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One thing that comes with having children is the plethora of toys. With literally over millions of toys to choose from and barely enough time to take a shower or go to the bathroom alone, how are we supposed to find time to decide which toys are both perfect for our babies AND our lifestyle? Also, which toys are best for a new baby’s development without overstimulating them? Infanthood (babies that are between 2 and 12 months) is the perfect time to be picky about toys due to the rapid rate of development (translation: they won’t be used for very long) and creating the right amount of stimulation without OVERstimulating (tricky, tricky!) Well, we’ve done some research and here are some of the best infant toys that serve MANY purposes and are space-saving and budget-friendly.

BEST OVERALL | Fisher-Price Kick & Play Piano Gym

Best Infant Toys Fisher-Price Kick & Play Piano Gym

Fisher-Price Kick & Play Piano Gym

Not only is the Fisher-Price Kick & Play Piano Gym versatile and affordable, it’ll last for much longer than the average baby play mat. This little gym can start out as an infant play mat, but then morph’s into a play center for sitting and crawling babies, then can be changed into a portable toy for toddlers down the road. For infants, the Piano Gym can be positioned with the piano near baby’s feet so their little kicks play the piano keys. An arching piece positions over baby’s head and is hanging with bright colorful animals and rings that are close enough to grab and play with. There’s also a nicely sized mirror for babies to see their cute little reflection in. When baby is ready to have tummy time, just unclip the animals from the arch and attach them to fabric loops on the actual play mat. The Piano Gym then turns into a sit-and-play for sitters, and the piano can be detached and carried for toddlers ready to run around. The piano piece plays single notes or entire songs and has power and volume control for quiet play. It’s also Phthalate Free, Latex Free, Lead-Free, and BPA Free. The Piano Gym MSRP is $49, but check the current Fisher-Price Kick & Play Piano Gym – Amazon price.

MOST VERSATILE | 11-in-1 Fun Flex Toy Set

Best Infant Toys 11-in-1 Fun Flex Toy Set

11-in-1 Fun Flex Toy Set

The 11-in-1 Fun Flex Toy Set is a collection of vibrant and sensory-stimulating toys that can be taken anywhere you go. The Fun Flex can be attached to almost any surface like strollers, cribs, car seats, high chairs, pack & plays, swings, tables (perfect for restaurants!), bassinets, and anywhere you can envision. This toy attaches with a unique little clamp. The toys that come with the Fun Flex don’t disappoint, either. This set comes with interactive and interchangeable toys including a dancing crab with a bell ball attached, a crinkly flower with a rattle, and a ring and clamp that can grip any surface. The toys can be connected to the base all at the same time or can be interchanged to just one toy. Flexible arms hold the toys in place but can be easily moved to any position to promote better play and reachability for baby. MSRP for this versatile Fun Flex toy is $46 but check out the 11-in-1 Fun Flex Toy Set – Amazon price right now.

BEST MOTOR DEVELOPMENT | Fisher-Price Rainforest Jumperoo

Best Infant Toys Fisher-Price Rainforest Jumperoo

Fisher-Price Rainforest Jumperoo

Fisher-Price is known for their quality baby toys and games, and the Fisher-Price Rainforest Jumperoo is a wonderful addition to your baby’s toy collection. The Rainforest Jumperoo is not only an activity center but allows your baby to build leg strength by jumping…and jumping…and jumping! Fine motor skills are developed with the colorful and interactive toys that surround your baby 360 degrees. Start off by adjusting the jumperoo to your baby’s height (there are three different height settings to grow with your baby). Then place your baby, who is able to support his/her own head strongly) into the deep jumper chair. There is a perfect little back and headrest to support baby if they wish to lean back, and the jumper seat is able to rotate 360 degrees to access every inch of fun on this jungle gym (pun intended). When baby is ready for some extra stimulation, the Rainforest Jumperoo is able to play songs that are stimulated when baby moves or jumps and stops when baby stops. This little gym is perfect at keeping your baby entertained for long periods of time, develop fine and gross motor skills, and will keep your baby safely confined when you need a quick potty break. It’s also able to fold to minimize its footprint when not in use. Maximum weight is 25 pounds. The MSRP for Rainforest Jumperoo is is $104.99, click here to find the current Fisher-Price Rainforest Jumperoo – Amazon price.

BEST EDUCATIONAL | VTech Rhyme and Discover Book

Best Infant Toys VTech Rhyme and Discover Book

VTech Rhyme and Discover Book

Books are some of the best learning tools for babies and children and should be a huge part of their learning and development. This is one book that can be totally trusted to baby (without being torn and drooled to shreds). The VTech Rhyme and Discover Book is a durable plastic book includes 6 colorful pages, 7 popular nursery rhymes, 20 different songs, phrases, and words, and also page tabs and moveable pieces. By touching buttons and opening pages, songs, phrases, and open-ended questions help stimulate learning through colors, words, and singing. The easy interface helps babies and toddlers easily use this toy without becoming frustrated. Also, use it as a great time to bond with baby and increase parent-child interaction by reading the rhymes and helping them learn how to turn pages and press buttons. This helps to learn cause and effect as well as interacting and learning from your words and actions. The Discover Book is durable and made of BPA-free plastic that is easy to wipe down when playtime is over.  The MSRP for the Discover Book is $35 but check the VTech Rhyme and Discover Book – Amazon price here.

BARGAIN BUY | Manhattan Toy Winkel Rattle and Teether

Best Infant Toys Manhattan Toy Winkel Rattle and Teether

Manhattan Toy Winkel Rattle and Teether

The Manhattan Toy Winkel Rattle and Teether is a perfect first toy that won’t break a tight budget. Sometimes, we just don’t want to spend tons of money on toys, so don’t feel guilty about spending a few dollars on this useful piece of plastic. The Winkel is perfect for smaller babies that are just learning to grab and play with toys. Its maze of soft, continuous tubes and its stunning colors instantly capture and hold baby’s attention. The mesmerizing loop design and lightweight construction make it very easy for little hands to grab, hold and rattle – a perfect clutching toy to engage baby’s gross motor skills. The soft, pliable loops are BPA-free for teething or gumming babies (have a teether? Check out the best teething toys here!) Winkel can also be refrigerated to provide a more soothing experience for particularly sore baby gums and teeth.  Winkel’s patented design and developmental features have made it a baby favorite, parent ‘go to’ for over 25 years. With an MSRP of $16, check the Manhattan Toy Winkel Rattle and Teether – Amazon price here.

BOTTOM LINE

Most or all of these toys are super functional and have the ability to serve many purposes for your baby. These toys are also sure to create a fun learning environment while also keeping baby preoccupied. While it’s important for baby to learn how to play on his own, babies LOVE when you play with them, too, so don’t forget to jump in and have a ball with these toys! If you are looking for more advanced toys, especially for toddlers, check out some of the best toys for toddlers!