Sensory toys are incredible tools that help our babies explore the world around them while stimulating their senses—sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell.
But with so many toys out there, it can be tough to figure out which ones are truly beneficial for our babies, the ones that are designed to enhance and facilitate their sensory development.
In this guide, I’ll share some of the best sensory toys I’ve come across that not only keep our little ones entertained but also help them develop those all-important early skills.
Why Sensory Toys Matter
Before we dive into the top picks, let’s talk about why sensory toys are so important during infancy.
I’ve seen firsthand how sensory play has such a significant impact on a child’s development.
Engaging multiple senses at once helps build those neural connections that are essential for everything from cognitive growth to motor skills and social development.
Our babies are naturally curious, and they’re constantly trying to make sense of the world around them.
Sensory toys provide a safe and engaging way for them to do just that.
These toys are great for helping with hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills, and even early language development.
Plus, they provide us with a chance to bond with our babies during playtime, which is always a win in my book.
Top 7 Sensory Toys for Infants
Here are 7 of the best sensory toys that I’ve found to be super engaging and supportive of our babies’ development.
1. Soft Cloth Books
Soft cloth books have been a huge hit in our house.
They’re usually made from different fabrics, and they feature a variety of textures, crinkly pages, and bright colors that really grab our baby’s attention.
The mix of textures is great for tactile exploration, and the vibrant colors and simple illustrations help with visual development.
Some cloth books even have squeakers, mirrors, or teething elements, which add even more sensory engagement.
We love the Lamaze Peek-a-Boo Forest in particular. The crinkly flaps and interactive features make storytime so much more engaging for our little one.
Why It’s Great:
- Stimulates tactile and visual senses
- Introduces basic language skills
- Safe for chewing and easy to clean
2. Rattles and Shakers
Rattles are such a classic toy, and for good reason.
The sound of a rattle can instantly capture a baby’s attention, and shaking the toy helps them develop hand-eye coordination and understand cause and effect.
We’ve tried a few different rattles, but the Fisher-Price Rattle ‘n Rock Maracas has been a favorite.
They combine soft fabric with plastic handles and a gentle rattle sound. It’s the perfect blend of tactile and auditory stimulation.
Why It’s Great:
- Encourages auditory and tactile exploration
- Promotes motor skills development
- Lightweight and easy for small hands to hold
3. Teething Toys
Teething toys have been a lifesaver for us, especially during those rough teething phases.
They offer relief for sore gums and provide a great sensory experience with their different textures.
I always look for teethers made from safe, non-toxic materials that are easy for our baby to grip and chew.
The Nuby Ice Gel Teether Keys have been a big hit in our house. They have multiple textures, and you can cool them in the fridge for added relief.
The different shapes and soft surfaces are perfect for our baby to explore with their hands and mouth.
Why It’s Great:
- Provides tactile stimulation
- Soothes sore gums
- Easy to grasp and chew
4. Sensory Balls
Sensory balls are so versatile and fun.
They come in different sizes, textures, and colors, and can be used in a variety of ways, from rolling to squeezing.
We’ve found that sensory balls are great for helping improve fine motor skills, and hand-eye coordination, and even encouraging early crawling.
The Infantino Textured Multi Ball Set has been our go-to.
The balls have different textures and colors, and they’re soft enough for our baby to hold and chew on safely.
They’ve definitely kept our little one engaged and happy.
Why It’s Great:
- Enhances tactile and visual senses
- Promotes motor skills and early physical activity
- Safe and durable
5. Tummy Time Mats
Tummy time has been a crucial part of our baby’s physical development, and a sensory-rich tummy time mat has made this activity so much more enjoyable.
These mats often have various textures, sounds, and visual elements to keep babies engaged while they strengthen their neck and shoulder muscles.
We’ve been using the Fisher-Price Deluxe Kick & Play Piano Gym, and it’s been amazing.
It’s a soft play mat with a detachable piano that responds to our baby’s kicks with music and lights.
Plus, it has hanging toys and a mirror, so there’s always something to keep our baby interested.
Why It’s Great:
- Encourages physical and sensory development
- Promotes motor skills and muscle strength
- Multi-functional with long-term use
6. Tummy Time Floor Mirrors
I can’t tell you how much our baby loves mirrors.
They’re fascinated by their reflection, and it’s a wonderful way to help with visual tracking, self-recognition, and social development.
Mirrors also encourage tummy time, which is a nice bonus.
We’ve been using the Sassy Tummy Time Floor Mirror, and it’s been great.
It has bold colors, attached toys, and a sturdy design that makes it safe for our baby to explore.
Why It’s Great:
- Stimulates visual and social senses
- Encourages tummy time
- Safe and engaging design
7. Musical Toys
Music has always been a big part of our household, so naturally, we wanted to introduce it to our baby early on.
Musical toys that play gentle melodies or nature sounds are a fantastic way to soothe our babies and introduce them to the world of sound.
Many of these toys also have lights or moving parts, which adds a visual element to the auditory experience.
The Baby Einstein Take Along Tunes Musical Toy has been a favorite.
It plays a variety of classical melodies and has colorful lights that dance to the rhythm.
It’s also small enough to bring along on car rides or outings, which is super convenient.
Why It’s Great:
- Engages auditory and visual senses
- Portable and easy to use
- Introduces music appreciation
Tips for Choosing Sensory Toys
Here are a few things I’ve learned about choosing sensory toys:
Safety First
Always go for toys made from non-toxic, BPA-free materials. Check for choking hazards, especially with smaller toys.
Age Appropriateness
Make sure the toy is suitable for your baby’s age and developmental stage. Manufacturers usually provide age recommendations on packaging.
Multi-Sensory Engagement
Look for toys that stimulate more than one sense at a time. A toy that makes noise, has different textures, and is visually appealing is a big win.
Ease of Cleaning
Babies love to explore with their mouths, so it’s important to choose toys that are easy to clean and sanitize.
Conclusion
Choosing the right sensory toys for our infants doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
The key is to find toys that are safe, engaging, and developmentally appropriate.
The options I’ve shared above have been great for our family—they’re not only entertaining but also designed to support our baby’s growth holistically.
By incorporating these toys into your baby’s playtime, you’re helping set the stage for a lifetime of learning and exploration.
Every baby is unique, so it’s important to observe how your little one interacts with different toys and see what they enjoy most.
In the end, the best sensory toy is one that makes your baby smile and helps them discover the world around them.