The Best Toys for 2-Month-Olds, According to Parents
Newborn babies snooze a lot—but by the time they hit the 2-month mark they’ll likely be a little more alert during the day. When my daughter turned 2 months old back in August, her adventurous side came out. She was eager to touch and taste everything around her, so it was the perfect time to introduce play into our routine. However, I was a little lost figuring out how to play with my baby for the very first time.
How do you entertain baby when they’re still learning how to hold their own head up? According to Jana Sarno, a board-certified behavior analyst and the chief clinical officer of Hopebridge Autism Therapy Centers, “Play looks a little different at 2 months than it does for older babies and toddlers, but there are ways to play with them that support infant development. At this age, what baby needs is your time and devotion.” The best toys for 2-month-olds help refine baby’s blossoming motor skills and satisfy their newfound need for social interaction. You never know, the right toy may even elicit baby’s first smile.
Parenting requires an overwhelming amount of gear, including toys. If you’re feeling a little lost, we’re here to help. We did the bulk of the research for you to help you find stimulating toys to help your 2-month old reach those development milestones. Here’s how we did it:
- We consulted a variety of experts—including a board certified behavior analysis—for advice on what makes a great toy for two-month-olds.
- We conducted a 2024 survey of parents within The Bump community asking about their favorite toys for 2-month-olds.
- The Bump editorial team isn’t just a collection of pregnancy and parenting experts; we’re also moms and dads ourselves. To source the best toys for 2-month-olds on the market, we relied on our experience using some of these toys with our own children.
- Because no two families are alike, we conducted exhaustive market research, scouring external forums and message boards and reading user reviews to find out what parents nationwide looked for in the best toys and gifts for 2-month-olds.
Editorial integrity is at the heart of everything we publish. Read about how The Bump develops and reviews all articles, including product reviews.
Light-up rattle for visual tracking
- Excellent design, including a slim wand made from grasping textures
- Makes light rattling noises to hold your baby’s attention
- Changes color when tapped or moved
- A little expensive
- Requires a button battery, which can be a safety risk for infants
Visual tracking is an essential skill that helps lay the foundation for visual and motor development. However, it’s not always easy to motivate baby to keep their eyes on a single object. The SmartNoggin NogginStik can help. A light-up rattle with a slim handle made of easy-to-grasp material, this is one of the most highly recommended toys for two month olds. Sarno agrees, telling us, “Toys with light and sound are also motivating for babies when used appropriately, like this light-up rattle, which can help them practice eye gaze and neck strength during tummy time. This type of rattle can also help them learn to open and close their hands.”
One of the moms in our community said the NogginStik kept their child engaged for up to 10 minutes at a time, which is a very impressive stretch for a 2-month old. NogginStik is safe for ages 0 to 12 months, meaning you can start practicing visual tracking right away to help your baby start hitting those milestones.
Age range: 0 to 12 months | Batteries required: Y
Our community says:
“The face and changing colors grab my son's attention. The slim wand also is the perfect size for him to grab onto.” – Jax, mom of one and The Bump survey respondent
Tummy-time toy to promote neck control
- Durable and machine washable
- Bright colors for visual stimulation
- Some parents say their babies lose interest quickly as they aged
- The mirror may get foggy during washes
Tummy time is important for neck control as it strengthens vital muscles. However, I know from experience that young babies tend to get fussy fast during tummy time if they’re not entertained. Melissa & Doug K’s Kids Flip Fish Baby Toy is an adorable, colorful time toy that engages baby on multiple levels to prevent fussiness and keep them working those muscles.
From built-in squeakers that encourage grasping to hidden pictures that stimulate curiosity to a crinkly texture for tactile exploration, there’s a lot to love here. Adriana, a mom of one, tells us “when [my son] was really little, he loved looking at the colors and textures,” and that it held his attention for as much as 15 minutes at a time—plus, it encouraged plenty of smiles and giggles.
Age range: 1+ months | Batteries required: N
Our community says:
“Great for interactions with textures, counting, colors, animals and we used it a ton during tummy time. [Our] daughter LOVED this toy when she received it.” – Lauren, mom of two
Play mat for muscle-strengthening
- Five developmental zones that encourage milestones throughout the first year
- A play guide with dozens of ideas for age-appropriate activities
- Easy set-up with zero tools required
- A little bulky; may not be suitable for small spaces
- Pricey
- Difficult to clean
Just like adults, the best way for babies to strengthen their muscles is to get moving. The Lovevery Play Gym encourages physical activity with Montessori-inspired play zones that build brain and motor skills from birth to 12 months. Babies tend to cycle through interests fast at this age. Once my daughter lost interest in her Fisher-Price Piano, I invested in a Lovevery Play Gym of my own. It was well worth it! The five distinct developmental zones, each designed to encourage play even as your baby ages, hold my daughter’s interest for almost 30 minute play sessions.
The Lovevery mat includes detachable toys, sets of play cards that clip into the side of the gym, and a baby-safe mirror that can be attached overhead or on the side of the gym. Plus, if you find all these offerings a little overwhelming, Lovevery includes a detailed play guide with expert-backed tips for enriching play across various age ranges.
Age range: 0+ months | Requires batteries: N
Our community says:
“My baby loves his Lovevery gym and has learned so much! My husband and I had no idea how to play with our baby or how to help him with development and the book this came with, was crucial for us and him. The quality is top notch and was worth every penny.” – Ellen, mom of one
“I like the quality materials and the fact that it has uses for several ages throughout the baby and early toddler stages.” – Brittney, mom of two and The Bump survey respondent
Textured activity book for grasping
- Velcro loop to attach to strollers or car seats
- Lots of textures and shapes for sensory exploration
- Durable material is easy to clean
- Some parents noticed spelling and factual errors
Good toys for two month olds should encourage grasping. As soon as my daughter hit that 8-week mark, she discovered the joy of controlling her own hands and has been grabbing anything and everything ever since. Of course, we’d rather she grab for age-appropriate, baby-safe toys than, say, my husband’s glasses. Lisa Lohiser, EdD, manager of Early Childhood Development Research at the Fisher-Price Play Lab, recommends sturdy books that feature familiar pictures, peek-a-boo elements or textures for your tot to explore. Jellycat Soft Cloth Baby Books offer just that and more.
These soft cloth, colorful baby books are full of crinkle pages, bright colors, and simple words (i.e., “lamb”, “bunny”). With cloth animal tails dangling out the sides that promote tactile exploration, Jellycat offers your baby a range of sensory experiences. My daughter has one Jellycat Book and it’s become a staple of our tummy time routine, keeping her on her stomach for longer periods as she enjoys a stimulating tactile experience. All in all, these books provide a great grasping toy perfect for the 2-month age range sure to help your little one direct their grasping desires toward appropriate places.
Age range: 0+ months | Requires batteries: N
Our community says:
“My daughter got this book as a gift and loved it ever since. We not only love all the textures and colors, but we also use it to learn and practice animal sounds. It is also a great toy to bring when traveling as it helps keep my daughter entertained during long drives and flights.” -Anahí, mom of one
High contrast book for visual development
- Black and white and colored pages to stimulate babies as they age
- Folds out to promote baby lifting and turning their head
- Durable and easy to clean
- May not hold every baby’s attention for long
Many parents invest in high contrast toys for their 2-month-olds—and for good reasons. According to Sarno, “High contrast toys provide visual stimulation at 2 months old. Books are my go-tos at any age, and black and white books are great options for this age.” However, any parent knows that baby toys are expensive and kids may lose interest fast. Black and white images may start to feel dull as your baby’s vision develops, but what makes Curious George’s High Contrast Tummy Time Book a winner is that it’s built to hold baby’s interest for the long haul.
On one side, this accordian book provides high contrast black-and-white shapes great appropriate for younger babies. On the other side, you’ll find more detailed, colorful images of Curious George. If you’re looking for baby’s first book, you can’t go wrong here. Curious George’s Colors is a fun tool to promote your little one’s visual stimulation.
Age range: 0+ months | Requires batteries: N
Our community says:
“The two sides (one black and white, the other colors) are awesome for making tummy time so interesting! We love to lift our head to look at it.” –Julie, mom of one and The Bump survey respondent
Monochrome flash cards for visual focus
- Good for different development stages
- Design based on child development expert research
- Made with eco-friendly soy ink
- Some parents report cards are prone to moisture damage
- No display stand for cards
There are tons of sensory cards on the market, but beiens Newborn Essential Baby Sensory Toy Cards are among the best. Beiens provides compelling, high-contrast black-and-white images of patterns, shapes, and animals. Built with science in mind, beins worked with educational experts to create cards that help activate your child’s instantaneous memory. Designed for use from zero to six months old, these toys don’t just provide entertainment – they stimulate your child’s mind.
With beiens, you get three sets of 20 two-sided cards each designed for different age ranges (0-3 months, 3-6 months and 6-12 months). Cards have a matte surface to protect your baby’s eyes, ensuring your baby’s health and safety as they learn and play. With 40 images per age group, your baby will stay entertained for the long haul while building essential skills like memory and visual focus.
Age range: 0+ months | Requires batteries: N
Subscription set for developing senses
- Comes with advice on how to use each toy most effectively
- Made from durable, high-quality materials
- Free of BPA, phthalates and lead
- Non-toxic, water-based paint
- Somewhat expensive
- Some parents thought toys were difficult for baby to hold
As a first-time parent, I sometimes struggle to find enriching activities for my baby. KiwiCo’s Let’s Sense subscription box comes with plenty of 2-month-old toys focused on helping your little one with a host of skills, including vision, tracking, motor skills, touch and beyond. And if you’re unsure what to do with the pile of toys you receive, KiwiCo has you covered. Each box comes with a 20-page book featuring science-based, research-backed activity suggestions.
From a wood rattle perfect for practicing visual tracking and auditory development to a hanging toy set for grasping and mouthing, KiwiCo provides many enticing offers. Your baby goes through a massive amount of development in the first few months. This kit helps you make the most out of this time by giving your baby a safe outlet to explore and learn. Plus, take 50 percent off the first month's subscription for any KiwiCo crate with the discount code THEBUMP.
Age range: 2 to 3 months | Requires batteries: N
Textured stroller toy for tactile play
- Huge variety of noises, textures and colors
- Made from high-quality, durable material
- Easily attaches to strollers or car seats
- May be too big for some 2-month-olds to handle
- Some parents said the stitching wore out quickly
Two-month-old babies love to feel everything. As soon as they start becoming aware of the world, they’re eager to touch it. Freddie the Firefly provides a captivating sensory experience on multiple levels. High-contrast colors, crinkly textures, ribbons, built-in teethers and baby-safe mirrors all make Freddie an excellent choice for babies who are getting ready to explore the world.
My daughter has four Lamaze sensory toys, including Freddie, and another in the mail as I write. Trust me when I tell you they’re worth the hype. These toys keep my daughter occupied for 15 to 30 minute stretches, often allowing me to get some much-needed chores done knowing she’s engaged with a stimulating activity. Another perk? Freddie and other Lamaze toys also come with a clip you can attach to a stroller or a carseat. Taking this toy on the go keeps your little one from fussing during outings as Freddie provides an all-in-one sensory experience.
Age range: 0+ months | Requires batteries: N
Interactive bath toy
- Made from all-natural, baby-safe material
- Designed to appeal to all five senses
- Doubles as a bath and playmat toy
- The natural rubber has a strong scent some may dislike
- Some online reviewers reported the toy’s squeaker attracted their dogs
At 2 months old, my daughter began calming down during baths but wasn’t quite ready to splash and play yet. Sophie La Girafe So’Pure Rubberwood Boat hits a sweet spot when it comes to 2-month-olds—it’s a visually stimulating bath toy that is engaging without being overwhelming. Made from natural rubber that’s 100% baby safe, Sophie La Girafe can gently float and bob through the bubbles during bathtime and then serve as a fun toy for mouthing outside the waters.
Small enough to easily fit into your 2-month-old’s hands, this toy’s soft, flexible texture encourages interaction, allowing you to use it for mouthing, visual tracking, grasping and more. Once your little one gets older and a little more adventurous, this toy can be used to splash around in the tub and also serves as a great teether.
Age range: 0+ months | Requires batteries: N
Pacifier toy for self-soothing
- Easy to travel with
- Plushie helps the pacifier stay in place and not get lost
- Made from soft, durable material
- Pacifiers can be difficult to replace if damaged
Self-soothing can be difficult in the very early months, so many infants need a little extra help to get the hang of it. A combination pacifier/plushie, the WubbaNub is often used in NICUs and hospitals due to its combination of practicality and lovability.
The basic concept is that your baby hugs the warm plushie while self-soothing by sucking the pacifier, providing a two-in-one solution for comfort. Plus, the plushie can rest at a baby’s neck or side, preventing the pacifier from falling the wayside and getting lost under the couch or car seat. All in all, this is a great choice that’ll keep your little ones calm while also giving them their first favorite stuffed animal.
Age rating: 0+ months | Requires batteries: N
Crib mobile for visual stimulation
- Multiple high-contrast card you can swap out as your baby’s vision develops
- Comes with a mobile arm that easily attaches to your crib
- Simple set up
- Somewhat expensive
- Some online reviewers claim parts fall off easily
Babies go through a lot of rapid-fire changes in visual development during the first few months. Manhattan Toy Wimmer-Ferguson Infant Stim-Mobile for Cribs accounts for this. A recommended toy for 2 months old and beyond, this mobile provides interchangeable high-contrast cards that you can replace as your little one grows and begins to perceive more detailed shapes and colors. This saves you time and money as you won’t be swapping out an entire mobile every few weeks.
The mobile comes with 10 cards, each conveniently labeled for different developmental ages. Patterns move from simple to complex to encourage visual development throughout the first year. The Stim-Mobile also includes an adjustable cord to change the height as necessary as your baby’s reach increases. Overall, it’s a great pick if you’re looking for a versatile mobile that’ll hold up for the long haul.
Age range: 0+ months | Requires batteries: N
Wrist rattles to teach cause-and-effect
- Easy way to encourage movement and exploration
- BPA-free silicone teethers
- Affordable
- Some parents said the Velcro straps didn’t stick well
- Rattle is a little quiet
Simple but wildly entertaining for any 2-month-old, Infantino Wrist Rattles are great for babies just beginning to understand their impact on the world. These rattles attach to your little one’s ankles or wrists and allow babies to shake their feet and hands to make noise. This helps begin to teach cause and effect, a phenomenon your baby will begin to explore more and more as they grow.
Coming in at less than $10 for a two-pack, these are an affordable option, with plenty of designs to choose from. Each rattle features an adorable animal-themed design and soft, adjustable straps to secure the toy in place without causing your baby any discomfort. Plus, rattles feature BPA free silicone teethers, so they’ll remain useful in a few months as teething begins.
Age range: 0+ months | Requires batteries: N
Stroller toy for motor skills
- Promotes developing motor skills
- Easy to strap onto a stroller or car seat
- Cute design
- Some parents say the stroller loop is a little weak
Skip Hop’s Farmstand Avocado Stroller Toy isn’t just adorable – it’s an excellent way for your little one to start building invaluable motor skills. This plush avocado features two halves that are easy for your baby to pull apart to discover the peekaboo rattle pit. With a built-in loop that easily attaches to a stroller or car seat, this is a great on-the-go toy to prevent fussiness when you’re out and about.
The two halves of the avocado are held together by a simple piece of velcro. This makes it easy for babies just developing motor skills to pull the avocado apart. At two months, many babies are eager to explore the world. While this stroller toy may seem simple to you, finding the source of that rattling will no doubt be thrilling for any 2-month-old.
Age range: 0+ months | Requires batteries: N
Soothing Sound Machine
- Connects to any Bluetooth device
- Made of chew-safe materials
- Comes with a charging cable, so no batteries required
- Sound transitions may wake up some babies
- The sound is a little quiet
Leaving the womb is a huge adjustment. Your baby becomes accustomed to the constant sound of your body and surroundings only to enter a world that vacillates from being too noisy to too quiet. During those first few months, I used to joke that the only thing my daughter hated more than too much noise was too little noise. White noise is an excellent way to keep your little one calm. WavHello Portable Baby Sleep Soothers are Bluetooth-enabled portable speakers that play a variety of white noise sounds that help soothe your baby wherever you go.
Meant to be taken anywhere, WavHello can help calm your baby while you’re out at the grocery store or help soothe them to sleep at home during nap time. Made in a variety of adorable animal shapes, these speakers conveniently clip onto strollers, diaper bags, car seats, cribs and more. To activate, simply press the speaker's “belly button” to play your choice of six white noise options, including classic calming sounds like “shushing” and “heartbeats.” You can also connect WavHello to any portable Bluetooth device and play your baby’s favorite songs. All in all, WavHello provides a great option for soothing your 2-month-old as they adjust to the world.
Age range: 0+ months | Requires batteries: N
*Note: Some names have been changed due to privacy requests.
At 2 months old, baby is going through a period of rapid growth and development. According to Sarno, communication skills begin to develop around this stage. You’ll notice baby looking up at your face, turning their head toward your voice and calming down when you speak to them or hold them. They may also begin to coo and make sounds beyond a simple cry.
To that end, Sarno recommends creating a language-rich play environment for your little one: “Read to them or describe their day. Use different inflections and voices to stimulate their senses,” she suggests. “This is how they’ll learn about what’s going on around them.” To help you with this task, stock up on high-contrast board books, flash cards, puppets and musical toys. Remember that pretty much anything can serve as a toy at this age—it’s all about how you interact with it. For example, while baby is too young to grasp a rattle, you can shake it from left to right to encourage visual tracking skills. Here are a few other milestones typically reached by infants at this age—baby may be:
- Beginning to smile at people
- Briefly bringing their hands up to their mouth to self-soothe
- Beginning to follow things with their eyes, and recognizing people at a distance
- Making smoother movements with their arms and legs
- Holding their head up when lying on their stomach
Kristen Miller, director of education for Celebree School, a nationwide franchise, reminds parents that every child develops at their own pace. Of course, if you have any concerns about baby’s progress, reach out to your pediatrician.
As baby’s skill sets progress, it’s important to provide them with age-appropriate toys to help them grow socially, emotionally and physically. Here are a few expert-tips to help you choose and use the best toys for 2-month-olds:
- Focus on natural materials. When it comes to toys, Miller advises focusing on natural materials—think wood, natural rubber and even silk—in order to introduce baby to different textures.
- Look for high-contrast colors. At 2 months old, baby’s eyesight is not yet fully developed. Sarno and Miller both recommend toys that feature high-contrast colors like black and white, as this color palette is engaging without being overstimulating. “Simple pops of color like red and orange sprinkled throughout black and white can get their attention too,” adds Sarno.
- Choose playthings with realistic characters. It’s natural to gravitate towards cute cartoon characters or whimsical illustrations. But Miller suggests adding a few books or toys with realistic depictions of people, animals and vehicles to your toy box; in the long run, this will help baby recognize these objects in real life.
- Narrate playtime. Babies don’t need a lot of toys, but what they do need is human interaction. As you play (or simply get on with day-to-day tasks), speak to baby in a soft tone of voice and describe each action that you take. “Talk, read, make facial expressions—and have fun with it!” says Sarno.
- Supervise playtime and check that toys are age-appropriate. Always check the manufacturer age guidelines for toys, and don’t give baby anything that’s too advanced for their stage of development. It’s also important to supervise baby while they play, and never leave them unattended on an elevated surface.
About the writer:
Erin Wisti is a writer and journalist currently living in Los Angeles. Her work has appeared in Fourth Genre, Slate, Electric Literature, Lithub, and other places. She’s written on everything from baby clothes and pediatric safe sleep practices to cloud computing, and has become well-versed in baby toys since her child was born in June of 2024.
Plus, more from The Bump:
Jana Sarno, BCBA, is a board-certified behavior analyst and the chief clinical officer of Hopebridge Autism Therapy Centers.
Kristen Miller, director of education for Celebree School, is a leader in early childhood education.
Lisa Lohiser, EdD, is a Fisher-Price Play Lab expert, where she provides insights into how kids learn and play, and how to best support their development. She has a doctorate in education with a focus on learning and teaching in social contexts, as well as a master’s degree in creativity and change leadership and a bachelor’s degree in elementary education.
The Bump September 2024 Survey. Editors conducted a survey of over 400 parents from among The Bump community. We asked about their child’s favorite toy, what they and their child enjoyed about it and what skills it helped their child develop.
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