Classic Ring Stacker
Ten bright rings on a smooth wooden base: the first puzzle most children solve on their own.
£24
0–12 months
First discoveries
In the first year, the whole world is new. Babies learn by looking, mouthing, shaking and dropping things, again and again. The best toys for this stage are simple, safe to chew and easy for small hands to hold.
What you might notice
- Tracking slow movement and bold patterns from a play mat or cot
- Grasping, shaking and passing objects from hand to hand
- Mouthing everything, which is how babies learn about texture and shape
- Dropping toys to see what happens (and waiting for you to pick them up)
What to look for in a toy
- Choose pieces too large to fit inside a toilet-roll tube, so they cannot be swallowed
- Look for untreated wood, food-safe finishes or washable natural fabrics
- Avoid cords, ribbons and loose buttons; mobiles hang out of reach and come down once a baby can sit up
- Fewer toys, rotated often, hold attention better than a full basket
Every child develops at their own pace. These notes describe play, not milestones: if you have questions about your child's development, talk to your health visitor or GP.
Toys for 0–12 months
See every toy
Bramble the Cotton Bear
A soft, huggable bear in organic cotton, with embroidered eyes and no small parts.
£30
HandmadeLittle Flock Cot Mobile
Felted wool sheep that turn slowly in the air above a cot or changing table.
£45