How to Choose Safe and Engaging Toys for 0–12 Months

Your baby’s first year is filled with exciting milestones - smiles, giggles, rolling over, sitting up and maybe even those first wobbly steps. Toys play an important role in supporting your little one’s growth, but with so many options out there, choosing the right ones can feel overwhelming. The good news? Focusing on safety and developmental benefits makes the choice easier

Here’s how to pick safe, engaging toys for babies 0–12 months, plus why parents love Skip Hop toys for this special stage

Why Choosing the Right Toys Matters

During the first year, babies are developing rapidly. They explore the world through their senses - touch, sight, sound, and even taste! The right toys encourage curiosity, strengthen motor skills, and help build early cognitive and social abilities. At the same time, safety is non-negotiable for this age group, since babies love to put everything in their mouths

Top Safety Tips for Baby Toys

When shopping for toys for infants, keep these safety guidelines in mind:

• Check for Age Appropriateness: Always look for toys labeled safe for 0–12 months

• Avoid Small Parts: Toys should be large enough that they can’t be swallowed or become a choking hazard

• Non-Toxic Materials: Choose toys made from baby-safe, BPA-free materials

• Sturdy Construction: Ensure toys don’t have loose pieces or sharp edges

• Easy to Clean: Babies explore with their mouths, so washable toys are essential

Skip Hop toys are designed with these safety standards in mind, giving parents peace of mind while their little ones play

Engaging Toys by Age

0–3 Months: Sensory Stimulation

At this stage, babies are discovering their senses. High-contrast toys, rattles, and soft plush toys help stimulate vision, hearing, and touch. Skip Hop’s soft rattles and stroller toys are perfect for tummy time or on-the-go play

Skip Hop Explore & More Roll-Around Rattles - Bee

$29.90

Skip Hop Farmstand Roll-Around Pineapple Rattle Baby Toy

$29.90

Skip Hop Explore & More Roll-Around Rattles - Hedgehog

$29.90

Skip Hop Explore & More Roll-Around Rattles - Fox

$17.94

Skip Hop Silver Lining Cloud Teether & Play Toy - Bird

$26.90

Skip Hop Silver Lining Cloud Pull & Play Sensory Toy

$34.90

3–6 Months: Grasping and Reaching

Babies begin to reach for objects, developing hand-eye coordination. Toys like activity gyms with hanging toys encourage movement and strengthen muscles. The Skip Hop Silver Lining Cloud Activity Gym is a favorite for sensory play

Skip Hop Silver Lining Cloud Activity Gym

$137.40

Skip Hop Celestial Dreams Activity Gym

$229.00

Skip Hop Montessori Discoverosity Deluxe Activity Gym

$299.00

Skip Hop Playspot Play Mat Foam Floor Tiles

$119.40

Skip Hop Treetop Friends Baby Activity Gym - Grey Pastel

$199.00

Skip Hop Montessori Discoverosity Bundle

$678.40

6–9 Months: Sitting and Exploring

As babies learn to sit and grab objects, toys that stack, rattle, or roll are ideal. The Skip Hop Explore & More Roll Around Rattles are designed for little hands, encouraging grasping and shaking

Skip Hop Wander Pencil Pouch

$24.90

Skip Hop Zoo Ice Cream Shoppe Playset - Unicorn

$25.74

Skip Hop Zoo Outdoor Adventure Playset - Monkey

$25.74

Skip Hop Monkey Zoo Peelin Out Plane Toy

$34.90

Skip Hop Multi Zoo Crew Figure Set

$16.14

Skip Hop Zoo 3-in-1 Ride On Toy - Unicorn

$99.50

9–12 Months: Crawling and Moving

Babies are on the move! Push toys, activity tables, and interactive toys encourage gross motor development and problem-solving skills. The Skip Hop Explore & More Follow-Bee Crawl Toy motivates babies to crawl while keeping them entertained.

Skip Hop Explore & More - Fox Xylophone

$54.90

Skip Hop Explore & More - Follow Bee Crawl Toy

$89.90

Skip Hop Explore & More Hello Hedgehog Crawl Toy

$79.90

Skip Hop Crab 4-in-1 Crawl Toy

$89.90

Skip Hop Explore & More Grow Along 4-in-1 Activity Walker

$189.00

Skip Hop Explore & More Pop-Up Toy

$59.90

Why Parents Love Skip Hop Toys

Skip Hop toys combine safety, developmental benefits, and modern design. They’re built to engage babies at each stage while giving parents confidence in their durability and safety. From tummy time to crawling adventures, Skip Hop grows with your child during that important first year

Choosing toys for your baby’s first year doesn’t have to be complicated. Focus on safety, age-appropriate design, and engaging features to support your little one’s development. With Skip Hop toys, parents can feel confident knowing their baby is learning, exploring, and playing safely every step of the way