As a new mom, I’ve quickly discovered that my biggest recurring worry is “Am I being a good parent?” Part of my continuous effort to be awesome involves buying everything my bouncing baby girl could possibly need –including the best educational toys. My husband and I want to ensure we’re stimulating her to learn and discover the world even though she’s only 4 months old! After a little research, here are my top 10 picks the best education toys for little people from three months to 18 months:

Boikido’s Musical Blocks

These are more than basic stacking blocks. These decorative blocks are sound-makers that include beads, rattles and cool bells.

Cost: $15

Baby Gyms and Activity Mats

Baby gyms and activity mats are a great way to give your little one some tummy time, strengthens their hand-eye coordination and teaches your baby how to conquer grasping.

Cost: $25–35

 

LeapFrog My Pal Violet and LeapFrog My Pal Scout

These adorable plush puppies can be customized to learn your child’s name as well as a wealth of other things. These puppies teach colors, sing lullabies, teach numbers, and more!

Cost: $22

Puzzles

Puzzles are nothing new, but exposing your toddler to three- or four-piece puzzles with large pieces can boost their problem-solving skills. Colorful puzzles can help sharpen motor skills and provide a sense of accomplishment.

Cost: $10–12

Little First Act Discovery’s Shake n’ Stack Instruments

When your baby unstacks these rings he or she will find a maraca and tambourine to play. This toy teaches babies how to stack, grasp, shake and jiggle the instruments.

Cost: $35

Baby Einstein Takealong Tunes

This easy-to-grip toy plays seven soothing classical melodies to help your baby slumber. It promotes auditory development and music appreciation.

Cost: $9

Rattle Balls

Rattle balls are designed to help little ones learn to grasp and roll a ball. Babies will be fascinated by the bright colors and the rattling beads inside.

Cost: $8

Fisher-Price Laugh and Learn: Learning Kitchen

This kitchen encourages babies to pretend with plenty of movable parts like a real kitchen. The refrigerator door opens, the stove has an on-and-off switch, and it plays music!

Cost: $37

Building Blocks

Blocks are a classic toy, yet they’re still effective because they builds motor skills, hand-eye coordination, creative thinking and knowledge of shapes and colors.

Cost: $15–45

LeapFrog Animal Adventure Learning Table

This amazing toy teaches ABC’s, colors, and numbers! It also has animal activities and can play 100 melodies! This interactive learning station teaches kids reading skills, motor skills and language development skills.

Cost: $33

Learn more about these and other great toy choices for your little ones at Parenting.com.