Sensory play is a crucial aspect of your baby's development, engaging their senses and promoting cognitive development. With an abundance of sensory-related toys on the market these days, it can be difficult to know what types of these toys are most beneficial for your baby or toddler’s development. Here, we've put together a list of our top ten best sensory toys that are easily available and that promise to offer hours of interactive play and encourage sensory exploration for your little one. From textures to sounds and colours, these toys are sure to become your baby's new favourites!
Our Best Buy
LAMAZE Octotunes Sensory Toy- This lovable octopus introduces your baby to music with each of its tentacles playing a different note when squeezed! The vibrant colours and textures enhance sensory exploration. If your little one loves their cuddly toys over others, this one is the perfect toy for you.
In this guide
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Best for Younger Babies- Lamaze Freddie the Firefly
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Best Sensory Play Gym- Fisher-Price Rainforest Gym
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Best Sensory Teething Toy- Manhattan Toy Winkel Rattle and Sensory Teether Toy
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Best Sensory Book- VTech Musical Rhymes Book
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Best Sensory Light Up Toy- Infantino Sensory Balls
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Best Sensory Soft Toy For Newborns- LAMAZE Octotunes
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Best Sensory Musical Toy- Baby Einstein Take Along Tunes Musical Toy
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Best Sensory Car Toy- Skip Hop Bandana Buddies Baby Activity and Teething Toy
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Best Black and White Sensory Toy- TUMAMA Soft Cloth Books
The Best Baby Sensory Toys
Our Review
This versatile toy features a soft velour body, peek-a-boo mirror, and a range of textures to stimulate your little one’s touch. Plus, Freddie’s crinkly wings and rattling sounds will engage your baby's auditory senses and promote motor skills.
This is one of the most-loved sensory toys out there for younger babies, and the small size makes it easy for little ones to hold and play with.
What we like
- Multi-textured for tactile exploration
- Teething elements built in
- Multiple layers to the wings for never ending fun
Useful product information
- Smaller size might not appeal to older babies
Our Review
This vibrant play gym offers a world of sensory delights, from hanging toys with various textures to music, lights, and mirrors. The detachable toys allow for on-the-go play as well, so you can save money on car and pram toys by investing in this play gym.
You’ll be impressed just how quickly your little one can work out how to activate the lights and sounds by kicking around!
What we like
- Interactive lights and sounds
- Your little one can activate the interactive elements
- Detachable toys
Useful product information
- Assembly can be a bit tricky
Best Sensory Teething Toy- Manhattan Toy Winkel Rattle and Sensory Teether Toy
Price: £14.40
Buy Now From AmazonOur Review
This Manhattan Toy Rattle is the ultimate teething toy for little hands! The mesmerising maze of soft tubes provides a safe teething solution, void of any sharp edges to hurt your little one’s gums. Plus, the rattle and textures engage your baby's senses while soothing their teething pain. Win win!
What we like
- Can be chilled for teething relief
- Safe teething solution
- Manageable size for teething babies to hold
Useful product information
- May not be suitable for advanced teething needs
Our Review
Combining sound and touch, this interactive book features colourful pages and playful melodies that introduce your baby to classic nursery rhymes. It’s much more sturdy than other books, so won’t turn soggy if it makes it into your little one’s mouth by mistake!
What we like
- Interactive buttons for auditory stimulation
- Get your little one into the most popular nursery rhymes
Useful product information
- Sound level might be too loud for some parents.
Our Review
These textured balls offer plenty of texture, sound, and play exploration, and promote hand-eye coordination. The bright colours and various textures stimulate visual and tactile senses, and the four different melodies make rolling around fun.
What we like
- BPA-free and easy to clean
- Multiple sensory elements
Useful product information
- Might be outgrown quickly
- Less interactive than other options
Our Review
This lovable octopus introduces your baby to music with each of its tentacles playing a different note when squeezed! The vibrant colours and textures enhance sensory exploration. If your little one loves their cuddly toys over others, this one is the perfect toy for you.
What we like
- Introduces musical appreciation from an early age
Useful product information
- Squeaker can lose its charm over time
Best Sensory Musical Toy- Baby Einstein Take Along Tunes Musical Toy
Price: £10.99
Buy Now From AmazonOur Review
If your little one is a music lover and you’re looking for a perfect toy for on-the-go, this one’s for you. This portable musical toy features colourful lights and seven classical melodies to captivate your baby's attention.
What we like
- Compact design for on-the-go entertainment
Useful product information
- Volume control would be beneficial for when in public
Best Sensory Car Toy- Skip Hop Bandana Buddies Baby Activity and Teething Toy
Price: £22.99
Buy Now From AmazonOur Review
This multisensory dino comes with multiple fabrics and textures, as well as rattles, chimes, and mirrors. It easily attaches to stroller car seats and infant carriers, making it the perfect distraction for your little one on long walks or car journeys when they refuse to sleep!
What we like
- Sensory play on the go
- Easily attachable to stroller or car seat
Useful product information
- Some older babies might suss out the clip attachment
Our Review
This set of crinkly cloth books introduces different themes and textures to stimulate your baby's sensory development. The black and white contrasting colours are perfect for newborn babies up until 3-months-old, when their vision isn’t quite developed enough to see bright colours.
The cloth design is perfect for newborns to explore without any risk of injury or choking, and the crinkle texture is sure to keep your little one occupied!
What we like
- Safe for mouthing and exploration
Useful product information
- Crinkly sound might not be appealing to all babies