What Toys Can Infants Play With: Top Picks for 0-12 Months
Which Toys Are Best for Infants to Play With? Infants thrive on safe, sensory-rich and development-boosting play. From teethers and sensory balls to soft plush toys and stacking sets, the best toys for 0-12 months engage touch, sound and motion. Little-Ish offers curated options designed for every stage of your baby’s growth; encouraging exploration, soothing teething and nurturing early learning through play.
Choosing the right toys for your infant can feel like navigating a minefield of hazards, gimmicks and flashy plastic. Yet the truth is simpler: infants don’t need screens or batteries, they need toys that are safe, stimulating and appropriate for their stage of development. In this article, we’ll explore what toys infants can play with, specifically for the 0-12 month age‑range, with a focus on what parents worry about the most: safety, suitability, developmental value. We’ll also highlight excellent product picks from Little‑Ish’s 0-12 months collection so you can shop confidently.
Parents’ Top Concerns When Choosing Infant Toys
Before jumping into product types and lists, let’s address what’s on every parent’s mind:
- Safety first. Babies will chew, throw, chew again. They explore via mouth, touch, taste. Toys must be non‑toxic, free of small detachable parts, easy to clean. According to Little‑Ish, they prioritise baby-safe materials like BPA‑free plastics, sustainably sourced wood and child‑safe paints.
- Developmental appropriateness. A newborn’s needs are very different from an 11‑month‑old’s. The right toy meets their current milestones: grasping, tummy time, crawling, early sitting.
- Engagement + longevity. A toy that entertains for a minute then sits unused isn’t ideal. Parents want something their baby will grow into, not out of immediately.
- Hygiene & durability. Teethers, bath toys, soft animals; they get slobbered on, dropped, washed. Materials must hold up and be machine‑/hand‑washable or quick to sanitize.
- Balance of fun vs. learning. Toys should spark joy, but they also support motor, sensory, cognitive, emotional development. That means open‑ended, simple rather than gimmicky.
With those concerns flagged, let’s look at the kinds of toys suitable for infants in the 0-12 month range and then we’ll go deep into actual product picks.
Types of Toys Suitable for Infants (0-12 Months)
1. Teethers & Bath Toys
Why they matter: Babies often start teething several months in and chewable, textured toys help soothe gums and build oral‑motor coordination. Bath toys add sensory play with water.
A Parents Tip from Little‑Ish: “Check for non‑toxic materials, no small parts, easy to rinse.”
Product example: Little‑Ish “Veggie Soup Baby Sensory Balls” (trio including artichoke, cauliflower & pumpkin) - designed for tiny hands, encourages tactile development while also safe for teething.
2. Soft Stuffed Animals & Plush
Why: For many babies, a soft toy becomes a comfort object, a first companion. It supports emotional security and gentle textures help tactile exploration.
A Tip from Little‑Ish: “Ensure high quality stitching, no loose buttons or small bits, size appropriate (so not overwhelming).”
Product example: Look through the “Dolls & Plush” section at Little‑Ish.
3. Stacking, Nesting & Shape‑Sorting Toys
Why: These toys help with fine motor skills, hand‑eye coordination, concept of size/shape. As baby moves from 6-12 months they’ll begin exploring stacking, pushing, knocking down.
A Tip from Little‑Ish: “Durable materials (wood or thick plastic), base with goo nhd stability, age‑label correct.”
Example: A stacking toy from Little‑Ish’s baby/toddler section (0-12 months). Browse their “Baby & Toddler” toys.
4. Sensory & Textured Toys
Why: Infants are just beginning to make sense of the world; textures, colors, sound, movement all matter. Babies explore by touch and sound. A textured ball, for example, encourages grasp, roll, reach.
A Tip from Little‑Ish: “Bright but not overwhelming, multiple textures, safe for mouthing.”
Example: The Veggie Soup Sensory Balls above fit this category too.
5. Musical & Rattle Toys
Why: Hearing is developed early; toys that make sound when shaken encourage cause/effect learning. Rattles are classic for a reason.
A Tip from Little‑Ish: “Volume should be gentle; parts secured.”
Example: Little‑Ish blog mentions “wooden grasping rattles … help strengthen hand‑eye coordination, while the gentle rattle sound engages hearing without overwhelming sensitive little ears.”
How Toys Support Infant Development
Let’s map toys to developmental benefits:
- Physical: Grasping, shaking a rattle, stacking cups, crawling after a pull toy. Toys that invite movement help strengthen muscles and coordination.
- Cognitive: Toys with simple cause/effect (shake the rattle, it makes noise), toys that invite problem‑solving (which block fits), toys that remind baby that they control action.
- Sensory: Variation in texture, sound, shape, color supports sensory system development (touch, hearing, sight).
- Emotional & Social: A soft animal can be cuddled, comforted; playtime with caregiver builds bonding; toys that react to baby’s action help baby feel agency.
- Language/Communication Foundations: Even though babies aren’t speaking yet, being handed a toy, pointed out by a parent, hearing you name it builds vocabulary foundations.
A key note from Little‑Ish: “The best baby toys aren’t just adorable, they help babies learn, grow and build skills without even realizing it.”
Top Recommended Toys from Little‑Ish for 0-12 Months
Little‑Ish offers a curated selection of infant toys designed to engage, stimulate and support babies in their critical first year. Here’s an in-depth look at the top picks for 0-12 months:
1. Little‑Ish Veggie Soup Baby Sensory Balls
Shop Little-ish Veggie Soup Baby Sensory Balls →
These colorful vegetable-shaped balls are perfect for tiny hands to explore. Each ball has a unique texture that encourages tactile exploration and early sensory development. The soft, flexible material is safe for teething, allowing infants to chew, squeeze and roll the balls without risk.
Key Features:
- Trio of balls in artichoke, pumpkin and cauliflower designs.
- Textured surfaces enhance tactile stimulation.
- Lightweight and easy for infants to grasp and carry.
- Non-toxic, BPA-free material for safe mouthing.
Why Parents Love It:
These balls double as sensory and teething toys, keeping infants engaged while soothing sore gums. Perfect for supervised playtime on the floor or in a baby playpen.
2. Little‑Ish My First Teddy - Sand
Shop Little-ish Dolls & Plush Collection →
My First Teddy is the quintessential comfort companion for infants. Its soft, huggable design helps babies develop emotional bonds while exploring tactile sensations.
Key Features:
- Made with premium soft fabrics safe for babies.
- Lightweight and easy for infants to hold.
- Neutral “sand” color complements nursery decor.
- Sturdy stitching ensures durability through chewing and hugging.
Why Parents Love It:
This teddy helps infants feel secure during nap time or playtime and its small size makes it portable for travel or stroller rides.
3. Little‑Ish Wooden Rainbow Stacking Toy
Shop Little-ish Baby & Toddler Collection →
A classic open-ended toy, the Wooden Rainbow Stacking Toy promotes cognitive development, problem-solving and fine motor skills. Babies can stack, nest, or arrange the colorful arches in multiple ways, encouraging creativity.
Key Features:
- Made from sustainably sourced, non-toxic wood.
- Smooth, rounded edges for safe handling.
- Vibrant rainbow colors introduce early color recognition.
- Multiple stacking configurations for imaginative play.
Why Parents Love It:
It grows with the baby, starting as a grasping toy and evolving into a problem-solving and imaginative play tool.
4. Little‑Ish Teether & Bath Toy Sets
Shop Little-ish Ramona the Radish Teether & Bath Toy →
These dual-purpose toys serve as both a teether and a bath toy, making them versatile for infant play. The soft, chewable material helps soothe sore gums, while the fun vegetable shapes add joy to bath time.
Key Features:
- Made from 100% natural, baby-safe rubber.
- Vibrant vegetable designs capture infant attention.
- Floatable for bath play, easy to rinse.
- Ergonomic shapes for tiny hands.
Why Parents Love It:
The combination of teether and bath toy reduces clutter while ensuring babies always have something safe to chew or splash with.
5. Soft Stuffed Companion Animals
Shop Little-ish Soft Stuffed Elephant Animal →
Soft stuffed animals are ideal for introducing comfort objects into a baby’s routine. These plush companions offer tactile stimulation while supporting emotional development.
Key Features:
- Premium soft fabrics, safe for mouthing.
- Variety of cute animal designs to capture interest.
- Lightweight, portable and easy for small hands to grasp.
- Easy to clean for everyday use.
Why Parents Love It:
Plush toys provide comfort, emotional bonding and safe sensory exploration for infants during both play and rest.
6. Sensory Rattles & Grasping Toys
Shop Little-ish Sensory Rattles & Grasping Toys →
These toys encourage hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. Babies can shake, grasp and roll rattles, which also introduce early cause-and-effect understanding.
Key Features:
- Safe, non-toxic materials.
- Light enough for infants to hold and shake independently.
- Engaging sounds stimulate auditory senses.
- Variety of shapes and textures for tactile exploration.
Why Parents Love It:
Rattles provide multisensory stimulation while keeping babies actively engaged and entertained.
7. Little‑Ish Bath Toy Set for Tiny Hands
Shop Little-ish Bath Toy Set for Tiny Hands →
Water play is an excellent way for infants to develop motor skills and coordination. These bath toys are sized for small hands, making scooping, pouring and splashing fun and safe.
Key Features:
- Lightweight, easy-to-grasp shapes.
- Soft, non-toxic materials for safe mouthing.
- Can float or be squeezed for water play.
- Bright colors encourage visual tracking.
Why Parents Love It:
Bath time becomes an interactive, educational play session that supports both sensory and motor skill development.
8. Little‑Ish Pull‑Along or Rolling Toy
Shop Little-ish Pull‑Along or Rolling Toy →
Designed for crawling or early walking babies, pull-along and rolling toys encourage movement, coordination and cause-and-effect learning.
Key Features:
- Smooth rolling wheels for easy push/pull.
- Bright colors and fun shapes to maintain interest.
- Lightweight and easy for infants to maneuver.
- Safe materials for mouthing and chewing.
Why Parents Love It:
Encourages physical activity, strengthens gross motor skills and provides motivation for babies to explore their environment safely.
Note: Always check the age indication on each product page (“0-12 months”) and ensure there are no small detachable parts if your baby is in the mouthing stage. Supervised play is key for safety.
Practical Tips for Using Infant Toys Wisely
- Supervise playtime, especially with new textures, teether items, bath toys. Even the safest toy can become hazardous if ignored.
- Rotate toys rather than buy dozens at once. Infants benefit from novelty, but too many options can overwhelm. A small set of varied‑type toys is better.
- Make play interactive. Sit with the baby, shake the rattle, point out the ball, talk about the toy. The interaction builds connection and language foundations.
- Clean regularly. Teethers and bath toys especially need to be rinsed, dried, washed through, drool and bath‑water accumulate quickly.
- Follow stage‑appropriate guidelines. A soft plush teddy may be great at 4 months, but by 10 months baby may prefer active toys like stacking or rolling ones.
- Observe the baby’s cues. Are they bored? Are they mouthing everything? Transition toys as they grow.
- Combine play and daily routine. Bath time, stroller ride, tummy‑time floor play: bring the toy into those moments rather than only separate play sessions.
