When Can Babies Start Playing With Toys?
I remember writing my baby shower wish list and thinking “I don’t need toys! I’m having a baby, not a toddler!” But goodness me, if I’d known how quickly these little ones become interactive, engaged and need entertainment, I would have absolutely jumped at the chance to have a few boxes of baby toy goodies stashed away.
>>One of the best gifts we were given for our baby was by our best friends who were already parents (they’re always the best gifts because they’re the ‘you’ll thank me later!’ type of gift that only first-hand experience can bring you!).
It was a package of essentials including Calpol, teething gels and powders and nappy rash cream. When we first opened it we thought how handy! But at 11 pm when my 3-month-old was inconsolable because he was cutting his first tooth, having that stash of products hidden away in the nursery was a total godsend.
So that’s why I made it my mission with Joyful Jellybean to provide gifts that can be used time and time again at those moments when you’re really in need. Apart from opening my own pharmacy, keeping my baby entertained was my next biggest challenge. So if I could ensure at least one other parent had a box of goodies hidden away for that day when their baby wakes from a nap and suddenly needs full-time entertainment (like mine did!), then I’ve certainly done my job!
It’s easy to think it’ll take a while for babies to begin playing with toys but your little one will get so much from you incorporating playtime into your days from the moment they’re born.
>>Don’t worry, I’m not about to suggest popping a newborn in the swing at the park!<<
But playtime for newborns can be anything from singing them your favourite song as they lay in your arms, to brushing their hands along different textures - imagine feeling something fluffy for the first time, what a day! to talking them through the world around them.
The world of play opens up significantly for babies as they grow, and understanding when they can start playing with toys is essential for their development.
>>From birth, babies are ready for sensory play, which includes soft toys with different textures and gentle sounds. Around 3 months old, they begin to grasp toys, making rattles and soft, colourful objects ideal. As they approach 4 to 6 months, babies can sit with support and enjoy more interactive toys, like teething rings, squeeze toys, and anything they can reach and grab.
It was around this stage that I was getting so fed up with what was on offer. Pre-6 months old I was either being offered cuddly toys or the same toy I’d seen on every other buggy. Post-6 months I was suddenly seeing bikes (?), water and sand tables (?) and drawing equipment in the categories I was shopping in. Yes, I was tired from my son still waking 8+ times a night, but had I really clicked 6 months or 6 years? It just felt insane that I couldn’t find toys that he could enjoy from newborn to toddlerhood.
From 6 to 9 months, as their dexterity and coordination improve, babies can play with more sophisticated toys. They enjoy toys that make sounds when manipulated, soft stacking blocks, and anything that can be transferred from one hand to another. This age is also perfect for introducing cause-and-effect toys, which help develop cognitive skills.
By the time they're 9 to 12 months old, babies are usually crawling and possibly taking their first steps. Toys that encourage movement, like push toys or balls, are excellent. Simple puzzles, building blocks, and toys that mimic everyday objects (like phones or remote controls) can be both entertaining and educational.
Remember, each baby develops at their own pace, so it's important to choose toys that match their current stage of development and interests. Being armed with a box of toys that you know your newborn can enjoy all the way up to toddlerhood will ensure you always have the tools necessary to keep them busy!
Safety is paramount, so always opt for age-appropriate toys that are free from small parts or hazardous materials and please, if you do shop from any marketplaces (you know the ones, don’t make me say the names!) check that the toys are CE certified so you know for absolute fact that nothing toxic or harmful has been used in their composition.
Playtime is not just fun; it's a critical part of a baby's learning and development, so invest in it wisely and you’ll both have the best times together.
Checkout the Joyful Jellybean baby toys today!
