Looking for the best toys for newborns that actually support early development — not just fill the nursery shelves? You’re in the right place.
In this warm and practical guide, we’ll walk you through:
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What features truly matter in newborn toys
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Thoughtfully chosen picks from trusted brands — all available at Kido Bébé
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How each toy supports those magical 0–3 month milestones
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Answers to the most common parent questions
Let’s dive in and find the perfect companions for your little one’s earliest discoveries.
What to Look for in the Best Toys for Newborns
When choosing newborn toys, look for features that support comfort, safety, and early development. The best toys offer:
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Lightweight, easy-to-hold shapes
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Soft textures for delicate skin
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Gentle sounds for auditory stimulation
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High-contrast visuals to boost focus
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Safe, non-toxic materials
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Multi-sensory features that grow with your baby
These little details make a big difference.
10 Best Toys for Newborns
1. Avery Row Rattle – Brave Bear (Rattle)
Let’s start with a tiny treasure — the Avery Row Brave Bear Rattle. Soft, cuddly, and made just for those little fingers to grab, shake, and squish. It’s gentle, lightweight, and oh-so-soothing for your baby’s senses.
The adorable bear design is more than charming — it’s comforting. Made from organic cotton and organic dyes, this rattle is kind to both your baby’s skin and the planet. Plus, the subtle rattle sound offers just enough sensory stimulation to keep your newborn engaged without overstimulation.
Why moms love it:
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Easy to grip
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Soft and safe from day one
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Sensory-friendly and eco-conscious
A beautiful first toy and a perfect keepsake. Explore more in our Rattles Collection.
2. Tiny Love Boho Chic Luxe Developmental Gymini (Activity Gym)
Tummy time just got a serious upgrade. The Boho Chic Luxe Gymini by Tiny Love is a dreamy playmat designed to support your baby’s earliest milestones — from strengthening their tiny muscles during tummy time to stimulating visual and motor skills.
Neutral tones and earthy textures make it as calming as it is stylish, while the mirrors, plush toys, and soft arches keep your little one delightfully engaged. It's the perfect balance between development and cozy aesthetics.
Why it’s a standout among newborn toys:
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Encourages sensory and motor development
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Stylish enough to blend into your living room
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A safe, gentle space for playtime discovery
Peek at more Activity Gyms + Mats to create your baby’s favorite spot at home.
3. Jellycat Bashful Bunny Loves You Fabric Book (Sensory Book)
Nothing melts a parent’s heart like storytime snuggles — and the Jellycat Bashful Bunny Fabric Book brings those moments to life with soft textures, sweet pages, and a loving message: Bunny Loves You.
This book is perfect for cuddly moments or quiet time in the stroller. The gentle crinkle sounds and plush pages make it more than a book — it’s a soothing, sensory-rich experience for your newborn.
Why it’s one of the best toys for newborns:
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Combines sensory play and bonding
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Baby-safe and extra snuggly
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Makes storytime extra special from the start
4. Kaloo Doudou Lovey Blanket (Comforter Toy)
Every baby needs a soft companion to hold onto — and the Kaloo Doudou Lovey Blanket is just that. A cozy blend of softness and security, this lovey quickly becomes a baby’s favorite comfort object — a bedtime essential, a cuddle buddy, and a little piece of home, all in one.
Loveys can help babies self-soothe, especially during naps or moments of transition. And let’s be honest — they’re just downright adorable.
Why parents love it:
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Ultra-gentle fabric for delicate skin
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Provides comfort and familiarity
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Makes sleepy time and quiet time feel safe
Discover more Plush & Comfort Toys to find your baby’s next best friend.
5. Mushie Silicone Teether – Flower or Ball Design (Teether Toy)
When little gums start exploring the world, teether toys are a must. The Mushie Silicone Teether combines modern design with comfort and safety — making it the perfect choice for early mouthing and tactile discovery.
Shaped for easy gripping and crafted from food-grade silicone, these teethers soothe sore gums and help your baby get used to new textures in a safe and fun way.
Why it’s one of the best developmental toys for newborns:
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Easy for little hands to hold
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Soft, safe, and stylish
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Encourages oral sensory development
View more in our Teether Toys Collection.
6. Janod Sweet Cocoon Activity Leaf (Developmental Toy)
Bring a touch of nature-inspired play to your baby’s world with the Janod Sweet Cocoon Activity Leaf. This beautifully designed toy features wooden textures, soft curves, and gentle colors — ideal for newborn sensory exploration.
With loops, beads, gears, and gentle movement, it supports visual tracking, fine motor skills, and tactile discovery from the very beginning. Plus, it’s just as lovely to display in your nursery as it is fun to play with.
Why it’s a standout among developmental toys for newborns:
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Multi-sensory stimulation without overstimulation
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Encourages hand-eye coordination
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Calm, baby-safe materials with a modern design
Explore more in our Janod Collection.
7. Jellycat Bashful Bunny Soother (Plush Toy)
Soft, floppy, and full of charm — the Jellycat Bashful Bunny Soother is a cuddle essential for newborns. With velvety fur and a plush mini blanket, it offers warmth, security, and a whole lot of love.
Whether it’s a nap buddy or a forever keepsake, this newborn toy brings comfort and joy from the very first hug.
Why it’s a classic favorite:
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Ultra-soft for tender skin
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Easy to hold, comforting to cuddle
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A timeless plush companion with a cozy twist
Browse our Jellycat Collection to find your baby’s new best friend.
8. Kaloo Activity Book – Choo at Home (Multi-Sensory Book)
With soft tags, illustrations, and baby-friendly textures, the Kaloo Choo at Home Book transforms storytime into a sensory adventure. Whether during tummy time or bedtime, this book gives your baby a gentle introduction to sounds, visuals, and textures.
Why it’s one of the best developmental toys for newborns:
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Tactile and visual stimulation
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Interactive and soothing
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Perfect for early bonding
Explore the full Kaloo Collection.
9. Mushie Stacking Cups (Developmental Toy)
Simple? Yes. Brilliant? Also yes. These stacking cups by Mushie are the kind of toy that grows with your child — starting as something to look at and touch, and evolving into a favorite for building, knocking over, and water play.
Designed with clean lines and soft tones, they support early development while fitting beautifully into any nursery aesthetic.
Why it’s a newborn essential:
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Promotes hand-eye coordination
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BPA-free and safe for mouthing
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Endless play value beyond the newborn stage
Explore the Mushie Collection for more beautiful essentials.
10. Done by Deer Fabric Activity Book – Elphie Grey (Scandinavian Sensory Toy)
Scandinavian simplicity meets baby-friendly function in this Done by Deer Fabric Book. Soft textures, gentle sounds, mirrors, and a built-in teether — it’s a beautiful little bundle of stimulation and calm for your baby’s curious mind.
Why it stands out among the best toys for newborns:
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Multi-sensory without being overwhelming
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Stylish, soft, and engaging
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Designed to support your baby’s first developmental milestones
Explore more Done by Deer Toys.
Kido Bébé: Where You’ll Find the Best Toys for Newborns
We know how special these first few months are — and how every little moment feels like magic. As a trusted Canadian baby store, we’re here to help you make the most of those early milestones with toys that do more than entertain. Our collection of newborn toys is chosen with love, care, and a deep understanding of what babies truly need — softness, safety, and sensory stimulation that supports healthy development.
From cozy rattles and developmental toys for newborns to plush companions and gentle activity gyms, we bring you only the brands we truly believe in — like Jellycat, Mushie, Kaloo, Janod, Tiny Love, and more. Because at the end of the day, we’re parents too — and your baby’s joy means the world to us.
Most Common Questions
1. How early should I introduce developmental toys for newborns?
You can start introducing newborn toys from the very first days. While your baby may not be “playing” just yet, soft rattles, high-contrast books, and textured loveys gently stimulate their senses and support early development. These toys encourage visual tracking, auditory awareness, and tactile exploration — all-important foundations for growth. You don’t need a big toy bin; just a few thoughtful pieces can make a difference. Simple toys create meaningful moments of bonding and discovery. The goal isn’t to entertain — it’s to gently engage your baby’s senses and help them begin understanding the world around them. At this stage, less is more — and soft, age-appropriate toys offer just the right level of enrichment.
2. What types of developmental toys are best for the first 3 months?
In those first few months, babies are just beginning to explore with their eyes, ears, and hands. That’s why the most effective toys are soft, gentle, and sensory-rich. Think lightweight rattles, textured books, cozy comforters, and playmats with hanging toys. These options help develop fine motor skills, encourage eye tracking, and support early sensory awareness. Even something as simple as a mirror or a toy with crinkled fabric can make a big impact. It’s not about overstimulation — it’s about creating small, engaging experiences for your baby each day. Choosing the right developmental toys for newborns helps nurture natural curiosity and build early connections in the brain.
3. Can newborn toys help with brain development?
Yes — the right newborn toys can play an important role in early brain development. Babies’ brains grow rapidly in the first months, and sensory experiences help shape those early neural pathways. Toys that encourage touching, hearing, and visual tracking can gently support this growth. A soft rattle helps with sound recognition. A crinkle book introduces texture and cause-effect. A simple playmat encourages reaching and movement. These toys aren’t just cute — they’re powerful tools for healthy development. When you offer your baby age-appropriate sensory play, you’re helping build the foundation for cognitive skills like memory, focus, and problem-solving in the years to come.
4. How many developmental toys for newborns does a newborn really need?
It’s easy to feel like you need every toy on the shelf, but in reality, newborns thrive with just a few well-chosen essentials. A soft rattle, a comforting lovey, a tactile book, and a safe teether can go a long way in supporting early sensory and emotional development. The key is quality over quantity. Having too many toys can overwhelm a baby — and you. Instead, choose a few versatile items you can rotate. The best toys for newborns offer gentle stimulation and meaningful interaction, not distraction. With just a small collection, you can create engaging moments that nurture your baby’s growth from the very beginning.
Little Moments, Big Beginnings
In these first tender months, every coo, every gaze, every tiny grip is a step into something new. That’s the quiet magic of the early days — and the beauty of choosing the right toys for newborns. It’s not about filling a nursery; it’s about filling each moment with warmth, connection, and discovery. Because it’s in the softest rattles, the gentlest textures, and the simplest sounds that your baby begins to explore the world — safely, slowly, and joyfully.
Here’s to growing, playing, and making beautiful memories — right from day one.
