Budget pickBirth to ~12 months
Fisher-Price Glow and Grow Kick & Play Piano Gym
A bright, musical play gym where kicks and swipes get lights and songs — busy, but it holds attention.
Toys & books by age
Babies need far fewer toys than the shops suggest. In the first months, faces, voices, a play mat and a few board books do most of the work; later, simple open-ended things — cups to stack, blocks, balls — get used for years. Buy toys labelled for under-3s: in Australia these must meet a mandatory standard based on AS/NZS ISO 8124, which tests for small parts that could choke a child. Check that battery compartments need a screwdriver to open, especially for button batteries, and that magnets, eyes and buttons are firmly attached. Board books are the best value we know: read together from the newborn weeks, and let your baby chew the corners.
Premium pickBirth to ~2 years
Lovevery The Play Gym
A calm, wooden-and-organic-cotton play gym with zones and a cover that turns into a toddler fort.
Also good~6 months to ~2 years
VTech Turn & Learn Cube
A cheap five-sided activity cube that gives a new sitter something to turn, press and spin.
Things we don’t recommend, and why
- Toys for older children (often labelled 3+) around babies and toddlers — small parts can fit in a young child's throat. Use a choke-check tool if unsure. Source: Product Safety Australia (ACCC) — Kids' toys guide
- Toys with button batteries in compartments that open without a tool, and toys with small loose magnets. Source: Product Safety Australia (ACCC) — Kids' toys guide
- Foam toys and bean-bag style toys filled with polystyrene beads for children under 3. Source: Product Safety Australia (ACCC) — Kids' toys guide
- Baby walkers — child safety experts advise against them because of falls and head injuries. Source: Product Safety Australia (ACCC) — Baby walkers guide
Price bands for this category: $ < $25 · $$ $25–60 · $$$ $60–150 · $$$$ > $150. Prices change — check the retailer.