For newborns to three months, playtime is all about discovering the world around them through their senses. At this age, they’re just starting to develop their vision, hearing, touch, and motor skills. Here’s a guide to some wonderful toys that are perfect for their developmental stage:

👇Skip the Read and Shop the Toys👇

1. Black and White Contrast Cards

• Why They’re Great: Newborns can only see high-contrast colors (like black and white) during the first few months, so these cards are perfect for helping develop their vision.

• How to Use: Place the cards 8-12 inches from their face or lay them next to the baby during tummy time. Watch as they start to fix their gaze and track the images!

2. Soft Rattles

• Why They’re Great: Gentle sounds stimulate their hearing and can capture their attention, while holding a rattle encourages the first grasps and helps them start to feel textures.

• How to Use: Gently shake the rattle to one side of the baby’s head, and see if they turn to locate the sound. You can also place it in their hand and let them feel the shape and texture.

3. Tummy Time Mats

• Why They’re Great: Tummy time helps strengthen their neck, shoulder, and core muscles, preparing them for milestones like rolling over and crawling.

• How to Use: Lay them on the mat with different toys nearby to encourage lifting their head and looking around. Choose mats with high-contrast colors or textures to keep them interested.

4. Soft, Crinkly Cloth Books

• Why They’re Great: Cloth books with crinkly pages stimulate their sense of touch and hearing, while high-contrast images are great for their developing vision.

• How to Use: Lay the book open in front of them during tummy time, or gently crinkle the pages to catch their attention and help develop hand-eye coordination.

5. Soft Mirrors

• Why They’re Great: Babies love looking at faces, and soft mirrors are safe for them to explore their own reflection. This is a great way to start building self-awareness.

• How to Use: Prop a baby-safe mirror in front of them during tummy time. You’ll see them become fascinated with their own movements!

6. Sensory Balls

• Why They’re Great: Soft, squishy balls that are easy to grab are wonderful for introducing textures and early motor skills.

• How to Use: Place the ball near your baby and encourage them to reach for it. You can also gently roll the ball so they can practice tracking its movement.

7. Musical Mobiles

• Why They’re Great: Mobiles with gentle music and high-contrast elements provide auditory and visual stimulation, helping to soothe and engage them.

• How to Use: Position the mobile above the crib or play area, where they can see it moving. Musical mobiles can be very calming, so they’re great for winding down.

8. Grasping and Teething Rings

• Why They’re Great: Soft, silicone teething rings are perfect for tiny hands to practice gripping, and they offer soothing relief as babies begin exploring objects with their mouths.

• How to Use: Hand the ring to your baby or place it near them during playtime. The different textures help stimulate their sense of touch and build motor skills.

9. Textured Blankets or Loveys

• Why They’re Great: Soft, cozy blankets with different textures (like raised dots, smooth satin edges, or soft plush) offer gentle tactile stimulation.

• How to Use: Lay the blanket over the baby during supervised play or tummy time. Letting them feel different textures introduces them to new sensations and can become a comforting favorite.

10. Soft Activity Gyms with Hanging Toys

• Why They’re Great: Activity gyms encourage babies to reach out, bat, and kick, promoting their gross motor development and hand-eye coordination.

• How to Use: Place your baby under the gym, and watch as they begin to explore the hanging toys. The colors, textures, and movements encourage visual tracking and early arm and leg movements.

Each of these toys not only encourages sensory exploration but also supports early developmental milestones, including visual tracking, neck strength, and hand-eye coordination. Always supervise and keep interactions brief, as they’re still adjusting to all the sensory input around them. Enjoy watching your baby discover the world!