As new parents, we spend countless hours researching the big-ticket baby items—cribs, strollers, car seats. Those are the things we know we need. But when it comes to toys? That’s where many of us feel stuck. What will my baby actually play with? What’s worth buying versus what ends up untouched in a basket?
The truth is, toys aren’t just about keeping little ones entertained. They play a huge role in development, helping babies learn motor skills, explore new textures, and even discover music and rhythm. Choosing toys with purpose can make playtime not only fun, but also an opportunity for growth.
Now that my youngest, Edie, is just over one, I’ve loved watching her relationship with toys evolve. At first, she was mostly just fascinated by sounds and lights. But now, she’s really playing—pushing buttons, dancing to music, and even trying to mimic what her older sister does. It’s such a joy to see her growing into these little toys we’ve had since she was tiny.
This post is sponsored by Walmart. All thoughts and experiences are my own.
Why Toys Matter in the Early Years
Toys may seem small in the grand scheme of baby gear, but they’re essential tools for development. The right ones can encourage:
- Fine motor skills – gripping, pressing buttons, stacking.
- Gross motor skills – crawling or toddling toward something that lights up.
- Language development – toys that repeat sounds or play songs encourage mimicking.
- Sensory exploration – different textures, lights, and sounds stimulate curiosity.
And let’s be honest—having toys that truly engage your baby can be a lifesaver on those long afternoons when you just need a few minutes to sip your coffee while it’s still warm.
Toys That Grow With Your Baby
One of the best things you can do is choose toys that transition well from the baby stage into toddlerhood. Babies aren’t usually “playing” much at first, but toys that can adapt as they grow are worth their weight in gold. They start out as objects of fascination—something to look at or chew on—and eventually turn into beloved playtime staples.
Here are a few of our family favorites that have stood the test of time:
1. Baby Einstein Take Along Tunes
If I had to recommend just one toy for new parents, this would be it. Every baby I know adores it. The oversized button makes it easy for little hands to press, and the classical music that plays is surprisingly pleasant for parents to listen to (trust me, that’s important!). It’s durable, safe for chewing, and somehow always ends up being the toy we toss into the diaper bag first.
2. Fisher Price Dance & Groove Rockit
This one was a newer addition for us, and it quickly became a household favorite. It lights up, plays music, and—best of all—has a feature where you can record your own voice and hear it played back in a silly, high-pitched tone. My girls love recording funny phrases and giggling as Rockit repeats them. It’s not just a toy for Edie—my six-year-old still jumps in on the fun, which makes it a great sibling-friendly option.
Music, Movement, and Connection
Both of my girls have always responded well to music, so naturally many of the toys we own are musical in some way. I love that music-based toys aren’t just fun—they also encourage movement, dancing, clapping, and even early rhythm awareness. Watching my kids light up when a toy plays a song (and then joining in with a little dance) makes the living room feel like a mini concert venue some days.
Musical toys also double as bonding opportunities. Singing along together or pressing buttons in rhythm becomes a shared activity rather than solo play, which is something I really value.
Walmart: One-Stop Shopping for Baby Essentials
Over the years, I’ve realized how nice it is to have a one-stop shop for everything baby-related. For me, that’s Walmart. From organic bedding and cozy sleepers to high chairs, feeding essentials, and, of course, toys—it’s all there. Prices are some of the best I’ve found, and I appreciate how often they run rollbacks on baby gear. Stocking up doesn’t feel overwhelming when you know you’re getting quality at an affordable price.
Final Thoughts
Toys don’t need to be fancy or complicated to make an impact. What matters most is finding ones that are safe, engaging, and flexible enough to grow with your baby as they move from curious infant to busy toddler.
If you’re feeling unsure about where to start, I can confidently say that a few thoughtfully chosen toys—like the Baby Einstein Take Along Tunes or the Fisher Price Dance & Groove Rockit—will not only keep your little one entertained but also support them as they hit exciting new milestones.
So go ahead and add a little music, light, and laughter to your playtime. Watching your baby discover the joy of toys is one of the sweetest parts of parenting—and I promise, the memories you’ll make are worth every button press, giggle, and dance party in the living room.
