The Best Brain Development Toys For Infants play a significant in honing the learning capabilities of your child, coordinating the development of all other skills, and ensuring your child achieves important milestones within time.
It is never too early to start teaching your child. The earlier you begin, the more likely your toddler will succeed in school and life.
And the best way to do this is with toys. So which are the best brain development toys for infants?
Well, many toys on the market claim to help infant brain development. However, not all of them can deliver.
After all, you want to give your baby the best, and this often means spending a lot of time and money on finding the perfect toy.
That is why this list is designed for you. It includes the top 10 best baby toys for brain development to provide you with a good variety of options for your little one.
Plus, the article has everything you need to know about choosing the right developmental toys for your infant’s needs.
Table of Contents
Best toys for brain development – Top Picks
- Mag-Genius Award Winning building Magnet Tiles Blocks – Best brain development toy for 2-month-old
- MERTNK Soft Building Stacking Blocks – Best brain development toy for 2-month-old
- Sassy Developmental Bumpy Ball – Best toy for 9-month-old brain development
- Sassy Tummy Time Floor Mirror – Best brain development toy for 1-year-old
- Baby Rattle Music Toy with Music Box – Best brain toy for 2-year-olds
- Magna-Tiles 32-Piece Clear Colors Set – Best toy for 3-year-old brain development
- iPlay, iLearn 10pcs Baby Rattle Toys – Best multifunctional toy for toddler brain development
- Picasso Tiles Marble Run 150-Piece Magnetic Tile Play Set – Best multipiece toy for newborn brain development
- Skillmatics Educational Brain Games – Best toys for older babies brain development
- Push Pop Fidget Toys – Best fidget toy for infant brain development
- Rainbow Straw Constructor STEM Building Toy – Best brain toy for engineering
Best toys for baby brain development – Reviews
1. Mag-Genius Award Winning building Magnet Tiles Blocks
Mag-Genius Magnet Tiles Blocks are a great way to keep the brain active and the spirit bright. These blocks are designed to be used in ways that are both educational and innovative.
As such, they are a great choice for kids who need more stimulation.
What are these blocks? They are colorful, shaped pieces that you can stack together in any configuration to create any shape or structure you like!
Kids can use it in any way that their imagination permits. From building castles, houses to geometric shapes, these blocks offer hours of creative play. Kids can even build a truck out of the two bonus magnetic cars.
So, it is more like an art project, where anything is possible.
But what is so special about these blocks? Well, they encourage open-ended thinking and creativity. Also, this toy has a lot of educational value because it builds spatial awareness and problem-solving skills in children.
Kids love to build with them because they are easy to arrange and use again and again. Parents love them because they are durable and worry-free.
Plus, with no worries about choking hazards, these blocks are a win-win for any family.
If you are looking for a way to introduce your child to building blocks, this might just be what you need!
Pros
✅ Award-winning design
✅ Endless building options to unleash your child’s creativity
✅ Offers more pieces for the money
✅ No sharp or pointed edges
✅ Easy to wash plastic material
✅ Includes a carry case for easy storage and travel
Cons
X Only has basic shapes
Learn More from BestToyLine: Best Toys for Hand-Eye Coordination for Babies
2. MERTNK Soft Building Stacking Blocks
Building blocks are a classic toy that will never go out of style. So, why not get your little one started with these MERTNK building blocks?
These blocks are perfect for babies who are just starting to explore the world around them. With these blocks, they can learn how to stack and build while at the same time developing essential motor skills.
It not only teaches geometric patterns through stacking and building. Each block also has illustrations that teach animal shapes, Arabic numerals, fruits, math, and sensory texture.
Plus, each piece comes in a unique, vibrant color that will delight little minds. So, it also teaches color identity.
Now, it is not always easy to find toys that are not too hard or too soft for babies to chew on. Plus, choking hazards are always lurking at every corner.
Well, these blocks give you an answer for both of these problems. It comes in a food-grade silicone material that is gentle on teeth when chewed on. In addition, the blocks are large enough to avoid swallowing.
And the best part is they make a sound when you squeeze them to help pique your baby’s curiosity.
If you want a toy that encourages well-rounded development, this 12-piece stacking block will suffice.
Pros
✅ Multipurpose learning toy for all-around development
✅ Double as teethers
✅ Large size prevents choking
✅ Produces sound to attract the baby’s attention
Cons
X Has a little smell that lingers on for a while upon opening the package
3. Sassy Developmental Bumpy Ball
Does your baby need more sensory input to calm down? Well, this bumpy ball might just be the solution.
The ball has bumps that provide tactile stimulation and an incredible sensory experience. From the minute they pick it up, kids will start exploring how to use it. Plus, who doesn’t love chasing after a wobbly ball?
The best part? The bumps are easy to grasp, making it easier to transfer the ball from one hand to another. For this reason, it helps develop gross motor skills.
Besides the bumps, this ball also provides an exciting tactile experience with a variety of textures. In fact, each bump has a different fabric texture.
Plus, the ball comes in bright colors to promote your baby’s developing vision. In addition, it has rattling beads that stimulate their senses while improving hand-eye coordination.
The ball is soft and bouncy but firm enough so that kids won’t hurt themselves when they fall.
This bumpy ball will certainly add plenty of excitement and engagement to their playtime sessions.
Pros
✅ Has various textures
✅ Easy to grasp
✅ High contrast colors
✅ Encourages crawling
Cons
X Non-washable
4. Sassy Tummy Time Floor Mirror
Sassy Tummy Time Floor Mirror is the best brain toy for 1-year-old.
Babies are just like us adults when it comes to looking at themselves in the mirror. They find it amazingly entertaining!
But, they cannot get their arms up to grab at their faces as we do. That is where a Sassy Tummy Time Floor Mirror comes in handy.
This floor mirror is an essential item in any nursery for those sweet moments of self-discovery and playtime. It shows them in the reflection: everything they are doing on the floor.
Well, the mirror not only engages the baby’s vision. It has other extras that bring out the sassiest of imaginations in your little one!
It has a high-contrast ladybug and tracker ball for visual perception. Not only that, but it also has a butterfly that inspires both vision and tactile exploration. To top it all, it comes with spinning balls to develop gross motor skills and encourage the baby’s curiosity.
The mirror is also built with safety in mind. It has a soft fabric frame that will not hurt your little one. Moreover, it sits stable on most surfaces, thanks to the easel back support.
The best part? Your little one can use it at any stage of development!
Pros
✅ Large true-reflection mirror
✅ Includes interactive toys
✅ Safe fabric frame
Cons
X Knocked over easily
5. Baby Rattle Music Toy with Music Box
Babies love music. They can even be calmed by it!
This toy is perfect for babies because it is colorful and engaging through sight and sound.
Not only does this toy stimulate the baby’s senses, but it also helps them develop important motor skills.
The rattling beads attract your baby’s attention as well as develop their sense of hearing. You can shake it, tap it, and roll it. Anything goes!
Plus, the toy has a music box that sings lullabies to soothe and calm the baby. All you do is pull the ring on the tail. The best part is that it does not need batteries!
One more thing about the pull ring is that it also develops motor skills. To top it all, it strengthens your baby’s arms.
In addition, this toy comes with a mirror that has a plush frame for safety. It is just what the baby needs for self-discovery.
Babies are often looking for comfort most of the time. Rather than cuddling up to their parents, they might opt for this plush toy.
Your baby will love to snuggle with this toy because it provides comfort and a sense of security. So, it is not just your child’s best music partner but also a bedtime companion. Moreover, it is small enough for the baby to hold and carry around.
This music toy comes with two cords to anchor to a bed or stroller. Hence, your baby can tug at it without worry.
Whether you want to stimulate your baby’s brain activity or improve motor skills, you can count on this music toy to deliver.
Pros
✅ Soft and cuddly
✅ Includes a mirror for self-discovery
✅ Soothing lullaby sound
✅ Comes with a safety teether
✅ Does not need batteries
Cons
X No age recommendation by the manufacturer
6. Magna-Tiles 32-Piece Clear Colors Set
Train your child’s brain with Magna-Tiles.
We know that children love to create, build, and explore. That is why Magna-Tiles has been a favorite of parents and teachers for over 40 years.
Magna-Tiles help kids develop spatial reasoning skills like never before.
Kids can explore their creativity as they create shapes or figures while making new discoveries about geometry. From math, art to 3D objects, these tiles provide hours of playtime.
Best of all, they are compatible with all other Magna-Tiles sets or Lego bricks!
The set uses magnets to hold each piece together. Hence, it will stick firmly, but not too tightly! This means that kids can mix and match pieces into infinite possibilities without feeling frustrated.
The tiles are made from high-quality plastic and come in clear colors with rich hues. They are also extremely durable! They will not yellow with age or scratch easily.
If you are looking for a way to inspire your child’s creativity, Magna-Tiles is the toy for you.
Pros
✅ Compatible with other Magna tiles
✅ Smooth edges
✅ Food-grade ABS plastic
✅ The durable reinforced design does not break apart
Cons
X Choking hazard for kids under 3 years
7. iPlay, iLearn 10pcs Baby Rattle Toys
Introduce your baby to the world of sensory play with these 10 colorful rattles. It really is a world of fun!
These toys are for different stages of a baby’s development. Plus, they are designed to help babies develop and grow through fun, engaging, and safe play.
One of the most important things about this toy set is that it has different grips and shapes. This helps their motor skills develop as they grow.
There are also a variety of sounds to help expand their auditory experience, and colors and patterns to help with eye-tracking skills. Not to mention there are a variety of textures to help develop their sense of touch.
And with a ton of other tasks to boot, your little one will never be bored.
This toy set, too, guarantees your baby’s safety. It comes in non-toxic food-grade materials. Plus, you can use these rattles as a teether to help soothe sore gums.
Whether you are looking for a toy to shake, sound out or just grab and shake around, these 10-piece baby rattle toys will do the trick!
Pros
✅ Multiple toys for a variety of skills
✅ Variety of colors, shapes, and textures
✅ Double as teethers
✅ Comes in food-grade materials
Cons
X Allows for a surface clean only
8. Picasso Tiles Marble Run 150-Piece Magnetic Tile Play Set
Picasso Tiles are a toy that allows children to build with unlimited creativity, all while using their hands and imagination.
One of the best things about Picasso Tiles (besides how well they work with all sorts of building projects) is how much fun it is to play with them.
They are a great way to introduce your child to STEM and building concepts. You can also use them for other creative purposes like coloring, sculpting, or even arranging them to spell out a word in order.
This tileset includes everything you need for endless hours of entertainment and educational fun.
You can assemble the pieces together in many different ways, giving kids plenty of options as they create their own structures and designs.
Children can build towers, castles, bridges, pyramids – whatever their minds come up with! Simply put, it opens up hours of fun for any child who loves building things.
And the best part is that you do not have to worry about little pieces getting lost during playtime!
The set includes 150 magnetic tiles in 10 different shapes, including triangles, squares, and pentagons. There are also columns, funnels, slides, U-turns, and more. With this set, you can create over 200 layouts.
In addition to being an artistic tool, Picasso Tiles are also a physical activity toy.
This set is perfect for children who want to learn about engineering and have a lot of fun at the same time!
Pros
✅ More pieces in one set
✅ 10 different shapes make it more versatile than other competitors
✅ Vibrant colors
✅ Scientific and artistic
Cons
X Weaker magnets
9. Skillmatics Educational Brain Games
Do you know what is not fun? Sitting and listening to a teacher talk in front of a classroom all day. But you know what is fun? Playing games that make learning fun!
That is why Skillmatics created these reusable activity mats – the best toys for older babies’ brain development.
It has a variety of activities on six double-sided activity mats to challenge your child’s core skills. Not only that, but it also develops their creativity, problem-solving, and reasoning.
The mats have 12 activities such as word searches, math facts, reading comprehension, logic puzzles, and more. Kids can work through these activities as many times as they want.
The best part? The activities are age-appropriate and skill-oriented for students of all ages. In addition, this activity mat is perfect for classrooms, playgroups, or home use with friends and family.
Moreover, parents love that they are reusable – which saves money, time and waste!
It is certainly the perfect gift for family and friends who want to give their children an extra edge in school.
Pros
✅ Has 12 development activities
✅ Write and wipe format
✅ Multiple kids can play at once
✅ Comes with an answer sheet
Cons
X The cards are a bit flimsy
10. Push Pop Fidget Toys
Does your kid need to fidget? Well, Push Pop Fidget Toys are the perfect solution!
These bubble-shaped sensory toys are made of a smooth material that is fun for fidgeters and kids alike.
It relieves boredom and anxiety. Plus, it is a great toy to help kids with ADHD, autism, or other sensory processing disorders. Even better, it allows kids to work on fine motor skills.
The best part is that you can customize this Push Pop Fidget Toy to your preferences.
In fact, it doubles as an intelligent board game. It helps improve mathematical thinking, logical thinking, and reasoning strategy.
So, though small and compact, this toy delivers big on fun!
They are perfect for fidgeting in the nursery or classroom. Also, they are a great way to occupy young kids while traveling or waiting for a meal at a restaurant.
Furthermore, it is made of soft silicone material. Hence, unlike other fidgets, it is gentle on those little hands.
No matter what your reason for wanting a fidget toy, this Push Pop Fidget Toy will deliver.
Pros
✅ Small and compact for fun on the go
✅ Soft silicone material
✅ Great for stress relief
✅ Perfect for preventing autism
✅ Great for kids and adults alike
✅ Reusable and easy to clean
Cons
X Tends to have a little smell
Learn More form BestToyLine: Best Outdoor Climbing Toys For Toddlers
11. Rainbow Straw Constructor STEM Building Toy
Straw Constructor is a STEM building toys set. It is designed to foster creativity and provides hours of fun for kids.
Your child can create anything they want – from buildings, 3D geometry to art! Plus, it comes with everything you need to build, including straw connectors.
Your little one can follow the included instructions or play around and create something new and exciting of their own.
As mentioned, this is one of the best STEM toy sets. It is a great way to spark curiosity and creativity in children. Moreover, it encourages kids to use their imagination.
The straws are flexible and can be rolled up into any 3D shape. Also, they come in different colors to help with hand-eye coordination.
The set has 300 pieces that are made of non-toxic, recyclable straws that are safe for kids. So, you will be helping the environment while having fun too!
If you are looking for the best brain toy for engineering, then this STEM toy is the answer!
Pros
✅ STEM approved
✅ Flexible interlocking system
✅ Vibrant colors
✅ Easy to clean and maintain
Cons
X Can be a choking hazard for children under 3 years
Best baby toys for brain development – Buying Guide
1. Toy Type
Not every toy is ideal for brain development. So, the question to ask is – which type of toys promote brain development?
Well, the best toys for brain development are those that encourage creativity and exploration. The type of toys to stimulate a developing brain include:
- Activity mats
- Mirrors
- Stack toys
- Construction sets
- Musical shakers
- Balls
2. Age Group
Is your child an infant, toddler, or preschooler? Well, there is an ideal toy for each age group.
For infants, consider toys such as mirrors and rattles. Nursery mobile toys, especially those that dance above the baby’s head, are also great for attracting attention and stimulating vision.
If you have a toddler, choose a toy that lays the ground for preschool play. Examples include balls, shape-sorting toys, and stack toys.
As preschoolers, your little ones will start imagining a world of possibilities around them. Hence, consider toys that foster creativity. Good examples include construction sets, puzzles as well as arts and crafts.
3. Safety
You should also keep in mind the aspect of safety. After all, it is an important part of helping them stay healthy.
You will want to pay attention to the materials your child plays with. Only consider non-toxic materials to avoid any health concerns.
Also, pay attention to the size of the toy. It should be small enough for little hands but large enough not to be a choking hazard.
Best toys for infant brain development – Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are toys a must for developing the baby’s brain?
Yes. Cognitive development occurs naturally and becomes more complex as the baby grows. During this time, your baby will grow trillions of brain-cell connections.
Well, toys will encourage those brain cells to connect through play and wire your baby’s brain as they grow into adulthood.
Conclusion
Mag-Genius Award Winning building Magnet Tiles Blocks and MERTNK Soft Building Stacking Blocks are the overall best toys for infant brain development.
Their interactiveness and the capability to invoke decisions making and creativity make them highly placed to improve the cognitive potential of your child.
After reading this piece, choosing the best brain development toys for infants should be a breeze. These developmental toys are a smarter way for babies to play since they spark curiosity and inspire creativity.
So, whatever your reason for choosing one, they are guaranteed to make a difference in your child’s life.