When your little one turns one, their curiosity and energy seem to double overnight. At this stage, finding the right crib toys isn’t just about keeping them entertained—it’s about providing comfort, encouraging development, and ensuring safety. I remember when my niece was a year old; she would wake up in the middle of the night, babbling and playing with her crib toys before drifting back to sleep. That’s when I realized how important the right toys are—they can soothe, engage, and even help with self-soothing skills.

If you’re on the hunt for the best crib toys for a 1-year-old, this guide will help you find safe, fun, and developmentally appropriate options.

What to Look for in Crib Toys for a 1-Year-Old

Before diving into specific toy recommendations, here are some key things to consider:

• Safety First – No small parts, no choking hazards, and made from baby-safe materials.
• Soothing Features – Toys with soft music, gentle lights, or textures can help calm your baby at bedtime.
• Interactive Elements – Buttons, textures, or mirrors encourage sensory and motor skill development.
• Easy to Clean – Babies drool, chew, and sometimes even throw their toys out of the crib, so washable options are a must.

Best Crib Toys for a 1-Year-Old

Here are some of the best crib toys that are safe, fun, and beneficial for your little one.

Glow and Soothe Musical Plush Toys

Why it’s great: These cuddly stuffed animals play soft lullabies and emit a gentle glow to help your baby fall asleep. Some even have heartbeat sounds to mimic the womb, providing extra comfort.

Personal story: When my best friend’s baby was going through a sleep regression, she swore by a plush lamb that played a soft melody. It became her baby’s must-have bedtime companion, and they couldn’t sleep without it!

Best pick: The Fisher-Price Soothe & Glow Seahorse is a popular choice because of its gentle music and calming glow.

Crib Activity Panels

Why it’s great: These attach to the crib’s rails and feature buttons, spinning wheels, and mirrors to keep your baby entertained during wakeful moments. They encourage fine motor skills and sensory exploration.

Personal story: My nephew had a simple activity panel with a mirror and a spinning rattle, and he would spend so much time in his crib just exploring it. It gave my sister a few extra minutes of peace in the mornings!

Best pick: The Baby Einstein Sea Dreams Soother has lights, music, and ocean sounds that help babies settle down at night.

Soft Fabric Books

Why it’s great: Soft books with different textures, crinkles, and flaps engage a baby’s senses while keeping them entertained. They’re safe for chewing and easy to clean.

Personal story: I gifted a friend’s baby a fabric book with peek-a-boo animals, and she would giggle every time she found the hidden surprises. It became a bedtime favorite!

Best pick: The Lamaze Peek-A-Boo Forest book is an excellent option with bright colors and fun textures.

Crib Mirrors

Why it’s great: Babies love looking at their own reflections! A crib mirror can keep your little one engaged while also promoting self-recognition and social skills.

Personal story: My cousin’s baby was obsessed with their crib mirror. He would babble at his reflection for minutes on end, making it the perfect distraction when his parents needed a quick break.

Best pick: The Sassy Tummy Time Floor Mirror can be attached to the crib and used for tummy time as well.

Soft Rattle and Teether Combo

Why it’s great: A soft rattle with a teething element is perfect for keeping little hands busy. Babies at this age still explore with their mouths, so safe, BPA-free teething toys are a great addition to the crib.

Personal story: My niece used to wake up and immediately grab her soft teether rattle. It helped her self-soothe in the mornings instead of crying for attention.

Best pick: The Skip Hop Bandana Buddies Rattle is a fun, multi-textured toy with a built-in teether.

Hanging Musical Mobiles

Why it’s great: A classic crib toy that provides gentle motion, music, and visual stimulation. Many mobiles come with detachable plush toys, making them versatile even as babies grow.

Personal story: My own childhood mobile played Brahms’ Lullaby, and I still have faint memories of falling asleep to its melody. My mom always said it was a lifesaver for calming me down at bedtime.

Best pick: The Tiny Love Classic Mobile features high-contrast colors and soft melodies to soothe your baby.

Tips for Choosing the Right Crib Toy

• Think about your baby’s sleep habits – If they struggle to self-soothe, a plush musical toy might be ideal. If they love moving around, an activity panel may work best.
• Consider multi-functional toys – Toys that work for both play and sleep provide more value.
• Read reviews – Other parents’ experiences can give you insights into whether a toy will be a hit or not.

Finding the best crib toys for a 1-year-old can make bedtime and wake-up times smoother for both you and your baby. Whether you choose a soothing plush toy, a soft book, or an interactive panel, the right crib toy can provide comfort, entertainment, and even support early development.

What crib toy has been a favorite in your home? If you’re still searching for the perfect one, I hope this guide helps you find the right match for your little one!