Why Do Babies Need Toys?

If you've ever been around a baby, you've probably noticed that they love to grab, shake, and chew on just about anything within reach. Babies don't just engage in this sort of behaviour because they're bored or want attention — it's their way of learning more about the world around them.

Investing in high-quality educational toys is a great way to help your little one's cognitive and motor development. Toys aren't just a distraction; they are a fantastic teaching tool and can assist develop curiosity in your child.

The team at Alex and Moo are passionate about providing parents with access to engaging toys that capture their child's imagination while also being made from safe, non-toxic materials. Continue reading to learn more about our range of recommended baby toys.

What To Look For In A Baby Toy

It's easy to become overwhelmed by the vast range of baby toys available today. Large chain stores are filled with bright, flashy, plastic products that may capture a child's attention initially but are unlikely to hold it for any significant period of time.

There are several important factors to consider when shopping for baby toys that will ensure the little recipient loves their gift and gets plenty of use out of it.

Safety is, of course, always the main priority when it comes to baby toys. Before purchasing a toy, always check the age recommendation. Never give a baby a toy with small removable parts that could become choking hazards. From a safety perspective, it's also critical to consider the materials that have been used to make the toy. These days, many toys are unfortunately constructed from toxic materials that could be dangerous to inquisitive hands (and mouths!)

Alex and Moo prides itself on sourcing environmentally friendly, natural toys and products that are free from artificial chemicals and materials.

Beyond safety, there are several other factors to consider. Is the toy visually stimulating? Does it offer different textures for their developing senses to explore? Can it grow with them and continue to provide entertainment and education as they age — or at the very least, is it durable enough so it can be passed down between siblings?

Ultimately, the best baby toys are ones that engage their minds and encourage development while being safe and strong enough to withstand the inevitable chewing and throwing. The right toy can provide hours of enrichment and enjoyment for both baby and parent alike. 

When Do Babies Begin Playing With Toys?

Babies are very inquisitive and will become engaged by the world around them very early in their life. In order to reap the full benefits of play, it's critical that you provide your little one with age-appropriate toys that will capture their interest and imagination.

Check out some of Alex and Moo's best-selling baby toys below.

0–3 Months

Simple sensory baby toys are best at this newborn stage, like Grimm's Rainbow Star Rattle. Shaking it produces a gentle sound that will engage your child, and they will also be enticed by the feel and smell of the natural wood.

Handmade from sustainable alder and a non-toxic plant-based oil finish, the bright colours and natural materials make for a beautiful newborn baby toy.  

3–12 Months

At 3–12 months, babies have slightly more advanced motor skills and are looking for toys that enable them to learn more about their surroundings. 

Take the Le Toy Van — Petilou Rainbow Cloud Walker, for example. Complete with 45 brightly coloured rainbow blocks, the sturdy walker can help provide stability for little ones just starting to explore the physical world around them. The blocks themselves encourage hand-eye coordination and imaginative play and are constructed from water-based paints for a safe and eco-friendly baby toy option.

1–3 Years

While children aged 1–3 years are generally referred to as toddlers rather than babies, toys are equally (if not more) important at this stage of development. 

At 1–3 years, it's critical to provide your little one with toys that stimulate their cognitive development. Toddlers love to engage in imaginative play, so open-ended toys that encourage world-building and storytelling are also an excellent option.

Grapat's Nins of the Forest is a popular toy for children of this age, encouraging creative and divergent ways of thinking and allowing your little ones to create their very own imaginary world.

Shop For Baby Toys At Alex And Moo 

Alex and Moo make it easy to shop for sustainable, quality baby toys in Australia. Our range is extensive and features a number of products designed to stimulate imagination and encourage cognitive and motor development.