Considering the introduction of crib toys to your baby’s sleep environment but feeling overwhelmed by the myriad of options and safety considerations? You’re certainly not the only one. Many parents are keen to provide entertainment and sensory stimulation for their infants, yet are rightly cautious about ensuring safety during those restful hours.
Fortunately, there’s a variety of crib toys designed with both fun and safety in mind, helping babies develop their senses, improve focus, and even soothe themselves to sleep.
Drawing from my expertise in infant care and early childhood development, I’ve curated a comprehensive guide that delves into the world of crib toys. This guide highlights the benefits, safety precautions, and top recommendations in the industry.
Let’s explore this array of colorful, engaging, and safe options to find the perfect crib toy that will complement your baby’s developmental journey.
Best Crib Toys
1 Sea Dreams Soother Crib Toy – Editors Choice
Get the Baby Einstein Sea Dreams Soother Musical Crib Toy and Sound Machine to help your little one sleep better at night and during nap times.
Baby Einstein Sea Dreams Sound Machine
Help your little one drift off to sleep peacefully with this relaxing sound machine.
With light and adjustable sound, this crib toy is great for daytime as well as bedtime use.
Pros
25 minutes of captivating light effects
Adjusts to baby’s preferences with light & volume control
Remote control works up to 12’ away
Cons
Even lowest volume can be a little loud
Bright light may be too stimulating for some babies
Requires 4 C batteries
The Sea Dreams Soother is a lifesaver for parents who want to help their little ones sleep soundly. Its captivating light effects and adjustable volume and light settings make it easy to customize to your baby’s preferences.
Plus, the remote control feature allows parents to reactivate the soother without disturbing their baby’s sleep. However, some babies may find the bright light too stimulating and the lowest volume may still be too loud.
Additionally, the crib toy requires 4 C batteries, which can be an added expense.
Overall, the Baby Einstein Sea Dreams Soother Musical Crib Toy and Sound Machine is a great investment for parents who want to help their babies sleep better. Its customizable settings and remote control feature make it a versatile crib toy that can help soothe even the fussiest of babies.
2. Fisher-Price Baby Sound Machine – Runner Up
KiddoLab Crib Mobile with Lights and Relaxing Music
If you’re looking for a crib mobile that will help lull your newborn to sleep, the KiddoLab Crib Mobile with Lights and Relaxing Music is a great choice. It’s easy to install and comes with several optional soundscapes to choose from, making it perfect for soothing your little ones.
Kiddolab Crib Mobile
This adorable crib mobile attaches easily to the side of your crib. With captivating lights and sounds, its sure to keep your little one engaged for hours on end!
The vibrant, colourful animal design is sure to look great in any nursery
Pros
Four adorable dream pets dance and twirl to help lull newborn infants to sleep
An enchanting light show of the moon and stars projects onto the ceiling
Comes equipped with several optional soundscapes to choose from
Cons
Does not attach to playpens with mesh walls
The songs play too fast and are not well-known lullabies
You can’t mute the music and when you turn it off the projector lights also turn off
The KiddoLab Crib Mobile with Lights and Relaxing Music is a great way to soothe your newborn to sleep. The rotating musical mobile features four adorable dream pets dolls that dance and twirl to help lull newborns to sleep.
The light show of the moon and stars that projects onto the ceiling is enchanting and calming. The crib mobile comes equipped with several optional soundscapes to choose from, including music that stops after fifteen minutes, continuous soothing lullabies, or gentle nature sounds to help your precious little ones fall fast asleep.
The installation is effortless, as the crib mobile features a simple yellow knob that easily attaches to cribs with sturdy rails and spindles. It’s also safe for delicate newborns as it’s made from BPA-free materials.
However, it does not attach to playpens with mesh walls. Some users have complained that the songs play too fast and are not well-known lullabies. Additionally, you can’t mute the music, and when it plays and you turn it off, the projector lights also turn off.
VX-star Baby Travel Play Arch Stroller/Crib Accessory – Best Budget
If you’re looking for a versatile and engaging crib toy for your little one, the VX-star Baby Travel Play Arch Stroller/Crib Accessory is a great option. The benefits of high contrast toys for newborns are well documented.
VX-Star Arch Crib Mobile
Perfect for parents who are looking for a compact and versatile crib, stroller or car seat toy, this striking mobile features high contrast design and adorable animal characters.
The high contrast pattern and sounds will stimulate the visual, auditory and cognitive development of your baby from birth.
Pros
Soft, safe, and non-toxic materials
Encourages reaching, pulling, and squeezing to strengthen developing muscles
Multi-colored design stimulates visual perception and sounds stimulate auditory nerve
Cons
Arm may be too short to stretch across some cribs or playpens
Some of the toys may not be as engaging for all babies
May not be as durable as some other crib toys
The VX-star Baby Travel Play Arch Stroller/Crib Accessory is made of soft, safe, and non-toxic materials and is designed to encourage babies to reach, pull, and squeeze the hanging toys to strengthen developing muscles.
The multi-colored design stimulates visual perception and the sounds of the toys stimulate the auditory nerve. However, the arm may be too short to stretch across some cribs or playpens, and some of the toys may not be as engaging for all babies.
Additionally, some users have reported that the toy may not be as durable as some other crib toys.
Eners Baby Musical Crib Mobile with Night Lights and Rotation
If you want a crib toy that can help soothe your baby to sleep and provide some sort of much-needed entertainment, the Eners Baby Musical Crib Mobile with Night Lights and Rotation is a great option.
Eners Baby Musical Crib Mobile
This beautiful pink sound machine crib mobile is great whether you are looking for something to soothe your little one to sleep, or keep them engaged during the day.
Remote control adjustable lights and sound help you adjust this mobile according to your little one’s needs with ease.
Pros
Remote control allows you to turn the mobile on and off and adjust the volume and light from a distance
360° rotating hanging rattles with beautiful music can help exercise your baby’s vision and attention
Detachable music box and rattles for baby play, with 5 hanging cute and cartoon toys that help improve cognition and make them feel like they’re in a zoo
Cons
Music can be too loud for sleeping even on low, and some of the songs may not be very soothing
The mobile may be heavy and difficult to hold in place, and it may tilt downwards on some cribs
The remote control only works from about 20ft. away at max, and the volume is set to high by default
The Eners Baby Musical Crib Mobile with Night Lights and Rotation is a great way to keep your baby entertained and relaxed.
The remote control makes it easy to adjust the volume and light without disturbing your baby, and the rotating hanging rattles with beautiful music can help exercise your baby’s vision and attention.
The detachable music box and rattles also provide a fun way for your baby to play and improve their cognition.
However, the music can be too loud for sleeping, and some of the songs may not be very soothing. Additionally, the mobile may be heavy and difficult to hold in place on some cribs, and the remote control only works from a limited distance.
Buying Guide For Baby Crib Toys
Crib toys are designed to entertain, soothe, and stimulate babies during their time in the crib. When selecting crib toys, it’s crucial to prioritize the baby’s safety, the toy’s developmental benefits, and its overall functionality. Here are three essential criteria to consider:
- Safety:
- Non-Toxic Materials: The toy should be made of non-toxic materials, as babies often put toys in their mouths.
- Secure Attachments: If the toy attaches to the crib, ensure that the mechanism is sturdy and doesn’t pose a risk of detaching.
- No Small Detachable Parts: Toys shouldn’t have parts that can easily break off and pose a choking hazard.
- Chew-Friendly: Since babies often teethe on toys, look for toys that are safe for chewing and won’t degrade or break apart.
- Developmental Stimulation:
- Sensory Features: Toys with varied textures, sounds, or lights can engage and stimulate a baby’s developing senses.
- Interactive Elements: Features like buttons to press, flaps to lift, or parts to spin can promote motor skill development.
- Visual Stimulation: High-contrast patterns or bright colors can be visually appealing to infants, aiding in visual development.
- Auditory Stimulation: Musical toys or ones with soothing sounds can aid auditory development and provide comfort.
- Functionality and Durability:
- Ease of Cleaning: Given the likelihood of drool, spit-up, or diaper mishaps, it’s beneficial if the toy is washable or has a wipeable surface.
- Battery Life: If the toy requires batteries, consider how often they might need replacing and if the toy has an auto-shutoff feature to conserve energy.
- Durability: The toy should withstand regular use, especially since babies can be rough with their playthings.
- Versatility: Some crib toys can be detached and used for stroller rides or car trips, adding to their value.
When selecting crib toys, it’s also essential to rotate them occasionally to provide the baby with varied stimulation and prevent over-reliance on any single toy for comfort or entertainment.
Age Appropriateness
Make sure the toy you buy is age-appropriate for your child. Some crib toys are designed for newborns, while others are more suitable for older babies. Always check the age range specified by the manufacturer before making a purchase.
Safety
Safety should always be a top priority when choosing a crib toy. Avoid toys with small parts that could be a choking hazard. Also, make sure the toy is made from non-toxic materials and is free from any sharp edges or points.
Stimulation
Look for toys that offer different types of stimulation, such as visual, auditory, and tactile. This will help keep your baby engaged and entertained while in the crib. Toys with bright colors, different textures, and sounds can help stimulate your baby’s senses.
For a soothing bedtime crib toy, white noise is a popular feature while a rattle or nursery rhyme tune will keep your baby entertained during the day.
Size and Design
Consider the size and design of the toy. Make sure it is not too big or too small for the crib, and that it is easy to attach and remove. Also, choose a toy that matches the theme or decor of your baby’s room.
Any good baby and toy store will stock a variety of designs, from animals to space ships so hold out to get one you know your baby will love.
Brand and Price
Finally, consider the brand and price of the crib toy. While it may be tempting to go for the cheapest option, investing in a high-quality toy from a reputable brand can ensure its durability and safety.
However, this does not mean that you have to break the bank. There are many affordable and high-quality baby crib toys available on the market.
Crib toys are an essential part of a baby’s environment. They provide entertainment, comfort and stimulation for the baby. The best crib toys are those that are safe, fun and educational.
When choosing crib toys, parents should pay attention to the age range, the material, the size and the type of toy. The age range is important because it determines the level of complexity and the type of toy that is suitable for the baby’s developmental stage.
The material should be non-toxic and durable, and the size should be appropriate for the baby’s crib. The color and type of toy should be chosen based on the baby’s interests and preferences.
Babies spend a lot of time in their cribs, so it’s important to provide them with toys that can keep them entertained and engaged. Crib toys come in different shapes, sizes and colors, and they can be attached to the crib rails, hung from the ceiling or placed on the mattress.
Some crib toys are designed to play music or make sounds, while others have different textures and shapes that can help with the baby’s sensory development.
The best crib toys are those that can grow with the baby and provide different types of stimulation as the baby develops.
When choosing crib toys, parents should also consider the safety features of the toy. The toy should be free of small parts that can be a choking hazard, and it should be sturdy enough to withstand the baby’s pulling and tugging.
The toy should also be easy to clean and maintain, as babies tend to drool and spit up on their toys.
We spent countless hours researching and testing ten different crib toys to identify the ones that are safe, fun and educational for babies.
Our top picks are crib toys that provide different types of stimulation, are easy to clean and maintain, and have safety features that make them suitable for babies and children of different ages.
Our No. 1 Recommended Product
Sea Dreams Soother Crib Toy
Help your little one drift off to sleep peacefully with this relaxing sound machine.
With light and adjustable sound, this crib toy is great for daytime as well as bedtime use.
