Best Toys for 0-2 Year Old Babies (2026 Safe Options)

The first two years are the period when your baby develops most rapidly. Choosing the right toy supports both safety and development. In this comprehensive guide, we examine the most suitable toys according to monthly development.

Safety Comes First When Choosing Baby Toys

Toy Guide by Monthly Development

0-3 Months: Newborn Period

During this period babies:

• Focus on high-contrast images
• Respond to sounds
• Develop grasp reflex

Recommended Toys:

1. Black and White Contrast Books

Newborns' visual range is 20-30 cm. High-contrast visuals support visual development.

2. Musical Mobile

A slowly rotating musical mobile that attaches to the crib. Develops visual tracking skills.

3. Soft Rattle

First grasping experience. Should be light and soft.

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3-6 Months: Exploration Begins

During this period babies:

• Begin to grasp objects
• Put things in mouth (oral exploration)
• Start to distinguish colors
• Roll and turn over

Recommended Toys:

4. Teether

Coolable, BPA-free silicone teethers.

Features:

• Different textures
• Soothing when cold
• Easy to grasp

5. Squeaky Toys

Soft toys that make sounds when pressed. Teaches cause-effect relationship.

6. Play Gym

A mat laid on the floor with hanging toys above. Ideal for tummy time.

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6-9 Months: Sitting and Crawling Period

During this period babies:

• Sit unsupported
• Begin crawling
• Transfer objects from one hand to another
• Understand "object permanence" (peek-a-boo game)

Recommended Toys:

7. Soft Blocks

Fabric or soft plastic blocks. Knocking down and building cycle.

8. Activity Cube

A cube containing twist, push, and slide activities.

9. Ball (Large, Soft)

Rolling, following, catching. Coordination development.

10. Bath Toys

Waterproof, squeezable animal figures. Makes bath time fun.

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9-12 Months: Standing Period

During this period babies:

• Stand holding on
• Take first steps
• Point to objects with fingers
• Understand simple commands

Recommended Toys:

11. Push Walker

Push walking support. Non-motorized, balanced design.

Note: Choose a push walker, not a wheeled sit-in walker. Sit-in walkers increase accident risk.

12. Stacking Cups

Colorful nested cups. Size concept, sequencing.

13. Shape Sorter

Placing geometric shapes in appropriate holes. Beginning of problem-solving.

14. First Phone

Sound and light toy phone. Pretend play and communication.

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12-18 Months: Exploration Explosion

During this period babies:

• Walk independently
• Say first words
• Do simple puzzles
• Scribble

Recommended Toys:

15. Wooden Puzzle (3-5 Pieces)

Thick, easy-to-grasp pieces. Animal or vehicle themed.

16. Musical Instrument Set

Drum, xylophone, maracas. Rhythm and sound exploration.

17. Pull Toy

Animal figures pulled by string. Walking motivation.

18. Mega Bloks First Builders

Large blocks suitable from age 1. You can find details in our LEGO vs Mega Bloks comparison article.

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18-24 Months: Independence Period

During this period babies:

• Run and climb
• Form 2-word sentences
• Play pretend
• Hold a pencil

Recommended Toys:

19. Drawing Board (Magna Doodle)

Drawing with magnetic pen, erasing with a button. Ideal for the scribbling period.

20. Play-Doh

Suitable from age 2. Strengthens hand muscles, supports creativity.

21. Baby Dolls / Animal Figures

Beginning of pretend play. Empathy and social skills.

22. LEGO Duplo

Suitable from 1.5 years. Entry to the world of building blocks.

23. Tricycle

Foot-push or pedal. Balance and coordination.

Toy Comparison Table

Toys to Avoid

Toy Care and Hygiene

Second-Hand Toy Safety

When buying second-hand baby toys:

• Check for CE mark
• Check for loose parts
• Research recall lists
• Clean/disinfect thoroughly

Frequently Asked Questions

How many toys are enough for babies?

Fewer toys provide better focus. 3-5 toys at a time is sufficient. Store others and rotate.

What is the safest toy material?

Natural wood (unpainted or water-based paint), BPA-free silicone, and organic fabrics are the safest options.

Are light and sound toys harmful?

Excessive stimulation (too bright, too loud) can be stressful for babies. Prefer calmer, passive toys.

Are Montessori toys suitable for 0-2 years?

Yes! Wooden shape sorters, nesting cups, and simple puzzles are compatible with Montessori philosophy.

Conclusion

In the 0-2 year period, safety comes before everything. Proper toy selection supports your baby's:

• Motor development
• Cognitive development
• Language development
• Social-emotional development.

Basic recommendations for each period:

• 0-6 months: Contrast book, rattle, play gym
• 6-12 months: Soft blocks, activity cube, bath toys
• 12-24 months: Shape sorter, puzzle, Mega Bloks/LEGO Duplo

For older age groups, you can check out our 3-5 Years Educational Toys Guide article.