As a new mom, it may be difficult to decide what toys your baby will actually need or play with. I attempted to be the mom that did not overdo it so I didn’t have a house full of toys, but again finding the toys that are age appropriate that will continue to be of interest can be hard. So to help you and other first-time moms navigate age-appropriate toys, that will continue to be played with, (and maybe keep your toy load to a minimum) I’ve made a list of my 12-month-old most played-with toys.

0-4 month toys

High Contrast Book

Since babies’ vision are very fuzzy at first these high-contrast books are great for newborns. My son stared at these high-contrast images forever and even made expressions. The crinkle pages are a plus. For some reason, he obsessed over crinkle noises.

Though not used all the way till 12 months it was still a hit for a while, especially if you find something with textures.

All Books

My son loves books. He would calm down as a newborn when I read to him and he brings me and his dad books all day long. I started early reading to him. These are his favorite books if you are looking for inspiration:

10 Best Books for Babies Approved by an 8-Month-Old

Wrist and Ankle Rattles

These are a fun way to get your baby to notice their feet and hands.

Mirrors

It is very fun to watch babies begin to realize it is their own reflection they are looking at. Mirrors also help them discover their bodies. This particular mirror is great for tummy time. Not only does it have highly contrasting black and white pictures, but bright colors and textures as well; that’ll keep your baby curious.

4-8 Month toys

Activity center

I seriously bought this in the middle of the night. It was possibly one of my smartest buys! At the time, I was still breastfeeding and pumping. My son was already over-sitting in swings and seats. I needed a place to sit him that would entertain him long enough for me to pump.

This worked wonderfully. Once he no longer wanted to sit inside we transitioned it into the table. This helped him to strengthen his legs, learn balance and how to cruise.

We’ve since taken off the toys. He can now use it to play or paint on.

Wooden Knob Puzzles

At this stage, babies are working on their pincher grasp and these simple puzzles are great for them to practice.

Light-up Shape Sorter

With so many great things about this toy, your little one will be entertained over and over again. Some of the pieces rattle and each hole has a button that lights up. Depending on your setting, when the shapes are placed in the correct holes the base will play music or speak the shape name.

4-In-1 Wooden Box Kit

Many parts of this toy won’t be used until closer to 12 months. However, my son played with the object permanence balls for long periods of time each day very young – and still does. These came in my Lovevery subscription boxes, but I found almost the exact same toy (with fewer parts) on Amazon.

My son is currently 14 months old and eagerly plays with the carrot box daily.

Baby Tissue Box

This soft tissue box is easy for babies to play with. Once they are able to grab they will be thrilled to do it over and over again. My son still plays with his tissue box. He loves to pull everything out and then stuff them right back in. It’s less of a mess for Mom if it isn’t an actual tissue box!

Silks

You can play with these at almost any age. They like the way it tickles their skin, playing with the textures and learning peek-a-boo. I’ve also seen the toddlers at the library story time love throwing these around in the air.

I already owned many random small scarfs that have now been passed to my son. If you don’t, these are an easy option. He uses these to play peek-a-boo and recently (yes, again something he is still playing with after 12 months) he laughs hysterically with I put them over his face and slowly slide it off him.

8-12 Month toys

Music set

My son used toys to bang on anything and everything. So I decided to get him a musical set. It is still being enjoyed and much to my surprise he loves the recorder too. I like the basic wooden ones, but they have many options on Amazon.

Shape Sorters

I was thoroughly in disbelief when I read my son could potentially do shape sorters at this age. When I prompted him to put a shape in the correct hole and he did it successfully over and over I was amazed. He is also very proud of himself. I’m all for a toy that builds confidence and a little concentration.

I love this nostalgic Tupperware shape sorter that we have. They are also numbered which can be a different game later on.

My son also has a similar wooden shape sorter to this snail. I love the pull string so there is a dual purpose to this toy.

Dump Trucks

My little boy loves dump trucks. This particular one keeps his attention pretty well. The ball shoots out into the bucket when placed in the top of the truck. There are buttons on the side that talk, light up and sing as well.

Bath toys my 12-month-old still plays with

Interactive Bathtub Water Toys

There are all different types of these type of bath toys on Amazon. This is the one we used and are still using! The way he has used it has changed but he still plays with it every time.

Floating Windup Turtles

These are adorable. You wind them up and their arms spin making them swim on top of the water. My son loves these. He literally hands them to me throughout his bath to wind them up. Since he was a baby and until now, he has laughed every bath.

Thermometer Duck

This playful thermometer is a dual purpose for our bath time. It lets me know the temperature is good with green and red lights, plus a digital screen telling me the temp. My son also loves to play with this duck.

Assortment of Bathtime Ducks

…and all ducks. I’m not sure what it is but he loves little ducks that we have accumulated. I even think “Duhk” was first said right after his version of Mom and Dad. These mini rubber ducks are even good distractions during diaper changes!

Nesting cups with holes

He loved watching the water pour from the holes and tried to grab it, when he was a baby. He now loves to pour them himself along with putting his ducks in them. They can even be fun to stack and knock over outside of the bath.

There you have my 12-month-olds most played with toys from the past year and he’s still going. Most of these toys (especially the bath toys) we still use! So before you fill your home with many random toys that will quickly lose your child’s interest in the first few months consider this list.

If you enjoyed this list check out my My Top 22 Newborn Baby Products I’d Buy Again.

What were your child’s favorite toys in their first year? Let me know below so I can add it to the list.

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