The Best Toys for 5-Month-Old Babies

A child-friendly mirror offers endless entertainment. Observing their own facial expressions is fun for babies, and it also helps them build an understanding of social reciprocity, says Sarno who recommends this pick by Fisher-Price. The roll-along hedgehog starts as a tummy-time toy for baby, with a friendly face to gaze at on the large mirror. Then, when baby starts to sit up, they can explore the bat-at roller, clacker bead bar and soft "quills" of their hedgehog pal. Finally active tots can give the mirror a gentle push to send it rolling along, encouraging them to crawl and chase after it!

Reading to your child is important at every age, especially when they’re gearing up to say their first words. Miller likes these indestructible board books, as they are rip-proof, tear-proof and, most importantly, chew-proof. Plus, the thick pages are easy to turn.

Simple sensory toys are often the most fascinating to young children. Case in point: The Skwish by Manhattan Toy. “Babies seem to be entranced with the Skwish Color Burst, as it’s easy to grab and hold, plus it makes sounds and squishes down when turned and squeezed,” says Sarno. Worried about baby nibbling on it? Don’t sweat it—it’s made from wood with a non-toxic, water-based finish so it’s safe for curious babies to chew on.

Miller recommends toys and books with realistic depictions of people, places and things. That’s why we love this board book, which features 100 simple words with corresponding color photographs. Bonus: There’s also a Spanish-English bilingual edition.

Need something to keep baby entertained during mealtimes? Sarno recommends these brightly colored silicone pipSquigz Loops. Babies can spin and shake the plastic rattle rings, or press the suction cups onto their high chair before pulling them off to hear a loud, exciting “pop” sound.

At this point, don’t expect baby to sit through a lengthy story book. Instead, focus on fun picture books that get you talking. Sarno likes this animal-themed book that uses repetition to help baby learn new sounds and words.

Designed for use from 4 months on, this activity center is the perfect toy for your little mover and shaker. It offers three modes of play: young infants can swivel, bounce and play while sitting in the seat; early walkers can hold onto it for support during the cruising stage and older toddlers can use it as a craft table.

“Games of hide-and-seek and peek-a-boo begin to get fun for babies (and their families!) around 5 months old, as they’re starting to learn about object permanence,” says Sarno. (FYI: Object permanence is the concept that people and objects don’t simply cease to exist once they’re out of sight.) Although nothing beats human interaction, this interactive plush toy can step in when you need a break. The sweet elephant plays peek-a-boo with its ears and sings “Do Your Ears Hang Low?”

This musical toy for 5-month-olds is sure to hit the right note. The toy piano introduces baby to instruments, animal sounds and numbers in four different languages. The soft cloth piano keys are nice and tactile, while the light-up buttons appeal to baby’s new heightened sense of sight.

Another great toy for 5-month-olds learning the basic concept of object permanence is this activity book by Sassy. The monochrome book has textured pages and peek-a-boo flaps that cover playful illustrations. Parents can say things like, “where did it go?” before helping them lift the flap again to reveal their favorite animal characters, explains Sarno. Bonus: It’s also waterproof, chew-proof and clips onto a stroller for playtime on the go.

At 5 months, baby is still mastering those grasping skills. Help them out with this engaging toy by Bright Starts. Made for the smallest hands, it has an easy-to-grip handle filled with colored beads that make a satisfying rattle sound. On either end is a mini Oball that baby can squeeze, poke and gum on.

Stacking cups are a classic toy for children. Bring them into the bath to scoop and pour water for a quick lesson in cause and effect, or simply stack them up into a tall tower—either way baby will have tons of fun.

Here’s one more book recommendation for 5-month-old babies: Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? written by Bill Martin and illustrated by Eric Carle. The sing-song text is peppered with plenty of repetition making it a great tool for language development. Plus, the soft padded cover is easy for little hands to grip.

Miller recommends soft shape sorting toys like this one by Melissa & Doug. The mesh grocery basket is filled with a plush milk bottle with a chime, a silky-soft crinkling head of lettuce, a rattling soft tomato and a squeaking carrot. Tip them out on baby’s play mat during tummy time, and see which item they reach for first.

If baby’s obsessed with your keys, get them a child-friendly bunch of their own! This wooden toy for 5-month-olds is easy for little hands to grasp and shake, and helps to develop your baby’s auditory and fine motor skills. Better yet, it’s made from sustainably sourced, organic rubberwood and finished with non-toxic vegetable dyes.

As baby is working on sitting and pre-crawling skills, toys like this one can keep them engaged in multiple positions as they build their strength. It functions as a stationary toy baby can explore from a seated position. Then, once your little one is ready, it moves in circular patterns close by to encourage baby to stretch those legs and get crawling.