Your Baby Buy Guide
This is a curated guide of top recommendations based on product testing, personal experience and input from other parents. We are not taking money from brands to endorse or promote products on this page. Our list is 100% authentic.
Strollers & Car Seats
Please note that we are based in the United States and some of the products may not be available to international families.
Single Strollers
1. UPPAbaby Cruz V2 ($699)
I could make a case that this is my favorite stroller on this list. Great balance of functionality, quality and excellent for factor. See it in action here.
2. Baby Jogger City Select 2 ($659+)
I personally lean toward strollers with better form factor. This offers amazing functionality on par with options at premium price tags, but has the slimmest, most convenient fold. This is a pick you will not regret.
3. Bugaboo Fox 5 ($1299)
A premium, sleek and versatile stroller designed to effortlessly navigate urban environments but has the wheels to handle diverse terrain. Watch my full review of it here.
4. Graco Modes ($329)
Brands like Graco can often be overlooked as they may not have the chic aesthetics that other options boast, but this is one of the best sub-$500 strollers you'll find that can reliably serve as your daily driver.
5. Mockingbird ($450)
Mockingbird was among the first DTC brands to burst onto the market and it was initially hailed as an "UPPAbaby rip." Say what you will, but it's been one of the options we've kept returning to through five years and two kids. And it's still going strong. Watch the review here.
Honorable Mention: Nuna Triv Next ($700)
If you know me, you know that I am quite a fan of slimmer, more nimble stroller options instead of tankier, terrain-versatile picks. There is a place for both, but I love this subcategory of strollers that don't quite fit the mold of a single, but are still larger than a compact to use as a daily. Similar to the Cybex Melio Carbon, I love the balance of size and function here.
Double Strollers
1. UPPAbaby Vista V2 ($969)
This has been our go-to for the last six years. This is, without question, my favorite double that exists on the market. The only downside being the size limits of the second Rumble seat. Otherwise, this is as perfect as a stroller that you can get. Watch the review here.
2. Baby Jogger Citi Mini GT2 Double ($729)
While I'm normally more partial to in-line doubles, this my favorite side-by-side option that is also well priced. An argument can be made for the Donkey which is great, but just a tad too pricey in my opinion. Baby Jogger made excellent design choices to make a double with a wide footprint fold down to such a convenient, slim form.
3. Evenflo Pivot XPAND Travel System ($349+)
This is likely the best bang-for-buck option that you are going to find. It functions similarly to the Vista listed above while staying well below the $500 mark. There are going to be subtle sacrifices to quality (as with all budget options) compared to premium stroller offerings. But this checks all the boxes and can serve well for families looking to stroll without breaking the bank. Watch the review here.
4. Mockingbird Single-to-Double ($450)
Mockingbird is a quality option that we've used for years. It somewhat resembles the build of the Vista I listed above, without the height and weight restrictions of the second seat. Watch the review here.
Honorable Mention: Cybex Gazelle S2 ($799)
I don't think Cybex gets enough credit, but they've built an incredible, quality stroller that can support 20 different configurations and can carry up to three kids with their additional Kid Board.
Travel Systems (Car Seat & Stroller Bundles)
1. UPPAbaby Vista + Mesa ($1299)
I promise I am not a paid, corporate shill for UPPAbaby. I know I hype these guys up a lot, but simply put, I genuinely believe that this is the best system that you can invest in among the "premium" category and it's the one that we've used consistently for six years and it hasn't let us down.
2. Chicco Corso LE + KeyFit 35 ($599)
This may not be a popular pick but I quite like this system as it's a step up from the Trio while remaining well-priced and includes the Keyfit 35 infant seat. That alone is the real magic behind this bundle, serving as your tried-and-true infant seat trusted by thousands of happy families.
3. Nuna Mixx + Pipa ($1199)
While I do tend to lean more toward UPPA's travel system, you can't deny that the Pipa is arguably one of the most convenient infant car seats that currently exists as it's also the lightest seat on the market. Pairing that with a very well-made single like the Mixx makes this a system you won't regret.
4. Evenflo Pivot XPAND + SafeMax ($349)
If your decision is strictly based on budget, then this is the option I'd run with. It offers a complete bundle at a very reasonable price point and can handle all the rigors of daily errand running with your family. An argument can also be made to consider the Graco Modes system, but I tend to lean Evenflo here. Watch my review here.
Infant Car Seats
Important buying notes here: It is generally best to buy your car seats new instead of used. You can never truly verify the safety history of seats bought on the secondary market. While strollers are simply used for transport, car seats are used for safety, so making the investment for new and safe options is well worth the cost.
The most common question is, "What's the safest car seat?" We dive into this extensively in this video. The answer is no one car seat is the "safest" or "best." This decision entirely depends on multiple factors including the type of vehicle you have and your lifestyle. Ultimately, the safest seat is the one that is installed properly.
The following all pass safety standards and have been crash-test verified by third parties to be great options to consider.
Peg Perego Primo Viaggio ($299)
Inflatable Seat Belt information:
https://csftl.org/inflatable-seat-belts-car-seats/
Convertible Car Seats
Important buying notes here: It is generally best to buy your car seats new instead of used. You can never truly verify the safety history of seats bought on the secondary market. While strollers are simply used for transport, car seats are used for safety, so making the investment for new and safe options is well worth the cost.
The most common question is, "What's the safest car seat?" We dive into this extensively in this video. The answer is no one car seat is the "safest" or "best." This decision entirely depends on multiple factors including the type of vehicle you have and your lifestyle. Ultimately, the safest seat is the one that is installed properly.
The following all pass safety standards and have been crash-test verified by third parties to be great options to consider.
Britax Boulevard ClickTight ARB ($369)
Inflatable Seat Belt information:
https://csftl.org/inflatable-seat-belts-car-seats/
Travel/Compact Strollers
1. Bugaboo Butterfly ($449)
This is personally my top recommendation in this category. While many compacts struggle to balance rigidity within a smaller footprint, Bugaboo designed an amazing stroller that travels nicely and is made incredibly well both internally and externally. Watch the review here.
2. Uppababy Minu ($399+)
This was the first compact stroller we fell in love with and used it for nearly five years. In fact, it continues to serve in our rotation with the Butterfly in our main family vehicle and the Minu staying in my car. I'll be honest and say that I think the Butterfly edges the Minu out just slightly in my rankings. Watch my full review here.
3. Colugo Compact ($295)
For its price, this offers the best bang-for-buck in the category. We first got our Colugo in 2018 and recently gave it to the family who lives across the street from us. They use this thing rigorously on a daily basis and for being a 5-year old stroller, this has held up incredibly well. And that was an early model which should speak to how well this was made. They've only improved from their early days and continue to offer a great compact stroller. Watch my full review here.
4. Ergo Metro+ ($299)
The main differentiator here is versatility. It is a very well-made compact stroller that also has a height adjusting handle, which isn't found very frequently. But it's also suitable for newborns as this can uniquely transform itself into a bassinet without the need for additional pieces. Watch my full review here.
Jogging Strollers
1. Thule Urban Glide 2 ($649)
This is widely considered one of the best jogging strollers and it's my most recommended option of the category. This is largely due to its sleek design, durable construction, and excellent maneuverability. Amazing suspension system and ample storage space and portability. Can't go wrong here.
2. Veer Switch&Jog ($898)
Versatility is the name of the game when it comes to anything from Veer. Their Switchback system is compatible with the rest of their product offering, including high chairs, &Roll stroller, as well as their signature wagons. The jogging frame itself is actually $499 and it really is fantastic with their custom-designed wheels and adjustable suspension. Rather than just buying a jogging stroller here, I'd say you're buying more into an entire ecosystem of products.
3. BOB Revolution Flex 3 ($549)
With BOB being a part of the Britax family, they too have mastered the craft of having a slim fold despite jogging strollers naturally being larger. Obviously, the wheels add bulk but they are easily removable. This feels every bit as good as a Thule, but objectively speaking, might not be as aesthetically pleasing.
4. Guava Roam ($649)
I'd like to say that this is the best jogging stroller that you've never heard of. The push is quite similar to the Urban Glide. I absolutely love the fold mechanics and think this is quite an underrated gem.
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Twirl down the desired category. Links are provided for your convenience.
Non-Connected Baby Monitors (Recommended)
1. Vava ($179+)
Vava has only recently burst onto my list as my favorite non-connected option. It offers arguably the best picture quality in its category and its split screen capability is particularly great if you have twins or need to keep an eye on multiple rooms.
2. VTech DM 111 ($29)
Whether you go with connected or non-connected options, I generally recommend that you always add a sound monitor to your set up. There are moments when video feeds drop out, but audio feeds are a reliable way to keep tabs on the baby. Please add this to your arsenal.
3. Eufy Spaceview ($159) & Infant Optics DXR-8 PRO ($199)
Both of these are fantastic options that were my de facto picks to run with. Non-connected options mean that they are "hackproof" and I would say that the DXR-8 offers slightly better quality between the two. These are both options that we have used regularly and have only recently switched over to Vava since it's priced slightly cheaper while still maintaining solid quality, range and better battery life.
4. HelloBaby ($79)
If you're looking to get a decent monitor under that $100 mark, then HelloBaby might be the right pick for you. There's a reason why it's one of the highest selling monitors on Amazon. You're getting video quality that may not be as crisp as the other options listed above, but it checks the boxes and you're able to see your baby just fine. Note that you're going to take a slight hit on range and battery life, but if you're looking to save nearly $100 and still have a serviceable non-connected monitor, I'd say you'd be making a good purchase here. Newer models can also pair up to four cameras, which is a great improvement as previous versions limited you to only one.
Connected Baby Monitors
A few notes before we begin – reviewing all products in this category single-handedly help me grow a sizable audience on YouTube. In recent years I've done brand partnerships with almost every major smart baby monitor brand. All have the pros and cons. Most notably, the rising cost of subscriptions for every brand. Know that there are going to be hidden costs here.
Having read that, I would still generally recommend that non-connected baby monitors are the preferred way to go. In my experience, I think they offer everything that you need, and despite marketing, many parents don't necessarily need smart monitoring features.
With that said, smart monitors do have features that cannot be found on non-connected cameras, including vitals/breathing monitoring and remote viewing when you are away from the home. The below recommendations are NOT influenced by any paid partnerships.
1. Nanit Pro Complete ($379)
Nanit has become a bit of a mixed bag. In my personal experience, I've had great things to say about this system. For the longest time it was my top pick in the entire category, and is currently the monitor that is running in our daughter's nursery.
With that said, I've heard from several parents who have had a range of connectivity issues as well as frustrations with the rising cost of the subscriptions. I can't speak to the former, but I certainly agree with the latter. While, this does have the ability to monitor breathing without the use of tech wearables like Owlet, you do still need to buy the additional swaddles and bands. With Nanit, the camera is just the beginning as you inevitably get swept into their unending suite of upsells.
Overall, I've personally had a good experience with the camera and enjoy the interface of the app. Despite the constant feeling of being nickel-and-dimed, I do think that the product itself is best-in-class. Watch the review here.
2. Cubo AI+ ($299)
Use CUBOVERB at checkout to save a few dollars.
This monitor hangs under the radar as it may not be as recognizable as others on this list, but it is a really good system. I would say that this offers everything that Nanit does, but at a slightly cheaper cost. In particular, the subscription plan at $5/month is much friendlier in contrast to Nanit's comparable plan that runs you $10/month. (Nanit's $5 Insights plan offers 2-days of Sleep Analytics. At the same price, Cubo AI gives you 30-days.)
(Note that for both Nanit and Cubo, the subscription plan comes free for the first year.)
While the picture quality is slightly less and the design is gimmicky, this does remain a quality, smart option that delivers on everything you'd need. Watch my review here.
3. Owlet ($299+)
Owlet has had quite the journey. It was the first major player in the smart baby monitoring category.
But just as quickly as they rocketed up, one simple slap by the FDA made them come crashing down. That's because they require the use of a sock to be worn on the baby. That sock happens to have a pulse oximeter. Unfortunately, that's a Class 2 medical device, which requires premarket clearance or approval from the FDA – which Owlet didn't have.
All this to say, the brand took some heat, pulled products, made changes, and they finally got the approval they needed. Today, this is a quality system that is arguably the most accurate when it comes to tracking vitals.
Unfortunately, the thing that makes it the most accurate is also the thing that may be the most off-putting for some parents – the requirement of wearable tech directly on the baby's foot.
Another option to consider is using cameras that are already part of your home monitoring ecosystem. Whether that's from Google, Nest, Arlo, Amcrest, etc. You can simply add another camera to your network. The great thing about this is the camera can be repurposed after is used in the nursery. The only downside here is, you are missing out on some "baby" features such as continuous audio monitoring. If you go this route, I would recommend you adding the VTech DM 111.
NOTE ON THE MIKU PRO
As of October 2, 2023, Miku has implemented a new subscription model to access smart features in addition to the monitor itself. While the system is great, I feel the price is too high to consider in comparison to the ones listed above. I would no longer consider the Miku at this time.
Sounds Machines
Rohm Yogasleep Portable ($29)
If I'm to recommend one main option to go with, I would run with this pick right here. The sound quality is pretty great for a small package and delivers a subtle bass to its white noise. Best of all, it's portable, so it can go with you on car rides, air travel, and trips to grandma's house. When it comes to sleep, consistency is key and having this portable option helps keep the environment familiar.
Hatch Rest+ ($89) & Hatch Rest Mini ($39)
Hatch has been a longtime favorite of ours and has been our most-used option in the category as we bought the original Rest right at launch in 2016. We did have issues with the Rest in its early days but customer support was excellent and they sent us a replacement unit free of charge. More importantly, they migrated away from a micro-USB power input and updated to a jack input which was much more reliable.
Color Noise Sound Machine ($39)
While I have been known to be a brand loyalist, I'll jump on a good Hatch dupe when I see one. I've seen the price of this one fluctuate between $30 and $40 regularly.
Cribs & Bassinets
I'll be upfront and say that there is not one single crib or bassinet that is "best" for every family. Cribs are all made to the same regulatory standards and your purchase will pretty much come down to what your personal aesthetic is. Bassinets will differ, as there are some options that are more lightweight and travel-ready, while others are much friendlier to breast-feeding moms in the middle of the night. With that said, here are some of my favorites.
Babyletto Cribs
I am personally drawn to everything from Babyletto as a majority of the brand's aesthetic takes more of a modern/mid-century modern feel. We've personally used the Lolly crib, which also converted into a toddler bed as our kids got older.
Babyletto Dupes
The only downside to my above recommendation is cost. Luckily, many dudes have popped up from Amazon to Wayfair. If you're into a similar aesthetic, definitely check those out.
Newton Bedside Sleeper ($299)
Use code DVB50 for $50 off.
This was such a good option that served as both a bassinet as well as a bedside sleep option for the baby. The drop-down sidewall makes it super easy to reach your newborn for midnight feeds. Watch my full review here.
Graco Pack 'n Play ($79)
The reality is bassinets are only used for the first few months of your baby's life. Afterward, they are going to transition to a crib. The cool thing about a travel option like the Pack 'n Play is it has life beyond the newborn stage, and can be used clear through the first year. And not just in your home but for travel as well. This is probably the most cost-effective purchase that you can buy.
Guava Lotus ($229)
All the reasons that I love the Pack 'n play apply to the Lotus as well.The major difference is how much better the Lotus is for travel as it's more compact and can technically last longer from a weight-carry perspective, since the mattress is supported on the ground rather than by the frame like the Pack 'n Play.
Snoo ($1695 or rent at $159/month)
Alright, here's a thing about Snoo. This thing is phenomenal and packs an insane amount of tech integrations including cry detection and automated soothing. It's brilliant and I know many, many families who have loved it. If you have the means to buy or rent it, go for it. But do you need this? Absolutely not.
Crib Mattresses
Newton Crib Mattress ($299)
Use code NEWTONDAD for $50 off.
This is the mattress that we've use through all three of our kids. While a big selling factor is how it's breathable, the bigger appeal for us is this is the only mattress that's able to be completely washed. In case of any accidents, you can unzip the cover, give it a wash, hose down the core, and you're good as new. Because of its Wovenaire core, it's also hypoallergenic and you never have to worry about VOCs or off-gassing. Watch my review here.
Babyletto PureCore ($199)
The PureCore settles nicely as a premium mattress that offers an organic build and serves as a 2-stage dual-sided mattress, without pushing up to the pricing of Newton. It also comes with a waterproof cover for some added protection.
Graco Premium Foam Crib Mattress ($89)
At the end of the day, if you're looking for a simple, straightforward, firm surface for the baby to rest on, Graco's mattress has been a long-time fave and is the best option that you'll find under $100.
Sleep Sacks
Sleep sacks are a dime a dozen. You can find these everywhere from multiple stores, brands and price points. Regardless of which brand you run with, I recommend that every parent use these throughout your baby's first year and beyond. In addition to sleep sacks serving as a safe, wearable blanket of sorts, it's also a helpful way to keep your babies legs from slipping through crib slats.
Kyte Baby ($49+)
Of all the sleep sacks we've used (and there have been many) Kyte has been our favorite. The material is unlike any other and they offer multiple TOG levels which are made to match your specific climate and temperature.
Diapering
Coterie & Pampers
When it comes to disposable diapers there is no right answer here. We've pretty much used them all at one point or another. Huggies tend to be really good at containing blowouts better than others. For the most part, we used Pampers early on and recently enjoyed what Coterie has been offering.
Ubbi Diaper Pail ($69)
We've personally felt that Ubbi's steel construction was the best at containing the smell of diapers. We've used ours since 2017 and it has held up great. There are a plethora of other options out there – this just happens to be our favorite.
Outside of my above recommendations, here's what else you may be on the lookout for if cloth diapering:
Cloth Diapers ($50-$100)
Wipes
Soak Pads
Liner or Wet Bag
Meal Time Struggles?
If your kids happen to struggle with eating, my friends Megan and Judy created an amazing course to make meal time less of a battle. (Which is what it felt like until I took the course.) It's definitely worth checking out if you have difficult eaters.
If you're interested, you can use the code DADVERB for $10 off of any of their courses.
Feeding Littles (Use "DADVERB" for $10 off)
Other Essentials
See the ideas below or easily snag a play kit designed by experts for your child's developing brain.
Swings & Bouncers
Ever since the recall of the Fisher-Price Rock 'n Play, parents have wondered which would rise up to become the new market leader.
The reality is every baby responds differently to swings. The 4moms mamaRoo is among the most popular options that are currently in the market, but in my experience, all three of my kids couldn't sit in it for more than five minutes. It felt like a waste of $269.
In general, my recommendation would be to either buy something like that from a secondhand marketplace so that you're not stretching your wallet for a product that has a 50/50 shot of working. If you insist on buying new, I would steer you toward options under $100 on Amazon.
In my opinion, the best choice is actually not an automated swing, but rather a bouncer.
BabyBjorn Balance Soft ($219)
This is is one of the most registered baby products in the United States. You can watch my review where I expound on this in greater depth, but this bouncer is one of the best investments that you can make. It's consistently been a go-to for thousands of families for decades and continues to be a safe resting option for newborns and babies.
Carriers & Slings
Carriers, slings, and wraps are the ultimate parenting hack. Not enough parents register for these types of products. These were literally the best ways to soothe a fussy baby. Being able to keep them close to you was wonderful, not only for soothing, but for bonding. And a big advantage is how you're still able to get things done around the house while having both hands free. Here are my favorite options for each category.
Carrier:
BabyBjorn One ($219)
There are so many carriers that I could vouch for including options from Ergobaby, Colugo and LILLEbaby, but at the end of the day, Bjorn felt the most comfortable and has served us well for nearly five years.
Sling:
Wildbird Ring Sling ($69)
If you were to ask my wife, this would be the one that she would point you to. Similar feel to a wrap but much more straightforward usage.
Wrap:
Moby ($39)
There's a bit of a learning curve to this. It functions very similarly to a carrier but much lighter as it's primarily just lightweight fabric wrapping around your body to form a comfortable resting place for your baby.
Rest Places
A flat, firm surface is the best resting place for your baby. I would generally advise you steer clear of popular options like the Dock-a-tot Lounger, which could pose a suffocation risk along its sidewalls.
In addition to the BabyBjorn Balance Soft (see the Swings & Bouncers section), one of my favorite things that you can get are play gyms which not only serves as a resting place, but a way to entertain your baby.
Breast Pumps
To start, check which pumps you have access to for free based on your current insurance situation. You can either call your insurance provider or visit this link to learn more: https://www.babylist.com/health/
Otherwise, Medela will be the most common name in the game with both manual and hands-free options.
Feeding
Whether you're breastfeeding or formula feeding, here are some things you'll want to scoop up and what you can expect to spend.
To start, I'd recommend you check out the Babylist Bottle Box to try a variety of bottles before committing to one.
Bottle Brush ($5)
Bottle Rack ($5-$25)
Bibs and Burp Cloths ($20)
Bottle Sanitizer ($15-$100)
Bottle Warmer ($50)
Hygiene & Cleaning
Unlike other sections of this page, this is a small grouping of helpful items that you might overlook:
Wash Cloths/Towels ($25)
Baby Bath Tub ($30)
Baby Soap/Lotion: ($20)
Diaper Cream/Spray ($8)
Electric Nail File ($21)
Thermometer ($29)
Baby Tylenol ($8)
Gas Drops ($7)
Pacifiers ($10)
For the record, none our kids ever took to pacifiers.
Nasal Aspirator ($49)
Frida Baby Windi ($10)
The Windi is conceptually a bit odd, but in my opinion, it's a must-have and can be a lifesaver at relieving gas pain.
High Chairs
In most cases, you will not start using a highchair until your baby can sit up unsupported and starting solids/baby lead weaning. Typically this is around 6 months old. The biggest requirements that I look for when selecting a high chair are the following:
Requirement 1 – I need it to have a footrest. Believe it or not, the position in which your child is sitting actually does have an impact on eating. You want a chair that promotes stability and help babies and toddlers to be well-positioned which will lead to a higher likelihood that they'll stay and endure meal time a little bit longer.
Requirement 2 – I need the high chair to be able to get as close to the table as possible as we want our kids to be close and a part of the experience. There are some chairs that we've used in the past that actually make it difficult for our kids to get close. A previous favorite of mine was the now discontinued OXO Tot Sprout. Unfortunately the armrests affected the chair's proximity to the table and it was one of the main downsides that I didn't realize until later.
Requirement 3 – It needs to be easy to clean. The tray needs to be easily removable and the chair as a whole needs to be easy to wipe down. With kids you are undoubtedly going to get food smeared everywhere and I'd rather not have to dig into small crevices to make sure everything is cleaned off properly.
Requirement 4 – This might not be applicable to everyone, but I'm looking for longevity. I want our high chairs to be able to last from baby all the way up through early childhood. The ones below eliminate the need to convert to a booster or require you to upgrade to different size chairs.
The options listed below meet all of those requirements. For more details on each (and why the IKEA Antilop isn't listed) you can watch this video.
Activity Guides
See the ideas below or easily snag a play kit designed by experts for your child's developing brain
Get a Play KitInfants: 0-3 Months
- The Looker Play Kit
We'll have plenty of suggestions below, but this pre-built play kit brings it all together to help kids build new brain connections with high-contrast images and black and white sensory mittens. - High-Contrast/Black-and-White Cards
Get a set of cards with simple black-and-white patterns. Place them near your baby's changing area or play area, so they can easily see them. During tummy time, you can also place them on the floor for your baby to observe. Let them focus on the images for as long as they're interested. To keep it fresh, change or move the cards around occasionally. -
Newborn Rattle
It's perfect for your baby's grasping reflex and makes a gentle jingling sound that catches their attention. It's their first taste of cause and effect. -
Simple Wooden Rings
Similar to the rattle, this is just a wooden ring that your baby can hold using their natural grasping reflex. -
Visual Tracking of an Object
Find a bright object that's easy for your baby to see and hold it about 8 to 10 inches in front of their face. Slowly move the object from one side to the other, allowing your baby's eyes to track it. (Reminder to not expect long periods of play at this stage.) -
Montessori Visual Mobiles
There are a variety of different mobiles to check out. I'll admit, at this age you may not necessarily need to grab a new mobile every few weeks, but here are your options:The Munari mobile, for babies aged 3-6 weeks. Features high-contrast black and white shapes.
The Octahedron mobile, for babies aged 5-8 weeks. Introduces primary colors using reflective foil paper.
The Gobbi mobile, for babies aged 7-10 weeks. Presents different shades of one color in a subtle gradation.
The Dancers mobile, for babies aged 8-12 weeks. Showcases figures with combinations of primary colors.
Infants: 4-6 Months
- The Charmer Play Kit
A culmination of many options listed below to help baby explore with their hands encourage social awareness and practice using both sides of the brain. - Baby Paper
Baby paper is basically crinkle paper housed in a fabric square that provides auditory and tactile sensory exploration for your infant. This was one of the most played-with items for our babies. As they hold and move the square in their hands and arms, they can feel the soft and bumpy textures on one side and the smoothness on the other. Moreover, they'll enjoy the crinkle sound and it'll create opportunities to learn about cause-and-effect relationships. - Jingle Socks
As your baby moves their feet, the bells will jingle, allowing them to discover cause-and-effect in a musical way. You can also create a DIY version by sewing a single bell to the toe of each baby sock or attaching multiple smaller bells around the ankle area. - Hand Kite
The hand kite is a fantastic toy that promotes fine motor exercise and sensory exploration. Your baby will love running their fingers through the ribbons and experiencing the different textures. It's also safe for them to explore with their mouth, providing a multi-sensory playtime experience. -
Grasping Beads
Holding on to the beads helps your infant strengthen and refine their grasping skills. They also provide a little relief from teething pain as they chew on them. - Spinning Drum
This activity is designed to promote hand and wrist movements while encouraging reaching. As they turn the drum, they'll be rewarded with the rolling sound of a marble inside, which provides auditory feedback and motivates them to continue spinning the drum. - Mirror
Infants have an innate fascination with looking at faces. Allowing them to spend time in front of a mirror is an excellent way to indulge that curiosity. Whether they're accompanied by you or exploring independently, positioning a mirror at their eye level or on the floor enables them to better see themselves during floor time, sparking self-recognition and visual exploration. - Kicking Ball
Suspend this ball above your infant's feet in their designated movement area, and they'll have a great opportunity to practice their gross motor skills by intentionally kicking it. It's a wonderful way to encourage physical activity and coordination. -
Wooden Ring Rattle
Tried and true toy that's perfectly sized for their tiny grip, allowing them to hold on to it securely. As they shake the rattle, they can hear the clinking sound of the rings coming together, and it's a great way for them to experiment with cause-and-effect relationships. -
Wooden Ring Teether
Teething can be a challenging time for infants, but these simple ring teethers come to the rescue. They are designed to be easy for your baby to hold, and their shape is just right for soothing their sore gums and providing relief. - High-Contrast Picture Books
These books are designed with black-and-white photos and patterns that captivate your infant's attention. The high contrast stimulates their visual development and enhances their engagement with the 0-3 month cards, aiding in cognitive growth. -
Sensory Balls
Balls have always been a hit with infants and toddlers, and now your baby can join in on the fun. Whether you provide them with a variety of textured balls to explore or a single ball with different textures and sounds, these toys will engage their senses and keep them entertained. -
Bell Cylinder
At this stage, your infant will find joy in grasping and mouthing the bell cylinder. They will love the soft jingle of the bell inside, which adds a delightful auditory component to their play. It's another wonderful toy for them to discover cause-and-effect relationships. -
Scarf Box
A delightful game of pulling, exploring, and refilling, providing entertainment and fine motor skill development. You can DIY this by repurposing a tissue box into a scarf box. Fill it with light silk scarves or soft baby washcloths, and let your baby pull them out. -
Musical Instruments
Offering simple musical instruments, such as a maraca, bells, or a small tambourine, is a fantastic way to engage your infant. They can grasp, shake, and explore these instruments, stimulating their senses and allowing them to experience the joy of creating sounds through their actions.
Infants: 7-9 Months
- The Inspector Play Kit
During this stage you'll dive into into the world of textures, nesting, stacking, and understanding how things work. This kit is a culmination of many things you'll find below to give them opportunities to explore and learn about object permanence. - Interlocking Discs
These discs are awesome for helping your baby develop their hand-to-hand transfer skills. They fit perfectly in their little hands, making it super easy for them to pass the discs from one hand to the other. Because they wobble and roll across the floor, your baby also has a fun target to keep crawling after. - Touch and Feel Books
Touch and Feel books are a big hit during this stage. Your baby can now reach out and touch specific things they see. The variety of textures in these books will captivate their attention as you tell them the names of the items they're feeling and seeing in the pictures. - Themed Treasure Basket
You can make a themed treasure basket filled with items from the same category, like kitchen utensils, sea animal figurines, or nature items. Let your baby explore the basket independently, touching and discovering the items. You can also name the items during other playtimes to boost their vocabulary. - Bell Cylinder
A great toy for baby to push across the floor and crawl after. The jingling sound adds an extra dose of fun to the adventure. - Pop-Up Toys
This is a simple pick-up but great for your baby to start pulling the pegs out of the holes and eventually practice placing them back in. Eventually, they'll learn to match the pegs to the correctly colored holes. Down the line, they'll discover the joy of popping the pegs out all by themselves. It's definitely a toy that grows with them. - Single Shape Large Knobbed Puzzle
Time to put those hand-eye coordination skills to the test with a shape puzzle. Your baby will love fitting the puzzle pieces into the board, unknowingly learning about basic shapes along the way. Start with the circle, the easiest shape to master, and rotate through the different shapes to keep the challenge going. - Sensory Fabrics
You can DIY this or click the link above. Buy or gather up fabric scraps, cut them into small squares, and let your baby explore with their senses. Keep the colors similar so they can focus on the different textures without getting distracted. It's a simple but engaging sensory experience. - Balls
A tried-and-true staple here. Balls are still a hit at this stage as your little one starts scooting and crawling. Get a collection of balls with different patterns, colors, and textures to keep them entertained. Watch as they chase after the balls, developing their motor skills and having a blast. - Sensory Shakers
Here's a DIY activity for you. Grab a few empty spice jars and fill them with different household pantry items like rice, beans, or spices. Glue the lids shut for safety, and let your baby shake, look, and listen as they explore the sounds and textures of each shaker. - Peekaboo Sensory Board
Here's another cool DIY project using snapping lids from baby wipes packs. Glue them onto a piece of cardboard, then get creative by adding various textures like burlap, pipe cleaners, pom poms, etc. inside each lid. Encourage your baby to lift the lids and explore the different textures with their little fingers. It's a peekaboo game with lots of touchy-feely surprises. - Wooden Stacker
This wooden stacker is the perfect first challenge for your little one's hand-eye coordination. It'll take time, but it's a great way to get their motor skills in gear. - Using Utensils & Drinking from a Cup
Your baby can join in on meal time by using a fork, spoon, and a small glass for water. Show them how to use the utensils and encourage them to practice, even if it gets a little messy. (Which it definitely will.) Help them hold the cup in the beginning, but as they show more independence, let them give it a try on their own. In time this will help develop their fine motor skills and foster independence.
Infants: 10-12 Months
- The Thinker Play Kit
Everything you'll need at this stage to build hand-eye coordination, practice solving problems and encourage your baby to define and organize information. - Object Permanence Box
A toy you may have seen that's all about helping your little one understand that things don't disappear forever. They drop a ball into the boxI and it vanishes for a moment – but then rolls back out into the tray. Rinse and repeat. - Pull Toy
Is your little one already walking like a champ? If not, it'll happen soon, I promise. But if they are, a pull toy is a fun add to trail behind them as they strut their stuff. It's a great way to refine their gross motor movements and balance coordination. Let them lead the way and enjoy their independent walking adventures. - Colored Ring Stacker
If you haven't already, a colored ring stacker is a great thing to introduce. They'll have a blast figuring out how to take the rings off the dowel, working on their hand-eye coordination. Putting them back on will come later, but for now, it's all about mastering the art of ring removal. - Graded-Sized Circle Puzzle
If your baby has conquered single-shape puzzles, they're ready to level up. Introduce them to a knobbed puzzle with multiple pieces, starting with circles (the easiest shape). It's a cool challenge for them to figure out which circle fits into the matching hole. You can even try making one yourself with spare cardboard if you want to do a DIY approach. - Egg & Peg in Cup
These 3D puzzles are a way for your baby to try placing the egg into the cup. Once they've nailed that, they level up to the peg (which is a bit trickier). It's awesome for their hand-eye coordination, focus, and concentration skills - Walker Wagon
Some babies are in the walking stage, while others are still enjoying crawling. If yours is getting ready to take those first independent steps, a walker wagon can be helpful. It gives them the freedom to practice walking on their own, without adult support. They can push it around, work on their balance, and eventually use it to transport toys all over the house. You can even consider a mini shopping cart which our kids absolutely loved pushing around the house. - In and Out Work
If your little one loves the egg/peg in cup activity, they're probably really into the whole "in and out" thing. They enjoy putting objects into containers and taking them out, over and over again. If you notice them engaging in this kind of play independently, you can offer them a simple setup like a pail, bucket, jar, box, or basket. They can drop in a ball, wooden peg, block, or figurine. A box with hidden compartments is also a winner, as they can uncover little surprises inside. - Ball Tracker
This one's all about visual tracking and hand-eye coordination. Your baby drops a wooden ball in the top of the ball tracker and watches as it makes its way down, level by level, until it reaches the bottom. Then they can do it all over again with the other balls. You can make your own DIY version using some spare cardboard, a ping pong ball, and a dash of creativity. Fun times ahead! - Bean Bags
Picture this, my friend. Soft bean bags filled with rice or some squishy material. Babies love exploring their soft texture and weight by grabbing, rubbing, transferring them between hands, stacking, lifting, and dropping them. You can make your own DIY bean bags if you're handy with a sewing machine or just grab a set online. Either way, they're a hit! - Cards in a Wallet
Pincer grasp development alert! Save some used gift cards and stash them in an old wallet. Let your baby investigate and try to remove the cards. If they manage to pull them all out (or even just a few), you can offer to put them back and give them another shot. It's all about honing those fine motor skills, my friend. - Infant Coin Box
Time for a fun challenge that boosts your baby's hand-eye coordination and understanding of object permanence. They have to fit coins into the slot on top of the box and realize that they're still inside when they open the drawer. You can get creative and make a DIY version by cutting a hole in an empty food container like an oatmeal canister. Or try other variations, like a slot for expired gift cards or a hole for pushing pompoms through. It's all about keeping those little minds engaged! - Language Basket
It's never too early to boost your baby's vocabulary, my friend. Grab a basket and fill it with 3 to 4 objects from the same category, like fresh fruit, animal figurines, or kitchen utensils. Show your baby each object, name it out loud, and let them explore the basket as long as they want. It's a cool way to get those word connections going early on. - Musical Instruments
Looks like your baby is getting serious about exploring music! They're no longer just randomly banging on instruments; they're actually starting to show some intention. Time to provide them with new instruments to tinker with and see where their musical journey takes them.
Toddlers: 13-15 Months
- The Babbler Play Kit
A complete set of toys to help offers new challenges in balance, object permanence, and spatial awareness. - Gross Motor Movement Work
Let your child explore different ways of moving their body. Provide a rocking horse, a junior slide, a Pikler triangle, or create a homemade obstacle course with pillows. They can also run and climb at the playground or use the stairs at home. - Ball pounding bench
Kids can improve their hand-eye coordination and gross motor skills with a ball pounding bench. They'll have a blast pushing and pounding the balls into the holes. Start with their hands and then introduce a wooden hammer.
