In short: From birth to 3 months babies see high contrast best at 20–30 cm, so first toys are contrast cards, soft rattles and a play mat. From 3 to 6 months they grasp, swap hands and mouth everything. Start tummy time in the first days, always awake and supervised, building up to at least 30 minutes a day.
Author: Eva Birsa, mum and co-founder of Evitas · Updated: 5 October 2026
In the first six months a baby does not need many toys. What they need is you, a few well-chosen items and a little floor time every day. This guide brings together developmental milestones from official sources, an age-by-age toy table and practical tummy time tips. The examples come from the Done by Deer range we stock at Evitas.
How babies discover the world from 0 to 6 months
0–3 months: contrast, faces and first movements
A newborn's distance vision is blurry; they see best at around 20 to 30 centimetres, which is roughly the distance to your face during a feed. Strong contrast catches their attention most, so black-and-white, clear shapes are the first "toy" for the eyes. By 3 months babies follow a moving object with their eyes. At this stage, contrast cards (a set of 10 cards made of sturdy cardboard with high contrast and soft colours) placed next to your baby on the mat or at the changing table are plenty, together with a soft rattle they can grab for the first time. Rattle socks make a gentle sound with every kick and draw your baby's gaze to their feet.
3–6 months: grasping, passing and everything in the mouth
Around 4 months a baby holds a toy and shakes it, swings at dangling toys, brings hands to the mouth and pushes up onto the elbows during tummy time. By 6 months they reach for a toy they want, explore things with their mouth, push up on straight arms when on their tummy and roll from tummy to back. Now is the time for toys to grasp and pass from hand to hand: the Birdee wooden rattle made of beech wood, the Croco Twist & Turn activity toy with flexible joints (from 3 months) and the Happy Clouds sensory activity ring with a silicone teether. Since everything goes into the mouth, choose toys that are also designed for chewing.
Which toys suit which age
Ages are a guide only: every baby develops at their own pace. Always follow the manufacturer's age label on the product.
| Age | What is developing | Suitable toys | Example from our range |
|---|---|---|---|
| From birth | Vision at 20–30 cm, seeing contrast | Contrast cards, card holder with mirror | Contrasting cards Deer friends, Contrasting cards holder |
| From birth | Looking, listening, later batting at toys | Play mat with arch and hanging toys | Activity play mat Tiny Farm |
| 0–3 months | Hearing, touch, discovering hands and feet | Soft rattle, rattle socks | Sensory rattle Elphee, Rattle Socks |
| From the first weeks (supervised) | Lifting the head, neck and shoulder strength | Tummy time mirror and pillow | Tummy time sensory mirror, Tummy time activity toy |
| 3–6 months | Grasping, passing from hand to hand | Wooden rattles, toys with joints | Wooden sensory rattle Birdee, Croco Twist & Turn |
| 3–6 months | Touch, sound, contrast patterns | Soft sensory books | Sensory baby book Tiny Farm (3m+) |
| 3–6 months | Mouthing, gums | Teethers, sensory rings | Sensory Teether Clucky, Sensory activity ring Happy Clouds |
You will find more high-contrast toys in our contrast toys for babies collection and the full range in the Done by Deer collection. How to choose the mat itself (puzzle or foldable) is covered in our baby play mat guide.
Tummy time: when to start and how much
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises starting tummy time on the day your baby comes home from hospital: 2 to 3 times a day for 3 to 5 minutes, gradually building up to a total of 15 to 30 minutes a day by 7 weeks of age.
The World Health Organization guidelines (WHO, 2019) and the NHS recommend at least 30 minutes of tummy time a day for babies who are not yet crawling, spread throughout the day while the baby is awake. Tummy time strengthens the neck, shoulders and trunk and takes pressure off the back of the head; read more in our article on flat head syndrome in babies.
Tummy time is only ever for an awake baby under your constant supervision. It is never for sleep: if your baby falls asleep, place them on their back in their cot.
How to make tummy time enjoyable
- Start with short, frequent sessions, for example after a nappy change or when your baby wakes up.
- Lie on the floor facing your baby so they can see your face, or lay them tummy-down on your chest.
- Place toys in a circle around your baby so they turn their head and reach to both sides.
- Put a tummy time sensory mirror right in front of your baby; the mirror angle is adjustable and the non-slip base keeps it in place.
- Stand contrast cards upright at eye level to give your baby a reason to lift their head.
- When your baby needs a little support, place a tummy time pillow under their chest; it has a bell, crinkle sounds and rings that double as teethers.
What if my baby cries during tummy time?
Many babies protest at first. Stop, comfort them and try again later, ideally several times a day for a minute or two. Getting down close to their face helps too. If your baby always turns their head to one side only, or you feel they are progressing more slowly, talk to your paediatrician.
Toys do not belong in the cot
The Lullaby Trust advises that babies should always sleep on their back in a clear cot: no pillows, duvets, cot bumpers, soft toys, pods or nests, and no products that keep a baby in one position. This also applies to the toys in this article: the tummy time pillow, mirror, rattles and cards are for supervised floor play, not for sleep.
Toy safety: what to check
- All toys sold in the EU must carry the CE marking, the manufacturer's declaration that the toy meets the safety requirements.
- Follow the age label. Toys for babies must not have small parts that could come off.
- Check for wear regularly: split seams, cracks in wood or silicone, loose parts. Remove any damaged toy.
- Use ribbons, elastic loops and hanging toys only while you are with your baby, and remove them after play.
- Clean toys according to the manufacturer's instructions; for example, do not soak wooden toys in water.
For the months ahead, read our guide to Montessori toys by age, and find out more about the brand in Why moms love Done by Deer.
Frequently asked questions
When can I start tummy time?
According to the AAP, from the first day at home, with a few short sessions of 3 to 5 minutes, always while your baby is awake and you are with them.
How much tummy time a day is enough?
WHO and the NHS recommend at least 30 minutes a day for babies who are not yet crawling, split into several shorter sessions. The AAP gives a target of 15 to 30 minutes a day by 7 weeks.
Why are contrast cards black and white?
Newborns pick up strong contrast best and see most clearly at 20–30 cm. They get better at telling colours apart around 4 months, so softly coloured cards suit a little later.
Is it normal for my baby to put everything in their mouth?
Yes. Exploring with the mouth is one of the milestones by 6 months. That is why toys should be clean, free of small parts and ideally also designed for chewing.
Can I leave the tummy time pillow or a rattle in the cot?
No. Keep the cot clear and always put your baby to sleep on their back. Toys are for floor play while you are with your baby.
Sources
- AAP / HealthyChildren.org – Back to Sleep, Tummy to Play
- AAP / HealthyChildren.org – Baby's Vision Development
- WHO (2019) – Guidelines on physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep for children under 5 years of age: Recommendations
- NHS – Physical activity guidelines for children under 5 years
- CDC – Milestones by 4 months
- CDC – Milestones by 6 months
- The Lullaby Trust – Safer sleep advice
- European Commission – Toy safety
This content is for information only and does not replace advice from your paediatrician.
