3–5 months
Around three to five months, babies discover their hands. Batting at dangling toys, grasping and bringing everything to the mouth are all part of how they explore.
Look for lightweight things that are easy to hold, safe for mouthing and interesting to look at. Tummy-time friendly play, crinkly textures and gentle rattles tend to be favorites.
Workman Kids
Big illustrated expressions give a caregiver something simple to point to, imitate, and talk about during a short read together.
At this stage: Try one expression at a time and pause to see whether baby responds with a look, smile, or sound.
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Fisher-Price
A floor gym with a repositionable toy arch and a detachable light-up piano, so the same toy can go from lying on the back to tummy time to sitting at the keys.
At this stage: Set up the toy arch for kicking and reaching on the floor, with an adult close by.
Age note: the gym is labelled from birth, but the included maracas are marked 3 months and up, so we list this set from 3 months. Adult assembly required; the package contains small parts. Use on the floor with baby on their back, stay near and watch, and never use it for sleep or naps. Never carry it with baby in it. To prevent entanglement, never place the gym in a crib or playpen, and never add strings or ties to it.
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Workman Kids
A thin picture book that gives a familiar peekaboo game a storytime setting. The short format is easy to revisit a page at a time.
At this stage: Say the same short peekaboo phrase on each turn so the book feels like a familiar game.
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Workman Kids
A lightweight picture book about the everyday rituals of welcoming a baby, with familiar scenes for a caregiver to talk through.
At this stage: Pause on a familiar scene and leave time for baby to look or respond before turning the page.
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Manhattan Toy
Wooden rods make several easy-to-grab handles, and the beads slide when the toy tilts.
At this stage: Hold one rod within reach during supervised play and let baby try to grasp it.
Care: surface wash only. Do not immerse it, and do not use sanitizers, steamers or microwaves.
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