The Best Wooden Toys for Babies
Based on Age and Development and Why they Work
Spinning Rainbow Drum
Simple and sturdy in construction, this “drum” provides multiple opportunities for sensory input for a young child. It builds hand-eye coordination as a baby reaches for and spins it. Each segment, made of a different material, stimulates their sense of touch, providing tactile input. And as the colors change as the drum spins, the baby experiences visual stimulation. This toy can be used to make tummy time more exciting or for babies old enough to sit up.
Hape Musical Wobbler
This exciting roly-poly toy can be batted at without falling over. It’s perfect for tummy time to help build core strength or for slightly older babies who are already sitting up. Both positions work to build body strength and improve hand-eye coordination. As the penguin wobbles, its arms flap creating a pleasant tinkling bell sound, and these movements and sounds help inform an understanding of cause and effect.
Object Permanence Box
Learning object permanence, or the ability to recognize that a hidden item is still there, is a skill that starts to develop in a baby’s first year of life. This wooden toy, inspired by Montessori philosophy, also builds hand-eye coordination and basic logic skills in young children.
Skwish Grasping Toy by Manhattan Toy
This multi-sensory toy encourages many skills in young babies, from the gross motor planning of reaching for a toy in the distance to the fine motor skill of grasping and passing a toy from hand to hand. These foundational skills are the precursor to skills such as holding a crayon, feeding oneself, and walking. In addition, the built-in rattle helps to teach cause and effect; think “The toy is moving, I hear a sound!”
My First Peekaboo Puzzle
This first puzzle’s large wooden knob is perfect for allowing a baby to build hand-eye coordination and feel the success of pulling the large circle piece out of the puzzle then placing it back in. And even though the child will not know they are looking at their own reflection, the reward of seeing a tiny, moving human on the other end is thrilling.
PlanToys Rainbow Rolling Bell
Young babies learn how to control their motor functions through play and exploration. This sustainably crafted bell creates a soothing, quiet sound when moved, providing the baby an opportunity to begin to draw associations between the sound they hear and the object they moved.
Wooden Egg Shakers by Shumee Toys
A few months after birth, babies will begin tracking sounds. As an adult gently shakes the eggs their soft sounds help the baby to follow the sounds. As the baby grows, they will grasp the eggs on their own (holding a rounded object is an accomplishment in itself) and be thrilled by the ability to create sound on their own.
Lovevery Play Gym
This stage-based developmental activity mat and play gym grows with a baby from birth through age 1. The mat is divided into distinct “developmental zones” to promote cognitive, sensory, visual, and motor development. This thoughtfully designed toy allows an adult to conceal various areas of the mat during play to prevent overstimulation and encourage focus. As with all Lovevery products, it includes a thorough guide for an adult to facilitate play using the mat.
Organic Wooden Push Cars
These all-natural wooden constructed cars can be easily grasped by small hands as they are pushed, carried, or pulled around a room during tummy time, while sitting, or even dragged around while crawling or starting to walk. Classic design; hours of fun.
Little Balance Box Baby Walker and Push Toy
The Little Balance Box is a wonderful tool to facilitate a baby’s transition from sitting to standing. It safely harnesses their desire to walk without the use of wheels. (Wheels can cause a baby to move faster than their tiny bodies are ready for.) The spring-loaded feet sets babies up for success, allowing them to safely push and pull the toy across the floor while practicing the important skill of walking. Added bonus, its clear surface is a perfect work space for a toddler who would like a table of their own.
