Image: MomJunction Design Team
If you have a child at home, our list of the best blocks for babies can help you find some entertaining options. Blocks are educational tools that are also suitable for entertainment purposes. The soft ones can be chewed or thrown around; plastic baby blocks with numbers and letters are ideal for learning, while the wooden ones are suitable for older children or toddlers.
If you want to develop your child’s creativity, fine motor skills, and sorting and stacking skills, and mentally stimulate them, our list of blocks can help you pick the right one.
Top Picks
Why Are Blocks Effective Toys?
Blocks benefit young children in many ways. The following are some.
- Stimulants: Blocks are stimulating toys for children. They promote creativity and imagination.
- Developmental: Blocks aid in developing a child’s cognitive and motor skills while also encouraging skill development and imagination. You can use these blocks to teach children the letters of the alphabet and numbers in a fun way.
- Engrossing: These toys keep children occupied for an extended time. The eye-catching colors and prints keep them engrossed and intrigued.
- Safe: Most children’s blocks are made of soft material or BPA-free plastic with rounded edges. They’re also large enough so that they do not cause a choking hazard. So even if the child is left alone, they are safe to play with these blocks.
- Independence and social skills: Children can play with blocks individually and with friends. These blocks teach children to be self-sufficient and share and form social bonds.
- Accomplishment: Building something with blocks provides the child with a sense of accomplishment. They use their creativity to stack the blocks in novel ways, marveling at their accomplishments and making their parents proud.
13 Best Blocks For Babies
1. Best Easy-To-Carry: Melissa & Doug Deluxe ABC/123 Blocks Set
The ABC/123 playset from the trusted and award-winning brand Melissa & Doug comprises educational and developmental baby blocks that are perfect for teaching children letters, numbers, and basic math concepts and developing their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. The set includes 50 colorful baby blocks with letters, numbers, and pictures on each side. This traditional building block set is built to last and provide hours of fun and learning for children aged two to four years.
Pros
- Convenient storage bag for easy portability
- Made of High-quality solid wood
- Hand-painted blocks
- Encourages screen-free play
Cons
- Some blocks may have multiple copies
- Some blocks may have slightly chipped paint
"This block set is engaging and educational, providing a delightful introduction to numbers and letters through play. They are smaller than expected but fit perfectly in my toddler's hands. The carry bag for storage is a real bonus. A win-win!"
2. Best Squeezable: B. Toys – One Two Squeeze Baby Blocks
This is a set of squeeze-and-squeak baby blocks hand-sculpted and recommended for children aged six to three years. These brightly colored blocks, made of BPA-free silicone, are squeezable, soft, and safe for babies to chew. The educational blocks feature numbers, patterns, and animal designs. They come in a set of ten pieces and encourage children to stack and knock them down. The set comes packaged in a clear tote bag for convenient storage. If you want a detailed review of these blocks for kids, make sure to take a look at this product testing video.
Pros
- Comes packaged in a tote bag for convenient storage
- Bag is made from 100% recycled fabric
- Can help encourage early learning
- Squeaky sound attracts child’s attention
- Available in two styles
Cons
- May not be easy to clean
- May have a peculiar odor
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 12,877 reviews on Amazon, it's clear that many people love this product.
3. Best Easy-To-Clean: Infantino Squeeze And Stack Block Set
The Infantino Squeeze and Stack Block Set is a fun and interactive toy designed to encourage hand-eye coordination and motor development in children. Made of non-toxic and phthalate-free PVC, these soft and chewable baby blocks are great for teething babies. The blocks can be stacked and arranged differently, providing endless fun and opportunities for creative play. Each block is decorated with fun and exciting patterns to capture your baby’s attention and inspire their imagination.
Pros
- Free of BPA
- Ergonomically sized to prevent choking hazards
- Fun, bright colors
- No sharp edges
- Easy to clean and store
Cons
- May have a strong smell initially
- Material may be thicker than expected
"These blocks captivate my little one's attention and are soft enough for safe play and teething. The colors are also quite appealing, although I wish there were more variety. All in all, it's an excellent set for entertaining little minds"
Do remember4. Best For Learning : SainSmart Jr. Wooden ABC Blocks
The set of 40 wooden stacking blocks from SainSmart Jr. introduces the child to letters and numbers. The safety-tested blocks come in a mesh bag for convenient storage. The stackable blocks for infants and toddlers are entirely made of natural pine wood and are smoothened, carved, painted with non-toxic paint. Each cube is 1.8 inches in size and has rounded edges for added safety.
Pros
- Helps develop problem-solving skills
- Ergonomically sized to prevent choking hazards
- Meets ASTM toy safety standards
- Available in two sizes
Cons
- May not be dishwasher-safe
- Wood may be prone to chipping
"It's impressive how these blocks help my child recognize the alphabet letters through play. They are both fun and educational, and I like that they are well-crafted too, making them a solid choice for kids."
5. Best For Color Sorting: Blue Ginkgo Silicone Building Blocks
Let your toddler stack, sort, and play with these rainbow color building blocks that are soft to the touch and flexible to squeeze. The open-ended Montessori toy set contains 24 pastel-colored blocks and a wooden tray for easy sorting and storing. Moreover, the water-resistant baby blocks are safe and suitable for water play.
Pros
- Made of BPA-free and food-grade silicone
- Easy to grab
- No sharp edges
- Dishwasher-friendly
- Suitable for children aged three years and above
Cons
- Some may find them smaller than the expected size
- Might attract dirt and dust
"My child enjoys stacking and sorting these blocks. She seems to enjoy the tactile experience, and I love that they are easy to clean. It is also a relief that they're soft and safe, with no choking hazard risk."
Did you know?6. Best For Sensory Play: Early Learning Centre Squeezy Stacking Blocks
The Early Learning Centre stacking blocks are a set of nine educational baby blocks in multiple colors, with various numbers, shapes, and animals on them. These soft textured baby blocks are squeezable and great for improving hand-eye coordination, encouraging early number recognition, and stimulating your baby’s senses. The waterproof and BPA-free baby blocks can also be used as bath toys.
Pros
- Suitable for teething babies
- Helps stimulate tactile sense
- Lightweight design
- Made of non-phthalate and durable PVC
Cons
- May be hard to stack
- May have an odd smell initially
7. Best For Six-Month-Olds: Teytoy Soft Baby Blocks
TeyToy lightweight baby blocks are soft, squeezable, and stackable and ideal for babies aged six months. The educational activity toys introduce colors, shapes, and patterns to the young baby. Each of these jumbo blocks has a different colorful print and a built-in bell that draws the baby’s attention. The high-quality baby-safe block set is a great gift option because it has been designed with computer embroidery.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Made to resist high temperature
- Made from environmentally friendly materials
- Teaches children how to classify things
- Develops child’s linguistic knowledge
Cons
- Small parts may lead to choking hazards
- Blocks may be smaller than expected
Quick tip8. Best With Safe Ink: Uncle Goose Planet Blocks
If you’re looking for educational baby blocks, Uncle Goose’s planet-themed blocks are a fun way to educate your child about the wonders of our solar system. These creative blocks are made of sustainable basswood and feature illustrations of all nine planets, including the now dwarf planet — Pluto. The blocks also display quick facts about the planets — the diameter of the orbs, distance from the sun, etc. — on all sides. The set includes nine cubes, each measuring 1.75 inches and colored with sober hues.
Pros
- Child-friendly print ink
- No choking hazard
- Sturdy and durable
- Develops motor skills
Cons
- Blocks might be heavier than expected
- May not come with a storage box
"These blocks have been an excellent educational option for my child, fostering learning in a subtle but delightful manner. She's constantly learning from the printed information while building and being imaginative. Plus, the quality seems durable."
9. Best For Easy Storage: Skoolzy Alphabet Wooden Block Set
Skoolzy’s set of 30 wooden blocks for babies has engraved letters of the English alphabet on two sides of the block, while the other four sides remain empty to eliminate distraction and facilitate fun activities. These blocks can also help the child learn about colors as the letters are painted with multiple hues. Add these to your little ones’ block collection to prepare them for their first school. In addition, the set includes an exclusive backpack to help you store the cubes conveniently when not in use.
Pros
- Phthalate- and BPA-free
- STEM-based toy
- Lead-free and non-toxic
- Includes a downloadable activity manual
- Helps enhance hand-eye coordination and dexterity
Cons
- Size may be smaller than expected
- Color may not be bright enough
"Sturdy, colorful, and engaging, these blocks are everything I wanted for my child. They have been great for introducing the letters of the alphabet to my child, and I like that they can be mixed with other playsets. I also love the storage bag that comes with the set."
10. Best For Shape-Sorting: Top Bright Animal Squeeze And Wooden Building Blocks
If you are looking for a combination of wooden toys and squeezable sensory blocks for infants to aid your child’s tactile development, this 80-piece building block set can be an excellent choice. Your toddler can use these blocks to build many objects and patterns as per their imagination and creativity. The building toy also helps children learn the English alphabet, shapes and colors, and animals. The storage box’s lid doubles as a shape sorter toy.
Pros
- Rounded edges and corners
- Polished and burr-free finish
- Paint is water-based and free of BPA and phthalates
- Meets ASTM standards
Cons
- Blocks may be smaller than expected
- May be a bit challenging to stack
11. Best Tear-Resistant: Haba Baby’s First Basic Block Set
The 12 brightly colored wooden cubes are ideal age-appropriate for children over six months and teach children how to build and stack. They come in six primary colors, and each cube measures 1.5 inches on each side and is easy to grasp. The blocks are painted with water-based and solvent-free colors and have undergone multiple safety tests. The surface is wear- and tear-resistant and safe to put in the mouth.
Pros
- Actively tested to meet quality checks
- Made from solid beech wood
- Lightweight
- Smooth texture
Cons
- May catch stains easily
- Blocks may be slightly larger than expected
"What makes it my trusted choice is its safe, durable construction. My little one can comfortably hold them with his tiny hands, and it has been a solid set for improving her fine motor skills."
12. Best Non-Toxic: Hape Maple Wood Kids Building Blocks
If you are looking for durable blocks made of sustainable forest wood and child-safe water-based paint, then Hape’s building blocks set can be the right choice. These non-toxic baby blocks meet the ASTM and EN 71 safety standards, making them completely child-friendly. In addition, the set contains 50 building block pieces in a variety of shapes and colors, ensuring your child stays busy and entertained for long.
Pros
- Includes a cotton-based storage bag
- Can help develop fine motor skills
- Enhances building skills
- Teaches colors and shapes
- Burr-free finish
Cons
- May be difficult to stack due to the smooth surface
- Blocks may be smaller than expected
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has garnered more than 2,443 positive reviews on Amazon.
13. Best Lightweight: Playskool Stack And Nest Barrels and Blocks Toy
This delightful toy pack for babies from the trusted brand Playskool contains four detachable barrels and eight cubes to keep a baby intrigued for a long time. The toy pack gives a twist to the traditional cubes as its barrels and cubes can be taken apart, stacked, and nested. Moreover, this toy can also help you teach your children about the difference between different colors and sizes in a practical manner.
Pros
- Lightweight design
- Easy to store and carry
- Promotes color recognition
- Ideal for gifting
Cons
- May not be dishwasher friendly
- Colors may fade eventually
How To Choose The Right Blocks For Babies?
Here are some factors to consider when buying blocks for your child.
1. Size: Ensure that the blocks aren’t too small that they pose a choking hazard as toddlers like to put things in their mouths.
2. Durability: The material should be strong enough to withstand rough play, tossing, chewing, and slobber. Cardboard blocks, for example, can break or disintegrate quickly, posing a risk to the child.
3. Material: Blocks are made of wood, foam, plastic, or cloth. Choose a non-toxic material because your child is likely to put the blocks in their mouth. Also, the material should be easy to clean. If your child is under the age of two, it is best to stick to softer materials.
4. Purpose: Blocks can be used for educational or recreational purposes. If your child is younger, a simple block for stacking and dropping may suffice. A toddler should be given blocks with numbers, letters, animals, fruits, patterns, and other prints to learn from.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are building blocks good for babies?
Playing with building blocks can help enhance your little one’s problem-solving skills, encourage fine motor skills, and develop mathematical and logical skills (1).
2. Can babies play with wooden blocks?
Babies can safely play with wooden blocks as wood, as a material, is generally free from toxic substances unless coated with harsh paints. However, ensure that the wooden blocks have burr-free edges.
3. Can a six-month-old play with blocks?
At six months, your infant can reach out for small objects and try to grasp them. By 11 months, they can place the blocks in a container; by 15 months, they can build a tower (2).
4. Are foam blocks safe for babies?
Playing with foam blocks helps in improving cognitive skills. But certain foam blocks are made of EPS or Styrofoam, which may not be ideal for your child. So check for the details of the block and what material is used.
5. How many blocks does a baby need?
You can begin with two blocks and slowly increase the number of blocks to be given until it reaches ten blocks. Overcrowded blocks may make your child lose interest in them and make them feel overwhelmed.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Vibha Navrathna, our in-house writer and reviewer, is experienced in choosing the right toys for babies based on their age. Her focus mainly lies in selecting educational toys that boost children’s cognitive development. In this post, she has considered user reviews to compile this list of the best blocks for babies. She has briefly described factors like wide color range, block size and design, and durability to help you decide which toys to choose. A few of these toys have the alphabet and numerical stamps and can be played throughout childhood.
You cannot possibly go wrong by giving block toys to your child as they can be used for both recreational and educational purposes. These blocks allow you to develop their motor skills as they stack and sort them and also help improve and enhance their creativity and imagination. When choosing the ideal blocks for your child, consider the size, durability, and material used. Also, ensure that these toys are age-appropriate and made of non-toxic materials, as your child will come in direct contact with them.
Infographic: How Can Block Play Be Beneficial For Babies?
Blocks are among the first educational toys that babies get to experience. They introduce little ones to numbers, letters, and STEM-based concepts, providing several cognitive benefits. Explore the following infographic to learn how playing with blocks can benefit your baby’s physical and mental well-being.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
References
- Ten Things Children Learn From Block Play
https://www.naeyc.org/resources/pubs/yc/mar2015/ten-things-children-learn-block-play - Developmental Milestones: Fine Motor Skills and Visual Motor Skills
https://www.choc.org/userfiles/file/Rehab-Developmental%20Milestones%20final.pdf - AGE DETERMINATION GUIDELINES: Relating Consumer Product Characteristics to the
Skills, Play Behaviors, and Interests of Children
https://www.cpsc.gov/s3fs-public/Age-Determination-Guidelines-Relating-Consumer-Product-to-Characteristics-Skills-Play-Behavior-Intersts-to-Children-January-2020.pdf?VersionId=4nM3QIubBtIsckhdaIY81wgmmrTYlV_i
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