When preparing for a new baby, it is easy to focus on clothes, nappies and the pram and leave toys until the last minute – or, the opposite, to buy far too many. A newborn really does not need a full shelf. In this guide we explain which toys are worth having for the first months and how to choose them sensibly.
How many toys does a newborn need?
Fewer than you might think. In the first weeks, babies sleep a lot, and during awake time they are most interested in their parents' faces and voices. Toys are an extra that helps you offer short, calm play sessions and makes time in the pram or car seat more pleasant.
Four to six well-chosen toys are plenty for the start. Buy more gradually, once you see what really interests your baby and what stage they are at. This way you avoid things that sit in a cupboard before your little one is ready for them.
Newborn toy checklist
1. A contrast toy
In the first weeks, a baby's vision is still developing, and bold black-and-white patterns usually catch their attention most easily. A good choice is the black-and-white sensory hanging toy with soft, moving elements, which can be attached to a pram, cot or car seat. It measures 14 × 33.5 cm and weighs 115 g.
2. A hanging toy or spiral for the pram
Walks are an important part of the day with a newborn, so it is worth having a toy that makes pram time more enjoyable. The sensory activity spiral has a flexible shape that wraps easily around a pram handle, cot bars, car seat or play arch. Soft animals, a mirror and colourful tags hang from it, and gentle sounds add extra interest. An alternative is the pram mobile with toys and a mirror – light (83 g), with colourful soft elements. You will find more models in our sensory hanging toys category.
3. A musical toy
A calm melody can be a pleasant part of your evening wind-down. The Hedgehog sensory musical toy is made of plush, has different textures, soft "spikes", colourful details and plastic rings, and plays a gentle tune. See also our cuddly and musical toys category.
4. A soft sensory book
A book is handy during tummy time, in the pram and when travelling. The sensory pram book features animal illustrations, raised elements and crinkly pages, and its light construction means your baby can try to grab it later on. More ideas are waiting in our sensory books category.
5. A rattle or teether "for later"
Deliberate grasping usually develops after a few months, and teething often starts even later. Still, one soft rattle is useful from the start for playing together – you shake it and your baby listens. The Elephant sensory teether with a quiet rattle combines both functions: it makes a subtle sound, and its lower part works as a teether. Other models can be found in our rattles and teethers category.
6. A play mat or blanket
Not a toy in the strict sense, but a safe, clean spot on the floor makes tummy time much easier. A thick blanket with a book or contrast toy placed next to it is enough.
Toys for walks and travel
It is worth planning some of your newborn toys for outings right away. Light items that are easy to attach and easy to wash work well in the pram bag: a soft book with a strap, a rattle or a small hanging toy. That way, in the doctor's waiting room, at the grandparents' or in the car, your baby has something familiar to look at. Just remember to use only soft, securely attached toys in the car seat.
What not to buy in advance
- Toys for older children – shape sorters, blocks or busy boards will only be useful in several months or more.
- Lots of similar rattles – a newborn will not hold them on their own yet anyway.
- Toys without an age label – for the youngest babies, choose products clearly intended for infants.
- Large soft toys for the cot – a newborn's sleeping space should be free of loose items.
Keep in mind that family and friends often bring toys as gifts. If someone asks what to buy, you can suggest a specific item from your list – that way you avoid duplicate presents.
Toy safety for newborns
Toys for a newborn will soon end up in little hands and mouths, so keep a few rules in mind before buying and during use:
- choose products with CE marking, intended for children from 0 months,
- check that the toy has no small detachable parts,
- wash toys before first use and regularly afterwards, following the manufacturer's instructions,
- inspect seams, fastenings and cords – put a damaged toy aside,
- attach hanging toys and spirals securely so that ribbons do not hang near your baby's neck,
- never leave your baby alone with toys, and remove hanging toys from the cot at sleep time.
Quick newborn toy checklist
- a contrast toy or hanging toy,
- a hanging toy, spiral or mobile for the pram,
- a musical toy,
- a soft sensory book,
- a light rattle or a teether with a rattle,
- a blanket or mat for floor play.
Newborn toys at Plushyk
At Plushyk you will find Plush&K toys and other products for the youngest. To see the full range, visit our baby toys category.
We ship from our warehouse in Poland – orders placed by 13:00 leave the same business day, which helps when your due date is close. Delivery within Poland is free from 80 PLN, you get 10% off when you buy 3 toys, and you have 14 days to return your order. We also ship to EU countries (59 PLN).
Frequently asked questions
When should I buy toys for my newborn?
Many parents put together their baby essentials in the last months of pregnancy. You can buy toys along with everything else – just wash or air them before first use, following the manufacturer's instructions.
Do newborns play with toys?
At first they mainly watch and listen. Play is short and happens together with a parent. With each week, babies usually stay interested in toys for longer.
Can a newborn sleep with a soft toy in the cot?
A baby's sleeping space should be free of soft toys and other loose items. Cuddly toys are best used during supervised play.
Which toys do I need for the pram?
One hanging toy, spiral or mobile, securely attached to the pram, is enough. Swap it from time to time so your baby has something new to watch.
