Explore New Sights, Sounds and Textures
Different fabrics, shapes, colours and gentle sounds give your baby more ways to safely explore the world.
PLAY, LEARN AND CONNECT
Why Play Matters
Small toys can lead to big moments of play, learning and connection.
Babies learn by doing. They touch, shake, listen, hide and find. The right toy gives them fun ways to explore. When you join in, play can also become a time to talk, smile and feel close.
- Simple play
- Trusted research
- Honest claims
CLEAR PLAY BENEFITS
What Your Baby Can Practise Through Play
Each play action gives your baby a simple way to explore, practice and connect.
Practise Little-Hand Skills
Reaching, holding, squeezing, shaking and pulling toys out gives your baby a chance to practise grip and hand control.
Discover Cause and Effect
Your baby shakes the toy and hears a sound. They squeeze it and feel a crinkle. These small actions help them explore how one action can make something happen.
Hear and Practise Early Words
Name the animals, copy their sounds and talk about what your baby is doing. This gives your baby natural chances to hear words and enjoy simple back-and-forth talk.
Try Simple Problem-Solving
Hide an animal, place it inside the barn or ask your baby to find it. These small games encourage your baby to look, find, try and try again.
Feel Close Through Shared Play
Smiles, sounds and taking turns can turn a simple toy into a warm moment between you and your baby.
Enjoy New Ways to Play as They Grow
Your baby can start by touching, shaking and holding. As they grow, the same toy can be used for animal sounds, stories and pretend farm play.
RESEARCH MADE SIMPLE
What Does the Research Say?
Open each point to see what the study found and what it did not prove.(Note that the number in [] is the source number at the bottom of the page)
[1] A Rich Mix of Toys Can Offer More Ways to Play
One study of 63 babies found a link between a wider mix of toys at home and stronger play and talk skills.
It did not prove that buying more toys caused this growth. It points to the value of varied play and an adult who joins in.
[2] Hands-On Toys Can Help Start More Talk
Another study found that books and hands-on toys led to more words and more back-and-forth talk than electronic toys.
The toy did not teach the baby on its own. It gave the parent and baby something to explore together.
[3] Little Hands Learn by Doing
Babies learn about objects when they reach, hold, turn, shake and feel them.
Different shapes and textures can give babies new ways to safely explore during play.
[4][5] Your Time and Care Matter Most
Warm, back-and-forth play can help early talk and social skills.
A toy can help start the play. Your words, smiles and care are what make the moment special.
EASY PLAY IDEAS
One Toy. Many Ways to Play.
Follow your baby's lead and turn simple actions into shared play.
Touch
Let your baby feel the soft cloth and different shapes.
Listen
Shake or squeeze the toy and listen to what happens.
Move
Reach, hold, pull out and put back.
Talk
Name each animal and copy its sound.
Think
Hide an animal and help your baby find it.
Imagine
Make a small farm story as your child grows.
PLAY TOGETHER
Try These Easy Play Ideas
You do not need a lesson plan. A few small actions can make play feel rich and fun.
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Let your baby choose what to explore.
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Name what your baby sees or holds.
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Copy your baby's sounds.
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Pause and give them time to reply.
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Take turns putting the animals in and out.
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Hide an animal and ask, Where did it go?
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Keep only a few toys out at one time.
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Swap the toys now and then.
A study found that toddlers played for longer and used toys in more ways when fewer toys were available at once. [6]
View the studyOur Honest Promise to Parents
No toy can promise to make a baby smarter or make them talk sooner. Each child learns and grows at their own pace.
Toys give your child ways to explore and play. Your time, words and care help make that play count.
The studies on this page looked at play as a whole. They did not test our specific toys. We share trusted research to help you make informed choices without false promises.
Ready for More Ways to Play?
Discover soft, hands-on sensory toys picked for little hands, growing skills and shared moments.
Our Trusted Sources
Open this list to read the full studies and trusted child development guides.
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[1]
Rosenbaum, G. K. and Orr, E. Toy richness at home and infants' play and communication skills.
View the study -
[2]
Sosa, A. V. The type of toy used during play and parent-infant communication.
View the study -
[3]
Lobo, M. A. and colleagues. How infants explore objects.
View the study -
[4]
Harvard Center on the Developing Child. Serve and Return.
View the research guide -
[5]
American Academy of Pediatrics. The Power of Play.
View the play guide -
[6]
Dauch, C. and colleagues. How the number of toys affects toddler play.
View the study