25 Best Baby Toys of 2025: From Rattles to Interactive Playmats

Sassy Wonder Wheel is a suction-mounted spinner that we found encourages reaching, tugging, and batting to strengthen hand-eye coordination while offering multiple textured surfaces for tactile exploration. During our review the suction cup stuck well to most high chair trays but sometimes needed a little help, and because it cannot be immersed in water you will need to spot-clean carefully. It is BPA-free and engaging for 6+ months, though its bulkier size can make it less convenient for busy diaper bags.

The Baby Einstein Sea Dreams Soother offers calming lights, ocean sounds, and gentle music with multiple modes and a handy remote that, in our testing, helped soothe fussy infants and create a predictable sleep routine. During our review we liked the customizable settings but found battery life to be a drawback—frequent replacements were needed with regular use—and a few units produced an alarming screech in reports, so check before relying on it overnight. It is BPA-free and suitable from 0 months, though volume can be high for sensitive sleepers.

Skwish Natural is a timeless wooden rattle and manipulative toy finished with non-toxic water-based coatings that our experience shows is safe for newborn play and encourages grasping and early motor skills. In our testing the flexible design provides satisfying bounce and visual interest, but the elastic ties do make surface cleaning trickier than solid wood toys and some parents raised concerns about impact safety if the toy is struck at odd angles. It is recommended from 0+ months and not machine washable, so plan for gentle care.

Fisher-Price Sing & Go Purple Monkey packs a lot of sensory fun into an attachable toy: in our testing the rich fabrics, satiny ribbons, high-contrast colors, clackers and a crinkle ear held babies' attention and the handy link made it easy to clip to a stroller or diaper bag. We found the included 2 AAA batteries are a nice convenience, though the built-in song is missing the bridge and some reviewers thought the toy felt larger than expected. For newborns this is a lively tactile option, but remember it’s not machine-washable so spot-clean carefully after outings.

Stim To Go by Wimmer is a lightweight, stroller- and car-seat-friendly sensory mobile that we found effective at capturing newborn attention with its high-contrast images and durable construction. In our testing the compact design made it easy to carry, but the clip can come off more easily than we’d like and the hanging discs sometimes tip sideways which reduces visibility. It’s perfect for 0–5 month-olds who need visual stimulation on the move, though don’t expect it to swing much unless you give it a spin—also note it isn’t washable.

My Little Artist Playset by Gund offers a charming collection of plush pieces with varied textures and sounds that our experience shows are great for early sensory exploration, and the whole set is machine-washable which makes cleanup easy. During our review we appreciated the gentle fabrics and sensory variety, but some parents noted the features feel a bit like pet toys and the set is smaller than expected which may affect perceived value. For newborns this soft, washable choice scores for tactile play—just don’t expect a large playset.

Oball Classic Ball is a classic starter toy that in our testing helped tiny hands learn to grasp thanks to 32 finger holes and bright, engaging colors. We found it’s lightweight and easy to carry around, making it a reliable first ball for rolling and tossing, but be cautious: a few reviewers reported sharp plastic edges that could bother little fingers. The BPA-free construction and washable design make it practical for everyday play, though a quick edge inspection is wise before handing it to a newborn.

Helping Hands Sensory Scoops are sturdy, brightly colored tools we recommend for older toddlers who enjoy digging and pouring in sand, rice, or water; during our review the large handles made scooping easy for small hands and helped build motor skills. Our experience shows the BPA-free construction holds up over frequent play and is washable for messy sensory sessions, but note the set is aimed at ages 3 and up so it does not suit infants. Some shoppers question necessity, but versatility wins points for sensory bins and outdoor play.

Skip Hop Farmstand Grow & Play Activity Gym packs a lot of interactive charm with soft, baby-safe fabrics and a farm-themed toy set that we found kept newborns engaged during tummy time and sensory exploration. In our testing the machine-washable mat was a huge convenience after spills, but the musical bunny has been reported to fail on some units and the padding feels thinner than expected on hard floors. Assembly is simple, yet storing the arches can be awkward when space is tight.

The Infantino Pop-Up Ball Pit is a cheerful, portable play space that our experience shows sets up and folds down quickly for living-room play or travel, and it comes with 50 colorful balls to jump right into. During play we noticed the base is unpadded so placing it on hard floors can be a bit uncomfortable, and some families felt the included balls did not fill the pit to their liking. The fabric shell is washable, but folding it back into its bag can take practice.

Sassy Bumpy Ball stands out with bold colors and varied tactile nubs that we found successfully engage babies learning to grasp and explore textures. During our review infants enjoyed rolling and squeezing it, which helps fine motor development, but parents should be aware of some reports questioning the toy's long-term durability and material safety. It is lightweight and easy for 6+ month olds to handle, though the non-washable fabric means you will need to spot-clean and inspect regularly.

The Fisher-Price Kick & Play Piano Gym is a great pick if you want a machine-washable mat plus a detachable piano for portable music time; during our review the washable surface made cleanup after messy playdays effortless. We found the piano detaches well for on-the-go use, but the mat can feel small as your baby grows and assembly is a bit fiddly if you're short on patience. Also be mindful that the piano’s highest volume is loud—so keep the volume low around sensitive sleepers—and the BPA-free materials give extra peace of mind.

Lamaze Mortimer the Moose is a multi-textured companion that in our testing engaged babies with sounds, varied fabrics and soft, teethable antlers that are genuinely soothing during teething spells. We found the clip-on design is handy for strollers and carriers, but be aware some units have a finicky squeaker and several reviewers wished the fabric were softer. It must be hand-washed rather than machine-washed, so factor in a bit more care—but for tactile exploration and teething relief it’s a practical pick from day one.

Bright Starts Winnie The Pooh Water Mat is a compact, travel-friendly tummy-time toy that we found helpful for encouraging early motor skills; the three floating fruit pieces add a simple interactive element for little hands. During our review the mat was great for high-chair play and short tummy sessions, but it’s not robust—puncture risk is real if handled roughly—and it’s not a long-term solution once babies need more challenging stimulation. The BPA-free design is convenient for young infants up to 12 months, just watch for vinyl sensitivity and avoid sharp objects.

Oball stands out for its flexible design and large finger holes that we found make gripping and passing easy for newborn hands, and the vibrant colors are great for visual development. In our testing the BPA-free material reassured us about safety, but several users reported occasional sharp edges so inspect your piece before play; also it isn’t suited to water immersion which limits deep cleaning. For early grasping and toss-and-catch practice this sensory-friendly ball works well—just check the finish and clean carefully.

pipSquigz Loops are a suction-and-sensory toy we found to be delightfully engaging for 6 months and up; in our testing babies loved the chewable loops and the soft, BPA-free material. The design encourages tactile exploration and sensory development, and because they're washable they survive spit-ups and sticky fingers. During our review we noticed the suction cup didn’t adhere to every surface, so expect it to work best on smooth counters or high-chair trays. Overall it’s an affordable, well-designed starter toy that holds attention during independent play.

The OSTTRPO Baby Teether Toys Set gives a classic, chemical-free option made from natural, untreated wood that our experience shows is delightfully smooth and easy for tiny hands to manipulate. In our testing the handmade craftsmanship eliminated rough edges, making them a solid choice for sensory play and motor-skill practice, though the wood is not washable and is harder to sanitize than silicone alternatives. Note the teether is firmer than gel options and customer reviews are sparse, so weigh the natural feel against convenience.

Nuby Ice Gel Teether Keys are a budget-friendly, BPA-free option that in our testing were easy for babies to grasp and provided quick cooling relief when chilled in the fridge. We found the keys soothe sensitive gums briefly, but the cooling effect fades relatively fast and the pieces cannot be sterilized, so cleaning options are limited. Smaller infants may struggle with the slightly bulky shape, yet for simple, cold-to-touch teething comfort these keys work well from about three months.

Sophie la Girafe Teether is a classic we recommend for newborns—our experience shows the 100% natural rubber and food-grade paint make it safe for chewing and easy for tiny hands to grip. We found the built-in squeaker adds auditory play, but in our testing the small hole can let water in so you’ll need careful hand-cleaning to avoid mold. During our review some customers reported paint fading over time, so treat it gently and keep it out of dishwashers. It's a trusted sensory teether from 0 months up.

VTech Turn and Learn Driver delivers an energetic, hands-on experience with a steering wheel, gear shifter, and three play modes—animal, driving, and music—that during our review kept little ones engaged and practicing motor skills. We found the rugged construction holds up to drops, but it runs on two AA batteries which means added costs over time, and its design is primarily intended for strollers and car seats so portability for other play situations is limited. Best used for 6–36 months, it's a compact interactive pick.

The Stroll & Discover Activity Walker is a versatile pick we found handy as babies learn to stand and walk, with a removable activity panel for floor play and adjustable two-speed control that grows with your child. In our testing the interactive panel kept little hands busy and encouraged motor skills, but the wheels lack strong braking and the walker can be too quick or slide on hard floors. During our review the phone attachment detached easily, so watch for loss. It's BPA-free and recommended for 9–36 months.

VTech Pop-a-Balls Bulldozer is an energetic, educational push toy our testing shows really motivates toddlers to move and practice coordination—colorful buttons introduce colors and numbers while motion sensors trigger cheerful sounds and melodies. We found it’s effective for motor-skill development during active play, but the handle felt a bit flimsy for some early walkers and balls can jam if incorrect sizes or too many are used. Volume is louder than expected even on lower settings, so be ready to manage sound. It's best for 12–36 months.

Fisher-Price Rattle 'n Rock Maracas are simple, effective rhythm toys we recommend for early motor-skill play; in our testing the soft ends helped prevent knocks and the lightweight design made them easy for tiny hands to grasp. We found the sound is quieter than expected, which might not engage every baby, and some parents thought the maracas were a bit large for newborns. For 3–12 months this BPA-free, washable option is an affordable way to introduce cause-and-effect and hand coordination—just gauge your baby’s size and sound sensitivity.

Cool Beats Penguin brings bright lights and interactive music to older babies, and during our review we liked that it teaches the alphabet, counting, shapes and opposites while encouraging movement and dancing. We found it’s engaging in active play sessions, but be prepared: some units may need frequent resets and the toy is heavier and firmer than plush alternatives. It requires four AA batteries (not included) and isn’t washable, so expect ongoing battery costs and spot-clean only care for a fun language-development device starting around nine months.

Baby Einstein Take Along Tunes is a travel-friendly music toy we found great for short car rides and stroller walks—its engaging melodies and lightweight build capture attention in our testing. During our review the durable construction held up well to drops, but we noticed the melody selection is limited and can become repetitive with daily use. The need for batteries means ongoing costs, and the lights and sounds might overwhelm some sensitive infants, so use it for brief, supervised play. Recommended for 3–36 months for sensory exploration.