Our best toy pick for babies 3 months and up. Photo by Manhattan Toy
With a newborn baby, it may seem like all you do is feed, change diapers and decipher the source for the latest meltdown. But even in the earliest of days, you should add playing with your child to that list, even if it seems like he can’t do much at this point. The earlier you do play, the earlier the baby’s cognitive development will begin, which will help her make sense of the world around her as she grows.
You can do this by giving them toys that are not only safe, but age-appropriate and will provide them with enough stimulation for their brains while also letting them have fun. The toy that we found that meets all these criteria is the Manhattan Toy Winkel Rattle and Teether.
Suitable for babies 3 months and up, this toy rattle and teether fits the bill for parents who are in need of a baby break and on a budget, as it’s designed to last, safe, easy to clean, and is something the baby won’t outgrow quickly. Consisting of several little brightly colored plastic loops that attach to a polka-dot patterned center cube (that also works as a soft rattle), the toy is designed to hold the baby’s attention, especially when she starts grabbing things, like mom’s earrings. As for safety features, the toy is large enough to prevent those kinds of horrors, and it’s BPA- and PVC-free, thereby meeting the US Consumer Protection Safety Commission’s, and other safety agencies requirements’ for phthalates.
The toy also works as a teether, and popping it into the freezer before giving it to your child should do the trick. It’s best however, for simple playtime that involves clutching, shaking the rattle and promoting two-hand play.
The product has more than 17,000 positive reviews, along with a perfect 5-star rating. Parents especially love the versatility of the toy, with one writing that it went from teaching her son how to grasp things to teaching him coordination. The rattle is also praised by parents who want peace and quiet, as it’s neither too loud nor irritating. The teething option has also been well-praised, as does the product’s overall affordable price point.
The Manhattan Toy Winkel Rattle and Teether is our top recommended developmental toy for your growing baby.
Article medically reviewed by Yvonne Stolworthy, MSN, RN.
If you’re interested in reading how Medical Daily reaches its Top Pick conclusions, please click here.