Top toy suggestions for baby's first year

As your little one grows and changes they start to interact more with the world around them, and to enjoy age-appropriate toys. Here's our top picks for each stage of your baby's first year.
0 - 3 MONTHS
Counting sheep The sleeping sheep is a night light and a music box in one! An animal friend in every nursery and faithful companion on dark nights for babies from birth. Sleepy Sheepy is made of wood and high quality plastic. It can play five different sleep tunes. An LED light shines gently when falling asleep and after playing, the sheep will put itself into sleep mode. Hape Sleepy Sheepy, $49.99, hapetoys.co.nz |
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Play time together Bold contrasting black and white design with high quality, non-toxic soft fabric. With 24 double-sided cards to play with, it’s also a great bonding exercise between caregivers and baby. MoraBaby Soft Flash Cards with Cloth Storage Bag, $93.60, toyscentral.nz |
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3 - 6 MONTHS
Bells and whistles A one-stop-shop for little ones to ring bells, rattle and hoot. Easy to attach to the cot or playpen for mobile fun, encouraging baby's early motor skills. Tavolini Wooden Activity Board, $49.95, naturebaby.co.nz |
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Rattle and roll An organic keepsake teething rattle made from FSC beech wood and finished with natural beeswax. Smooth and safe for teething little ones with an extra fun rattle built in. The Kiss Co Pēpi Kiss Teething Rattle, $31.90, thekissco.co.nz |
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6 - 12 MONTHS
Peekaboo Perfect for developing concentration and hand-eye coordination, this toy is a textural feast with contrasting fabrics and feels, sounds, colours and even a baby mirror. Lalee Hide & Seek Activity Toy Mountain, $112.95, dimples.co.nz |
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All together now Meaning 'come together’ in Te Reo, the Āpiti puzzle connects loved ones like our friends, Kiss, Cuddle, and Llama here together in this puzzle. All three stackable pieces are made from FSC beech wood and finished in natural beeswax, creating a safe, all-natural puzzle, perfect for learning hand-eye coordination. The Kiss Co Āpiti Wooden Puzzle, $29.90, thekissco.co.nz |
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Shapes and sizes With 6 different coloured smooth wooden shapes to fit through the correct holes, this toy is great for hand-eye coordination as well as shape recognition. Djeco Cachatou Shape Sorter, $67.95, evermoretoys.co.nz |
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AS FEATURED IN ISSUE 65 OF OHbaby! MAGAZINE. CHECK OUT OTHER ARTICLES IN THIS ISSUE BELOW
