The Best Educational Toys for Babies and Toddlers
We tested 20 baby and toddler toys with developmental psychologist guidance to find the ones that support real learning.
The toy industry uses terms like “educational” and “developmental” loosely. We worked with a developmental psychologist to evaluate 20 baby and toddler toys against what the evidence actually says about early childhood development. Here’s what passed.
What Makes a Toy Genuinely Educational
Research in early childhood development points to a few consistent principles: open-ended toys (blocks, shape sorters, stacking cups) outperform single-function electronic toys for cognitive development. Face-to-face interaction with a caregiver during play is more valuable than any toy. And the best toys for infants are often the simplest: high-contrast patterns, soft textures, and things that make sound when babies touch them.
0–6 months: High-contrast black and white cards or mobiles. Soft rattles. A baby gym with hanging objects to bat at.
6–12 months: Shape sorters. Stacking rings. Soft books with different textures. Cause-and-effect toys (press a button, something happens).
12–24 months: Building blocks. Push-and-pull toys. Simple puzzles. Play kitchens and tool sets. Anything that allows pretend play.