By 5 months old, your little one is probably trying to master rolling over, passing objects between their hands, and working on their core as they get closer to sitting up independently. According to Lauren Quinn, OTD, OTR/L, CNT, an occupational therapist and NICU clinical specialist, infants at this age are interested in exploring their senses and playing with textures. Follow age recommendations set by the manufacturer to ensure your kiddo plays safely at all times while also looking for baby toys that provide opportunities for exploration and skill development. We carefully considered toy safety, age recommendations, design, features, developmental milestones, material, and value when reviewing the best toys for active play and learning. The colorful spinner is painted with non-toxic, water-based paint. Plus, the wooden material is smooth, with beveled edges to keep little ones safe during play. Bonus: An included mirror lets babies explore the world around them. Price at time of publication: $27 There are five Montessori-inspired play zones and different activities that adults can either take out or hide away when the baby is under- or over-stimulated. It can also be set up and collapsed in two minutes for easy storage. Price at time of publication: $140 Price at time of publication: $16 It serves as both a toy as well as a teether, and it can even be put into the freezer to make it extra soothing for sore gums. Price at time of publication: $14 Price at time of publication: $29 Price at time of publication: $6 Additionally, even though the rattle has a minimalistic aesthetic overall, it does still feature four separate colors to grab babies’ attention and pique their interest. Price at time of publication: $29 There are four different height options, the seat swivels 360 degrees, there is a discovery window where babies can watch their feet tap on colorful piano keys, and it’s packed with different activities for babies to explore and engage their senses. Price at time of publication: $142 Finally, each page in the book has contrasting color designs that are visually engaging without being overstimulating for babies. Price at time of publication: $9 Price at time of publication: $15 Price at time of publication: $8 Price at time of publication: $22 Price at time of publication: $25 Price at time of publication: $15 Price at time of publication: $26 Additionally, the cups each have a different number on them and have little holes on the bottom so that water can sprinkle out of them. Price at time of publication: $7 Price at time of publication: $11 Price at time of publication: $10 Price at time of publication: $11 Finally, it has two handles specifically designed for little hands to grasp onto. Price at time of publication: $27 Price at time of publication: $149 Price at time of publication: $28 Price at time of publication: $17 Additionally, the toy is equipped with a strap so that it can be attached to a high chair or stroller. Price at time of publication: $12 We also spoke with Lauren Quinn, OTD, OTR/L, CNT, an occupational therapist, and NICU clinical specialist, to find out what to look for in toys for 5-month-olds and what babies need through play at this age.
What to Look for in Toys for 5-Month-Olds
Safety
The first thing to consider when purchasing a toy for a 5-month-old is whether or not it is safe and age-appropriate for them. By this age, babies have a lot more personality, which might make them seem older and more developed than they actually are, so it’s best to avoid any toy that isn’t marked as safe for babies under 6 months old. Additionally, at 5 months, babies love to grab everything, especially objects that seem out of reach and are exploring all kinds of different textures with their hands and their mouths. This means you have to assume that any toy that you purchase for them will likely go straight into their mouth. Other things to be mindful of when shopping for toys for 5-month-olds include making sure there are no sharp corners that could hurt their gums, that nothing on the toy has the potential to pinch, and that any materials used are safe for them to put in their mouths.
Exploration Opportunities
“Five-month-olds are actively seeking sensory input,” says Quinn, so toys that allow them to explore different senses and textures will be great for their development as well as fun for them to play with, like the Melissa & Doug Flip Fish Soft Baby Toy. Quinn explains that, for 5-month-olds, some of the best activities “include play with lightweight sensory objects to encourage reaching and grasping, manipulation of different shapes, sizes, and textures.” Another way to support exploration and sensory development is with toys that play music, such as the Munchkin Mozart Magic Cube. According to Quinn, “the integration of music into play often promotes engagement and learning” at this age.
Why Trust Verywell Family
Ashley Ziegler is a staff and freelance writer who covers lifestyle, home, parenting, and commerce content for a variety of platforms. She’s a wife to a public school administrator and mom to 1-year-old and 3-year-old daughters. In addition to regularly scouring the internet to find the best things for herself, Ashley spends multiple hours a week researching, comparing, and writing about products specifically for kids and families. Additional reporting by: Katrina Cossey is a commerce writer for Verywell Family with nearly eight years of experience under her belt. Katrina’s background in journalism began at an Emmy Award-winning news station in Oklahoma before she obtained her B.A. in professional media. Her love for service journalism, helping others, and becoming a parent led to her commerce writing role, which allows her to research and recommend the best products for families, pregnant people, and kids of all ages. Her son loved stacking The First Years Stack Up Cup Toys upside down and knocking them over, but he loved them even more in the bathtub thanks to holes in the bottom.
More Toys and Gifts for Kids
When it comes to toys and gifts for kids, our team has you covered. The Verywell Family team of editors (who are parents or have nieces and nephews of their own) have tested, gifted, and personally recommend every item we feature. Find more of our top gift and toy picks for every age and stage here:
The Best Christmas Gifts for Kids The Best Newborn Baby Gifts The Best Unique Baby Gifts The Best Baby Gifts The Best Gifts for Baby Girls The Best Baby Boy Gifts The Best Infant Toys The Best Gifts for 2-Month-Olds The Best Gifts for 3-Month Olds The Best Toys for 4-Month-Olds The Best Toys for 6-Month-Olds The Best Toys for 7-Month-Olds The Best Toys for 8-Month-Olds The Best Toys for 9-Month-Olds The Best Toys for 10-Month-Olds The Best Toys for 12-Month-Olds The Best Gifts for 1-Year-Olds The Best Toys for 15-Month-Olds The Best Toys for 18-Month-Olds The Best Educational Toys for 2-Year-Olds The Best Toys for 2-Year-Olds The Best Toys for 3-Year-Olds The Best Gifts for 3-Year-Old Girls The Best Toys for 3-Year-Old Boys The Best Gifts for 4-Year-Old Girls The Best Toys for 4-Year-Old Boys The Best Educational Toys for 4-Year-Olds The Best Toys for 5-Year-Olds The Best Gifts for 5-Year-Old Girls The Best Gifts for 5-Year-Old Boys The Best Toys for 6-Year-Old Boys The Best Gifts for 6-Year-Old Boys The Best Toys for 6-Year-Olds The Best Toys for 7-Year-Olds The Best Gifts for 7-Year-Old Girls The Best Toys for 7-Year-Old Boys The Best Toys for 8-Year-Olds The Best Gifts for 8-Year-Old Boys The Best Toys for 9-Year-Olds The Best Toys for 10-year-Olds The Best Gifts for 10-Year-Old Girls The Best Gifts for 10-Year-Old Boys The Best Gifts for 12-year-old Boys The Best Gifts for Teens The Best Gifts for 14-Year-Old Boys The Black-Owned Gift Guide
