The Best Toys for 3-Month-Old Babies
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Being the parent of a brand-new baby comes with all sorts of challenges, but it’s also a lot of fun. As your little one starts to keep their eyes open for longer stretches during the day, and is slowly discovering what their little hands, feet, and mouth can do, it is the perfect time to introduce some very early toys ideal for your 3-month-old.
What toys should a 3-month-old baby have?
Great toys for 3-month-old babies include teethers, bouncers, tummy time mats, rattles, and small musical toys. At this point in your baby’s development, do not overwhelm them, but keep a bin of small items on hand that can be rotated into use during a diaper change, playtime on the floor, or other times between naps and the rest of your day. (Psst! Here are our favorite toy storage ideas!)
Wake windows are still relatively short and so is your baby’s attention span, so don’t be dismayed if play time with your 3-month-old doesn’t last long at playtime. You’ll want a few solid toys on your roster for visual stimulation, gum relief (if applicable), tummy time support, early hand-eye coordination, and fine and gross motor strength. Here are some of our favorites.
The Best Toys for 3-Month-Old Babies
Tummy Time Mat for Babies
Image and to purchase: Amazon
At 3 months old, your little one is starting to spend more time alert, awake, and interested in lifting up their head more and more. Tummy time is so important, but it doesn’t have to feel like a chore for you or your baby. A colorful and comfy tummy time mat is a great investment. Consider upgrading it with accessories like a mirror they can see their cute little face in, which will enhance tummy time and is an early Montessori learning tool, or a mat with attached toys that they can pull on.
Baby Play Gym
Image and to purchase: Lalo
Your 3-month-old is beginning to interact with the world around them, even grasping at dangling toys. A play gym provides entertainment while helping them work on these important fine motor skills. Bold contrast is helpful for eye development, but bright colors are also fun. Select a palette that pleases you because this is one item that will be so fun for Baby no matter what, it’s okay if the theme is more subdued and neutral.
Handheld Baby Rattle
Image and to purchase: Amazon
Babies at 3 months are working on their grasp and can often hold a toy in hand or are well on their way to this milestone. The cause-and-effect of hearing a rattling or tinkling when they shake something in that tiny fist is new and exciting.
As long as the toy is safe to be put in the mouth, any handheld rattle is perfect for your little one’s toy bin at this stage. Always keep in mind that their ability to grip it easily is more important than how it looks… but admittedly, there are a lot of beautiful ones out there too!
Baby Teething Toys
Image and to purchase: Mushie
Though your peanut might not pop a tooth for several weeks—or even months—their gums can still use soothing at this young age. A 3-month-old is beginning to use their mouth as a tool in discovering and learning about the world and objects around them. Keep pacifier wipes in your diaper bag or toy bin, because these bad boys will need a quick germ-swipe frequently, and will end up covered in drool pretty often, too.
Snuggly Baby Toys and Flat Loveys
Image and to purchase: Under the Nile
It’s pretty early for your little love to get attached to a stuffy, and they’re way too young to take it to bed with them (the AAP says nothing in the crib but Baby and binky until 12 months plus!), but that doesn’t mean that daytime snuggles and supervised playtime can’t include some sweet soothing companionship from a lovey or flat stuffed animal. Three-month-olds are starting to remember and interact with people and things they see daily, so it’s a great time to introduce them to the basic concept of stuffed animals for comfort down the road.
Soft Baby Books
Image and to purchase: Manhattan Toy Company
The crinkly effect of the pages, bumpy corner for teething, hanging toy, and silky tag are all great examples of sensory exploration fulfillment provided by a soft book for Baby. These are fabulous for your 3-month-old, but will continue to delight your baby for many, many months to come, making them a worthwhile investment.
Baby Toys With Lights & Music
Image and to purchase: Amazon
Light-up and musical baby toys aren't for every family, but if you're fine with a few bells and whistles, babies sure do like them. The one shown here is an award-winner with reason; it lasts forever and thrills and delights babies of all ages from the earliest graspers. But anything your 3-month-old can hold, that features soft flashes of light and gentle music is a winner. Keep one such toy in your diaper bag or car and another in Baby’s playroom or nursery stash and keep the grins growing.
Bouncy Seat for Babies
A perfect perch is often the best way to get Baby interacting with the people and things around them. Especially if this is a second or subsequent child, it’s important to have somewhere safe to set your 3-month-old down that’s not only secure but also fun. At 3 months, your baby wants to see what’s going on, and interact by bouncing in their chair, a very early gross motor development. Add a toy bar for more entertainment–and giving yourself a shot at banging out a few items on your to-do list, too. (Hey, a parent can dream…) Just keep in mind that while bouncy seats are fun for play, they are not safe for sleep! (Read more about baby bouncers and rockers.)
More Toy Ideas for Babies:
- Pediatrician-Recommended Toys for Babies
- Montessori Toys for Babies
- Best Toys for 6-Month-Old Babies
- Best Toys for 12-Month-Old Babies
- The Happiest Toy Guide for Babies and Toddlers
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