Toys & Gifts for Newborns (0–3 Months): What to Buy, Why It Matters & How to Choose
Welcoming a newborn into the world is a moment filled with joy, wonder, and endless curiosity. As new parents, friends, or family, one of the earliest decisions you make is choosing the right toys and gifts for a newborn. And contrary to what most people think, babies do benefit from toys right from day one — especially when chosen with intention, safety, and development in mind.
This comprehensive guide combines newborn toy recommendations, development insights, gift ideas, and expert-backed suggestions to help you make thoughtful choices. Throughout the guide, you’ll also find relevant products from Bombay Toy Company linked naturally — from soft crochet dolls to safe wooden rattles and sensory mats.
Why Toys and Gifts Matter for Newborns to 3 Months
During the first three months, a baby’s brain develops more than at any other time in life. They begin to:
- Explore shapes, sounds, and textures
- React to contrast and movement
- Discover hands, feet, and early motor control
- Build emotional comfort through soft, cuddly toys
- Strengthen sensory pathways with touch, sound, and visuals
This is why simple, safe, sensory-friendly toys are perfect for newborns. For curated baby-safe toys, you can explore the Baby Collection.
Best Toys & Gifts for Newborns (0–3 Months)
Let’s explore newborn-friendly toys that support sensory development, calmness, and comfort.
Soft Crochet Dolls – Gentle, Safe & Newborn-Friendly
Handmade crochet dolls are among the best toys for newborns because they are:
- Soft and huggable
- Made from breathable yarn
- Safe for snuggling
- Easy to hold as grip develops
They offer comfort and emotional bonding — especially during tummy time or sleep routines. You can check out the adorable options in the Crochet Dolls collection.
Why Crochet Dolls Are Great Gifts
- They are aesthetically beautiful for nursery décor
- Completely safe with no sharp edges or hard parts
- Help soothe babies with soft textures
Whether it’s Leo the Lion, Hopper the Bunny, or Miss English Rose, every doll makes a meaningful newborn gift.
Wooden Rattles for Auditory & Motor Development
Newborns don’t shake rattles immediately — but they love the gentle sounds and textures early on. Rattles encourage:
- Sound tracking (turning their head toward noise)
- Early grip practice
- Sensory stimulation
Choose from soft crochet rattles or natural wooden ones in the Baby Collection.
Wooden Rattles for Newborns
Wooden rattles are beneficial because they:
- Are naturally antibacterial
- Offer tactile grip training
- Are toxin-free and shaped perfectly for tiny hands Browse options in the Wooden Toys collection.
High-Contrast Sensory Mats (Perfect for Tummy Time)
Did you know newborns can only see high-contrast colours like black, white, and red?
Sensory mats help them:
- Strengthen neck muscles
- Explore patterns
- Improve visual focus
- Engage during tummy time
Explore safe and beautifully designed sensory mats under Sensory Playmats.
Waldorf & Montessori-Inspired Wooden Toys
Minimalist toys help newborns connect with natural textures. Montessori toys build:
- Early motor skills
- Visual tracking
- Sensory exploration
Browse more in the Montessori Toys or Waldorf Toys.
Best Gift & Toys Ideas for Newborn Babies
Newborn gifting isn’t just about toys — it’s about giving something thoughtful, safe, and memorable.
Below are the most loved options.
Soft Plush Sensory Dolls
Soft, cuddly dolls offer comfort and security, making them perfect gift choices. Explore unique handmade options under Crochet Dolls.
Why parents love Ajwain Comfort Dolls
Parents choose ajwain comfort dolls because they offer natural, gentle relief along with emotional comfort:
1. Natural relief for cold & congestion
- When lightly warmed, the ajwain-filled doll works as a soothing warm compress. The warmth combined with the mild ajwain aroma helps:
- Ease chest and nasal congestion
- Provide comfort during colds
- Support easier breathing and relaxation
2. Calming sensory experience
- The natural scent of ajwain + gentle warmth creates a soothing sensory combo that helps children relax, especially at bedtime or during fussiness.
3. Safe, natural & handcrafted
- Parents trust ajwain dolls because they’re:
- Made with natural fillings
- Handcrafted with baby-safe materials
- Free from chemicals or gels found in synthetic warm packs
4. A comforting ritual
- Warming the doll and placing it near the baby’s chest, back, or feet becomes a simple, nurturing bedtime or sick-day ritual that parents love.
Explore sensory soothers and dolls in the Baby Collection.
Personalized Felt Name Décor for Nursery Walls
Personalized nursery gifts are memorable and thoughtful. Felt décor elevates nursery aesthetics while making the gift one-of-a-kind.
Discover more under the Personalized Felt Decor collection.
Wooden Ring Stacker
A Handcrafted, Montessori-Inspired Keepsake for Early Learning
- Made from sustainably sourced wood with a smooth, baby-safe finish
- Coloured with natural vegetable lacquer — non-toxic, eco-friendly, and gentle for infants
- Encourages fine motor skills, hand–eye coordination, and early problem-solving
- Perfect for Montessori-style play through stacking, sorting, and open-ended exploration
- A thoughtful gift for babies 6 months+, ideal for first birthdays and eco-conscious families
Sensory Playmats for Daily Play Routine
High-quality playmats are among the most useful newborn gifts. Check options at Sensory Playmats.
Toys & Gifts for Specific Ages (Birth to 3 Months)
Age-based suggestions help parents choose the right toy at the right time.
Newborn Toys to 1 Month: Gentle & Sensory Comfort
Recommended toys:
- Soft crochet dolls
- Ajwain sensory dolls
- High-contrast mats
- Gentle rattles
You can find great options in the Baby Collection.
1 to 2 Months: Sound, Touch & Visual Exploration
This is when babies begin reacting to sound and following movement.
Perfect toys include:
- Crochet rattles
- Wooden grip rattles
- Soft dolls for bonding
- High-contrast visual toys
Explore more sensory tools under Sensory Play.
2 to 3 Months: Tummy Time & Early Motor Development
Toys that help during this stage:
- Sensory playmats
- Rolling wooden rattles
- Soft plush dolls for reaching
- Montessori-safe wooden toys
Discover great infant-friendly wooden toys under Montessori Toys.
How to Choose the Right Toys for a Newborn
Choosing newborn toys isn’t complicated when you know what to look for.
Here’s what matters most.
1. Safety Above Everything
Ensure toys are:
- BPA-free
- Non-toxic
- Soft or smoothly finished
- Free from choking hazards
Bombay Toy Company’s Baby Collection is curated with newborn safety in mind.
2. Age-Appropriate Sensory Stimulation
Look for:
- High-contrast visuals
- Gentle textures
- Soft rattles
- Natural materials
Collections like Sensory Play offer suitable options.
3. Development-Focused Design
Choose toys that encourage:
- Tummy time
- Visual tracking
- Grasping practice
- Sensory exploration
Minimalist toys help babies learn better — explore more at Waldorf Toys.
4. Ease of Cleaning
Newborn toys must be easy to wash and maintain. Crochet, wooden, and felt toys are great choices for hygiene-conscious parents.
5. Durability & Value
Sustainable materials like wood and cotton yarn last longer and are eco-friendly — find durable options in Wooden Toys.
Best Practical Gifts for Newborn Babies
Sometimes, the best gifts are the useful ones. Here are thoughtful newborn gifting ideas:
1. Baby Playmats & Quilts
These are used daily, making them one of the most practical choices. Browse options at Baby Quilts & Playmats.
2. Personalized Name Buntings
A heartfelt, decorative gift that makes any nursery special. Browse personalized designs from the Personalized Felt Decor category.
3. Starter Gift Combos
Curated bundles are often the most efficient gifts — they include toys, rattles, or nursery items in themed sets. Explore more in Bundles & Combos.
4. Soft Rattles & Sensory Toys
Great for early sensory stimulation and ideal for gifting. Check options in the Baby Collection.
Additional Helpful Resources for New Parents
If you’re exploring toy categories beyond newborn gifts, these collections may help:
Montessori Toys - Sensory Play - Wooden Toys - Best Sellers
Why This Matters for New Parents
Choosing toys and gifts for a newborn is about safety, comfort, and development. Soft crochet dolls, natural wooden rattles, calming ajwain dolls, sensory mats, and personalized nursery décor are all meaningful choices that new parents appreciate and babies cherish.
Whether you’re welcoming a little one home or gifting a new parent, always pick items that are safe, age-appropriate, and thoughtfully made.
Explore the complete range of newborn-friendly products at Baby Collection.






