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Best Baby & Toddler Development Toys — Pediatric OT Picks (Target / Major Retailers)

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As a pediatric occupational therapist, I’m often asked which baby and toddler toys truly support development — not just entertain. This list features my top picks from Target and other major retailers that encourage sensory exploration, fine motor co...
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👶 Newborn (0–4 months): Early Sensory & Visual Engagement

Help your baby explore the world through gentle movement, contrast, and sound. These toys support early sensory awareness, visual tracking, head lifting, and midline reaching — the building blocks for future fine and gross motor skills. Choose simple...

 
Kristen profile picture
I'm a huge fan of low contrast toys that aren't too overstimulating for babies
Tummy Time Toys Set: High Contrast Book
 
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I love that this is a bit more colorful but still not too overstimulating
Melissa & Doug Ocean Tummy Time Triangle Infant Baby Toy, Soft Sensory Toy with Textures, Mirror
 
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I love the simplicity but its perfect!
Baby Einstein Discover Garden Tummy Time Baby Playmat and Mirror
 
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Encourages babies to lift their heads, reach toward midline, and build early shoulder stability during tummy time.
Tummy Time Toy Baby Mirror
 
Kristen profile picture
I love that this includes a pillow to assist with positioning!
Baby Tummy Time Mat Newborn Musical Playmat

🚼 On the Move (4–12 months): Rolling, Reaching & Crawling

For little ones learning to move, these toys encourage reaching, pivoting, crawling, and early sitting balance. They promote bilateral coordination and motivation to move through space — key milestones for building strength, endurance, and coordinati...

 
Kristen profile picture
I bought this for my friend's son and she said it LOVED it!
Joyfy Crawling Crab
 
Kristen profile picture
An old favorite of mine! Kiddos need to make noise!
VTech Zoo Jamz Doggy Xylophone
 
Kristen profile picture
So versatile and fun!
Ride & Chomp: Educational Kids Pedal and Push Vehicle
 
Kristen profile picture
Such a fun cute way to promote crawling!
Musical Lullaby Crawling Duck Interactive Toy

🔄 Cause & Effect (6–18 months): Learning Through Action

Babies begin to understand that their actions make things happen. These toys reinforce that link while supporting hand-eye coordination, visual attention, and early problem-solving. Great for fostering curiosity and persistence during play.

 
Kristen profile picture
I love cause and effect toys for fun and development!
Fisher-Price Kitty Ball Tower
 
Kristen profile picture
Another option for a great cause and effect toy! I love ocean themed toys!
Poppity Whale Pop: Fine Motor Skills Toy with Music & Lights
 
Kristen profile picture
Provides auditory feedback for cause-and-effect learning and helps sustain attention through multisensory input.
Fisher-Price Paradise Pals Tropical Fun Pop-Up
 
Kristen profile picture
Another great cause and effect toy!
Feed The Fish | Interactive Baby & Toddler Toy
 
Kristen profile picture
This one works great and is easy to clean!
Cause and Effect Toy

🧱 Building & Stacking (9–24 months): Coordination & Early Planning

Stacking, nesting, and connecting toys encourage fine motor precision, spatial awareness, and early planning skills. These classic activities support bimanual coordination, wrist stability, and visual-motor integration — all foundational for later ha...

 
Kristen profile picture
I LOVE that this has so many toys included. I bought this for a friend recently
Joyin Toddler Toys 6-12 Months - 20PCS Montessori Toys for Toddlers Baby Blocks Pull Strings & Sensory Balls, Toddlers Baby Toys
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Kristen profile picture
Develops bilateral coordination, visual-motor planning, and problem-solving as babies learn to align and balance pieces.
Fisher-Price Sensory Rock-A-Stack
 
Kristen profile picture
I love buying this as a gift!
Fisher-Price Baby's First Blocks
 
Kristen profile picture
These are fantastic blocks for young kiddos! Great for promoting bilateral skills
Soft Large Building Blocks for Toddlers 6M+

🌈 Sensory Play (All Ages): Exploring with All the Senses

From textures to gentle sounds, these toys provide multisensory experiences that help babies learn to regulate, attend, and engage. Sensory play supports body awareness, calming, and curiosity, giving little ones a rich foundation for learning throug...

 
Kristen profile picture
I could go on and on about why I love water tables!
Little Tikes Spinning Seas Water Table
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Kristen profile picture
I love that this combines sensory and tummy time!
Baby Einstein Ocean Explorers Sensory Splash Water Mat - 0-36 Months - Unisex
 
Kristen profile picture
These provide tactile, visual, and auditory sensory inout!
Sensory Bean Bags
 
Kristen profile picture
A simple but great sensory toy for kiddoes 6-12 months. Provides tactile and visual input
Sensory Balls Baby Toys 6-12 Months

✋ Fine Motor Focus (12–24 months): Small Hands, Big Skills

As toddlers gain control, these toys strengthen grasp, release, and hand separation. They’re perfect for promoting dexterity, bilateral coordination, and preparation for future self-feeding, dressing, and tool use.

 
Kristen profile picture
I love Spike! He's a fan favorite with my students
Spike the Fine Motor Hedgehog Tissue Time: Plastic Baby & Toddler Toys, BPA-Free, 11 Pieces
 
Kristen profile picture
This cracks me up! Cute, funny, and functional! It's awesome!
Skip Hop Farmstand Let the Beet Drop DJ Activity Play Toy

Development Tips and Tricks

 
Kristen profile picture
Great tips from the CDC
CDC Positive Parenting Tips: Infants (0–1 years)
 
Kristen profile picture
Another great article with helpful information!
Promoting Early Development: Building a Strong Foundation
 
Kristen profile picture
More helpful information from the Mayo Clinic!
Infant development: Milestones from 4 to 6 months