Skip Hop Play Center / Old Navy Footed Sleeper / Baby Einstein Take Along Tunes
Just in time for the Holidays (literally – most of these are still available on Amazon for Christmas delivery), I’ve compiled a list of Wyatt’s favorite toys for the first 6 months. Is it just me, or is there a disproportionate number of new arrivals due around this time? Two of my very best friends delivered this past week – I’m so excited to meet them!
I call these “toys”, but they might be better described as essential parent survival tools! Tom and I are really trying hard to avoid an influx of toys taking over our home, so I was extra picky in my research here. Hopefully this list is helpful to spend your dollars wisely – any questions welcome!
0-3 months
Even from a few weeks old, Wyatt enjoyed some alone time on his playmat, examining the dangling shapes and crinkly patches. A Boppy is also a great hangout spot in the early immobile months, and also a helpful tool down the road when they are learning to sit up on their own and need a little extra support (I recommend this “donut” version as it has lasted him into his later months).
We are forever indebted to this Baby Bjorn Bouncer for the hours of entertainment it has provided. I was highly skeptical of its rather obscene price point, particularly given it is not motorized in any way, however I quickly quieted my criticism when Wyatt happily bounced away for hours. It also folds up quickly to lie almost completely flat, making it easy to tote along with you almost anywhere. My friends all agree this bouncer is magic! Don’t forget the toy bar, which Wyatt found mesmerizing too. Our brilliant nanny also discovered that this attachment also conveniently fits on his car seat (sliding into the side pockets) for entertainment on-the-go.
I originally purchased this Fisher Price Rock n’ Play, which Wyatt enjoyed periodically for his first few months (we tried to avoid having him sleep in here for long periods, but this did happen on occasion). Around 3 months, we caved and purchased the Fisher Price Cradle ‘n Swing as well, and I wish we had gone with this one from the get-go – both are a bit redundant in my opinion, and the swing has much more longevity (friends still use theirs at 9+ months). It’s a bit of an eyesore, but well worth it as it has a range of swing modes and music that babies love. I highly recommend trying the considerably less expensive Fisher Price rockers/swings before opting for the much more expensive variations!
4-6 months
Once Wyatt had good head stability and could sit up on his own, we started him in this Skip Hop Play Center, which is the least offensive-looking play center I could find. He still finds it entertaining four months later! This is often where I station him in the mornings while I’m getting ready for work. We are also in love with this magical Graco Bumper Jumper door bouncer – the same kind we all had as kids too – Wyatt will bounce and swing and giggle in here for literally hours, and an absolute steal if we’re talking price per use! It’s easy to move around or take down when needed – we clip it right in the doorway to our pantry so he can entertain himself while we prepare dinner every night.
What other toys do your littles love? Share in comments, please!