Best toys and activity equipment for babies
Toys are an integral part of a child’s formative years. They come in various shapes and sizes and are designed to boost a kid’s cognitive, social, and emotional abilities. A toy also serves as a pastime for babies. It keeps them busy in play while parents can take a break to complete other tasks. Below, we’ve listed a few popular baby toys and activity equipment for both boys and girls.
Manhattan Toy’s Swish Classic Rattle and Teether Toy
The market is filled with different types of baby playthings, but there’s perhaps nothing like this rattle cum teether toy. It has many rattle beads colored red, blue, yellow, green, and orange, instantly grabbing a baby’s attention. These beads are strung together with durable elastic cords. The toy boosts a child’s grabbing and holding capability and improves gross motor skills. Every part of the rattle has a smooth finish, which makes it easy to be grabbed by little hands without causing injury. The rattle cum teether toy also has a lightweight wooden construction, so it’s perfect for carrying around.
Fisher-Price Linkimals – Lights & Colors Llama
This llama-shaped toy is suitable for babies above nine months. It introduces little one’s to the world of colors and music and makes a fun activity out of stacking. The toy comprises three colorful rings, which the child can move up or down a rod attached to the llama’s back. While being used, the toy displays lights that make the baby aware of various colors. Holding and placing the colored rings improves dexterity and hand-eye coordination.
VTech Sit-to-Stand Learning Walker
Parents wanting to buy play equipment for babies should look no further than this walker by VTech. The sit-to-stand learning walker is designed for babies nine months and above. It develops gross motor skills and turns a little one from a crawler to a walker. More than 70 songs, phrases, as well as sound effects help babies learn faster with lots of fun. The walker has a detachable activity panel, making it easy to dismantle and store in a bag so babies can have fun while traveling too.
VTech Busy Learners Activity Cube
Babies who have crossed the six-month mark and can sit and crawl will love this activity cube. It has five sides and multiple light-up buttons that introduce the baby to shapes, sounds, names of animals, instrument names, and more. Further, it includes 25 playful songs to keep little ones engaged. The interactive activity helps children develop fine motor skills and cognitive abilities. This toy makes fun sounds even when subjected to any movement, which kids might find interesting.
Fisher-Price Deluxe Kick & Play Piano Gym
Any list of baby toys and activity equipment would remain incomplete without a mention of this infant activity gym. This toy has many play activities in one place, making it versatile. The most attractive element is the removable large piano keyboard with lights and music. It makes the toy attractive and facilitates learning. Also attached is an arch with a self-discovery mirror, crinkle panda, BPA-free elephant teether, rattle lion, and monkey cymbal clackers that makes playtime more fun. The activity gym comes with a soft and thick mat that supports easy cleaning so that any mess by the little one is taken care of.
An important highlight of this piano gym is its Smart Stages™ technology, which allows parents to change the toy’s settings as the child grows. At level 1, the toy produces playful music with light effects that can stimulate the baby’s senses. Level 2 plays names and sounds of animals along with mini instrumental tunes to make children discover different animals. Level 3 plays songs as well as phrases that introduce different shapes, colors, and numbers. This three-level setting ensures parents don’t have to buy new toys as the baby grows. It’s an excellent pick for both baby boys and girls.
Sassy Development Bumpy Ball
Looking for easy-to-hold bumpy balls to develop a baby’s motor skills? The Sassy Bumpy Ball might be perfect. Meant for children above six months, it has different textures on different sides and uses materials that help boost tactile sense. The chunky-shaped bumps on the ball facilitate grasping, transferring, as well as reaching from one hand to the other. Moreover, the soft rattle sounds form neural connections in the brain of babies, and the bright colors and large patterns develop their vision. The ball is lightweight, making it easy to carry when traveling.
Besides home use, these toys can be purchased for baby activity centers. An activity center is a safe, secure space where babies can interact with different play equipment that develops their motor, cognitive, and other skills.
Parents might also want to invest in baby travel gear like strollers, car seats, and foldable bassinets. These gear help protect little ones and ensure they’re comfortable when moving from one place to another.