15 best sensory toys for babies and toddlers (2024)

Table of Contents
Best sensory toys for babies Best sensory toy for exploring textures BEST SENSORY TOY PLAY MAT BEST SENSORY TOY FOR GIFTING BEST MUSICAL SENSORY TOY BEST SENSORY TOY FOR MOTOR SKILLS BEST SENSORY BABY GYM Best sensory toy Best sensory toy for grabbing Best sensory toy for stacking Best musical sensory toy What are the different types of sensory toys? What to consider when buying sensory toys Our pick of the best sensory toys for babies and toddlers Little Dutch Soft Activity Book - Little Goose Little Dutch Soft Activity Book - Little Goose Mamas & Papas Welcome to the World Playmat Mamas & Papas Welcome to the World Playmat Baby Mori Wooden Bunny Push Along Toy Baby Mori Wooden Bunny Push Along Toy Tonies Starter Set Tonies Starter Set Melissa & Doug Doorbell House Wooden Toy Melissa & Doug Doorbell House Wooden Toy Aden + Anais Baby Activity Gym Aden + Anais Baby Activity Gym The Very Hungry Caterpillar Activity Caterpillar The Very Hungry Caterpillar Activity Caterpillar Disney Winnie the Pooh Baby Tigger Ring Rattle Disney Winnie the Pooh Baby Tigger Ring Rattle KIDLY Sensory Stacking Cups KIDLY Sensory Stacking Cups Fisher-Price Linkimals Cool Beats Penguin Musical toy Fisher-Price Linkimals Cool Beats Penguin Musical toy Mori Wooden Shape Sorter Mori Wooden Shape Sorter BigJigs Push Along Musical Roller BigJigs Push Along Musical Roller Lovevery The Babbler Play Kit Lovevery The Babbler Play Kit Fisher-Price Fisher Price Wooden Activity Cube Fisher-Price Fisher Price Wooden Activity Cube Etta Loves Sensory Toys Bundle Etta Loves Sensory Toys Bundle FAQs References
15 best sensory toys for babies and toddlers (1)

The best sensory toys will help your baby develop their sense of taste, touch, smell, hearing and sight as they learn about the world around them through play. 'They give babies and children the freedom to safely play using their senses, which is really important for their development,' explains parenting expert and author of 100 Ways Your Child Can Learn Through Play, Georgina Durrant.

Sensory toys support your mini me's development in lots of ways, developing their hand-eye coordination, concentration and fine motor skills. Durrant adds that they can also be calming for children, helping them to relax if they feel overstimulated.

To help you find the best age-appropriate sensory toys to support your little one's development, we bring you this edit of our favourites, featuring bestsellers and toys rated by our mum testers.

Best sensory toys for babies

What are the different types of sensory toys?

'You could argue that most baby toys are also sensory toys as they are using a baby's senses,' Durrant says. 'However, there are also specific sensory toys available. But, parents should be aware that some toys are only suitable for older children and aren't safe for babies or toddlers.' Keep this in mind when shopping, and ensure you check what age each toy is recommended for.

The most common types of sensory toys include:

  • Auditory sensory toys: These toys often play soothing melodies, upbeat tunes or animal noises.
  • Tactile sensory toys: Featuring different textures and materials for littles to explore through touch.
  • Vestibular sensory toys: These may spin or have movable parts, and are good for developing motor skills.
  • Multi-sensory toys: A lot of toys engage more than one sense at a time, and are great all-rounders that your child is less likely to get bored of as they grow.

What to consider when buying sensory toys

  • Safety: As with all products for babies or children, safety comes first. Durrant advises checking it's suitable for the baby's age, and ensuring that it's made from good quality materials. 'This is super important, especially if it's a toy that will be chewed.'
  • Features: Consider what your baby enjoys to do, and find a toy that offers something similar. 'Does your baby want to put everything into their mouth? If so, a chewable sensory toy might be suitable,' explains Durrant. 'Or, maybe they like touching and feeling everything at the moment, in which case a toy with lots of tactile elements and different textures could be perfect... Be guided by your child.'
  • Purpose: Durrant adds that you should also think about the purpose of the toy. 'Consider if you're buying it to support play or to help them relax before a nap,' she says. 'If it's the latter, you might find sensory toys with lights or music are preferable.'
  • Longevity: Depending on the age of your baby or toddler, some sensory toys may be more suitable than others. But, Durrant suggests thinking about whether the toy you're buying now will still interest them in the months to come. 'Try to choose toys that are safe and suitable for them now, but will also be of interest to them in a different way when they're older.'

Our pick of the best sensory toys for babies and toddlers

1

Best sensory toy for exploring textures

Little Dutch Soft Activity Book - Little Goose

1

Best sensory toy for exploring textures

Little Dutch Soft Activity Book - Little Goose

Now 20% Off

Little Dutch, one of our favourite baby brands, has created the most beautiful soft activity book with a range of colours and materials for your little one to explore.

The cloth book is goose-themed, and inside you'll find squeaky toys and crinkly fabric in chic Scandi-inspired colours. It's ideal for sensory play, with a mirror inside so they can get to know their reflection.

Suitable for: 0+ months

2

BEST SENSORY TOY PLAY MAT

Mamas & Papas Welcome to the World Playmat

15 best sensory toys for babies and toddlers (13)

2

BEST SENSORY TOY PLAY MAT

Mamas & Papas Welcome to the World Playmat

This ‘welcome to the world’ playmat not only looks super cute, but also comes with sensory benefits for babies from birth. It has four hanging toys for your little one to touch and grab, and an elephant tummy time toy to aid with the development of your baby’s muscles.

Our mum tester loved the safari animal theme and neutral colourway for keeping out in the lounge, while the hanging toys had the little ones we showed mesmerised.

Suitable for: o+ months for the playmat and gym and 5+ months for the floor mat.

3

BEST SENSORY TOY FOR GIFTING

Baby Mori Wooden Bunny Push Along Toy

15 best sensory toys for babies and toddlers (14)

3

BEST SENSORY TOY FOR GIFTING

Baby Mori Wooden Bunny Push Along Toy

There aren’t many cuter ways to help your little one develop their fine motor skills than with this little wooden push-along bunny from Baby Mori.

It’s been specially crafted with wooden edges to make it safe for playtime and has been designed with little hands in mind. If you’re after a baby sensory gift or a treat for a little one over 12 months old, then add this beauty to your basket.

Suitable for: 12+ months.

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4

BEST MUSICAL SENSORY TOY

Tonies Starter Set

15 best sensory toys for babies and toddlers (15)

4

BEST MUSICAL SENSORY TOY

Tonies Starter Set

If you’re a proud toddler mama, then chances are you’ve heard of the Toniebox. This musical toy is popular among tots thanks to its ability to play songs and stories.

The parents we know like it too, as it gives little ones screen-free time, and it can be operated easily by teeny hands thanks to its padded exterior and ‘tilt and tap’ functions.

You can also change the characters (available to purchase separately) as your little one’s interests change. Styles available include Peppa Pig, Mickey Mouse, and James and the giant peach.

Suitable for: 3+ years old.

5

BEST SENSORY TOY FOR MOTOR SKILLS

Melissa & Doug Doorbell House Wooden Toy

15 best sensory toys for babies and toddlers (16)

15 best sensory toys for babies and toddlers (17)

5

BEST SENSORY TOY FOR MOTOR SKILLS

Melissa & Doug Doorbell House Wooden Toy

Now 15% Off

For little ones aged three years old and over, we love this Melissa & Doug problem-solving house. With plenty to touch including locks, doorbells and four dinky dolls, the toddlers we know (with short attention spans!) were kept busy thanks to this hands-on activity.

It also has a doorbell feature to keep little ears listening, and parents rate it thanks to the gross and fine motor skills tots learn along the way.

Suitable for: 3+ years old.

6

BEST SENSORY BABY GYM

Aden + Anais Baby Activity Gym

6

BEST SENSORY BABY GYM

Aden + Anais Baby Activity Gym

Now 20% Off

Ultra-stylish baby brand Aden + Anais has designed this wooden baby gym to help your little one develop those all-important sensory, cognitive and motor skills. Containing cute muslin toys, this activity gym is great for encouraging your little one to interact.

Parents can rest assured they’ve been considered too, as this beautiful creation is also machine washable once it’s removed from its arches (much to the relief of our mum tester!).

Suitable for: 0+ months.

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7

Best sensory toy

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Activity Caterpillar

15 best sensory toys for babies and toddlers (20)

7

Best sensory toy

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Activity Caterpillar

A nostalgic character from Eric Carle's bestselling book The Hungry Caterpillar, this sensory toy is suitable for all ages, and designed to support your little one's early development.

Our mum tester loved the variety of textures, sounds, colours and shapes on this toy — and that it was a major throwback to her own childhood!

Although it's suitable for any age, she thinks its most useful for babes who are three months or older.

Suitable for: 0+ months

8

Best sensory toy for grabbing

Disney Winnie the Pooh Baby Tigger Ring Rattle

15 best sensory toys for babies and toddlers (21)

8

Best sensory toy for grabbing

Disney Winnie the Pooh Baby Tigger Ring Rattle

Ideal for babies who are grabbing everything in sight (and sending you into a slight panic!), this classic Winnie the Pooh Baby Tigger is sure to keep them out of trouble.

Not only will it give them something to hold onto, it has a rattle inside which will help to further develop their gross motor skills — and it can even be used when encouraging them to crawl or walk.

Suitable for: 0+ months

9

Best sensory toy for stacking

KIDLY Sensory Stacking Cups

15 best sensory toys for babies and toddlers (22)

9

Best sensory toy for stacking

KIDLY Sensory Stacking Cups

Made from 100% food-grade silicone (similar to silicone ice cube trays), Kidly's Sensory Stacking Cups will go down a treat with the mini in your life.

A contemporary take on a classic toy, each cup features a different pattern and can be stacked on top of each other. Your baby will have hours of endless full in their playpen, developing hand-eye coordination, while also learning about balance, height, size and order.

Plus, thanks to the compact design you can also use them in the bath or pop them in your changing bag for entertainment on the go.

Our mum tester loved the aesthetic of this toy too, and didn't mind having it sprawled over her living room floor!

Suitable for: o+ months

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10

Best musical sensory toy

Fisher-Price Linkimals Cool Beats Penguin Musical toy

15 best sensory toys for babies and toddlers (23)

15 best sensory toys for babies and toddlers (24)

10

Best musical sensory toy

Fisher-Price Linkimals Cool Beats Penguin Musical toy

This Linkimals penguin educates and entertains. The classic Fisher-Price toy lights up, talks, sings and dances to funky tunes that will teach your baby about the alphabet, counting and shapes in an engaging way.

Although it's suitable for children 9+ months, our mum tester thought this one would be really beneficial to babies 12+ months.

What's more, you can pair it with other Linkimals toys and have them interact together for even more fun for your little.

Suitable for: 9+ months

11

Best puzzle sensory toy

Mori Wooden Shape Sorter

15 best sensory toys for babies and toddlers (25)

15 best sensory toys for babies and toddlers (26)

11

Best puzzle sensory toy

Mori Wooden Shape Sorter

Now 30% Off

Mori's wooden puzzle might look simple, but it will help your munchkin develop a very important skill: problem solving. It teaches them to recognise different shapes and colours, and put the pieces back on the wooden board.

This sensory toy is made from sustainable materials, with soft edges and non-toxic paint for peace of mind.

Suitable for: 12+ months

12

Best sensory toys for walkers

BigJigs Push Along Musical Roller

15 best sensory toys for babies and toddlers (27)

12

Best sensory toys for walkers

BigJigs Push Along Musical Roller

For older tots already on their feet, this musical roller will support mobility as well as sensory development.

The soft bells that ring as they push the roller will stimulate the ears and encourage them to keep moving, while the colourful triangle design stimulates the eyes. Made from sustainably sourced materials, the wood is smooth and the paint is child-friendly.

Suitable for: 12+ months

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13

Best sensory toy kit

Lovevery The Babbler Play Kit

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13

Best sensory toy kit

Lovevery The Babbler Play Kit

Designed by child development experts to be exactly what your child needs at each stage, Lovevery's kits are brilliant for sensory development.

The Babbler Play Kit was created for babies aged 13, 14 and 15 months. Inside is a variety of colourful games to help develop fine motor skills. Think wooden coin banks, stackable rings and ball slides.

Each kit comes with a guide for parents, with information on the benefits of each game and guidance on how to make the most of the activities with their mini.

Suitable for: 12+ months

14

Best sensory toy for toddlers

Fisher-Price Fisher Price Wooden Activity Cube

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14

Best sensory toy for toddlers

Fisher-Price Fisher Price Wooden Activity Cube

Fisher-Price's five-in-one activity cube will help your toddler develop their co-ordination skills. There's a beaded maze, slot puzzle, musical keys and more. Plus, the colourful design features lots of characters, providing a great opportunity for them to learn their animals.

It might not keep them entertained for hours (seriously, has anyone found the secret to keeping a toddler stimulated for that long?!), but it will keep them busy for at least 15 minutes while you pop the kettle on.

It makes a great toy for play dates too, encouraging them to share with their mini bff.

Suitable for: 18+ months

15

Best sensory toy for newborns

Etta Loves Sensory Toys Bundle

15 best sensory toys for babies and toddlers (30)

15

Best sensory toy for newborns

Etta Loves Sensory Toys Bundle

Etta Loves's striking products have been designed in collaboration with a consultant orthoptist and the team at the Sussex Baby Lab.

The monochrome colours and statement patterns will support your baby's cognitive and visual development between birth and four months when they see mostly in black and white.

This bundle contains the brand's bestselling, kind-to-planet muslin cloths and chewable, natural rubber bath toys.

Suitable for: 0+ months

15 best sensory toys for babies and toddlers (2024)

FAQs

15 best sensory toys for babies and toddlers? ›

Things like rattles and other grabbing toys, balls, activity gyms and board books provide a rich sensory experience and are also great for encouraging developmental milestones during your baby's first six months. Montessori toys are especially great for this.

What are the best sensory toys for newborns? ›

Things like rattles and other grabbing toys, balls, activity gyms and board books provide a rich sensory experience and are also great for encouraging developmental milestones during your baby's first six months. Montessori toys are especially great for this.

What are 3 toys that are appropriate for babies? ›

Birth to 9 months:
  • Sensory-rich toys like mobiles, rattles, and teethers.
  • Pop-up toys (like baby-friendly jack-in-the-boxes) and busy boxes.
  • Early pretend play toys like baby-safe rolling vehicles and dolls.
  • Simple musical instruments (like maracas, drums, or xylophones).
  • Board books like Please Mr.
Nov 7, 2019

What is best for baby sensory? ›

Newborns can benefit from night light projectors and playlists of music, hearing you talk to them and sing to them and the feeling of clothing of different textures, for example. As they grow older, the sensory toys and play mature to meet their developmental stage.

What toys should 1 year old have? ›

Your 1-year-old will benefit tremendously from having a baby doll or human-inspired stuffed animal to tenderly care for. At this age, a soft (machine-washable!) doll is best, and one that has simple accessories like pretend diapers and a plastic bottle, is even better.

Is too much sensory bad for baby? ›

Babies who experience sensory overload may repeatedly create an over-action of the stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline. This exposure can cause babies to become hypersensitive and hyper-reactive to their environments.

What age should you start Baby Sensory? ›

Baby Sensory is designed for babies' birth to 13 months and the youngest baby to come along to the Chelmsford District classes has been 3 days old! The average age for babies to start the classes is 2-8 weeks of age. The earlier you start Baby Sensory the quicker they will gain new skills learnt from Baby Sensory.

When should you start sensory play with babies? ›

“What age should you start sensory play?” In general, most children will be able to start engaging in sensory play from around 6 months old.

What is a perfect gift for a 2 year old? ›

Our favorite birthday and holiday gift ideas for 2-year-olds
  • Indoor climber and slide. ...
  • Hoop set. ...
  • Balance beam. ...
  • Child-size sink. ...
  • Child-size cleaning tools. ...
  • The Helper Play Kit. ...
  • The Enthusiast Play Kit. ...
  • The Investigator Play Kit.

How to choose toys for babies? ›

Also, make sure it doesn't have:
  1. sharp ends or small parts like eyes, wheels, or buttons that can be pulled loose.
  2. small ends that can extend into the back of a baby's mouth.
  3. strings longer than 7 inches (18 centimeters)
  4. parts that could become pinch points for small fingers.

What is the most appropriate toy for a toddler? ›

Choose toys that can be used in a variety of ways.

For example, wooden blocks or chunky plastic interlocking blocks can be used to make a road, a zoo, a bridge, or a spaceship. Toys like this spark their imagination and help them develop problem-solving and logical thinking skills.

What toys do you get for babies? ›

What to look for in toys. Although her vision may not yet be fully developed, your newborn will have developed hearing from the moment she is born. Newborns enjoy sounds, and toys such as wind chimes, rattles, and musical mobiles are wonderful for stimulating their sense of hearing.

Which toy would be most appropriate for a 3 month old infant? ›

Great toys for 3-month-old babies include teethers, bouncers, tummy time mats, rattles, and small musical toys.

What type of toys should a 3 month old have? ›

1 The best toys for 3-month-olds are those that can be used for tummy time to promote strengthening and motor development, for mirror play to encourage visual skills and enhance exploration, and toys that help caregivers engage with them by talking, reading, and singing to promote cognitive and intellectual development ...

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