The Best Toys for Infants 0-12 Months

The first year of a baby's life is indeed a remarkable journey, filled with rapid growth, exploration, and numerous developmental milestones. From their first sounds and smiles to learning to roll over, sit up, and maybe even take their first steps, every day brings new wonders and achievements. 

Amidst all this transformation, toys play an integral role in supporting their burgeoning skills, stimulating their senses, and fueling their innate curiosity. As such, it's crucial to provide infants with the right types of toys that align with their developmental needs and capabilities during the age range of 0-12 months.

What This Article Covers:

Rattles and Teethers

Rattles and teethers are essential for newborns and young infants. They stimulate auditory senses and provide relief during teething periods.

Wooden Story Natural Teether

When it comes to soothing your baby's sore gums, trust in the simplicity of nature with the Wooden Story Natural Teether. This wonderfully tactile teether is crafted from FSC certified wood and delicately finished with beeswax and botanical oils. The organic composition makes it safe and ideal for little mouths, reducing the worry of harmful chemicals. Moreover, the texture of the wood provides a satisfying counter pressure to budding teeth. But what makes it stand out is the story behind the brand - Wooden Story is committed to environmental sustainability, creating toys from wood sourced from responsibly managed forests. With this teether, your baby's comfort aligns with care for the planet.

Sophie La Girafe

There are very few teething toys as iconic as Sophie La Girafe. Loved by generations, Sophie is made from 100% natural rubber derived from the sap of the Hevea tree, offering a safe and natural alternative for your baby. This classic teether stimulates all five of your baby's senses from the age of 3 months. Its dark and contrasting spots provide visual stimulation, while its squeaker keeps your baby amused with its joyful noise. The soft texture, much like a mother’s skin, soothes your baby's gums, and its unique smell makes Sophie very special and easy for your child to identify amidst other toys. Easy to grip even for the tiniest hands, this teething toy is a must-have in every baby's first toy collection.

Green Toys Twist Teether Toy

The Green Toys Twist Teether Toy is a colorful delight that's bound to keep those tiny hands busy. Made from 100% recycled plastic, it's eco-friendly and free from BPA, phthalates, and PVC, making it safe for your baby. This teether features charms of different shapes and colors, which can be twisted and turned for added fun, stimulating your baby's tactile senses, fine motor skills, and visual development. But beyond its practicality and fun, this toy stands as a testament to the brand's commitment to sustainable play. From the recycled materials to the packaging made from recycled cardboard, this teether is a green choice that babies and parents alike will love.

Fabelab Organic Cotton Teether Bunny

Meet the Fabelab Organic Cotton Teether Bunny - an endearing companion for your little one. This Danish-designed teether bunny is crafted from 100% GOTS certified organic cotton and filled with corn fiber, making it an eco-conscious choice. With soft, soothing fabric and a delightful design, it's perfect for little teethers to hold onto and explore. Its long bunny ears and padded ring provide different textures to satisfy your baby's need for sensory exploration. Its delicate colors, inspired by the Scandinavian landscapes, add a touch of elegance to your baby's teething essentials. And when the teething phase is over, this adorable bunny will still remain as a comforting friend for your little one to snuggle with.

Mushie x The Dearest Grey Baby Teether

The Mushie x The Dearest Grey Baby Teether combines elegance with functionality. Designed in collaboration between Mushie and The Dearest Grey, this stylish teething toy is a standout in your baby's collection. It's made in the USA from 100% non-toxic, food-grade silicone, perfect for soothing sore gums. What sets it apart is its unique geometric design, which not only adds to its modern appeal but also provides different surfaces and angles for your baby to explore. The muted colors of this teether make it a sophisticated accessory that complements your baby's outfits. Plus, it's easy to clean, ensuring your baby's teething time is always hygienic and safe.

Soft and Plush Toys

Soft toys offer comfort and encourage babies to start interacting with their surroundings. They can also play a role in sparking imagination.

Moulin Roty Les Papoum Hippopotamus

Welcome to the world of Moulin Roty Les Papoum Hippopotamus, where every hug is a new adventure! This plush toy invites your little one to discover a variety of textures and elements, stimulating their curiosity and tactile development. Its softness makes it perfect for cuddling during naps, while its different materials offer endless tactile exploration for awake time. Its tender eyes and friendly expression will capture your baby's attention, fostering emotional connectivity. With this toy, you don't just bring a plush toy home, but a potential best friend for your baby who'll share in their joy, laughter, and growth.

Estella Pierre Dog

The Estella Pierre Dog is a vibrant, whimsical toy cherished by children for years. This hand-knit toy features a brightly colored dog named Pierre, who's ready to be your little one's companion through their formative years. Crafted with an attention to detail, Pierre is more than just a cuddly toy; he's a character with his own story to tell. He can incite the most wonderful flights of fantasy in your child's mind, fueling their imagination and creativity. With Pierre's welcoming look and the soft feel of its organic cotton, your baby won't just have a toy but a friend who is a comforting presence from infancy to toddlerhood.

Steiff My First Teddy Bear

The Steiff My First Teddy Bear is a timeless, charming companion that's perfect as a first friend for any baby. Made with the finest plush that's soft to touch, this teddy bear is designed to be hugged, cuddled, and adored. Its adorable expression and cuddly feel create a sense of comfort and companionship for your little one. But beyond its undeniable charm, this teddy bear carries the prestige of the Steiff brand, world-renowned for its quality and craftsmanship since 1880. This 'My First Steiff' bear has a tag in its ear - the famous Steiff 'Button in Ear' - marking it as a genuine Steiff product. Bring home this classic teddy bear, and give your child a friend they can cherish forever.

Maileg Sleepy Wakey Bambi

The Maileg Sleepy Wakey Bambi is an adorable deer with a double surprise – one side is awake while the other is asleep! This innovative design introduces infants to the concept of day and night in a playful, relatable way. Its soft texture and charming appearance make it a cuddly friend for your little one. Crafted with care and thought, this toy is a standout piece, showcasing Maileg's signature blend of contemporary design and whimsy. This Bambi is not just a toy, it's a beloved character from your child's favorite stories, providing comfort during bedtime and playtime alike.

Estella Animal Gift Set

baby toys 0 12 months

Looking for the perfect baby gift? The Estella Animal Gift Set is a delightful assortment of 5 soft toys tailored for your little one. This gift set includes a hand-knit tiger rattle, a lion stuffed animal, a monkey plush, an elephant rattle, and a giraffe rattle. Each character is designed with vivid colors and soft organic cotton, perfect for cuddles and comfort. The rattles are just the right size for little hands to hold and shake, while the soother provides a sense of security during naps. Plus, the stuffed animal can be your child's loyal companion, ready for playtime adventures and bedtime stories. Packaged with care, this set makes a thoughtful gift for any new parent.

Musical Toys

Musical toys stimulate auditory senses and can be used to establish routines like sleep time. They can also improve a baby's rhythm and coordination.

Baby Drum by Hape

Awaken your baby's musical curiosity with the Baby Drum by Hape. This dynamic toy produces different sounds and flashes lights when your baby taps it, stimulating auditory and visual development. It's designed to be easy for little hands to hold and beat, encouraging self-expression and fine motor skills. But it's not just a toy, it's an experience, designed to foster an early love for music. What sets this drum apart is Hape's commitment to sustainability. Crafted with non-toxic finishes and child-safe materials, this drum inspires play, learning, and exploration while respecting the health of our planet.

Hape Early Melodies Pound and Tap Bench

Encourage your child's rhythmic and motor development with the Hape Early Melodies Pound and Tap Bench. This multi-functional toy combines a xylophone and a pounding bench, promoting fine motor skills and music appreciation. As your little one pounds the balls, they roll onto the xylophone, producing a scale of enchanting notes. Alternatively, the xylophone can be pulled out to be played separately, sparking creativity and coordination. Made from sustainable wood with water-based paint, this toy is safe for your baby and kind to the environment, embodying Hape's commitment to quality and sustainability.

Estella Lion Rattle

baby toys 0-12 months

Bring a roar of fun into your baby's playtime with the Estella Lion Rattle. Bright and easy to hold, this rattle is designed to provide little ones with hours of shaking fun. It's not just the pleasant rattling sound that will amuse your baby, but also the colorful and friendly lion face that will capture their attention. Hand-knit from soft, organic cotton, this rattle is a comforting and engaging toy for your little one. Its manageable size is perfect for small hands, encouraging grasp reflex and fine motor skills. This rattle is not just a toy; it's a cute, friendly companion for your baby's growth journey.

Moulin Roty Le Voyage d'Olga Goose Cuddly Music Box

Lull your little one into a peaceful slumber with the soothing melody from the Moulin Roty Le Voyage d'Olga Goose Cuddly Music Box. This enchanting music box features a soft, plush goose that's perfect for snuggling. When its string is pulled, it plays a sweet lullaby, adding a sense of tranquility to your baby's sleep routine. This musical plush toy is not just a delight for the ears, but also a comfort for your baby to hold and love. Its charm lies in its fine craftsmanship, showcasing Moulin Roty's commitment to creating toys that bring joy and whimsy to children's lives.

Pastel Xylophone by Little Cottonwood

Introduce your little one to the world of music with the Pastel Xylophone by Little Cottonwood. Each key of this xylophone plays a different note, presenting your child to musical scales. As your baby taps on the keys, they'll be delighted by the soft, melodic sounds, sparking an early appreciation for music. This handcrafted xylophone isn't just a musical toy; it's also a beautiful object. Painted with non-toxic, pastel-colored paint, it adds a touch of elegance to your child's playroom. This toy stands as a testament to Little Cottonwood's commitment to creating timeless, quality items that spark joy and creativity.

Activity Mats and Gyms

Activity mats, docks, and gyms encourage babies to reach out, roll over, sit up, and eventually move around. They are great for stimulating the senses and promoting gross motor skills.

Pehr Designs Play Mat

While not a traditional activity gym, the Pehr Designs Play Mat redefines your baby's play space with a chic, comfortable style. This beautiful play mat is made from quilted organic cotton, creating a soft and safe surface for your baby to play, crawl, or take a nap. Its minimalist design complements modern interiors, transforming any room into a child-friendly space without compromising on aesthetics. Pair it with Pehr's mobiles for a coordinated, stylish play area. This play mat is not just a practical addition to your home; it's also a reflection of Pehr Designs' mission to offer simple, high-quality essentials for the modern family.

Janod Spirit Solid Cherry Wood Combi Car

Introduce your child to the joy of movement with the Janod Spirit Solid Cherry Wood Combi Car. While it's technically a ride-on toy, it offers much more than that. The combi car features interactive elements like a horn, a gear stick, a rotating steering wheel, and a side mirror that keep your child engaged and stimulate their cognitive development. Designed in France with high quality cherry wood, this toy is both chic and playful, adding a touch of sophistication to your child's toy collection. It's not just a toy but an invitation to imaginary road trips and grand adventures in the safety of your living room.

Milton & Goose Crescent Chair Activity Center

The Milton & Goose Crescent Chair Activity Center is more than a chair; it's a beautifully crafted play center that grows with your child. This activity center is made from sustainable Baltic birch and solid North American maple, ensuring durability and longevity. Your baby can sit, play, and engage with her surroundings, fostering physical and cognitive growth. The chair is not just functional but aesthetically pleasing as well. It reflects Milton & Goose's commitment to producing heirloom-quality toys and furniture that are both beautiful and beneficial for your child's development.

Tiny Love Meadow Days Dynamic Gymini

Turn playtime into a fun learning experience with the Tiny Love Meadow Days Dynamic Gymini. This adjustable play gym evolves with your baby, making it a long-lasting addition to your child's toy collection. The interactive toys help develop various skills and are designed to promote your baby's growth in the most delightful way. This isn't just a toy, it's a magical meadow where your baby can explore, discover, and grow, epitomizing Tiny Love's commitment to creating developmental toys that inspire babies' growth and imagination.

DockATot Deluxe+ Dock

The DockATot Deluxe+ Dock is a versatile baby lounging dock that combines style, comfort, and functionality. Whether for playing, chilling, or tummy time, this dock provides a comfortable and safe environment for your baby. Made from breathable and hypoallergenic materials, it ensures your baby's comfort and safety. Its stylish design makes it a chic addition to your home, blending seamlessly with your decor. This dock embodies DockATot's philosophy of creating premium baby gear that serves multiple purposes without compromising on style or safety.

Interactive Books

Interactive books stimulate visual senses, promote language development, and provide a wonderful opportunity for bonding.

"Where's Spot?" by Eric Hill

Delve into a fun and interactive reading experience with "Where's Spot?" by Eric Hill. This classic lift-the-flap book takes your baby on a delightful journey to find Spot, encouraging interaction and curiosity. With simple text and charming illustrations, this book is a perfect introduction to the world of books. It isn't just a story; it's an adventure that stimulates your child's cognitive and language development, fostering a love for reading from an early age.

"Dear Zoo" by Rod Campbell

Introduce your baby to different animals with "Dear Zoo" by Rod Campbell. This lift-the-flap book is interactive and fun, making it perfect for inquisitive little minds. Each page introduces a new animal from the zoo, capturing your child's attention and stimulating their imagination. This isn't just a book, but a zoo tour brought to life on the page, serving as an early introduction to animals and promoting a love for reading.

"I Love You To The Moon and Back" by Tim Warnes

educational toys for infants 0 12 months

"I Love You To The Moon and Back" by Tim Warnes is more than just a book; it's a beautiful expression of love. This classic book beautifully illustrates the bond between a parent and child, teaching little ones about love and how to love. The simple, heartfelt story, combined with enchanting illustrations, creates a warm and engaging reading experience that nurtures your child's emotional development.

"Baby Touch and Feel: Animals" by DK

Engage your baby's senses with "Baby Touch and Feel: Animals" by DK. This touch-and-feel book includes different textures for your baby to explore, stimulating their tactile senses and encouraging interaction. Each page introduces a new animal with a corresponding texture, making the reading experience interactive and educational. This book isn't just about reading; it's a sensory exploration that encourages curiosity and learning through touch.

"The Very Hungry Caterpillar" by Eric Carle

infant toys 0 12 months

Introduce your baby to the joy of reading with "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" by Eric Carle. This classic picture book, with its colorful and engaging illustrations and interactive die-cut pages, is perfect for little hands. Follow the journey of the hungry caterpillar as it eats its way through the pages, teaching your baby about the days of the week, counting, and the lifecycle of a butterfly. It's more than just a book; it's a timeless story that offers valuable lessons and stimulates your child's imagination.

FAQs for Toys for Infants 0-12 Months:

What type of toys should a 0-12 month old play with?

Toys that stimulate their senses, enhance motor skills, encourage interaction, and spark curiosity are ideal for babies in this age range.

Can toys help my baby reach developmental milestones?

Absolutely. Different toys help to develop different skills. For instance, rattles encourage grasping skills, while activity mats promote gross motor skills.

How can I ensure the safety of my baby's toys?

Always look for toys that are age-appropriate. Check for small parts, sharp edges, and the materials used. It's also essential to supervise playtime, especially with younger babies.

Can toys help with my baby's teething?

Yes, teething toys can provide relief from teething pain. They are usually made from materials safe to chew on.

Should I always play with my baby, or can they play alone?

Both are important. Playing with your baby promotes bonding and can guide them in learning to play. However, solo play also promotes independence and allows your baby to explore at their own pace.

Estella is not just a store; it's a destination for discerning parents who seek quality, organic, and engaging toys and gifts for their babies. With our diverse selection, we cater to different developmental stages, ensuring that each toy or book is not only fun but also enriches your child's learning and growth. 

From natural teethers to sensory books, musical toys to interactive play gyms, our curated collection features the best from trusted brands globally. So whether you're looking for a memorable gift, an engaging toy for your baby, or organic baby essentials, Estella is your go-to resource. We believe that every child deserves the best, and we're here to help you find it.

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