What types of toys should my 5-month-old have?

Age-appropriate toys for a 5-month-old include anything that is safe to go into their mouths, as that is how they explore the world at this age. Look for toys that are soft or have soft corners, which include a lot of plastic and silicone options. Also, look for toys that have a lot of sensory elements, such as bright colors, different textures, or musical sounds.

How can I keep my 5-month-old entertained?

A 5-month-old is rolling, reaching, and working on tummy time . They are very busy at this age figuring the world out. They don’t need a ton of toys to keep them entertained, but it’s nice to have a few on hand that are safe. That means anything that is sensory-driven, such as rattles or colorful items, and anything that they can grasp as they are learning how to pass things back and forth. Smiling, singing, and reading to your baby are ways to mentally stimulate your baby without toys.

What toys should I buy my 5-month-old for the holidays?

Buying holiday gifts for a 5-month-old might seem stressful if you don’t know what kinds of toys are appropriate. A few suggestions include rattles, teethers, a play gym, or an activity book, all of which are safe and help babies explore. At this age, anything they can grasp is a focus. You can help your baby develop skills by simply placing a soft-sided toy slightly out of reach.

The 24 Best Toys for 5-Month-Olds of 2023

Toys are great for entertaining your 5-month-old, but they can be handy tools for honing their development as they reach new milestones, too. As babies approach the 6-month mark, they’ve already learned incredibly valuable developmental skills to help them play and explore the world around them. Little ones can continue to gain these skills through play with age-appropriate and developmentally appropriate toys. While there are many options to choose from, be sure to prioritize toy safety while shopping, as babies love to put anything (and everything) in their mouths.

By 5 months old, your little one is probably trying to master rolling over, passing objects between their hands, and working on their core as they get closer to sitting up independently. According to Lauren Quinn, OTD, OTR/L, CNT, an occupational therapist and NICU clinical specialist, infants at this age are interested in exploring their senses and playing with textures.

Follow age recommendations set by the manufacturer to ensure your kiddo plays safely at all times while also looking for baby toys that provide opportunities for exploration and skill development. We carefully considered toy safety, age recommendations, design, features, developmental milestones, material, and value when reviewing the best toys for active play and learning.

In This Article

Our Picks
How We Selected
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Verywell Family

Amazon

This spinning toy ranks high on our list for several reasons: It aids in the development of many skills, features an engaging rattling sound, and its wooden material is modern and stylish. Babies can learn cause and effect as they spin the toy to activate the rattle hidden inside while using their fingers to spin the toy, helping expand fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.

The colorful spinner is painted with non-toxic, water-based paint. Plus, the wooden material is smooth, with beveled edges to keep little ones safe during play. Bonus: An included mirror lets babies explore the world around them.

Price at time of publication: $23

Amazon

This durable play gym and mat from Lovevery can be used immediately after birth and throughout the first year of life. Made from sustainable wood, non-toxic organic cotton, and non-toxic polyester, this play gym is designed with different activities that support physical development and is great for babies to enjoy all day long.

There are five Montessori-inspired play zones and different activities that adults can either take out or hide away when the baby is under- or over-stimulated. It can also be set up and collapsed in two minutes for easy storage.

Price at time of publication: $140

Amazon

Available in a variety of different animals, these buddies can clip to a stroller, high chair, or diaper bag to play with on the go or while hanging out at home. Each animal has its own unique design, but regardless of the one you choose, it will offer a variety of different textures for your baby to touch, grab, scrunch, and chew on.

Price at time of publication: $16

4.5

Amazon

The Manhattan Toy Winkel is Simple But Engaging

The Winkel is a must-have because there are so many ways to play with it, and it’s safe for babies of all ages. In the center, it has a little cube that rattles when the baby shakes the toy. Coming off of the cube are several colorful plastic tubes that loop around so that babies can easily grab and chew as a teether.

It serves as both a toy as well as a teether, and it can even be put into the freezer to make it extra soothing for sore gums.

Price at time of publication: $14

Amazon

If you want to introduce your little one to music, this cube features the sounds of five different musical instruments, like the harp and French horn. The educational baby toy teaches littles how the instruments combine to make eight Mozart classics while lights flash to the beat of the music. Plus, its rounded corners make it safe for tiny hands to explore.

Price at time of publication: $29

Courtesy of Bright Starts

Oballs are great for grabbing, shaking, tossing, and passing from hand to hand. They come in various colors and styles, but this specific design includes a rattle that offers a sensory aspect thanks to the satisfying sound. Finally, the ball is made from smooth, flexible plastic that babies can safely chew on.

Price at time of publication: $6

Courtesy of Sophie la Girafe

Great for sensory play, this toy features sound from the rattle as well as different textures for babies to touch and mouth on for exploration. The rattle is made from rubberwood, which is durable and safe.

Additionally, even though the rattle has a minimalistic aesthetic overall, it does still feature four separate colors to grab babies’ attention and pique their interest.

Price at time of publication: $29

Courtesy of Amazon

There is a lot to love about this toy because not only is it packed with features that are perfect for 5-month-olds, but it also offers three different stages of play so it can be enjoyed well into the toddler years.

There are four different height options, the seat swivels 360 degrees, there is a discovery window where babies can watch their feet tap on colorful piano keys, and it’s packed with different activities for babies to explore and engage their senses.

Price at time of publication: $142

Courtesy of Amazon

This is a small, simple toy that babies absolutely love. It’s soft and waterproof, so little ones can chew on and drool all over it without damaging it. The book has a handy clip attached to it so that you can hang it on a stroller or high chair to help keep your little one occupied.

Finally, each page in the book has contrasting color designs that are visually engaging without being overstimulating for babies.

Price at time of publication: $9

Amazon

Discover music, letters, colors, and more through three colorful buttons on this adorable busy ball. Beads on the outside help infants grow fine motor skills as they slide, twist, spin, and shake. Plus, a motion sensor responds to your baby’s movement with fun sounds and tunes.

Price at time of publication: $15

Courtesy of Infantino

Water play is great for sensory exploration, and this mat lets babies play with water without getting it all over the place. Just fill it up with water and then set it on a flat surface, like a high chair tray or the floor, and watch your baby pat it and move the little fish inside around (which also introduces them to cause and effect).

Price at time of publication: $8

Walmart

With this elephant, kids get a plush toy as well as an electronic toy with different ways to play. The body of the elephant features three different buttons, each with its own shape and color, that play music, light up, or make funny sounds.

Price at time of publication: $22

Courtesy of Melissa & Doug

Babies can explore different textures and colors as well as play with this fish that has flippable scales. Each scale on the fish features a different design on each side, so it’s like a little game of hide-and-seek. It also features crinkly fabrics for extra sensory play, and it's machine washable.

Price at time of publication: $25

Courtesy of Manhattan Toy

You get four separate cubes in this playset designed for babies from birth. Each cube features fun designs in contrasting colors, including letters, numbers, shapes, and animals. For a little extra fun, the cubes also have different tags sticking out from one of their sides to offer some sensory play as well.

Price at time of publication: $25

Buy Buy Baby

Made for babies between 3 and 12 months old, this rattle-teether combo is available in an assortment of aesthetically pleasing colors. The smaller cube on the inside of the large silicone cube rattles in a satisfying way when it’s shaken. The super-smooth silicone features different textures that are perfect for sensory exploration as well as teething.

Price at time of publication: $15

Amazon

These simple little cups are toys that will be fun for your baby now and into the toddler years (especially in the bathtub). The set comes with eight cups in different colors that are sized to nest/stack onto each other, as well as a star-shaped ring that holds them all together when they’re not being played with.

Additionally, the cups each have a different number on them and have little holes on the bottom so that water can sprinkle out of them.

Price at time of publication: $7

Courtesy of Baby Einstein

Babies get five separate pieces with this stacking toy, each of which is its own size, color, and texture. The pieces can be stacked together and played as one or pulled apart to be played with individually. It’s made from soft, non-toxic rubber that’s both safe and soothing for babies to chew on as they explore and teethe.

Price at time of publication: $11

Amazon

Made from super-soft materials, this stylish rocking seat plays soothing music and nature sounds. It has three reclining positions, a five-point safety harness, and a removable bar with toys for sensory exploration. Plus, the bouncer folds flat for compact storage and can convert into a stationary chair when the baby is able to sit up.

Price at time of publication: $80

4.2

Walmart

Babies can jam out to 10 fun melodies with this portable musical toy. The beaded handle is easy for babies to grasp (and fun for them to play with), and the music button is simple and accessible to push. Plus, the adjustable volume control will be music to parents’ ears.

Price at time of publication: $10

Amazon

These bath bubble toys are perfect for elevating bathtime fun thanks to their floating capability and cute animal friends inside. Each toy is weighted to stay upright as animal characters rattle and roll across the water.

Price at time of publication: $9

Courtesy of Sophie la Girafe

This toy is great for sensory play because its unique design features several different textures, as well as little colorful holes for babies to touch and stick their fingers into. It’s made from safe, soft rubber that is fun to play with and really good for pain relief from teething.

Finally, it has two handles specifically designed for little hands to grasp onto.

Price at time of publication: $27

Courtesy of Infantino

There are 16 pieces that come in this activity set, including stacking cups, numbered blocks, and sensory balls. Each piece is made from materials that are safe for babies to put in their mouths and can be easily wiped down to clean. The set is full of bright colors, fun textures, and plenty of opportunities for learning and exploration.

Price at time of publication: $28

Courtesy of Baby Einstein

This little piano plays music, lights up, and has plenty of buttons for little fingers to press on. The three buttons make animal sounds, speak numbers, and play music from different instruments. The keys of the piano are made from soft textured fabric, offering babies sight, sound, and touch stimulation.

Price at time of publication: $17

Courtesy of Baby Einstein

This little star toy offers a great way to integrate music into your baby’s play, especially when they’re in need of some stimulation. It plays six different classical melodies and has several gentle lights that flash when the music is being played.

Additionally, the toy is equipped with a strap so that it can be attached to a high chair or stroller.

Price at time of publication: $12

How We Selected the Best Toys for 5-Month-Olds

To choose the best toys for 5-month-olds, we studied the design and features of dozens of toys on the market while researching reviews from customers and competitors. We also monitored shopping trends to bring you the best and most up-to-date offerings on toys for 5-month-olds. We considered toy safety, age recommendations, developmental milestones, design, features, battery, ease of use, material, and value when reviewing products.

Additionally, we spoke with Lauren Quinn, OTD, OTR/L, CNT, an occupational therapist and NICU clinical specialist at North Carolina Children's Hospital, to find out what to look for in toys for 5-month-olds and what babies need through play at this age.

What to Look for in Toys for 5-Month-Olds

Safety

The first thing to consider when purchasing a toy for a 5-month-old is whether or not it is safe and age-appropriate for them. By this age, babies have a lot more personality, which might make them seem older and more developed than they actually are, so it’s best to avoid any toy that isn’t marked as safe for babies under 6 months old.

Additionally, at 5 months, babies love to grab everything, especially objects that seem out of reach and are exploring all kinds of different textures with their hands and their mouths. This means you have to assume that any toy that you purchase for them will likely go straight into their mouth.

Other things to be mindful of when shopping for toys for 5-month-olds include making sure there are no sharp corners that could hurt their gums, that nothing on the toy has the potential to pinch, and that any materials used are safe for them to put in their mouths.

Exploration Opportunities

“Five-month-olds are actively seeking sensory input,” says Quinn, so toys that allow them to explore different senses and textures will be great for their development as well as fun for them to play with, like the Melissa & Doug Flip Fish Soft Baby Toy.

Quinn explains that, for 5-month-olds, some of the best activities “include play with lightweight sensory objects to encourage reaching and grasping, manipulation of different shapes, sizes, and textures.”

Another way to support exploration and sensory development is with toys that play music, such as the Munchkin Mozart Magic Cube. According to Quinn, “the integration of music into play often promotes engagement and learning” at this age.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of toys should my 5-month-old have?

Age-appropriate toys for a 5-month-old include anything that is safe to go into their mouths, as that is how they explore the world at this age. Look for toys that are soft or have soft corners, which include a lot of plastic and silicone options. Also, look for toys that have a lot of sensory elements, such as bright colors, different textures, or musical sounds.
How can I keep my 5-month-old entertained?

A 5-month-old is rolling, reaching, and working on tummy time. They are very busy at this age figuring the world out. They don’t need a ton of toys to keep them entertained, but it’s nice to have a few on hand that are safe. That means anything that is sensory-driven, such as rattles or colorful items, and anything that they can grasp as they are learning how to pass things back and forth. Smiling, singing, and reading to your baby are ways to mentally stimulate your baby without toys.
What toys should I buy my 5-month-old for the holidays?

Buying holiday gifts for a 5-month-old might seem stressful if you don’t know what kinds of toys are appropriate. A few suggestions include rattles, teethers, a play gym, or an activity book, all of which are safe and help babies explore. At this age, anything they can grasp is a focus. You can help your baby develop skills by simply placing a soft-sided toy slightly out of reach.

Why Trust Verywell Family

Ashley Ziegler is a staff and freelance writer who covers lifestyle, home, parenting, and commerce content for a variety of platforms. She’s a wife to a public school administrator and mom to 1-year-old and 3-year-old daughters. In addition to regularly scouring the internet to find the best things for herself, Ashley spends multiple hours a week researching, comparing, and writing about products specifically for kids and families.

Additional reporting by:

Katrina Cossey is a commerce writer for Verywell Family with nearly eight years of experience under her belt. Katrina’s background in journalism began at an Emmy Award-winning news station in Oklahoma before she obtained her B.A. in professional media. Her love for service journalism, helping others, and becoming a parent led to her commerce writing role, which allows her to research and recommend the best products for families, pregnant people, and kids of all ages. Her son loved stacking The First Years Stack Up Cup Toys upside down and knocking them over, but he loved them even more in the bathtub thanks to holes in the bottom.

More Toys and Gifts for Kids

When it comes to toys and gifts for kids, our team has you covered. The Verywell Family team of editors (who are parents or have nieces and nephews of their own) have tested, gifted, and personally recommend every item we feature. Find more of our top gift and toy picks for every age and stage here: