Toys for Infants: Discover, Learn and Grow From Day One

The right toys for infants lay important foundations for a lifetime of growth and learning. From soft sensory toys for newborns to infant and toddler activity sets and preschool learning toys, our range supports every milestone from the very first months.

H2: Why Infant Development Toys Make an Impact on Babies and Toddlers

The earliest years of a child's life are the most critical for brain development, with neural connections forming rapidly from birth. Infant development toys that stimulate the senses, encourage movement, and introduce cause and effect give babies the essential input their developing brains need. Choosing quality infant learning toys from the start has a follow-on effect that will positively impact your child for years to come.

Infant Toys by Age: The Right Toy for Every Stage

It’s always best to match infant toys to your baby's developmental stage:

Newborns to 6 months:

• Soft, high-contrast sensory toys that stimulate developing vision and touch
• Gentle music toys and rattles that introduce sound and rhythm from the earliest weeks

6 to 12 months:

• Infant activity toys like play gyms and activity centres that encourage reaching, grasping, and rolling
• Bath toys that make sensory water play part of the daily routine

12 months to 3 years:

• Push-along vehicles and stacking toys that build basic motor skills and coordination
• Vtech and electronic learning toys that introduce letters, numbers, and sounds through interactive play

Children aged 3 to 5:

• Preschool toys that bridge play and early learning, building school-readiness skills through fun

Top Developmental Benefits of Infant and Preschool Toys

According to our developmental experts, infant interactive toys and infant activity toys develop a wide range of skills simultaneously. Fine and gross motor development, sensory processing, language acquisition, and early problem-solving all benefit from consistent, age-appropriate play. Toys that grow with a child, offering new challenges at each stage, deliver the greatest long-term developmental value.

How to Choose Safe, Stimulating Infant Toys

Safety is the most important consideration when choosing toys for infants. Always check that toys are free from small detachable parts, made from non-toxic and BPA-free materials, and meet Australian toy safety standards (AS/NZS ISO 8124.1). Besides safety, look for infant learning toys that offer sensory variety, open-ended play potential, and the kind of engagement that keeps a baby coming back to the same toy across multiple play sessions.

A Parent's Guide to Picking the Best Toys for Infants

Choosing the best toys for infants comes down to understanding what stage your baby is at. Younger babies respond best to high-contrast visuals, gentle sounds, and soft textures, while older infants and toddlers need toys that challenge their growing physical and cognitive abilities. Selecting infant and toddler toys that fit in with things like bath time and music helps your child engage in the right amount of stimulating play across the day.

Best Infant Toy Brands and Must-Have Products

From Fisher-Price to VTech and Little Tikes, leading infant toy brands are safe, sensory and offer genuine developmental value at every price point. Fisher-Price remains one of the most trusted names in infant development toys worldwide, while VTech leads in infant interactive and electronic learning toys. These brands design products specifically for the needs of developing babies and toddlers, making them a reliable choice at every stage.

Shop Infant and Preschool Toys at Toys"R"Us Australia

Ready to support your child's development from day one? Explore our full range of infant and preschool toys today.

Frequently Asked Questions About Infant and Preschool Toys

Why do developmental toys matter for babies and toddlers?

The first five years of life see more rapid brain development than any other period, making early play experiences extraordinarily important. Developmental toys provide the sensory input, physical challenges, and cognitive stimulation that growing brains need to form strong neural connections.

What are the safest materials for baby toys?

The safest baby toys are made from non-toxic, BPA-free materials such as natural rubber, untreated wood, food-grade silicone, and certified safe plastics. Always look for products that meet Australian toy safety standards and avoid toys with sharp edges, loose parts, or long cords that pose a hazard to young children.

How can baby toys boost your baby's development?

Baby toys boost development by providing targeted stimulation at each stage of growth. High-contrast toys sharpen vision in newborns, rattles and musical toys develop auditory processing, activity gyms build strength and coordination, and cause-and-effect toys introduce early problem-solving.

What toys are best for what age?

Newborns benefit most from high-contrast black and white toys and gentle sounds. Babies aged 3 to 6 months enjoy rattles, soft books, and play mats. From 6 to 12 months, activity centres, shape sorters, and bath toys come into their own. Toddlers aged 1 to 3 thrive with push-along toys, stacking sets, and simple puzzles. Children aged 3 to 5 are ready for preschool learning toys, pretend play sets, and early literacy and numeracy games.