Sensory toys are not just simple toys that your baby can play with. They play a huge role in building nerve connections in your little one's brain to stimulate his or her senses and motor skills. It encourages your baby to use critical thinking and decisions making skills through its fun activities. As some sensory plays involve other people, it also improves their language and social skills.
They are designed to spark your baby's interest and curiosity with their sounds, textures, fun shapes or patterns, and high contrasting colors. These characteristics invite him or her to play with them. In this article, we've provided a buying guide to help you choose the best sensory toy for your little darling—with comments and tips from board-certified pediatrician Dr. Cristal Ann Laquindanum-Tan!
Quick List - Top Sensory Toys
Infantino
Easy to Grasp Stackable Rings That Keep Your Babies Engaged
Cristal Ann Laquindanum-Tan, MD, MBA, DPPS, is a board-certified pediatrician, particularly interested in nutrition, especially guiding first-time parents on how to start solid food for their babies. She posts health information content in her Instagram and Facebook account @millennialpedia. Most of her followers are millennial parents and first-time parents. Since almost everyone is using social media already, why not make health information accessible to parents, right? She's a practicing pediatrician in Metro Manila doing home vaccinations and teleconsultation during this pandemic.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
When choosing a sensory toy for your child, it's important to consider several key factors. First, select a toy that is appropriate for your child's age. Additionally, pay attention to the material of the toy. Lastly, prioritize safety by choosing a sensory toy that is free from small, detachable parts or harmful substances that could pose a risk to your child. Read the detailed explanation below:
Most toys indicate an age recommendation as they are designed and made to improve a child's senses based on his or her developmental milestones. A sensory toy for a 6-month-old might not contain features that a 1-year-old should play with. So read further to know what type of sensory toy is suitable for your baby's age.
During the newborn stage, your baby's vision, hearing, and muscles are just starting to develop, so a simple sensory toy is the best option. Babies only see the world in black, white, and gray colors, thus, sensory toys that have high contrast colors are a must-have. Examples of these are a crib toy, cube foam, softball, plush, and stuffed toy.
Giving your baby a sensory toy that produces soft sounds or clean rattle sounds is a great choice to improve hearing and head control. These also help gather his or her focus and attention to make them respond. For instance, when you shake a rattle toy, your baby will hear it and will try to find where the sound is coming from.
When babies grow out of the newborn phase, they will need to practice their hand-eye coordination. This is when your little one tries to control his or her little fingers to grasp or grab something. At this time, a sensory toy that can be used as a teether is a great option as anything that your baby grabs will go straight into his or her mouth.
During the first 6 months, play for babies is unoccupied and solitary play. It's all about exploring new things, using all their senses, and always moving their arms and legs. They prefer black and white or high contrast colors during the first month of life.
Their verbal language is just coos and babbles but they listen to your voice. At this period, you are your kid's favorite toy. They recognize your face and voice so keep on talking with them and make faces.
At this age, your baby has stronger head control, better hand-eye coordination, full-color vision, and clearer hearing ability. Also, older babies can stand with their hands and arms for support. This is the perfect time to upgrade from simple sensory toys to more complex sensory ones to stimulate their sensory skills even more.
Sensory toys that encourage manipulative play or interactive activities are perfect as they trigger your baby's curiosity, interest, and focus. Examples of these are shape-sorting toys, dump and fill toys, toys with push buttons, and peg puzzles where they can match colors, shapes, numbers, and letters.
A cloth book with large pictures and easy-to-read texts is a great way to teach your baby more easy-to-pronounce words. What's great about this is that a lot of cloth books on the market are packed with sensory features such as touch and feel, pop-up and flip-flaps pages, as well as rattling sounds.
Toys give kids the opportunity to develop their skills. Beginning 6 months of age, they can already grasp objects and transfer them from one hand to the other. At 9 months, they can use their fingers to hold small objects. By 12 months, they're a lot more expressive with their gestures and verbal language. So toys from 6-12 months should be more interactive.
Remember, the more a toy does, the less your child has to do. If they'll just sit and watch the toy, yes, it can be entertaining to the child, but the opportunity to learn and develop skills is lost.
When your child turns 1 year old, he or she has been promoted to toddlerhood. During the first 3 years of your little ones, their cognitive skills continue to develop, and this is when most learning happens. They'll be more interested, curious, and independent when it comes to playing with toys.
Sensory toys that can improve and develop your baby's critical thinking, imagination, and problem-solving ability are the best play partners for your baby. An example of this is a busy board, which includes zippers, buckles, ties, and buttons, which he or she will encounter in daily life while growing up.
Sorting toys are also a great option as they also facilitate motor skill development and problem-solving skills. Lastly, building blocks with different bright colors can improve your baby's hand-eye coordination, concentration, and fine motor skills. Also, it improves a toddler's logical thinking and cause-and-effect awareness.
The toddler period begins with the child just watching others play then slowly interacting with others. They love experimenting with things - usually finding new ways to use a simple object.
They explore their environment more, and because they have improved dexterity, they love reaching and grasping then releasing things. Busy boards are great with that because it's full of simple things they can repeatedly tinker with and problem solve.
Sensory toys are made with different materials. The most common ones are wood, plastic, and silicone. They have their own durability, details, and texture so read further to know more about their pros and cons.
If you want to focus on durability, sensory toys that are made of wood are your best bet. They're sturdy, and they do not easily break nor shatter to pieces even when your baby plays them roughly. They have a simple look as well as smooth texture and edges so that your baby can play with them safely, plus, they're environment-friendly.
The only downside of them is that they're not as detailed as the plastic ones, and their colors might fade away as time goes by. Still, they can be refinished or repainted to be as good as a new toy.
Wooden toys are sturdy and more durable compared to other toy materials. Just make sure these wooden toys don't break into small pieces with sharp points that kids can choke on or cut themselves. Wooden sensory toys usually help with gross and fine motor skills like building blocks or wooden car toys.
Plastic sensory toys are the most common ones on the market. They are more colorful and more detailed. Some plastic sensory toys are soft enough to be bent and twisted.
They're easier to clean or disinfect, and they can be used during bath time because of their water-resistant property. However, when buying a plastic sensory toy, make sure that it does not contain, or it's not made with harmful chemicals such as BPA, lead, and phthalates.
Buy plastic toys that are sturdy and made from good material. If it's made from thin plastic, it might break easily. Plastic sensory toys have more details, and they are offered in more variety and are easily available.
There are also sensory toys that are made of silicone material. These are perfect for newborn babies as they're soft, squishy, and unbreakable, which makes them safe even when your baby chews or bites on them. Usually, they come in various colors, shapes, and textures.
They can be used as a teether for your baby but make sure that it is made of 100% food-grade silicone so that it's safe even when your baby puts it in their mouth.
Teethers are usually made out of silicone and it's used to help soothe pain during teething. It can also be used to redirect chewing in children with sensory issues. It's best used cold or chilled (but not frozen) to soothe the pain from the inflammation.
Caution for the following silicone toys: fluid-filled silicone toys and teething jewelry/necklace. The silicone toys that have fluid inside might break and the child might swallow the fluid inside. For the teething jewelry/necklace, it can be a strangulation hazard or a choking hazard for the kid if he bites it off.
Your child's toy should be safe to play with to prevent accidents or possible injuries. Make sure that the toy you're giving them is large enough to avoid the risk of choking. It should not contain anything smaller than 2 inches, such as marbles, small balls, buttons, beads, and more.
Avoid getting a toy with loud or unpleasant sounds to protect and avoid damage to your baby's hearing. Toys that play sound are usually battery-powered make sure that the battery case is secured and locked with screws so that your baby won't open it easily.
Lastly, avoid sensory toys that have sharp edges or splinters, long strings, and ribbons. Anything sharp could pierce your baby's skin and create an open wound, while long strings and ribbons can get caught around your baby's neck or limbs, causing strangulation.
If your child is given hand-me-downs from family or friends, it's best to check its safety because it might be worn out from play that they can break and become hazardous.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Recommended Age | Material | Safety Measures | Highlights | |||||
1 | Infantino Rock 'N Stack Rings (BPA-Free) | Sensory Developmental Toy | ![]() | Easy to Grasp Stackable Rings That Keep Your Babies Engaged | 6 Months and Above | Plastic | BPA-Free | Five Stackable Rings, Bright Colors, Easy to Hold | |
2 | Hanging Bell Rattle | ![]() | Functional Hanging Soft Toy for On-the-Go Families | 0 Months and Above | PP Cotton, Non-toxic ABS Teether Materials, Crystal Fluffy Fabric | Not Specified | Comes With Different Colors, Textures, and Shapes, Squeezable Musical Toy | |
3 | Tummy Time Water Mat Play Mat | ![]() | Features an Inflatable Design for Easy Storage | 0-6 Years Old | Plastic | Not Specified | Inflatable Design, Water Play Feature, Doubles as Bath Toy | |
4 | Silicon Teether |10 Pcs | ![]() | A Set of Durable Silicone Toys to Soothe Teething Babies | 3 Months and Above | ECO Original Materials | BPA-free | Different Shapes With Different Textures, Music Rattle Sound, Round and Smooth Surface | |
5 | Baby Tactile Senses Toys | ![]() | Tactile Hand Balls With Different Colors and Textures | 3 Months and Above | Elastic Soft Rubber, Plastic, Silicone | High Temperature Resistant To Help With Sterilization | Soft Macaron Colors, Ultra-soft Materials, Kneading Sound, Massage Perception Function, Doubles as Bath Toy | |
6 | Puzzle Building Block Toy | ![]() | Features Colorful Blocks to Boost Cognitive Development | Not Specified | ABS Material | Large Toy Accessories To Prevent Choking, Made of Non-Toxic Materials | Block Splices, Multifunctional, Removable Sides | |
7 | Baby Tags Stuffed Animal Soft Toy | ![]() | A Plush Toy That Soothes and Engages Your Little One | 0-36 Months | Plush | Not Specified | Colorful Tags, Built-in Rattles, Animal Shape, Musical Feature | |
8 | Foot Wrist Rattle Set | ![]() | With Built-In Rattles and Vibrant Colors to Keep Babies Entertained | 0-24 Months | Polyester, Plush | Has Velcro Straps for Easy Wear, No Smell, Non-toxic | With Rattles and Crinkles, Bright Colors, Cute Designs, Comfortable to Wear | |
9 | ACE Soft Cloth Story Book With Squeezable Sound Feature | ![]() | Has Bright Prints and Rustling Sounds for Fun Story Times | 3 Months and Above | Not Specified | Non-toxic, Strong Stitches, Washable | Bright Prints, Rustling Sounds, Comes in Different Themes | |
10 | Montessori Pull String Sensory Toy | ![]() | A Multi-sensory Toy With Soothing Sounds and Playful Movements | 6-18 Months | Silicone | BPA-free, 100% Food Grade Silicone | Multi-sensory, With Different Textures and Shapes, 4-in-1 Fun Games, Doubles as Teething Toy |
Recommended Age | 6 Months and Above |
---|---|
Material | Plastic |
Safety Measures | BPA-Free |
Highlights | Five Stackable Rings, Bright Colors, Easy to Hold |
Recommended Age | 0 Months and Above |
---|---|
Material | PP Cotton, Non-toxic ABS Teether Materials, Crystal Fluffy Fabric |
Safety Measures | Not Specified |
Highlights | Comes With Different Colors, Textures, and Shapes, Squeezable Musical Toy |
Recommended Age | 0-6 Years Old |
---|---|
Material | Plastic |
Safety Measures | Not Specified |
Highlights | Inflatable Design, Water Play Feature, Doubles as Bath Toy |
Recommended Age | 3 Months and Above |
---|---|
Material | ECO Original Materials |
Safety Measures | BPA-free |
Highlights | Different Shapes With Different Textures, Music Rattle Sound, Round and Smooth Surface |
Recommended Age | 3 Months and Above |
---|---|
Material | Elastic Soft Rubber, Plastic, Silicone |
Safety Measures | High Temperature Resistant To Help With Sterilization |
Highlights | Soft Macaron Colors, Ultra-soft Materials, Kneading Sound, Massage Perception Function, Doubles as Bath Toy |
Recommended Age | Not Specified |
---|---|
Material | ABS Material |
Safety Measures | Large Toy Accessories To Prevent Choking, Made of Non-Toxic Materials |
Highlights | Block Splices, Multifunctional, Removable Sides |
Recommended Age | 0-36 Months |
---|---|
Material | Plush |
Safety Measures | Not Specified |
Highlights | Colorful Tags, Built-in Rattles, Animal Shape, Musical Feature |
Recommended Age | 0-24 Months |
---|---|
Material | Polyester, Plush |
Safety Measures | Has Velcro Straps for Easy Wear, No Smell, Non-toxic |
Highlights | With Rattles and Crinkles, Bright Colors, Cute Designs, Comfortable to Wear |
Keep your child engaged, excited, and entertained while learning with this cloth book from ACE! Its fun, bright prints and rustling sounds will definitely capture your little one's attention during playtime and story time! It comes in four different themes—dinosaur, jungle, farm, and ocean—complete with textured tails and animal names for early learning.
If your baby is in the teething stage and tends to put things in their mouth, worry not, as this book is made from non-toxic materials! It is also highly durable since it is washable and has strong stitching. In the reviews section, customers raved about its soft texture as well as its cute and colorful design.
Recommended Age | 3 Months and Above |
---|---|
Material | Not Specified |
Safety Measures | Non-toxic, Strong Stitches, Washable |
Highlights | Bright Prints, Rustling Sounds, Comes in Different Themes |
Recommended Age | 6-18 Months |
---|---|
Material | Silicone |
Safety Measures | BPA-free, 100% Food Grade Silicone |
Highlights | Multi-sensory, With Different Textures and Shapes, 4-in-1 Fun Games, Doubles as Teething Toy |
In this section, Dr. Cristal answers some of the internet's most asked questions. Continue reading to learn more~
Infants use sensory experiences to communicate and bond with their parents. Physical touch is the first love language you can express to your child, and touch is the very first sense to form at around 8 weeks old.
Gentle touch or hugs help with parental attachment and secure their emotional resiliency. Using sensory toys and developing their tactile sense can be an extension of your touch. Early sensory experiences are a foundation for the development of your baby's cognitive, motor, and regulatory processes.
Have you ever had a fidget spinner or a stress ball that helped you with a stressful situation? Or do you enjoy popping bubble wraps? These are examples of sensory toys for adults. If it helps with your anxiety, imagine its effects on children.
They also go through stress and anxiety, especially going through life transitions like the first day of school or moving into a new town. Sensory tools can also help with self-regulation, meaning they can monitor and control their own feelings and behaviors without the help of others.
Toys are an important tool for childhood development. It can be structured and schedule, or it can be open-ended and free play. It can already help out even as early as the newborn period. However, it's best to limit the toys and provide the ones they can use through the stages of play and development.
There are many stages of play development that progress as they grow older. And I'm sure all parents will agree that kids grow up faster than you think. One minute they're this cute little bundle of joy and the next minute they're this ball of unlimited energy bouncing in the room.
A good toy is something that can grow old with the kid through the stages of play/development. Best that it's "open-ended", meaning they can find a lot of ways to play with it and use their imagination.
Aside from the fun and happiness that toys and books provide to your little one, they also have a lot of educational benefits such as improving language skills, recognizing pictures, and learning words. Also, they are a great way to encourage your child to look, point, touch, and answer questions.
If ever you need more guide and product recommendations when buying a toy or book for your child, check out our other articles below!
Author: Erika Nollora Ceguerra
Re-editor: R. Embuido
Reviewed by: Dr. Cristal Ann Laquindanum-Tan, MD, MBA, DPPS
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
No. 1: Infantino |Rock 'N Stack Rings (BPA-Free) | Sensory Developmental Toy
No. 2: |Hanging Bell Rattle
No. 3: |Tummy Time Water Mat Play Mat
No. 4: |Silicon Teether |10 Pcs
No. 5: |Baby Tactile Senses Toys
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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