have been loved and recommended by real mums and dads.
Here are our top picks of the best newborn toys for 0-6 months 2023.
1. Best overall toy for a newborn: Baby Einstein Star Bright Symphony Plush
Price on writing: £14 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Age suitability: From birth | Best for age: Four weeks plus | Size: 18.41 x 5.08 x 18.41 cm | Weight: 200g | Batteries: Yes, 2x AA
What we love
Tough velcro makes it easy to attach to pram and cots etc
Three different language settings (English, French and Spanish)
Excellent toy for tummy time
What to know
Needs batteries
What Mumsnet users say
“Highly recommend the Baby Einstein Star! My daughter was absolutely blown away with it even at eight weeks. I attached it to just above her play mat. She adores it now, even at nearly seven months.” (Recommended by Mumsnet user Sunshine1996)
Our verdict
The Baby Einstein Bright Symphony Star has a jolly face and plays soothing music at just the right volume. It also features contrasting patterns and colours on each of its soft-touch points. Reviewers note that it feels sturdy and well made and are impressed with the tough velcro clasp for attaching the toy to prams and car seats.
The Bright Star has a friendly voice and the three different language options are unique. In addition, his face glows a cheerful red when you press the right button. It’s perfect for tummy time and will delight babies from the early weeks to beyond a year old.
Read next: If you’re looking for more playtime options as your baby gets older, our best baby toys page has plenty of parent-recommended suggestions for six months plus.
2. Best budget toy for a newborn: Steroplast Emergency Foil Blanket
Price on writing: From £2 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Age suitability: From birth | Best for age: Birth to 12 months | Size: 2.1 x 1.3 m | Weight: 00.1kg | Batteries: No
What we love
Affordable
Portable
Sensory
What to know
It will seem like an odd gift unless you explain the benefits
Play must be carefully supervised as babies can rip it up and put it in their mouths
What Mumsnet users say
“My daughter’s fiery favourite toy, I got a couple from the pound shop. Loved laying on it, crinkling it and looking at its shine. When she was bigger she'd crumple it, wrap it around herself, waggle it about under the light. Honestly, a bit annoying as she also had expensive fancy toys which she hated or ignored to play with a £1 blanket.” (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user FatAgainItsLettuceTime)
“My baby’s absolute favourite thing at that age was a foil blanket. Kept him busy for ages!” (Vetted by Mumsnet user Gladiolys)
Our verdict
Foil blankets weren’t designed to entertain babies, but little ones are fascinated with them. The satisfying crinkly noise is entertaining and soothing, and the shiny silver colour glistens as it moves and catches the light, making this one of the best sensory toys for babies.
These clever blankets are affordable, allowing you to have one in your nappy bag, a spare in the playroom, and one for car journeys. They are lightweight, easy to grab and scrunch up, and make a great peek-a-boo prop too.
Read next: The best trikes for babies and toddlers, tried and tested by Mumsnetters
3. Best travel toy for newborns: Lamaze Play And Grow Captain Calamari
Price on writing: £15 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Age suitability: From birth | Best for age: From four weeks | Size: 2400 x 10.16 x 0.01 cm | Weight: 0.14 kg | Batteries: No
What we love
Lightweight, so easy for a baby to pick up
High-contrast colours including monochrome
Great for sensory play - includes rattle, mirror and crinkly textures
What to know
The plastic clip is slightly less sturdy than velcro
What Mumsnet users say
“Lamaze toys are great - the butterfly and good old Captain Calamari are our faves!” (Suggested by Mumsnet user Blippibloppi)
Our verdict
Lamaze’s Captain Calamari is one of the best pram toys for newborn babies. His body and tentacles feature crazy patterns and bold colours, and they have unusual textures for curious fingers to explore.
The Captain is beautifully made and feels robust enough to last into the toddler years. He has a BPA-free plastic teething ring dangling from his squishy body and a fun peek-a-boo eye patch that is guaranteed to make your baby chuckle. We also love the surprise mirror hidden among his tentacles for even more sensory fun.
Read next: Keep your little one entertained with the best baby bouncer – we put several through their paces to determine which one came out on top.
4. Best tummy time toy for newborns: Baby Einstein Opus's Ocean of Discovery Tummy Time Water Mat
Price on writing: £13 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Age suitability: From birth | Best for age: Four weeks plus | Size: 60.96 x 60.96 x 5.08 cm | Weight: 160g | Batteries: No
What we love
Great for tummy time
Older babies will love pushing the creatures around the water
Easy to fill and drain
What to know
Needs regular cleaning to keep it from going mouldy
What Mumsnet users say
“With the youngest we had a sensory ocean themed tummy time mat filled with water. It was great fun hitting it and fishes swimming across and something a little different.” (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user bobcatinthewild)
Our verdict
Baby Einstein’s Ocean of Discovery Water Mat feels soft and smooth. When filled with water, your little one can reach out and push the colourful sea creatures around, a great hand-eye coordination game. A mat is one of the best tummy time toys too, an important part of play that strengthens the neck and shoulder muscles.
This fab mat is easy to fill and drain; just be mindful that it will need the occasional thorough rinse out to prevent mould. We were impressed with the size too. It is big enough for your toddler to get involved and help your little one to make the fish and crab swim around.
5. Most versatile toy for newborns: Skip Hop Celestial Dreams Activity Mat And Gym
Price on writing: £125 | Buy now John Lewis and Partners
Key specs
Age suitability: From birth | Best for age: 0-6 months | Size: H48.3 x W96.5 x D96.5 cm | Weight: Not specified | Batteries: Yes (included)
What we love
Beautiful elegant design
Mostly machine washable - some toys are spot clean only
Thick and comfy mat
What to know
Expensive
What Mumsnet users say
“Baby gyms, [they’re] good for tummy time and exploration, leading to rolling.” (Type of toy suggested by Mumsnet user hellosunshineagainx)
“My daughter really liked a mat with an arch hanging over, with dangling toys. She spent an age trying to grasp the little toys! “ (Style of toy recommended by Mumsnet user Skyla01)
Our verdict
The Skip Hop Celestial Dreams Activity Arch and Play Mat has a beautiful design that will look fabulous in any nursery. It feels luxurious too. The machine-washable mat is super soft and cosy, and the cuddly animals and birds which dangle from the arch will encourage your baby to reach out and make them dance.
We love that you can fold this mat up and tuck it back into the durable storage bag, so it will fit neatly into your boot when visiting friends and family. The white and navy contrasting colours are perfect for capturing the attention of developing eyes, and the moon cushion is ideal for tummy time too.
The only downside is the cost, but reviewers rave about the quality and versatility of this stylish mat, claiming it’s well worth the expense, making it one of the best baby play mats on the market.
6. Best teething toy for newborns: Sophie La Giraffe
Price on writing: £14 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Age suitability: From birth | Best for age: First signs of teething | Size: 30 x 90 x 180 mm | Weight: 81g | Batteries: No
What we love
Crafted from natural rubber and food-grade paints
Sensory elements
Easy for little ones to hold
Good for when your baby starts teething
What to know
Needs washing regularly to prevent mould inside
What Mumsnet users say
“Sophie La Giraffe and anything else they can chew on really.” (Suggested by Mumsnet user DoloresPickleRick)
Our verdict
Sophie La Giraffe is an award-winning classic that has been loved by babies and parents for decades. A cross between a squeaky toy and a teether, Sophie is crafted from natural rubber that has been sourced from the Hevea tree and has soothing properties for teething babies (don’t forget, when those first pearly whites finally appear, it'll be time to invest in a good baby toothbrush too).
Sophie’s smiley face is adorable, and her high-contrast spotted pattern is great for eyes that haven’t yet developed fully. She is soft to the touch and easy to grab. In addition, when squeezed gently, she makes a gentle bleat which helps with hand-eye coordination and teaches action and reward principles.
Read next: The best dolls for kids of all ages
7. Best developmental toy for newborns: Bright Starts OBall
Price on writing: £5 | Buy now from John Lewis and Partners
Key specs
Age suitability: From birth | Best for age: Six weeks plus | Size: 10.16 x 10.16 x 10.16 cm | Weight: 0.03kg | Batteries: No
What we love
Easy for little ones to grasp
Great for teething and mouth motor skills
High-contrast colours
What to know
It’s big for a baby toy so it’s not very portable
What Mumsnet users say
“My son loved an Oball when he was really young. It’s easy to grip and colourful, cheap too.” (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user TheLovleyChebbyMcGee)
Our verdict
The Bright Starts OBall is one of those cool baby toys that both babies and toddlers will love. It is a simple concept, a soft and flexible ball with holes in it. However, the high contrast bright colours and easy-to-grab shape make it a classic toy.
As your new baby grows, they will enjoy using the Oball as a teether and a fun shape to wrap their tongues around. It can also be rolled, chased, and thrown. When squeezed, it has just enough flex to be satisfying and is robust enough to provide years of fun.
Read next: When your baby gets a little older, we’ve carefully selected the best toys for nine-month-olds, as recommended by parents, so you can continue their development as they edge closer to that one year mark!
8. Best musical toy for newborns: Fisher-Price Deluxe Kick & Play Piano Baby Gym
Price on writing: £60 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Age suitability: From birth | Best for age: Birth to 12 months | Size: H45.7, W68.6, D91.5 cm | Weight: Not specified | Batteries: Yes, 3x AA (included)
What we love
Great value
Sturdy build quality
Four modes of play
Provides loads of sensory fun
What to know
Not portable
Pricey initially, but good value for all the features
What Mumsnet users say
“At that age my son loved the Fisher-Price Kick & Play Piano Gym. He loved to kick the keys and hear the music and he’d do tummy time on it and watch the lights. He still sits and plays with it now at eight months! Or he will stand and play with the piano if I take it off and put it on the sofa or a footstool.” (Recommended by Mumsnet user waitingforwinter)
Our verdict
The Fisher-Price Kick And Play Piano will entertain your child throughout their first year, so it’s fantastic value. We love the progression from a newborn-suitable play mat, to a tummy time activity centre and then a standalone piano. It has jolly music, mesmerising lights, and many toys and teethers to grab.
Fisher-Price is a high-quality toy brand you can trust. Each part of this educational toy will withstand rough use. It’s a source of endless delight you will want to pass down between siblings. And, while the piano gym isn’t instantly portable, when separated, the pieces are lightweight, compact, and great for travel.
9. Best soothing toy for newborns: Ingenuity Raylan ConvertMe Swing-2-Seat Portable Swing
Price on writing: £90 | Buy now from John Lewis and Partners
Key specs
Age suitability: From birth | Best for age: Birth to six months | Size: H61 x W53.3 x D77.5cm | Weight: Not specified | Batteries: Yes - 4 D batteries (swing and sounds) and 1 C battery (vibration)
What we love
Versatile - it converts from a swing to a vibrating seat
Folds flat for transport and storage
Musical with nature sounds too
What to know
Expensive
Reviewers report batteries aren't included
What Mumsnet users say
“We had a swing like this for my son, suitable from birth. He LOVED it.” (Recommended by Mumsnet user Sillystriptail)
Our verdict
While it is quite pricey, the Ingenuity Swing and Vibrating Chair doubles up as both a toy and a piece of nursery furniture. We also love that it's a safe and comfy place for your baby to sit and play, plus it has an activity arch you can attach your little one’s favourite toys to.
This fantastic swing plays various styles of music and has a soothing vibrate feature when it’s in seat mode. It also has luxurious removable padding and a secure five-point harness for when they start to wriggle. It's worth noting, however, that reviewers on Amazon say batteries aren't included so you will need to factor this into the overall cost.
10. Best sensory toy for newborns: A - Z My First Play Multi-textured Sensory Balls
Price on writing: £7 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Age suitability: From birth | Best for age: From six weeks | Size: 9 x 23 x 23 cm | Weight: 270g | Batteries: No
What we love
Portable and lightweight
Sensory textures
Easy for little ones to grasp
What to know
Good bath toys but they need to be cleaned to prevent mould
Our verdict
Newborn development toys should have a range of textures, and these clever A-Z Sensory Play Balls are perfect for small hands and mouths to explore. They are excellent value, and babies will love to squish, throw and roll them. They also make fab bath toys to distract a reluctant child while you are washing their hair with baby shampoo too.
The textures are interesting to feel and easy for small hands to hold. In addition, they are useful teethers. To keep them hygienic, wash them in hot soapy water – just make sure they are dried carefully, so they don’t go mouldy.
11. Best soft toy for newborns: Peek A Pet Bunny
Price on writing: £15 | Buy now from Argos
Key specs
Age suitability: From birth | Best for age: Birth to three years | Size: 15L x 12.4W x 28H cm | Weight: Not specified | Batteries: No
What we love
Long-lasting fun
Great toy for siblings to share
Excellent quality
What to know
You can’t pick which colour you receive from some retailers
Our verdict
Peek-A-Pets are the best cuddly toys for newborns. They make sweet, soft friends at birth and will then transform into the main character in hilarious games of peek-a-boo. Delighted parents report that older children enjoy sharing these lovely bunnies with their siblings too.
These pets are superb quality and brilliant value. They come in pink or white and have silky fur that babies will love stroking. Hand-eye coordination is boosted by learning to press the bunny’s tummy to make him peek out from under his ear – children of all ages find the dramatic pop-up ear hilarious too.
12. Best book toy for newborns: Old Macdonald’s Farm Baby Book
Price on writing: £5 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Age suitability: From birth | Best for age: Birth to 12 months | Size: 11 x 2.5 x 11.1 cm | Weight: Not specified | Batteries: No
What we love
Small - so it’s a good size for tiny hands
Great for parents and siblings to ‘read’ to the baby
Great value
What to know
Only contains one verse of the nursery rhyme
Our verdict
Books are a timeless source of entertainment for children of all ages, and Old Macdonald’s Farm is a classic nursery rhyme. This cute book is perfect for reading aloud at bedtime, creating bonding moments, and encouraging your little one to see reading as fun.
The cow’s smiling face on the cover makes a simple finger puppet to add energy to the rhyme and make your baby laugh. The story also allows you to make silly animal noises and point to the different creatures on each page.
Read next: Keep your baby’s nails neat and avoid scratches during play with the best baby nail clippers.
What toys are suitable for newborns?
Each baby is different and develops at their own pace, but there are key milestones to watch out for over the first few months of life, and you should opt for toys that are suitable for each of their developmental stages:
0 months
Newborns can initially only focus on objects around 20 cm in front of them, seeing in black, white, and greys in their earliest days. While unable to lift their heads, they can turn them to the side and, at two weeks, their eyes should follow your face. They’re getting used to life outside of the womb and need the opportunity to stretch out of the foetal position. They’ll still need neck support.
2 months
Babies will start smiling when spoken to and making cooing sounds. They’ll wave their arms and legs when lying down on their backs and hold their heads up for several seconds when on their fronts. They may grasp your finger and turn their head in response to noises.
4 months
When in a sitting position, babies can hold their heads steady, without support, and should start reaching for toys. While holding a toy, they will look at it, wave it around and try to chew it. They’re also becoming more vocal at this stage, able to laugh and make high-pitch squeals.
6 months
Your baby will start to roll in both directions and sit up with support. They may also get into the crawling position and be capable of grasping a toy using both hands. Playing with their feet while lying on their backs is the norm at this age, as is holding out their hands to be lifted up. They’ll pass an object from one hand to the other and enjoy looking at themselves in a mirror.
What toys should a newborn have?
Sensory toys with sounds, music, colours, textures, and patterns will aid your baby's mental and physical development. They will also delight throughout their first year, so they are good value. Look for lightweight toys designed to be grabbed, held, and gnawed too.
How can toys help my baby's cognitive and physical development?
Toys with bright highly contrasting colours and patterns will stimulate and develop their sight (and also captivate their interest).
Following the source of noises and music will develop and strengthen head and neck movement.
Tummy time is the first stage of learning to roll, crawl and sit up. Babies need supervision during tummy time, especially in the early days.
Activity toys such as Captain Calamari will encourage hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.
Cause and effect is an important, motivational concept for your baby to grasp and they can learn it through play. For example, if they reach out an arm, they’ll knock a toy and it will make a funny noise.
Playing together with toys will boost feelings of connection and it’s fun!
Read next: We’ve rounded up the best baby nasal aspirators to help your little one if they’re suffering with a cold.
What to consider when buying toys for newborns
If you’re choosing a toy for a newborn, here are a few tips on what to look for:
Safety: Make sure it has been made by a trusted manufacturer that complies with safety standards and is suitable from birth.
Contrasting colours and patterns: A young baby doesn’t have fully developed eyesight and high-contrast images, with defined edges, are much easier for them to see and interact with. Black and white toys may seem boring, but they will capture a newborn's attention more than pretty pastels.
Easy to grab and hold: It may be a foil blanket they can scrunch up in their hands or a pram toy with long, thin tentacles – toys that are lightweight and designed to be held by tiny hands will delight your little one.
Music and sounds: Babies love tracking fun sounds and they will build head and neck strength as they look around. Music, nature sounds, crinkly fabric, and squeakers are all fascinating for little ones.
Action and reward: Interactive elements in a toy are educational and gratifying, even for the smallest babies. As they play, make sure you give plenty of loving encouragement too. Place the rattle in their hand, press the buttons that play music together and show them their gorgeous little face in the activity mat mirror.
Budget: Babies don’t need lots of toys, two or three that they love will do. Your attention as they play is more important. Singing, gently dancing, and talking to them about what they are seeing are lovely ways to encourage your baby and show your love, and they don’t cost anything. If you do invest, choose toys that will last. Swings that convert as your baby grows, activity toys with several modes of play, and books are all great ideas.
How to choose newborn toys safely
Choosing safe toys is important. Here's what you should consider before making a purchase.
Don’t leave toys, even cuddly ones, in your baby’s cot while they are sleeping – for more on sleep safety, please visit Lullaby Trust.
The CE mark indicates that the toy meets the strict EU regulatory requirements that ensure safety. The Lion Mark, from the British Toy and Hobby Association, and the BS EN-71 certification are other signs the toy meets safety standards and can be trusted.
Avoid toys with small pieces that are easy to detach, such as plastic eyes. Check toys regularly too for potential hazards. Make sure edges haven’t become sharp, there aren’t any loose threads or escaped stuffing and all components are securely attached.
Always supervise your baby when they are playing.
Buy from reputable shops and websites - if the price of a toy looks too good to be true, avoid it!
Only give your child the toys that are suitable for their age. Buying a gift for use in a few months is a great idea, but ensure they are kept separate from the current toys.
How we chose our recommendations
Recommendations from real Mumsnet users
Mumsnet community members are determined to make their children happy and support their development; buying gifts that will bring a joyful smile to their little faces is a big part of that. So, we have weighed up our Mumsnetters' recommendations on the toys they purchased for their young babies.
Expert opinions
Toys can be costly, so we were determined that the options we recommend are durable, safe, and will delight the child. In addition, we investigated the opinions of toy safety and child development experts, plus respected toy retailers.
Authentic customer reviews
Finally, we evaluated the lists of bestselling toys for newborns and scrutinised authentic reviews from various trusted retailers to see which products were the most highly rated by consumers. Then, we weighed the pros and cons of each product on our list to determine which were best suited to babies from birth to 12 months.
Why you should trust us
As the mother of two children, Jasmine and Liam, and a lover of finding the perfect gift, our writer Gemma was determined to provide honest and independent advice on the toys the newborn in your life will enjoy.
Our writers always spend hours scouring the Mumsnet forums and online bestseller lists to find amazing products that real parents will love. Transparency is vital to us, and that's why we're always honest about where we find our recommendations. We write about products that we feel offer the best value to most parents – the ones that our users would recommend to their friends and family.