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Choosing the right toys for your newborn can feel overwhelming. As a parent, you want toys that are not only safe but also encourage your baby’s development during those precious first six months. From sensory rattles to soft musical soothers, the best baby toys spark curiosity, strengthen early skills, and offer comfort during fussy moments.
In this guide, I’ve tested and reviewed some of the best baby toys for newborns to 6 month olds. You’ll find my top picks, detailed insights, and practical tips on choosing the safest and most engaging options for your little one. According to the NHS, interactive play and sensory experiences are key to supporting early learning and bonding during infancy (NHS Baby Play Advice).
Whether you’re looking for a toy to soothe, stimulate, or travel with, this guide will help you make confident choices that keep your baby happy and thriving.
Top Picks Comparison Table
| Product Name | Key Features | Price Range | Why I Recommend It |
| Sweet Dreamers – Rechargeable Ewan Deluxe | Plush sleep aid, soothing sounds, night light | £40–£50 | Perfect for bedtime; helps babies settle quickly |
| LAMAZE Freddie The Firefly – Clip on Pram | Textured wings, mirror, teether | £15–£20 | Ideal for sensory development and travel |
| Playgro Horse Soft Baby Toy | Multi texture plush, rattle, crinkle sounds | £10–£15 | Great first toy for tummy time |
| Sirecal Baby Musical Sensory Toy – Caterpillar | Light up buttons, melodies, soft textures | £20–£25 | Keeps babies engaged with sound and touch |
| Taf Toys Newborn Kit | Includes rattle, book, and soft toy set | £25–£30 | All in one starter kit for new parents |
| PeekaPets Bunny | Peek a boo motion, gentle lullaby | £30–£35 | Encourages visual tracking and giggles |
| Lamaze My Friend Jasmine | Crinkle skirt, mirror, soft textures | £15–£20 | Great for sensory exploration |
| Sophie la girafe Teether with Soft Rattle | Natural rubber teether, gentle rattle | £20–£25 | Trusted classic for teething relief |
| Taf Toys Savannah Tummy Time Book | Double sided textures, high contrast patterns | £15–£18 | Perfect for encouraging tummy time |
| Akolik Teething Toys for Baby | Food grade silicone teethers | £10–£12 | Safe and effective for soothing sore gums |
| VTech 3 in 1 Starry Skies Sheep Soother | Projector, white noise, lullabies | £40–£45 | Excellent multi purpose sleep aid |
| Manhattan Toy Baby Whoozit | High contrast colours, rattles, squeakers | £18–£22 | Boosts visual and auditory stimulation |
| VTech 4 in 1 Tummy Time Fawn | Converts from playmat to sit up toy | £50–£60 | Grows with your baby |
| VTech Calming Purrs Kitten | Soft plush, white noise, motion sensor | £35–£40 | Great for soothing fussy babies |
How I Picked These
When testing these toys, I focused on safety, development value, quality, and real life use. Every toy on this list meets UK safety standards (EN71 certified) and supports different stages of sensory and motor development.
As a parent, I also considered practical details, like how easy a toy is to clean, whether it’s travel friendly, and if it genuinely keeps babies entertained without overstimulation.
Parent Tip: Choose a few versatile toys rather than overloading your baby with options. Babies engage more when they can explore one toy deeply at a time.
Best Baby Toys
Sweet Dreamers – Rechargeable Ewan Deluxe
This soft, sleepy lamb helps babies settle with real womb sounds, gentle lullabies, and a warm pink glow. It’s rechargeable, easy to clean, and designed for peaceful nights. A lovely companion that turns bedtime into a calmer, more comforting routine for both baby and parent.
Pros:
- Soothing sounds and light
- Rechargeable via USB
- Machine washable
Cons:
- Slightly bulky for travel
Best for: Bedtime routines. This one was a lifesaver for settling our little one after midnight feeds.
LAMAZE Freddie The Firefly – Clip on Pram
Freddie is a cheerful, colourful firefly that keeps babies entertained while out and about. With crinkly wings, a mirror, and a soft teether, it’s perfect for sensory play. Easy to clip onto prams or car seats, it’s a travel favourite that always keeps little hands busy.
Pros:
- Great for sensory play
- Portable and lightweight
- Multiple textures
Cons:
- Fabric may fade over time
Best for: Travel and walks. Freddie kept our baby engaged during long stroller rides.
Playgro Horse Soft Baby Toy
This bright, plush horse encourages early exploration through gentle rattles and crinkly sounds. It’s soft, lightweight, and easy for small hands to grab. Perfect for tummy time or playtime, it helps babies strengthen coordination while discovering textures and sounds in a fun, simple way.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Light and easy to hold
- Multi textured
Cons:
- Not machine washable
Best for: Early play. This toy encouraged reaching and grasping in our little one.
Sirecal Baby Musical Sensory Toy – Caterpillar
A cuddly caterpillar that lights up and plays gentle melodies to keep babies fascinated. The mix of lights, sounds, and textures supports sensory growth while providing endless fun. It’s soft, engaging, and just the right size for curious hands exploring the world.
Pros:
- Stimulating sounds and lights
- Soft and cuddly
- Encourages sensory play
Cons:
- Battery operated only
Best for: Sensory development. The lights and melodies kept our baby captivated during playtime.
Taf Toys Newborn Kit
A thoughtful starter set with a plush toy, rattle, and soft book , perfect for introducing newborns to touch and sound. Each piece is light, safe, and easy to handle. It’s a great early play kit for those first months of discovery and bonding.
Pros:
- Good value set
- Variety of toys in one kit
- Easy to handle for newborns
Cons:
- Mirror toy could be larger
Best for: Newborn sensory play. The set was ideal for our first few months of interactive play.
PeekaPets Bunny
A cute bunny that plays peek a boo and soothing lullabies while encouraging babies to watch, laugh, and engage. Its soft, cuddly design makes it comforting and interactive at the same time. A charming pick for playful bonding before naps or bedtime routines.
Pros:
- Interactive and engaging
- Soft and cuddly
- Encourages early visual skills
Cons:
- Battery required for functions
Best for: Visual tracking. Our baby loved watching the peek a boo motions and giggling.
Lamaze My Friend Jasmine
Jasmine is a soft doll bursting with colours, crinkles, and fun textures. She encourages babies to explore with their hands and eyes, developing sensory awareness. Machine washable and easy to love, she’s a gentle introduction to imaginative play and tactile discovery.
Pros:
- Machine washable
- Vibrant and colourful
- Multiple textures for sensory play
Cons:
- Not suitable for teething
Best for: Sensory exploration. Jasmine encouraged gentle interaction and curiosity in our little one.
Sophie la girafe Teether with Soft Rattle
A classic teething companion made from natural rubber. Sophie’s gentle texture soothes sore gums, while the soft rattle keeps babies entertained. Safe, simple, and loved for generations, it’s a reliable choice that makes teething easier and playtime more enjoyable.
Pros:
- Safe and BPA free
- Soothes teething discomfort
- Trusted classic design
Cons:
- Needs proper drying to prevent mould
Best for: Teething relief. Sophie helped our baby during teething without fuss.
Taf Toys Savannah Tummy Time Book
A soft, double sided fabric book filled with high contrast patterns, textures, and crinkly pages. It keeps babies interested during tummy time while helping develop vision and motor control. Lightweight and washable, it turns daily tummy time into a fun, interactive experience.
Pros:
- Washable
- Lightweight and portable
- Encourages motor development
Cons:
- Limited sound variety
Best for: Tummy time. This book made tummy time more enjoyable and helped strengthen neck muscles.
Akolik Teething Toys for Baby
These silicone teethers are soft, safe, and easy for little hands to hold. They’re great for soothing sore gums and encouraging oral development. Dishwasher safe and travel friendly, they’re the kind of simple, practical toys that make teething days a little easier.
Pros:
- BPA free and safe
- Dishwasher safe
- Lightweight and easy to hold
Cons:
- Small for older babies
Best for: Teething comfort. These teethers became our go to for on the go soothing.
VTech 3 in 1 Starry Skies Sheep Soother
This plush sheep projects soft stars on the ceiling and plays lullabies and white noise. It creates a calm space for babies to drift off to sleep. Adjustable lights and volume make it easy to tailor bedtime to your baby’s comfort.
Pros:
- Multi functional
- Adjustable sound and light
- Soothing for sleep
Cons:
- Not portable
Best for: Bedtime routines. Our baby relaxed quickly with the starry projections and lullabies.
Manhattan Toy Baby Whoozit
A quirky, colourful toy that’s packed with textures, rattles, and squeaky sounds. It’s great for stimulating vision and touch while encouraging curiosity. Babies love exploring every part of it, and it’s sturdy enough to handle all the tugging and chewing that comes its way.
Pros:
- High contrast colours
- Multi sensory engagement
- Durable
Cons:
- Slightly large for newborns
Best for: Sensory stimulation. This toy kept our little one entertained and curious for longer play sessions.
VTech 4 in 1 Tummy Time Fawn
This clever toy grows alongside your baby , from tummy time to sitting and playing. It lights up, plays sounds, and encourages movement through interactive play. Though a bit bulky, it offers months of fun and supports every stage of early development.
Pros:
- Long term usability
- Multiple play functions
- Encourages motor skills
Cons:
- Bulky to store
Best for: Growing milestones. It adapted to our baby’s changing abilities and kept playtime fresh.
VTech Calming Purrs Kitten
A super soft kitten that purrs, plays soothing sounds, and responds to motion. It’s wonderful for cuddles and comfort, especially before sleep. The gentle noises and plush texture help little ones relax, making it a perfect companion for peaceful nap times.
Pros:
- Motion activated
- Soft and cuddly
- Calming sounds
Cons:
- Requires batteries
Best for: Soothing and bonding. The kitten was perfect for cuddles and calming fussy moments.
Safety & Play Tips
Always supervise play, even with newborn safe toys. The NHS recommends choosing toys appropriate for your baby’s age and avoiding anything with loose parts or strings (NHS Baby Safety Advice).
Encourage tummy time daily, it supports motor development and helps strengthen your baby’s neck and shoulder muscles.
Expert Tip: Use high contrast toys during the first three months, babies see black, white, and red best at this stage.
FAQs
What type of toys are best for a newborn?
Soft rattles, high contrast books, and musical soothers are best for newborns as they support early sensory and visual development.
Are teethers safe for 3 month old babies?
Yes, as long as they’re made from BPA free silicone or natural rubber and are easy to clean.
How many toys should I buy for a 6 month old?
A few quality toys (around 5–6) that cover sound, texture, and motion are enough. Variety is more important than quantity.
Are electronic toys good for babies?
Moderation is key. Simple sound or light features are fine, but avoid overstimulation, babies need quiet play too.
5. When should tummy time start?
You can begin as early as two weeks, for short periods, always on a firm, flat surface.
Conclusion
Each toy in this list brings something unique to your baby’s first six months whether it’s soothing melodies, sensory discovery, or teething relief.
If you want a toy that truly does it all, my top recommendation is the Sirecal Baby Musical Sensory Toy – Caterpillar. This adorable caterpillar lights up, plays calming tunes, and offers a mix of textures that encourage sensory development. It’s soft, safe, and perfectly designed for little hands learning to explore the world.
Choosing the right toy can sometimes feel overwhelming, but I hope this guide makes it easier and adds more joy to your baby’s early playtime moments.
