What to Expect Moms Share Their Favorite Baby Toys

Recommended age: 3 months and up

Another simple toy that babies can't get enough of: Sophie The Giraffe. A lot of moms said that this is not only baby's favorite teether but one of their favorite toys. Babies love its soft texture and numerous chewable parts (ears, horns, legs). Sophie's shape is so easy to hold your little one will want to hold onto it before, during and after teething. This teether is also made of natural rubber so you don't have to worry about baby putting this in her mouth. 

Weight: 2.4 ounces

Dimensions: 3.5 x 1.2 x 7 inches

Recommended age: Newborn and up

This isn't your ordinary cuddly toy. The Skip Hop Buddies have multiple textures and patterns, and that's what babies love. They can explore the different materials with their hands and hear the different rattles and crinkles this cute little creature can make. What's also great is that this toy can be enjoyed by any age from just a couple months old to 2 years old. This plush friend can also be attached to a stroller or an activity mat. There are eight different animals to pick from (or stock up on.) 

Weight: 5.6 ounces

Dimensions: 5 x 3 x 10 inches

Recommended age: Newborn to 3 years

Sometimes simple is the answer, and that's why this squishy ball is a baby favorite. No bells and whistles; just large, easy to grip holes that are great for small hands. So even the littlest babies can grab onto this ball. From squishing this as they sit up to chasing it when they crawl, babies will play with the Oball for months to come. 

Weight: 1.06 ounces

Dimensions: 4 x 4 x 4 inches

Recommended age: Newborn and up

This edition of The Very Hungry Caterpillar is perfect for baby. Though they can't read, they will still get something out of crinkling this book open. It has bright colors, graphic shapes, a crinkle texture inside, a teether on the cover and a squeaker that encourage tactile exploration and visual awareness. Moms in the community said their babies love rustling a crunchy book and using their hands (and mouths) to explore the different textures in these kinds of books. This one also has an on-the-go clip you can attach to a stroller or use to attach an additional teether for extra fun.

Weight: 2.46 ounces

Dimensions: 5.12 x 0.39 x 5.12 inches

Recommended age: 6 months and up

One mom in the community deemed this toy the best one she had ever purchased. It is designed to engage babies of multiple ages. The bright rocks, music and teaching tools make this a blast for little ones working on motor skills or learning numbers. V-Tech says babies from 6 to 36 months will enjoy this toy.

Weight: 1.6 pounds

Dimensions: 7.6 x 9.9 x 5.4 inches

Recommended age: Newborn and up

Captain Calamari is a baby favorite for its versatile parts. The eight tentacles have different colors, textures and knots that give baby a lot to play with. This cuddly toy also has a crinkly hat, clacking rings and a rattle so baby can play with different noises. What parents really love is that Captain Calamari also has a mirror in its base so baby can look at themselves. Baby can play with Captain Calamari from just a couple month old into the second year, depending on the child. But there's also more to love. Parents said their little ones enjoyed the other Lamaze creatures like Freddie The Firefly just as much. 

Weight: 0.25 Pounds

Dimensions: 5 x 4 x 10 inches

Recommended age: Newborn and up

If you are looking for an activity mat that will last more than a couple of months, then this is for you. Young babies can lay and play by kicking the keys to hear music. Then babies around 3 months can start using it for tummy time with keys that entice them to use those back and neck muscles. After that, babies can sit in front of the piano and when baby is able to walk, the keyboard can be removed from the mat. But this activity gym doesn't just have that engaging piano. It also has a mirror and different textured hanging toys that make sounds for baby to explore. 

Weight: 2.2 pounds

Dimensions: 27.01 x 36.02 x 17.99 inches

Recommended age: Newborn and up

This sweet little shaker has a way of encouraging every sense with sight, sounds and textures for baby to explore. The light up toy sings classic tunes and is small and light enough to make it an ideal on-the-go option.

Weight: 3.17 ounces

Dimensions: 1.86 x 3.1 x 6 inches

Recommended age: 1 year and up

This activity cube is a learning toy for baby without songs and flashing lights. It's made of wood with rounded corners so it will last as long as baby can use it (and beyond). It introduces baby to things like the alphabet and animals while working their motor skills. It has 5 sides and a zoo-themed bead maze on top. It has doors to open to see cute creatures, animals to drag, beads to push through a zoo and barrels with cute animals to spin. 

Weight: 14.89 pounds

Dimensions: 18 x 13.98 x 13.98 inches