First Toys

Choosing a baby's first toys

A baby does not need many toys, but the first few matter. They set the pattern for how a child plays: whether they wait to be entertained, or reach out and explore. This collection is our answer to the question we are asked most often, "what should I buy first?", and it follows the Montessori principle of simple, beautiful materials that let the baby do the work.

First toys for 0-6 months

• Montessori Play Gym: the very first toy. Hanging wooden and fabric elements to look at, then reach for, then grab.
• Sensory Pull Toy: soft silicone cords to pull and mouth; a favourite from about three months.
• Giraffe Busy Book: crinkle pages, flaps and textures for tummy time.

First toys for 6-12 months

• FirstSteps Mat: a textured mat for sitting, rolling and crawling. See also Play Mats.
• Discovery Toy: press, lift and find the animal. Cause and effect at its simplest.
• Wooden Sorting Puzzle: chunky first shapes for a new pincer grip.
• Soft busy books such as the Bear and Cow: introduced now, they will be used for years.

First toys for 12-18 months

• Montessori Busy Board: buckles, zips and latches for a toddler who wants to do everything themselves.
• 5-in-1 Activity Cube: gears, beads and sorting on one sturdy cube.
• Car Busy Board: a busy board shaped like a car, ideal for the back seat.
• Wooden Farm Truck and Wooden Car: push-along toys that also sort and stack.
• Discovery Box: beads, drawers and dials for patient fingers.

How many first toys does a baby need?

Four or five well-chosen pieces cover the whole first year: something to lie under, something to lie on, something to pull, something soft to explore and one first sorter. That is genuinely all. Rotate them, keep the rest out of sight, and watch how much longer your baby plays with each one. The Montessori method explains why fewer toys mean deeper play.

First toys as gifts

New-baby gifts, christening presents and first birthdays are what this collection was built for. Grandparents in particular tell us they want something that will last, be used every day and not make a noise; everything here passes that test. The Little Learner Play Bundle puts several of these together at a lower price. All toys have a 45-day return window.

When your baby turns one, our toys for 1 year olds picks up where these leave off.