Toy Suggestions
Beginner floor play & tummy time.
Expected Age Range: 0-1 month, or so.
High Contrast Art Cards
High contrast images that newborns just can’t resist. My go to for beginning to explore visual tracking skills.
Rattle & Crinkle Toy
This rattle hits the mark in so many ways. It’s cute, makes a nice rattle sound and has built in crinkle. The rings offer a variety of textures, are the perfect width for tiny hands to grasp, and are suitable for teething.
An Exercise Ball
If you don’t already have an exercise ball from pregnancy, it could be worthwhile having one for the newborn phase and modified tummy time.This is the one I have. Bonus points because it can be used for years after your baby is grown — for you know… exercise.
Baby Carrier Front Only
This baby carrier is designed for babies 0-15 months. Ergonomically designed for wearing on your chest only. Baby facing in until 6 months, and out after that.
Yoga Mat
An extra thick yoga mat like this one is a great alternative to a kids play mat. It’s prefect for all stages of floor play. It is portable and easy to clean.
Play Mat
The Mono play mat has a nice firmness, is foldable, and large (measuring 79 inch x 45 inch). It is made of non-toxic foam and can easily be wiped clean. A mat like this can be used long into childhood.
Baby Play Gym
Things to look for with a play gym: the toys that dangle overhead can be removed to play with on the floor, interesting patterns on the fabric for your baby to look at, and the overhead component is removable.
Boppy Pillow
The Boppy is a positioning pillow that can be used for support during feeding. It’s also handy for giving your baby a boost with modified tummy time. And in a few months, they can use it to practice sitting.
Pack ‘n’ Play
This is basically a portable crib. But oh-so much more. You really can skip the loungers, swings, seats, docs a tots, you-name-it-container and just use a pack ‘n’ play from day one. It allows your baby to move freely and it’s the perfect alternative to the floor if you have dogs or older children running around.
Baby Carrier Front & Back
This baby carrier is designed for children 0-3 years. Ergonomically designed for wearing on your chest OR back. For baby facing in or out.
Play Mat
This play mat is a splurge, no question. But, it has the perfect amount of softness and squish, without being too soft for your baby to move around. Measuring 40x40” with a washable cover, it’s the ultimate for tummy time. And it can be used in a reading corner when your baby is older.
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When you shop using the links above, Physical Therapy for Infants earns a very small portion of what you spend at no additional cost to you.
When curating a list of toys, I create a list of toys that I love first, and then I look to see if affiliate links are available for those items. Not the other way around. This way, I make sure I am recommending the items that I use and love.
The additional income from these affiliate links helps me be able to continue to put the hours in to create educational content that is free for families that cannot invest in paid materials.
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Sustainability and mindful consumption are a big value of mine. I know that providing for and supporting a developing baby can bring a flood of new items into your home, many of which are essential. And while toys are tools for learning, discovery, and meaningful movement, I encourage you to be mindful in selecting the toys that are right for your family. My toy recommendation lists might seem on the shorter side, even a little bare, and that is intentional.
I encourage you to consider looking for some of these toys second-hand before purchasing new. If you decide to purchase new, using the Amazon affiliate links above, please consider using the AmazonSmiles program to give back.
I try to select toys that can be used for open ended play, which prolongs the lifespan of the use. If your family outgrows their toys, that’s a great time to donate them so they can benefit another child.