Toys for Babies

At what age does it make sense to buy infant toys? Babies will often begin to reach for toys and other items at around four months. At approximately six to seven months, they can transfer items from hand to hand. At nine months, babies will often begin to pick up items.

The first months of a child's life go by so fast. You can be sure you won’t miss a minute of your kid’s playtime by using a baby monitor. Consider a monitor with two cameras so you can keep an eye on both the playroom and the nursery/crib area. If the monitor you choose requires household batteries, don’t forget to pick up some extras. While you’re contemplating the ways to keep your child secure, consider a baby chair, playpen or baby carrier. This might also be a good time to think about a baby food maker, since many children are ready for solid foods at around 6 months of age.

As children progress and begin managing their motor skills, the options for toys broaden dramatically. It’s at this point many children begin holding, stacking, dropping and manipulating items as they crawl and begin to walk. As kids explore and discover on their own, they are better equipped to play independently. Toddler toys like blocks, toy cars and trucks, and learning toys can all be great options.

As your children get older, they will develop their senses of curiosity and wonder. This is triggered in part by their increased activity and the ability to push, climb and ride. Many kids begin pretend play at around 18 to 24 months, as they become more and more aware of colors and shapes, along with how things work and how items can be used. These experiences often lay the groundwork for interacting with others and playing in preschool environments. 

Additionally, STEM toys can make great gifts for the younger set, as they’re designed to encourage skills development in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math. For some, this stage will be the right time to start incorporating a portable DVD player and carefully selected children’s movies for entertainment both at home and while traveling. Be sure to check out our tips and ideas for other great ways to keep your kids happy travelling.

At all stages of development, you’ll want to select baby toys that are nontoxic and don’t pose choking hazards, and then follow manufacturer’s guidelines. You’ll want to look for toys with an age rating matching not just the age, but also your child's maturity and temperament. In every product description for toys on the Best Buy website, you’ll find a detailed suggested age range.