Sensory Toys for Babies: 0–12 Months

Sensory Assist Team
2022-06-09T12:36:37+10:00

Babies explore the world through their senses — touch, sight, sound, taste and movement. In the first year, that exploration is how they learn. Choosing the right sensory toys isn't about buying the most toys; it's about matching what's in your baby's hands to where they are developmentally.

We stock sensory products for every stage of babyhood. Here's a practical guide to what works for 0–12 month olds, broken into three age bands, plus safety notes and our most popular baby-friendly products.

0–3 months: gentle stimulation

Newborns can't grasp or manipulate objects yet. At this age, sensory play is about what they can see, hear and feel against their skin. High-contrast patterns, soft textures under little hands and gentle sounds are more than enough.

What works: soft rattles, high-contrast cards or books, tummy-time mats with texture

What to skip: anything small enough to mouth, battery-operated toys with loud sounds, flashing lights

A soft play surface matters more than toys at this stage. Our Mellow Mat Collection is a popular choice with parents setting up a play corner — the memory foam base makes tummy time gentler on little arms.

3–6 months: grasping and teething

Around four months, babies start to reach, grip, and bring things to their mouth. Teething usually begins in this window too, so chew-safe silicone toys become essential. Customers tell us this is when sensory play really starts to click — baby is finally able to do something with the toy in their hand.

Rainbow Stacker and Teether — a Jellystone favourite that works as both a teether and a first stacking toy as baby grows

Jellystone Triblox Silicone Teether — geometric shape, easy for little hands to grip from multiple angles

Sunshine Silicone Teething Rings — sunny shape, sized for small hands

Browse the full Teethers collection for more options.

6–12 months: cause and effect

From six months onwards, babies start to notice that they can make things happen — press a button, drop a block, shake a rattle. Toys that respond to their actions become fascinating. This is also the age where imaginative play starts to take shape.

Chew & Play Rainbow Wheel — combines teething silicone with spinning, colourful segments for older babies

Rainbow Stacker and Teether — grows with baby from a teether into a stacking toy

Our Imaginative Play collection has more options suited to the 6–12 month range and into toddlerhood.

Safety basics for baby sensory toys

Age-appropriate only. Check the recommended age on every toy. A toy designed for a toddler is not safe for a four-month-old.

Supervise every play session. Babies explore with their mouths — even safe toys need a watchful adult.

No loose parts. Avoid anything with small pieces that could detach. The standard test: if it fits through a toilet roll tube, it's a choking hazard for under-threes.

Food-grade silicone matters. For anything that goes in the mouth, stick with food-grade silicone from reputable brands. All the Jellystone products we stock meet Australian safety standards.

Clean regularly. Most silicone teethers can be washed with warm soapy water or sterilised.

Shop by age and type

Infant (0–1 years) — everything suitable for the first year

Teethers — silicone teething toys

Gifts for Infants — baby shower and first-birthday ideas

Imaginative Play — toys that grow with baby

What customers tell us

The feedback we hear most often from new parents: start simple. One or two well-chosen sensory toys per stage does more than a box full of them. Babies don't need variety — they need repetition. The same teether, handled a hundred times, is how they learn texture, temperature and grip.

All of our baby products ship Australia-wide from our Taren Point warehouse, usually same or next day.

We're retailers, not healthcare professionals. For personalised advice about sensory needs, please consult your occupational therapist or healthcare provider.