45 Best Christmas Gifts for Babies, According to Parenting Experts

They rattle, they're teethers, but the thing that sets these apart is that they're also suction cups, so you can stick them to a table or high chair tray and watch babies try to puzzle out how to detach them. Adults (ahem) have also been known to use them as fidget toys themselves. Ages 6 months+

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Attach this to a stroller and baby's at the wheel! The steering wheel is soft to touch, while the horn provides a satisfying squeak. Buttons activate lights and sounds, like the traffic and weather, and there's even "pedals" to kick if they're using it at home. Good Housekeeping Institute testers say the horn was a huge hit! Ages 3 months+

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If this toy looks good enough to chew on — well, it is — the straw works as a teether, which delighted Good Housekeeping Institute testers. There are also five different fruit characters, like Sherry Strawberry and Oliver Orange, each with their own colors and songs that kids can activate by spinning the straw. Ages 6 months+

This lovey is so soft and so snuggly, even adults can be soothed by its presence. The black-and-cream pup is extra cute, but if they're not fans of dogs, it also comes as a bear, a monkey, a tiger, a dragon and a seahorse, among other animals. Ages 0+

It's inevitable that, no matter how cool the toy is, the baby loves the tags the most. This fish leans into it with lots of scales that can be touch, flipped and crinkled. The tail also has a squeaker in it! Ages 1 month+

When kids play with stacking toys, they're working on their fine motor coordination, flexing their problem-solving muscles and learning about cause and effect. Good Housekeeping Institute experts like this one from Green Toys not just because of the Disney theme, but because the pieces are made from 100% recycled plastic. There's also a Mickey version. Ages 6 months+

This one was a hit with Good Housekeeping Institute testers because recycled felt pieces turns it into a sensory experience. “This book grows with your child,” one tester said, because as babies age they can learn the words that describe the cutouts. Ages 0+

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This rattle doesn't just make noise — it also lights up and is covered in different stimulating textures to explore. Parents who want to follow along with their baby's development will love that it comes with a guide that lists how babies should be using it as they go from week to week. Ages 0+

Whether on their tummies, sitting up or crawling after it, this rattle, inspired by Montessori principles, gives babies lots to look at. Babies work on their motor coordination when they grasp or shake it, and it helps with eye tracking if you roll it across the floor in front of them (letting the beads inside spin around). If you like what Lovevery has to offer, you can also sign up for one of their subscription boxes. Ages 3 months+

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Perfect for helping little ones practice their fine-motor coordination, this soft tissue box comes loaded with 15 different scarves, which include a range of colors and textures to explore as they grasp the material and pull it out of the box. Ages 5 months+

Nearly 48,000 Amazon users have given this pairing a 5-star rating. These two are classics for a reason: The stacking rings are on a rocking base, giving it an extra bit of challenge, and the blocks come with a shape-sorting bucket to store them in. Ages 6 months+

If it's a first Christmas, you have to make it special. This plush commemorates the occasion and plays a jolly tune when you press its hoof. It even has crinkly ears for babies to grab. Ages 0+

Give tummy time an instant upgrade with this water-filled mat, and watch as the baby becomes mesmerized by the shapes floating in water. It's definitely comfier than putting the baby on a hard floor. Ages 3 months+

Not only is this a stacking toy, each of its "slices" offers a sensory benefit: the base rattles, one ring crinkles (as do the leaves), there's a textured plastic ring and more. Babies will love exploring all the different sound and feels. Ages 6 months+

Reversible, waterproof, and foldable, this foam play mat is designed with crevices so you can fold it for easier storage, and it also comes with a convenient travel case with a carry strap. Good Housekeeping Institute experts were impressed with the affordable price and the way it folds up (with creases!) for easy storage.

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Turn on this veg, and it'll play "beetbox" sounds as it rolls around on its own, encouraging little ones to crawl after it. It's part of Skip Hop's "farmstand" line of toys, which also includes other fun fruit-and vegetable-shaped developmental toys, all of which are adorable. Ages 3 months+

Ultra-adorable illustrations of Christmas trees, reindeer, sugar cookies and sugar plums make this a fun read-aloud. It's great when you want to add just-a-little-something onto a gift. Ages 0+

For a toy that grows up along with baby, get this convertible activity walker, which include dozens of features, songs, lights and sounds, as well as four different ways to play: seated, cruising, as a shopping cart, and as a stroller. Good Housekeeping Institute testers say they loved that it was a toy that could be used in different ways by siblings of different ages. Ages 6 months+

For a little stocking stuffer, this zippy zebra could be just the thing. The flexible Oball shape makes it easy to grasp, and then there are rattling beads and lights that keep kids interested. Ages 3 months+

This toy is designed to grow with a child, starting off as an activity book that lays flat and eventually turning upright for 360 degrees of play. There are also lights and sounds that teach kids colors, the alphabet, numbers, shapes and first words. Ages 6 months+

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