Choosing the perfect toy to purchase that newborn baby is often daunting so I've assembled my top 10 list of toys to help you make your decision easier. Any of these toys will be a hit with baby and Mom & Dad. All toys can be found online at Amazon.com which is a great place to see customer reviews and pricing (quoted prices may vary from store to store).
Gymini Super Deluxe Light and Music by Tiny Love ~$60
This fun activity mat is covered in interesting animals and birds. Each of the items creates unique sounds such as the giraffe and monkey that rattle, the elephant that shakes and the parrot whose wings make crinkle sounds. The mat plays music and also has a mirror where the child can enjoy looking at himself. This activity mat is soft and durable plus it travels easily as it folds nearly flat.
Ocean Wonders Aquarium by Fisher Price ~$30
This fun and practical toy attaches directly to baby's crib to entertain them or help soothe them to sleep. The press buttons allow baby to spin the starfish, open up the clams or make music. There are multiple setting for music and lights that can be set for whatever activity you are trying to encourage (e.g. play or sleep).
Baby Einstein Caterpillar Discover & Play Activity Center by Graco ~$80 This stand-up toy was designed to stimulate and entertain baby with 8 different activities or toys within hands reach. The intriguing colors, shapes, textures and sounds will keep baby engaged for long periods of time. The animals make realistic sounds and most things are spoken in several languages.
Lamaze: Multi-Sensory Clutch Cube by Learning Curve ~$15
This brightly colored soft cube is ideal for young babies and it will hold their attention for a long time. It includes great play activities such as peek-a-boo flaps, clinking rings and jingling chimes to improve your child's motor skills. The cube is scented like apple for some reason.
Baby Einstein Play Gym by Kids II ~$60
This is another great activity mat that I'd recommend. Gym features Baby Einstein characters on the mat and on the dangling part of the padded bars. The mat is brightly colored and has numerous activities to engage the child such as a ladybug rattle, squeaking duck, and a plush star with lights and music.
Tiny Love Trio by Tiny Love ~$15
This unique set of 3 colorful toys is perfect for younger babies. Toy stimulates hand-eye coordination as they learn to rattle, pull, grasp and more. Small enough to fit in diaper bags making it great for Mom's on-the-go.
ExerSaucer Mega - Circus by Evenflo ~$60
The second stand-up toy on my top picks list, the Exersaucer will keep your child entertained for hours. Unlike some of its competitors, this brightly-colored toy folds up with a carry handle for portability making it easy to move from room to room inside the house. The Exersaucer rocks, spins and bounces. Plus, it has 9 circus-themed toys within the child's reach. Flashing lights and music just add to the fun.
Baby's First Toys by Sassy ~$40
As the name indicates, I recommend this set of toys for younger babies. This diverse set includes animals, rattles, teethers, balls, letters and more in bright colors to stimulate baby's sense of sight and their hand-eye coordination. Various shapes and textures plus the soft chewing toys are sure to make this set a hit!
Hug & Learn Baby Tad by LeapFrog ~$27
Soft and huggable, Baby Tad (Tadpole) is a great toy for babies as well as slightly older children. His foot turns him on and off. He'll even give baby a kiss when his cheek is squeezed. With colorful shapes, flashing lights and numerous songs, Baby Tad is sure to keep baby entertained.
Pull N Play Phone by Vtech ~ $16
This brightly colored play phone has big buttons that make dialing noises for baby to push and develop their motor skills. The phone comes with big wheels so that baby can pull the toy around with them once they start walking. The child will be delighted to hear the phone ring and the five melodies that it plays. All kids love to pretend and this phone can hold their attention for a long time.
Janice Kremer does all her shopping online. She prefers Amazon for toys, and Baby Gifts & Gift Baskets for personalized baby gifts, gift baskets, blankets and more.