Squishy toys have become a staple in baby care, cherished for their soft texture and safety features. These toys are entertaining and are crucial in a baby’s early development. Whether for sensory stimulation, teething relief, or simply providing comfort, squishy toys are a versatile and essential item in a baby’s toy collection. As parents, selecting a suitable squishy toy involves considering safety, material, and developmental benefits to ensure it meets your baby’s needs.

Top 6 Squishy Toys for Babies

Toy 1: Munchkin Ocean Squirts Bath Toy

The Munchkin Ocean Squirts Bath Toy is a set of colorful, sea creature-themed toys for bathtime fun. Each toy is small, lightweight, and easy for little hands to grasp and squeeze, making it perfect for bath play and general use.

• Material: These toys are made of rubber that doesn’t contain BPA, making them baby-safe and pleasant to chew on.
• Safety: The toys are free of harmful chemicals, and their size is large enough to prevent choking hazards. They are also waterproof and mold-resistant, making them safe for use in water.
• Developmental Benefits: These toys help with sensory development by providing different textures and shapes for babies to explore. Squeezing the toys also aids in developing fine motor skills.
• Price Range: Approximately $10-$15 for a set of 8 toys. They are available at major retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Target.

Toy 2: Nuby IcyBite Keys Teether

The Nuby IcyBite Keys Teether is a colorful, key-shaped toy designed to soothe babies during teething. The keys are easy to grasp, and the different textures comfort sore gums.

• Material: The teether is made from BPA-free, phthalate-free materials filled with purICE™ gel, which stays cooler longer than water-filled teethers.
• Safety: It is free from harmful chemicals and has passed all relevant safety certifications. The size and shape are designed to prevent any choking hazards.
• Developmental Benefits: In addition to providing teething relief, the varying textures and shapes help stimulate sensory development and encourage fine motor skills as babies grasp and explore the keys.
• Price Range: Approximately $5-$7. It is widely available at stores like Amazon, Target, and Walgreens.

Toy 3: Infantino Textured Multi-Ball Set

The Infantino Textured Multi Ball Set includes six brightly colored balls, each with a unique texture and design. These balls are soft, lightweight, and easy for babies to hold and explore.

• Material: Made from BPA-free and phthalate-free plastic, these balls are safe for babies to chew and play with.
• Safety: The balls are sized appropriately to prevent choking and are made from non-toxic materials, ensuring they are safe for all forms of play.
• Developmental Benefits: Each ball’s different textures encourage tactile exploration, enhancing sensory development. The act of grasping and rolling the balls also supports motor skill development.
• Price Range: A set of six balls costs approximately $8- $10 and is available at retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and BuyBuy Baby.

Toy 4: Sophie la Girafe

Sophie la Girafe is an iconic baby toy that stimulates all five senses. This giraffe-shaped toy is soft and squeezable and features contrasting spots to catch a baby’s attention.

• Material: Made from 100% natural rubber and food-grade paint, babies are safe to chew on.
• Safety: Sophie la Girafe is safe from harmful chemicals and certified as a safe teething toy. Its design ensures that no small parts could pose a choking risk.
• Developmental Benefits: The toy’s soft texture is ideal for teething babies, and its shape encourages gripping and chewing, which helps develop fine motor skills. The contrasting colors and squeaky sound also stimulate visual and auditory senses.
• Price Range: Approximately $25-$30. Available at specialty baby stores, Amazon, and Nordstrom.

Toy 5: Manhattan Toy Winkel Rattle & Sensory Teether Toy

The Manhattan Toy Winkel Rattle & Sensory Teether Toy is a maze of soft, continuous tubes babies can squeeze, chew, and rattle. It is lightweight and easy for babies to hold.

• Material: Made from BPA-free polyurethane, it is safe for babies to chew on.
• Safety: The toy is free of harmful chemicals and has passed safety standards for use as a teether. The design ensures that no small parts could pose a choking hazard.
• Developmental Benefits: The interconnecting tubes provide tactile stimulation, aiding sensory development. The rattle inside the toy also introduces babies to cause-and-effect relationships.
• Price Range: Approximately $10-$15. Available at Amazon, Target, and other major retailers.

Toy 6: Lamaze Freddie the Firefly

Freddie the Firefly is a brightly colored, soft, and squishy toy designed to entertain and engage babies with its various textures, sounds, and features. It includes crinkly wings, a mirror, and a teether.

• Material: Made from high-quality, BPA-free fabrics and non-toxic materials.
• Safety: The toy is free from harmful chemicals, and its size and construction are designed to be safe for babies of all ages.
• Developmental Benefits: Freddie the Firefly offers multiple developmental benefits, including sensory stimulation through its various textures and colors, motor skill development through grasping and squeezing, and auditory development with a built-in squeaker and crinkly wings.
• Price Range: Approximately $12-$18. Available at retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and BuyBuy Baby.

Toy	Material	Safety Features	Developmental Benefits	Price Range
Munchkin Ocean Squirts	BPA-free Rubber	Non-toxic, Waterproof, Mold-resistant	Sensory, Motor Skills	$10-$15
Nuby IcyBite Keys	BPA-free, Phthalate-free	Non-toxic, purICE™ gel, No choking hazards	Teething Relief, Sensory, Motor Skills	$5-$7
Infantino Multi Ball Set	BPA-free, Phthalate-free	Non-toxic, Properly Sized	Sensory, Motor Skills	$8-$10
Sophie la Girafe	100% Natural Rubber	Non-toxic, Food-grade paint, No small parts	Teething Relief, Sensory, Motor Skills	$25-$30
Manhattan Toy Winkel	BPA-free Polyurethane	Non-toxic, No choking hazards	Sensory, Motor Skills, Cause-and-effect learning	$10-$15
Lamaze Freddie the Firefly	BPA-free Fabrics	Non-toxic, Safe for all ages	Sensory, Motor Skills, Auditory development	$12-$18

Benefits of Squishy Toys for Babies

Sensory Development

Squishy toys are essential tools in the early stages of a baby’s sensory development. These soft, pliable textures stimulate a baby’s sense of touch. Babies explore the world primarily through their hands and mouths, and squishy toys offer a safe, engaging way to learn about different textures and materials. Bright colors and unique shapes also contribute to visual stimulation, helping babies develop their sight as they track and focus on the toys. By engaging multiple senses simultaneously, squishy toys foster a richer sensory experience, which is crucial for cognitive development.

Motor Skills

Developing fine motor skills is a significant milestone in a baby’s early years, and squishy toys play a pivotal role in this process. These toys are made simple for small hands to hold, squeeze, and control, which helps develop newborns’ hand and finger muscles. Repetitive actions like pressing a soft toy or passing it from one hand to another improve coordination and agility. This practice lays the foundation for more complex motor skills that will be needed later for tasks such as feeding themselves or picking up small objects.

Emotional Comfort

Beyond their developmental benefits, squishy toys also serve as a source of emotional comfort for babies. These toys’ soft and pliable nature makes them ideal for providing security and calm. Many squishy toys are designed to be soothing, especially for teething babies who seek relief from sore gums. Squeezing or chewing on a soft toy can be comforting, helping to reduce anxiety or fussiness. Additionally, familiar squishy toys can become a soothing presence for babies, providing a sense of consistency and safety, especially during new or challenging situations.

Safe Exploration

Squishy toys are an excellent way to encourage safe exploration and play. Babies are naturally curious and eager to interact with their surroundings. However, safety is a primary concern for parents. With soft materials and rounded edges, squishy toys allow babies to explore and play without injury. These toys are often designed with safety features like being too large to swallow, non-toxic, and free from sharp edges, making them perfect for unsupervised play. By providing safe toys, parents can foster their baby’s curiosity and allow them to engage with their environment in a controlled, risk-free manner.

How to Choose the Best Squishy Toy

Material Safety

The material is one of the most critical factors when selecting a squishy toy for your baby. Babies explore with their mouths, so the toys must be made from non-toxic, BPA-free materials. This ensures the toy is safe if chewed on or accidentally ingested in small quantities. Avoid toys made with PVC, phthalates, or other harmful chemicals. Furthermore, confirm that the toy is free of tiny bits that could choke hazards to children. Always check for safety certifications or labels indicating the toy meets safety standards.

Size and Shape

Toys that are too small can be a choking risk, while those that are too large may be difficult for a baby to handle. The ideal squishy toy should fit comfortably in a baby’s hand, allowing them to grasp and squeeze it easily. The toy’s shape should also be considered; rounded edges are safer and more comfortable for babies. Ensure that the toy’s design is simple enough not to have small detachable parts, which could be dangerous.

Durability

Babies tend to chew, squeeze, and throw their toys, so selecting one that can withstand this rough treatment is essential. Seek toys constructed from sturdy, high-quality materials that are unlikely to break or deform. Durable toys are safer and more cost-effective, as they last longer and don’t need to be replaced frequently. A durable toy should maintain its shape and functionality even after repeated use.

Age Appropriateness

Choosing a toy that matches your baby’s age and developmental stage is essential for safety and engagement. Many squishy toys are designed with specific age groups in mind, so check the manufacturer’s recommended age range before purchasing. A too-advanced toy might frustrate a baby, while one too simple might not interest them. Age-appropriate toys are more likely to engage your baby, encouraging developmentally appropriate play and exploration.

Ease of Cleaning

Because babies are known to put everything in their mouths, it’s important to find toys that are simple to clean. Look for squishy toys that can be easily wiped down with a damp cloth or are dishwasher-safe. Hard-to-clean toys may be a breeding ground for bacteria and other germs, which could harm your baby’s health. Ensuring the toy can be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized will help maintain its safety and hygiene, giving you peace of mind as your baby plays.

Criteria	Key Considerations	Why It Matters
Material Safety	Non-toxic, BPA-free, no small parts	It prevents exposure to harmful chemicals and reduces choking hazards
Size and Shape	Proper size for grasping, rounded edges	Ensures safe and easy handling by small hands
Durability	High-quality, tear-resistant materials	Withstands chewing, squeezing, and rough play
Age Appropriateness	Matches the baby’s developmental stage	Enhances engagement and ensures safety
Ease of Cleaning	Easy to wipe, dishwasher-safe	Maintains hygiene, prevents germ buildup

Where to Buy Squishy Toys for Babies

Online Retailers

In today’s digital age, online shopping has become the most convenient way for parents to purchase baby products, including squishy toys. Trusted online platforms offer many options, often with customer reviews to help guide your choices. Some of the most popular and reliable online retailers for purchasing squishy toys for babies include:

• Amazon: Amazon offers an extensive selection of squishy toys from various brands, often at competitive prices. With customer reviews, detailed product descriptions, and fast shipping options, Amazon is a top choice for busy parents.
• Babylist: Babylist is a popular platform that allows parents to create baby registries. It features a curated selection of high-quality squishy toys, often including eco-friendly and organic options.
• Walmart.com: Walmart’s online store offers a variety of affordable squishy toys with the added convenience of in-store pickup or home delivery.
• Target.com: Target’s website offers a wide range of baby toys, including squishy toys, and frequent sales and promotions that can benefit budget-conscious parents.

Physical Stores

Physical stores remain a viable option for parents who prefer to see and feel the toys before purchasing. Visiting a store allows you to inspect the toys for quality and safety firsthand, and it offers the immediacy of bringing the product home the same day. Some popular baby stores where you can find squishy toys include:

• Target: Target is well-known for its comprehensive selection of baby products, including various squishy toys. The store often has exclusive items and frequent sales, making it a favorite among parents.
• Walmart: Walmart offers a wide selection of reasonably priced plush toys for babies. Its stores are conveniently located and offer options to suit various price ranges.
• BuyBuy Baby: Specializing in baby products, BuyBuy Baby carries a diverse selection of squishy toys, often featuring higher-end brands and specialty items not found in general retail stores.

Specialty Stores

For parents looking for unique, organic, or eco-friendly squishy toys, specialty stores provide a curated selection of products that cater to specific needs. These stores often focus on sustainability and safety, offering toys made from natural materials and free from harmful chemicals. Some recommended specialty stores include:

• The Tot: Squishy natural rubber or silicone toys are among the many organic and non-toxic baby toys that The Tot, an environmentally-concerned retailer, offers.
• EarthHero: EarthHero specializes in sustainable products, providing eco-friendly squishy toys that are safe for babies and better for the planet. Their toys often come from small, ethical brands.
• Green Toys: This brand and store creates toys from recycled materials. Their squishy toys are made from 100% recycled plastic, ensuring they are safe for babies and environmentally friendly.

Store Type	Examples	Benefits
Online Retailers	Amazon, Babylist, Walmart.com, Target.com	Convenience, vast selection, customer reviews, fast shipping
Physical Stores	Target, Walmart, BuyBuy Baby	Immediate purchase, ability to inspect toys, in-store sales
Specialty Stores	The Tot, EarthHero, Green Toys	Unique, organic, eco-friendly options focus on sustainability

FAQs

Are squishy toys safe for newborns?

Yes, provided they are made from non-toxic, BPA-free materials and are appropriately sized to prevent choking hazards.

How do I clean and sanitize squishy toys?

Most squishy toys can be cleaned with mild soap and warm water. Some may also be dishwasher-safe or cleaned with baby-safe disinfectant wipes.

Can squishy toys help with teething?

Many squishy toys are explicitly designed for teething, providing comfort and relief for sore gums.

What materials should I avoid in squishy toys?

Avoid toys made with PVC, phthalates, or other toxic materials. Always look for BPA-free and certified safe options.

How do I know if a squishy toy is age-appropriate for my baby?

Check the manufacturer’s recommended age on the packaging. Ascertain that the item is both easy to hold and too big to eat.

Conclusion

Selecting the best squishy toys for your baby involves considering various factors such as safety, material quality, size, durability, and age appropriateness. These toys play a vital role in a baby’s sensory development, motor skills, and emotional comfort, making them more than just playthings. Whether you shop online for convenience, visit physical stores for immediate purchase, or explore specialty stores for unique, eco-friendly options, the goal is to find safe and engaging toys to support your baby’s growth and development. By making informed choices, you can ensure your baby enjoys the fun and developmental benefits of squishy toys.