If you have a five-month-old at home, we have compiled a list of the best toys for 5-month-old babies to help you out. Your baby has grown a bit in these few months and can now hold a toy, chatter, and move objects. So, they need age-appropriate toys of the right size to grab and observe to improve their muscle strength and attention. Moreover, bright colors, sounds, and the textures of a toy can stimulate your child’s senses.
According to Heather Welch, a play advocate and educator, “Babies are at a stage where their senses are constantly developing. They understand the world by feeling it through their hands and mouth. Hence, their toys should be easy to grab and have add-ons such as music, and textures to make the toys capable of activating their senses.”
Our list includes entertaining and practical toys from trusted brands to help your baby reach their developmental milestones. So, read on to learn more about the various toys for babies to choose one that suits your child’s requirements.
Top Picks
17 Best Toys For 5-Month-Olds To Boost Their Development – 2024
1. Best Toy For Developing Tactile Senses: Bright Starts Snuggle & Teethe Toy
This multipurpose snuggly Elephant is good to hold and sleep, and helps soothe your baby’s sore gums. Before buying, have a look at this review video for more details.
Pros
- Soft fabric helps keep the baby comfortable
- Crinkly fabric around the body helps develop tactile senses
- Textured feet helps soothe teething gums
- Easy to wipe clean with damp cloth and soap
Cons
- May bleed when washed
- Might be large for some babies
"My little one enjoys these colorful, crinkly teether toys. The assorted textures are great for sensory development and they keep her entertained, especially during car rides. I appreciate that it is easy to clean and remains a beloved accessory for my baby."
2. Best Toy With Soft Body: Skip Hop Bandana Buddies Baby Activity And Teething Toy
A rattle cum soft toy cum teether, this toy can become anything your baby wants. It weighs only 5.3 ounces and is available in a variety of characters so you get to pick the one your baby might like the best.
Pros
- Soft body enables easy play for the baby
- Rattles help develop the baby’s hearing ability
- Detachable bandana teether enables the parent to wear the toy as a wristband
- Free of PVC and phthalates
- Can be easily attached to a stroller or car seat
Cons
- Teething spots may be hard for some babies
- Ring may fall off easily
"The rattles and crinkles of this colorful toy have made car and stroller rides pleasant for my little girl. Although not machine-washable, the toy has been easy to clean. All in all, its ability to captivate my little one has made it a worthwhile purchase."
Quick fact3. Best For Grip: Bright Starts Rattle & Shake Barbell Toys
The Bright Starts rattle and shake barbell toys are designed to engage children above three months of age. Available in a bright green color and weighing 0.1lb, the sensory toy is easy to hold and handle for tiny hands. It is designed with a cheerful and fun twisty handle that can intrigue your child.
Pros
- Textured handles are easy to grasp
- Clear rattles
- Mirror and beads reflect light
- Sturdy and long-lasting
Cons
- May not be loud enough
- Some may find the plastic thin
"The vibrant colors of the rattle have been a decent distraction for my little one. Although slightly challenging to chew on, it has successfully endured my baby's enthusiastic play. And the ease of cleaning and not-so-loud rattling has made it my favorite too."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The tried-and-true product has earned over 18,234 good reviews on Amazon.
4. Best Engaging: Teytoy My First Baby Toys
The Teytoy My First Baby Toys is cute and loaded with bright colors to keep your child’s attention intact. Made of plush material, it has various textures, patterns, and colors, making it one of the best toys for your baby’s sensory development. Available in the fun shape of an owl, it is lightweight and easy to carry. Its vivid pattern and vibrant shape add to your child’s curiosity. It can be a great addition to your child’s toy box.
Pros
- Great plush toy for teething
- Multi-sensory rattle
- Made of non-toxic, cloth material
- Strong stitches and washable
Cons
- May be bigger than expected for some children
- Hanging ring may fall off
"What I loved the most about this multi-sensory toy is its vibrant hues, different textures, and engaging sounds, which include crinkles and squeaks. However, the seams could have been more durable. Overall, a great product."
Did you know?5. Best Toy To Soothe Painful Gums: Bambeado Baby Teething Toy Extraordinaire
This teether offers the perfect texture to soothe your baby’s painful gums. It is available in a range of colors. Before buying, have a look at this video for more details.
Pros
- Made from food-grade soft silicone
- Thin and long parts easily reach babies’ back gums
- Single mold design eliminates instances of bacteria growth
- Texture neither too hard nor too soft
- Free of BPA, PVC, and lead
Cons
- May develop a white film upon washing in dishwasher
- Antennas that break off over time can be choking hazards
"My daughter instantly took to this teether, as it was perfectly sized for her small hands and soothing for her sore gums. Its thoughtful design prevents gagging, and it is easy to clean. I wish it had a loop to make it more secure and easy to carry. Despite this minor issue, I would recommend it to fellow parents."
Quick tip6. Best Toy For Strollers And Cribs: Baby Einstein Star Bright Symphony Toy
Babies can become restless when traveling or when exposed to new surroundings. In such a case, a musical toy can provide lots of fun to keep your little one engaged.
Pros
- Cute smiling star plays multiple classical melodies
- Flashes gentle lights to attract the baby’s attention
- Comes with a strap to attach to the baby’s crib, stroller, or car seat
- Easy-to-grip body
- Chewable toy suitable for teething
Cons
- Paint may peel away over time
- Lights may have a strobe pattern, which can be too intense for some babies
7. Best Easy-To-Clean: Melissa & Doug Flip Fish Soft Baby Toy
The flip fish toy for babies by the trusted brand Melissa & Doug can make great company for your child’s crib. This squeaky toy promotes multiple developmental and tactile skills. With bright colors and an engaging design, it is easy to keep your child occupied with the fish toy. Made of plush textiles, the toy is lightweight and easy to hold for tiny palms with its layered cut design. The multi-colored cuddly fish friend of your child offers various textures for optimal stimulation.
Pros
- Educational toy for improving motor skills
- Attracts attention with squeaks and crinkles
- Made of a washable fabric
- Enables tactile exploration
Cons
- May be larger than expected
- May have an unpleasant smell initially
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product boasts 5,044 reviews on Amazon, and many buyers have said they would purchase the product again.
8. Best For Stimulating Visual Senses: Infantino 4-In-1 Deluxe Activity Gym & Play Mat
The tried-and-trusted Infantino Deluxe activity gym and play mat is a four-in-one activity set up for children, including a tummy time mat, a peek-a-boo mirror, a bolster pillow, and a musical monkey with other linkable toys. It can complement the activities of infants growing up to active toddlers. With a wide product dimension, it has enough space for placing your child, and is lightweight at seven oz. It is made of polyester and cotton.
Pros
- Offers high engagement and exploration
- Supports head, neck, and arm movements
- Helps with motor skills and hand-eye coordination
- Portable with twist-and-fold mechanics
- Easy to clean and maintain
Cons
- Play mat may be thin for some
- Some may find it difficult to assemble
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The 2,159 positive reviews on Amazon are proof that this product meets customers' expectations.
9. Best For Safety: Skip Hop Egg Shaker Trio Baby Toy
The Skip Hop Egg Shaker Trio Baby Toy is an intriguing play set for infants and toddlers to keep them engaged. Designed in three cheerful characters in the shape of eggs, these toys make unique sounds when shaken and can be entertaining for the little one. These toddler and infant toys are available in a dimension of 2.25x2x2.75in, which can be easy to hold for kids above three months of age.
Pros
- Available in owl, hedgehog, and fox egg designs
- Bright colors
- Free of PVC and phthalates
- Playful texture
- Easy to hold
Cons
- Sound may be low
- Might be bigger than expected for small hands
"The animal shakers are a huge hit with my little one, and she enjoys the different sounds each one makes. I appreciate that they encourage exploration through sound and texture. Although the design might be a little tricky for small hands, the toys are sturdy, survive rough treatment, and serve well as sensory toys."
10. Best BPA-Free Toy For Teething: RaZbaby RaZ-Berry Silicone Teether
Teethers are a must-have for all five-month-old baby girls and boys. Teething is a painful period for babies, and so, this hands-free teether is a gentle infant toy that has been designed to alleviate the child’s pain.
Pros
- Made of food-grade silicone
- Free of BPA
- Multi-texture handle designed for baby’s easy grasp
- Hands-free teether toy
- Helps soothe gums
- Can be refrigerated to provide extra relief from aching gums
Cons
- Might be big for some babies
"My infant enjoys gnawing on this teether because of its smooth and soothing texture. Although on the larger end, it is durable and easy to clean. Plus, it provided quick teething relief for my baby, so it gets the nod of approval from this mum."
11. Best BPA Free:Infantino Hug And Tug Musical Bug
This cute little bug by the trusted brand Infantino plays music and dangles if your baby wants it, making it an engaging and fun baby toy for 5-month-olds. Its detachable hook-and-loop fastener allows your baby to hold and play with this infant toy for hours.
Pros
- Comes with two clacker rings and a child-safe peek-a-boo mirror
- Plays music when the head of the toy is pulled
- Attachable to the child’s crib and stroller
- BPA-free
- Great cause-and-effect toy
Cons
- Colors may not be vibrant enough
- Velcro used in this toy may not be strong enough
12. Best Portable:Tiny Love Meadow Days Take Along Mobile
The Meadow Days Take-Along Mobile with spinning toys makes a great toy for 5-month-olds when you are on the go. Fix the mobile toy to your baby’s crib or stroller and keep them entertained.
Pros
- Spinning toys help develop the baby’s vision
- Plays five different melodies for 30 minutes
- Comes with a hook-and-loop fastener to attach it to an infant carrier
- Features a large crib to attach it to a stroller
- Aids in emotional intelligence
Cons
- Does not come with volume control
- Babies may find the toy to be heavy
"This mobile has charmed both my daughter and me with its multi-functional features. Attaching it to a crib and car seat is easy, and the engaging spin and music create a pleasant experience. I only wish the power button would have been placed more conveniently. Besides that, this portable accessory has been a good find."
13. Best Mold Free Design:Munchkin Float And Play Bubbles Baby And Toddler Bath Toy
These clear balls with fun and attractive toys inside make suitable bathtime companions for your child. The bright colors and rattling sounds of these tried-and-tested toys help stimulate their senses of touch, sight, and hearing.
Pros
- Includes two sea-inspired characters and two whirly toys
- Help improve hand-eye coordination and motor skills
- Easy to grasp with textured rings
- Unisex toys
- Easy to dry and maintain
- Mold-free design
Cons
- Some users report getting the same characters in all balls instead of four different ones
- May not be watertight
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 23,802 buyers on Amazon have said the product lives up to the hype.
14. Best Easy Adjustable:Taf Toys In-Car Play Center
Driving with an infant in the backseat is not a child’s play. But if your child has an attractive in-car play center, your journey can become a lot smoother.
Pros
- Includes baby-safe curved mirror toy
- Come with adjustable hook-and-loop straps and plastic rings
- Car toy hangs easily when attached to the headrest
- Hanging toys include a crinkling frog, a rattling flower, and a jingle bell ball
Cons
- Mirror may be hard to position
- May not be compatible with certain headrests
"It may be a little challenging to install, but overall, I recommend this travel toy to keep the little ones happy and cheerful on the go. Plus, it is sturdy."
15. Best Versatile:Summer Infant 3-Stage SuperSeat Deluxe Giggles Island Positioner
Do not look at this pink seat as a regular piece of plastic furniture. It is a multipurpose seat that can help both your baby and you.
Pros
- Three-in-one seat works as a support seat, an activity seat, and a booster seat
- Activity seat comes with a 360-degree rotating tray with six toys to keep the baby engaged
- Toys are detachable from the toy bar, making it extra fun for babies to grab on and play with
- Includes a safety belt and a detachable snack tray with two cup holders
Cons
- Parents may find it challenging to lift the child out
"I got this sturdy seat because it can grow with my child and has interactive toys for him to play with. Although assembly can be a bit difficult, once secured and assembled, it keeps my baby entertained, doubling as a high chair and an activity center. I would recommend it for its long-term usability and entertainment value."
[ Read : Babyhug Raise Me Up Baby Booster Seat ]
16. Best Delightful:VTech Crinkle And Roar Lion
If you’re looking for the perfect gift for your 5-month-old, the Crinkle and Roar Lion by the trusted brand VTech can make your choice easier. It is a fun and cute toy, designed to keep them engaged and happy. This delightful stuffed animal toy comes in a bright yellow color, is made of plastic with a dimension of 3.35×11.02x.10.83in, and is available in an adorable shape. The toy runs on two AA batteries and can be suitable for children up to three years of age for its versatile play and engagement.
Pros
- Designed for early learning
- Equipped with motion sensor and cheerful sounds
- Intriguing buttons to explore colors and shapes
- Tactile stimulation with textured ring
- Portable size and design
- Great interactive toy
- Has a baby-safe mirror installed
Cons
- Batteries may need a replacement immediately after purchase
- Toy sounds can be slightly loud for some
17. Best For Super Soft:Taf Toys Baby Tummy Time Pillow
As your sweet baby tries to balance on their tummy, this soft pillow can support them to stay up longer and stronger and engage them in other physical activities like moving around and sliding. If your baby is a pre-crawler, you could do them a big favor by purchasing this pillow.
Pros
- Includes a detachable teether and rattle toy
- Hones fine motor skills
- Quality tummy time toy
- Made of ultra-soft fabric
- Helps develop leg, arm, and neck muscles
Cons
- May not have enough stuffing
- May lack in firmness
"This pillow has made tummy time very comfortable for my baby as it provides support for his abdomen and little arms. Although softer than expected, it is very gentle on his skin. Plus, the included toy was a nice surprise."
How To Choose The Right Toys For 5-Month-Olds?
Here are a few things to consider when choosing a gift for five-year-old girls and boys.
- Safety: Avoid toys with small pieces that may be a choking hazard. Also, ensure the toys are safety-tested, made of non-toxic material, and have smooth edges to keep your child safe. Check for safety certifications for further assurance, and go through user reviews to know how other parents feel about the toy.
- Texture: Textured toys such as baby drums and musical animals can make a suitable pick for this age. Bright colors, lights, and fun sounds can further attract your child’s attention, engage their senses, and improve their creativity and learning.
- Development: Consider the child’s developmental milestones to find a suitable gift. You can choose developmental toys that help enhance their cognitive and motor skills.
- Quality: Quality should be the top priority when choosing toys for babies. Hence, choose the ones from trusted brands made with high-quality materials for safe and long-lasting use. They should not have sharp edges or rough textures, and should be free of harsh chemicals.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How should I entertain a five-month-old?
There are numerous ways to entertain your five-month-old, as they can experience sounds and colors better than before. You can engage them with different sounds, let them grab and play with rattles, read books with pictures, sing lullabies or rhymes to prepare them for speech, play peek-a-boo, and encourage them to crawl by using sound and light-up toys.
2. What do five-month-old babies like to play with?
They love to play with toys that make sounds and have bright lights and rattles, with plush stuffed animals with bright colors and attractive features, and teethers with different textures, sucking their fingers and toes, and yes, they love to play with caregivers.
3. What things should my five-month-old be doing?
If your baby is practicing tummy time by now, they will learn how to roll on their back, they should have enough strength to hold their head up; some babies even try to push their body up to start crawling. Smiling at familiar faces, babbling, and reaching for objects are some other things that a five-month-old should be doing.
4. How much should my five-month-old play independently?
This is the ideal age for babies to start playing independently, as they are not fully mobile yet can hold their heads up and enjoy the objects in their visual range. So, five to ten minutes of independent play in a safe and secure environment is beneficial and helps them to develop focus as they grow.
The Bottom Line
When your baby hits the 5-month mark, you will witness rapid growth and development. Buying the best toys for 5-month-olds can ease the development process and help them achieve their milestones more efficiently. Some developmental aspects that you can focus on for this age group are gross motor skills, muscle strength, engaging the senses, and attention. Toys with bright colors, moving parts, textures, and sounds can help you engage these abilities and help your child hit their milestones. The Munchkin Float And Play Bubbles Baby And Toddler Bath Toy is an excellent choice for bath toys. For sensory toys, we recommend the Bright Starts Rattle & Shake Barbell Toys. In the plush range, the Bright Starts Snuggle & Teether Toy is a good option.
Infographic: How Toys Play An Important Role In A Five-Month-Old’s Development?
Playing with toys can have many benefits for babies. In the infographic below, we highlighted a few for five-month-olds. Give it a read and consider providing your little one with various toys and opportunities to play, and watch as they grow and learn. You can also share the infographic with your family and friends. Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
References
- Important Milestones: Your Baby By Four Months
https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/milestones/milestones-4mo.html
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