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Which Toys Actually Help a Baby Learn — by Age?
Which toys help a baby learn? Shared play first, then a few toys suited to their age. The age groups below are ideas, not deadlines. Always follow the individual product's age label and safety instructions. Health Canada explains why a toy that is safe for an older child may be dangerous for a younger one.
What helps a baby play from birth to 3 months?
The Canadian Paediatric Society suggests anything with a face on it, such as pictures or dolls, an unbreakable mirror and brightly coloured fabrics with different textures. The listing of the Merla Baby high-contrast cards shown here (four packs of 20) recommends them from birth.
High Contrast Baby Flash Card 4pks (0m+)
Keep loveys and other soft toys out of the sleep space; use them only during supervised awake time. INSPQ advises against stuffed toys in the baby's bed.
What suits a baby who starts grasping, around 3 to 6 months?
Once your baby starts grasping, a sturdy rattle gives them something to hold and shake. The Canadian Paediatric Society notes that rattles, shakers and chimes are better than toys with electronic sounds, as long as they are not too loud. INSPQ recommends rattles and teething rings large enough that they cannot get caught in the baby's throat, and advises avoiding soft vinyl (PVC) toys and rattles.
According to its listing, the 4 × 13 cm silicone rattle shown here is made of food-grade silicone, free of BPA, BPS, PVC and phthalates, and recommended from 3 months. Our guide to teethers and pacifier clips goes further.
Which toys fit cause-and-effect play from 6 to 12 months?
Nesting cups, large blocks, board books, shape sorters and a soft ball too big to fit in the mouth are among the Canadian Paediatric Society's suggestions for this age. Health Canada's test for small parts: if a toy or any part that comes off fits inside a toilet paper roll, it is too small for a child under 3.
What about first puzzles between 12 and 24 months?
If your toddler enjoys fitting and stacking, look for simple board puzzles, shape sorters or stacking toys labelled for their age; the Canadian Paediatric Society lists these among toys for the second year. A large-looking puzzle can still have small parts, and wood alone does not make a toy suitable.
The Merla Baby shapes puzzle shown here is made of basswood plywood and MDF, and its listing gives a recommended age of 18 months and up.
What changes from 2 or 3 years and up?
For pretend play, matching or building, choose each set by its own age label, even within one category.
With magnets, INSPQ advises not letting your child play with small magnets. Health Canada asks you to check magnetic toys regularly and throw them away if a magnet comes loose or a magnetic piece is small enough to swallow, and to keep products with loose, small, powerful magnets out of reach of children of all ages. If you think a child has swallowed a magnet, get medical attention immediately, even without symptoms.
Where do you find the age on our toy listings?
For online purchases, Health Canada recommends reading the full description for the recommended age, warnings and details about materials, batteries and magnets. On our site, the age is not always in the same place. Merla Baby puts it in the title of some products (the high-contrast cards: 0m+) and in the specifications of others (the shapes puzzle: 18 months and up). Many Bloom & Bounce listings give a starting age in the description, like the rattle above. Several teether and rattle listings from other brands state no age at all. If the age is missing or the photos don't show the parts clearly, ask before ordering; Health Canada advises avoiding toys with missing or unclear labels.
Frequently asked questions
What toys are best for a newborn?
Your face and voice come first; the Canadian Paediatric Society also suggests things with a face, an unbreakable mirror and brightly coloured fabrics. Check the age label on each product, even in a newborn section.
Do babies really need a lot of toys?
No. The Canadian Paediatric Society notes that play in the first year won't involve many toys. Reading, speaking and singing also create opportunities to learn; see our guide to books by age.
How do I choose a safe toy?
Follow its age label, inspect it for damage and keep small parts away from children under 3. Watch children closely while they play, but supervision does not make those parts suitable. Choose toys whose battery compartment is hard to open, such as a screw-closed one, and check regularly that it stays closed. If you suspect a child has swallowed a button battery, Health Canada says to seek emergency medical care immediately, without waiting for symptoms.
Are screens learning tools for babies?
Children develop at their own pace. If you have concerns about your child's development, speak with a health professional.