All storiesMilestones · 5 min read · 14 October 2026
Baby's first year: what to play, month by month
From high-contrast cards to first stacking cups: a gentle, no-pressure guide to the first twelve months.
The first year is a blur of firsts. Here's what helps at each stage, and what can wait.
0 to 3 months
Faces are the best toy. Add high-contrast black-and-white cards at 20 to 30 cm, the distance your baby sees best.
3 to 6 months
Rattles, soft crinkle toys and a play gym for tummy time. Your baby is learning that hands can make things happen.
6 to 9 months
Teethers, textured balls and simple cause-and-effect toys. Everything goes in the mouth, so check every toy is at least 3.2 cm across.
9 to 12 months
Stacking cups, push-along toys and board books. Expect lots of dropping things on purpose. That's physics homework.
