As a caring parent or a parent-to-be, you naturally desire the optimal opportunities for your newborn baby, and this extends to their education. Although it may appear early to contemplate a newborn’s education, it is never too soon to lay the foundation for their future. In our contemporary world, STEM education holds growing significance, and introducing these principles to your child from an early age can lead to numerous advantages.
STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. And now it has developed into STEAM in which the letter A stands for Arts. These fields are becoming increasingly crucial in the modern world, and it’s important to prepare your child for the future by introducing them to these concepts early on. By introducing your newborn to STEM education, you can help them develop a love for learning and problem-solving. STEM concepts also help develop critical thinking skills, which are essential for success in any field in the days to come.
Introducing your newborn to STEM education can bring forth a lot of advantages. Firstly, it supports their cognitive growth by instilling logical thinking skills and problem-solving abilities imperceptibly. Embracing STEM education cultivates a lifelong passion for learning and exploration, which proves beneficial in various aspects of their lives.
Incorporating play-based learning serves as a powerful method to introduce STEM principles to your newborn. By infusing STEM education with elements of enjoyment and interaction, you can foster a deep-rooted affection for learning within your child.
As more parents seek to introduce their babies to STEM concepts, the market for STEM toys for newborns has grown rapidly. Parents are more aware that the initial years of a child’s life play an important role in their overall growth, and they strive to offer their kids with every possible advantage. What’s more, with the ability to purchase toys from around the world, parents have access to a wider variety of STEM toys than ever before. Then, here comes the question – how to choose the best STEM toys for newborns.
Why STEM toys are important for newborns?
The human brain, a complicated and fragile human body, holds the distinction of being one of the most complex entities. It controls every bodily function and serves as the control center for our thoughts, emotions, and actions. During the initial years of life, the brain experiences substantial development, making this phase crucial in laying the groundwork for cognitive, social, and emotional development.
Importance of early brain development
Early brain development covers the scope from birth until the age of three, wherein the brain undergoes substantial advancements. This phase is characterized by high plasticity, denoting its remarkable capabilities to adapt and transform based on experiences. The experiences a baby undergoes during this period wield a momentous influence on the development of the brain, either fostering or hampering the acquisition of cognitive, social, and emotional capabilities.
Research has shown that early brain development plays an important role in shaping a child’s future. Children who experience responsive caregiving, cognitive stimulus, and social-emotional support, are more likely to have better cognitive, social, and emotional outcomes. On the other hand, babies who experience neglect, abuse, or other adverse experiences during this period are more likely to experience developmental delays, behavioral problems, and maybe mental health issues.
Significance of cognitive cultivation
Cognitive cultivation refers to some STEM activities and STEM experiences that promote cognitive advancement, such as reading, playing, and problem-solving, which is critical for promoting early brain development.
Significance of early intervention
A large number of babies encounter developmental delays or confront various obstacles during their early years, making early intervention necessary for dealing with these concerns. Early intervention entails offering services and assistance to kids and families to foster optimal development.
Criteria for how to choose the best STEM toys for newborns
When parents choose toys for newborns, they usually prioritize adorable stuffed animals or vibrant rattles. Although these toys offer a certain level of amusement, they may not be optimal for fostering early childhood development.
Gradually, STEM toys (toys related to STEM science, STEM technology, STEM engineering, and STEM mathematics) have been gaining popularity among kids, even including newborns. However, not all STEM toys are equally beneficial. In this blog post, we will explore the essential factors to contemplate when picking STEM toys for newborns.
Safety
Safety should always be the top priority when choosing any toys for newborns, including STEM toys and STEM kits for kids.
Caregivers and custodians should always look for toys that are non-toxic and free of small parts that could be a choking hazard. Additionally, the toy should be sturdy and well-constructed to prevent any pieces from breaking off and causing harm to babies.
Age appropriation
It is crucial to choose STEM toys suitable for a specific age and developmental stage of newborns due to their limited motor skills and cognitive abilities.
Custodians should always opt for toys that are easy to hold, gentle in texture, and lightweight. Newborns heavily rely on their sense of touch; thus, opting for toys with various textures can help stimulate their sensory feelings. What’s more, STEM toys with different contrary colors can provide visual stimuli for newborns.
Sensory stimulation
Vivid colors or high-contrast patterns, including toys with diverse textures, can prove advantageous as they aid in the enhancement of a newborn’s sense of touch, as we just mentioned in the previous paragraph.
Moreover, STEM toys that can produce sound variations or feature different auditory elements can effectively stimulate the sense of hearing in newborns, just as our hand-picked best words book for kids.
Educational significance
While sensory stimulation is important, it is also crucial to select STEM toys that have educational value. For newborns, this can mean toys that introduce basic concepts such as cause and effect. For example, a toy that lights up or makes noise when a button is pressed can teach a newborn that their actions can have an impact on the stuff around them. Toys that encourage exploration and hands-on practice can also be of great benefit.
Best STEM toys for newborns in 2023
Now, let’s take a look at the best newborns STEM toys.
1. Hahaland high contrast baby cloth book
Hahaland high contrast baby soft book is designed to engage and stimulate newborn babies’ senses while promoting their visual and brain development. This versatile and thoughtfully crafted book offers a lot of features to keep young minds entertained and learning.
The book is ingeniously double-sided, showcasing high-contrast black and white patterns on one side, specifically tailored for the best visual stimulation effects for newborns aged 0-6 months. These patterns are known for capturing their attention and aiding in early visual development.
As the baby progresses to the next stage, the other side of the book unfolds vibrant and colorful patterns, which encourages imagination and enhances brain-eye coordination for babies aged 6-12 months.
As per sensory exploration, this soft book provides an array of sounds and textures to captivate their curiosity. With built-in crinkle paper, a BB device, and textured pages, newborns will experience endless STEM activities and fun while engaging their senses. The inclusion of a baby mirror and moveable parts further stimulates their interaction and exploration, fostering cognitive and motor skill development.
Moreover, the foldable design allows your baby to practice turning pages, improving their hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.
As to safety, this soft book is made from BPA-free, 100% polyester fabric that is both soft to the touch and chewable, providing a secure experience for teething babies. The absence of small or loose parts eliminates any choking hazards, granting you peace of mind while your little one explores. Additionally, the strong stitching ensures durability even against enthusiastic chewing.
Age appropriation
- 0-3 months and 3-6 months;
Package dimension
- 97 * 6.89 * 1.93 inches;
Pros
- Colorful and visually stimulating for infants
- Can be easily attached to car seats, strollers, etc.
- Suitable for tummy time and encourages visual development in infants
- Includes tags and a mirror for sensory exploration
- Made of soft and nice material
- Lightweight and travel-friendly
- Sturdy and well-made
Cons
- Lacks sufficient sensory stimuli for some users
- More suitable for babies aged 6 months and above rather than 0+；
- Pages are overloaded with colors and designs, which may overwhelm newborns’ developing visual abilities
- Not all pages have crinkly textures as advertised
- Similar textures of different animal tails may confuse infants.
2. Crawling crab babies Montessori toy
The crawling crab toy is a captivating companion that promotes important developmental milestones. This adorable crawling crab baby toy moves with remarkable speed, skittering sideways like a real crab, all while emitting amusing sounds, playing music, and illuminating with vibrant lights. It’s equipped with intelligent sensors that ensure a seamless play experience by effortlessly changing direction when it approaches obstacles.
Designed for babies during their tummy time sessions, this crawling crab tummy time toy encourages visual tracking skills and intensifies their neck muscles. For older babies between 6 to 12 months, this captivating crab crawl toy becomes a catalyst for their playing adventures. The realistic crawling action of the crab fascinates and entices them to follow and attempt to catch it. Its engaging nature creates moments of shared laughter and delight, making it a cherished addition to family playtime.
The crawling crab sensory toy makes for a unique and personalized gift for infants aged 0-3 and 6-12 months. It enhances tummy time activities, stimulates crawling efforts, and even aids toddlers aged 1 year and above in their walking endeavors. This enchanting toy holds immense potential as a memorable and cherished gift.
Colors
- Green, orange, and pink;
Pros
- Keeps kids busy and entertained
- Perfect toy for crawling or tummy time
- Moves consistently and engages attention
- Rechargeable
- Hilarious and entertaining for both kids and adults
Cons
- Fragile and prone to breaking easily
- Loud and obnoxious music
- No volume control
- Fast and over-stimulating for some babies
- Limited variety of sounds/music
3. Merka 50 flash contrast visual learning toy
The 50-card set of high-contrast flashcards of Merka is designed to provide a powerful learning experience for babies. These flashcards feature silhouetted images in black-on-white on one side and white-on-black on the opposite side, capturing attention and stimulating visual perception. Not only are these cards perfect for homeschooling and craft STEM activities, but they also find great utility in elementary and middle school classrooms.
As the perfect tool to stimulate sensory activity in infants and newborns, these flashcards play an important role in promoting movement skills and dexterity. Designed to fit small hands, measuring 2.4″ x 4.2″, similar to ordinary playing cards, they are easy to handle.
The bright, colorful images on each card capture your child’s attention and engage their senses, encouraging their cognitive and overall growth and development.
Featuring a variety of animals, shapes, objects, and repeating patterns, these flashcards provide ample opportunities for your kids to develop recognition skills and expand their understanding of the world around them. By viewing each card, they will begin to recognize similarities and differences, build vocabulary, and improve memory. These cards are an excellent resource for fostering visual perception and developing a keen eye for detail, setting your child on the path to becoming a visual learner.
Targeted users
- Unisex baby
Age appropriation
- 18 months and up
Pros
- Good, vivid colors and is easy to read.
- Captivating and colorful designs that attract toddlers.
- Provides opportunities for learning recognition skills, expanding vocabulary, and improving memory.
- Stimulates sensory activity and promotes movement skills and dexterity.
- Suitable for independent exploration during tummy time or high chair activities.
- Includes simple words and images to facilitate learning new concepts.
- Can be used in homeschooling, classrooms, or independent playtime.
Cons
- Lack of durability, easily ripped and torn.
- The size of the cards is small and flimsy.
- Not suitable for smaller babies due to small size and lack of thickness/coating.
4. Splashin’kids Inflatable Tummy Time Premium Water mat
This water splash pad play mat is crafted from heavy-duty PVC that has undergone rigorous testing, this play mat is guaranteed to deliver an exceptional experience without any leaks.
Designed to stimulate baby development, the splashin’kids baby water mat inflatable play mat for tummy time is an indispensable tool for strengthening crucial muscles in the head, neck, and shoulders. It also promotes hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills, and social interaction—an all-in-one sensory delight that supports optimal brain development in infants.
Prepare to be captivated by stunning, eye-catching graphics as little ones immerse themselves in a fish tank wonderland.
With vibrant colors, sharp contrasts, and adorable floating toys, this play mat guarantees an enthralling experience rain or shine.
Setting up the play mat is an absolute breeze. Simply inflate the outer ring with air and fill the inner mat with your desired level of tap water. Then, place it on the floor, and let the excitement unfold. When empty, the mat conveniently folds into your purse or toy bag, ensuring portability wherever you go.
Specifically designed for ages 3 months and up, this splashin’kids inflatable tummy time premium water mat offers a spacious and captivating play area that will keep your baby boy or girl fully engaged.
Age appropriation
- 3 months and up;
Target gender
- Unisex;
Material
- PVC
Pros
- Enjoyable sensory play for infants during tummy time
- Holds the attention of the baby for an extended period
- Easy to fill with water and air
- Can be used as a placemat when the baby is sitting up
Cons
- The compartment for blowing air is difficult to inflate, and may require an electric pump
- Hard to clean and prone to mold development
- Not durable enough, prone to leaks after minimal use
5. Baby Einstein glow & discover light bar
Great minds start little, and there’s no better way to start than with Baby Einstein’s Glow and Discover Light Bar, which offers a variety of interactive features designed to engage and stimulate your baby’s developing mind. With colors, animals, lights, and melodies all within reach during tummy time or sitting play, your baby will have plenty to explore and discover.
The toy bar lights up when your baby touches the colorful sections or spins the rattle drum, providing both visual and auditory stimulation. With three different modes to choose from, your baby can enjoy animal sounds, colors, and xylophone sounds. And with the option to select English, Spanish, or French, this toy is perfect for expanding your baby’s language skills.
The toy bar lays flat for tummy time, allowing your baby to comfortably engage with the toy while building upper body strength. And when your baby is ready for sitting play, the toy bar props up to elevate the toy to the perfect height. When playtime is done, the toy bar collapses down, making it easy to store and take on the go.
Designed for babies 3 months and older, Baby Einstein’s Glow and Discover Light Bar is the perfect way to introduce your little one to the world of learning and exploration in a fun and engaging way. Let your baby’s imagination soar with this enriching toy!
Age appropriation
- 3 months and above;
Pros
- Offers 3 language options: French, Spanish, and English.
- The lights and music are great.
- Can play entire songs.
- Learning elements help with a baby’s development.
Cons
- The stand is flimsy and easily falls over.
- May encounter hard-to-push buttons.
- The movement of lights is overstimulating.
- Ink rubs off the plastic.
- The back stand doesn’t stay in place.
6. B. baby blocks stacking and building toys
The stackable toys set from B. Toys is an attractive and educational play set that is designed to engage little ones’ senses and promote their cognitive development. Its vibrant colors, textured rings, and soft building blocks offer endless hours of fun and learning opportunities for newborns and infants.
It is not only a common toy, it’s an educational play set that encourages newborns and young minds to explore, stack, squeeze, chew, and play their way to discovery. These features stimulate sensory exploration and fine motor skills while providing a visually stimulating experience for the baby.
In terms of safety, all the STEM toys for newborns are made from sturdy but kid-friendly materials.
We believe that learning should be fun, and our Stackable Toys Set embodies this philosophy.
This play set helps improve newborns’ concentration, memory, and important developmental skills.
Age appropriation
- 6 months to 3 years;
Pros
- Bright colors
- Soft and squishy material
- Vibrant design
- Squeaky sound when the toy is squeezed
- Environmentally friendly
Cons
- Cleaning the crevasses is time-consuming
- Some babies may not show interest in playing with them
- Some blocks may come pre-used and have an unpleasant smell
7. Move2play toddler & baby ball with music and sound effects
The Smart Reactions plush toddler ball is a revolutionary product. Designed with cutting-edge technology and a focus on safety and sustainability, this interactive STEM toy is perfect for babies and toddlers aged 6 months to 1+ years old. With smart sensors that recognize a roll, tap, shake, or toss, the smart reactions plush toddler ball offers a truly immersive play experience.
One of the standout features of this amazing toy is its ability to engage and entertain young minds through animal sounds and songs. Laugh while learning each animal sound, and sing along to three catchy animal songs! With over 30 sound effects and songs included, newborns will be captivated by the delightful melodies while developing their cognitive and auditory skills.
What’s more, in terms of the safety and well-being of kids, the Smart Reactions plush toddler ball is designed with soft plush material to promote safe and healthy play. Rest assured, it is lead-free and phthalates-free, passing all USA and EU safety requirements.
We can say that the Smart Reactions plush toddler ball is the ideal 1st birthday present. It sparks joy, promotes learning, and stimulates sensory development, and it is suitable for both little boys and girls.
Age appropriation
- 6 months and above;
Material
Plush;
Pros
- Loved by babies and toddlers
- Unique design as a plush toy ball
- Good quality and well-made
- Engaging sounds and phrases when shaken or thrown
- Exciting for babies to play with
Cons
- Smaller than expected, not the size of a real soccer ball
- May encounter electronic issues reported, such as repetitive sounds or shorting out
- Ball volume can be loud and startle the baby
- The sensor may have difficulty detecting movement in plushy balls
- Sound activation may require stronger play from the baby
8. 4-pack inkless hand and footprint kit
The 4-pack inkless hand and footprint kit is designed to capture precious moments of your baby’s hand and footprints with ease and without any mess or residue. It utilizes a “zero ink contact” imprinting method, ensuring that no ink is left on the baby’s delicate skin. With this mess-free ink pad, you can create stunning imprints worry-free.
These clean touch ink pads are made with 100% baby-safe materials, thus they are user-friendly and safe for kids. Moreover, the inks have undergone rigorous lab testing and certification to guarantee their safety for newborn babies. Buyers can confidently use this baby ink pad kit.
The quality of the ink and imprint film plays a crucial role in achieving flawless imprints. Parents can cherish these precious memories for years to come with our premium quality ink and imprint film.
Sized at 3.2″ by 5″, and with an ink window measuring 2.3″ by 3.7″, it is the ideal size for capturing your newborn babies’ 0-6 months hand and footprints or even your furry friend’s paw prints. Keep track of their growth milestones effortlessly with our user-friendly baby ink pads. Creating these invaluable newborn keepsakes takes just under a minute, making it convenient for busy parents.
What’s more, the art cards parents to stamp multiple hands, foot, or paw prints, giving parents the freedom to choose the best artwork for their desired displays.
Applied age
- 0-6 months;
Targeted gender
- Unisex;
Style
- Inkless;
Pros
- Easy to use
- No mess or cleanup required
- Safe for babies, no need to apply paint or ink on their skin
- Can be reused multiple times
- Provides nice hand and footprints
- Comes in a variety of colors
Cons
- To some buyers, maybe the ink pads are smaller
- The plastic holder should be improved to hold the card stock in place
- Instructions could be clearer
- The ink color becomes lighter if overlapped
- Would be nice if larger sizes were available
9. Baby hand and footprint kit keepsake by Keababies
This baby hand and footprint kit keepsake by Keababeis is guaranteed to be cherished for a lifetime by a whole family, capturing those adorable memories of infancy. There’s no need for any additional purchases to complete this beautiful baby picture frame.
What sets this hand and footprint kit apart is the ability to personalize the photo frame. Along with the kit, a bonus gold paint, a paintbrush, and a name/date printing kit are provided. This allows parents to add that special touch, making the keepsake even more meaningful and unique.
As parents mold using the newborn hand and footprint kit, a lasting memory for the whole family will be stored.
Color
- Alpine white;
Frame type
- Embossed;
Finish type
- Painted;
Pros
- The frame is beautiful on the wall.
- Easy and fun to use.
- Produces cute and beautiful results.
- Versatile for use with future children.
- Clear and easy-to-follow directions.
- Well-made frame with a professional look.
- Comes with multiple frame inserts for customization.
Cons
- Imprints could be deeper.
- Requires a lot of pressure to make imprints.
- Clay may crack if not handled carefully.
- Difficulty in keeping out wrinkles from the clay.
- No option to purchase additional clay separately.
- Plain cardboard box with no indication of the product’s content.
10. LeapFrog learning friends 100 words book
The Leapfrog Learning Friends 100 words book, ranked as our hand-picked best words book for kids in 2023, is designed to engage and entertain newborn babies while promoting early learning skills. With the help of these adorable learning friends turtle, tiger, and monkey, babies will embark on a journey through the alphabet, discovering over 100 age-appropriate words carefully.
This baby activity book is packed with exciting word categories that cover a wide range of topics, including pets, animals, food, mealtime, colors, activities, opposites, and the great outdoors. Each category provides a fun and immersive learning experience, expanding newborns’ vocabulary and knowledge enjoyably.
One of the outstanding features of this word book is its ability to bring words to life through sound. By simply touching the words on the pages, babies will be delighted to hear new vocabulary, captivating sound effects, and fascinating fun facts. Additionally, they can press the light-up star button to enjoy two catchy theme songs that will have them singing along in no time.
Language development is essential at babies’ early ages, thus this engaging book includes words, songs, and instructions in both English and Spanish. This bilingual approach not only enhances language skills but also promotes cultural awareness and inclusivity.
Age appropriation
- 18 months to 4 years old;
Battery needed
- 2AA batteries needed;
Pros
- The bilingual feature allows for language learning opportunities, which is appreciated by parents.
- Easy to push buttons, suitable for little hands.
- Divides animals by habitat, providing educational value.
- Offers options to hear animal names, sounds, and fast facts.
- Engaging and entertaining for children.
- Interactive and engaging for young children.
- Keeps children entertained during road trips.
- Sturdy construction withstands rough handling.
Cons
- Sensitive buttons may result in accidental activation.
- Lack of mode for learning additional information about objects.
- The flashing star distracts from other features.
- Pages made of paper may tear easily.
How STEM toys help in developing STEM education at early ages
In today’s world, rapid technological advancements are the main rhythm, and it has become more and more important to equip babies with the essential proficiencies required for future success. The realm of STEM education is gaining increasing importance.
Within this framework, STEM toys emerge as pivotal tools that help foster problem-solving skills, nurture creativity, and cultivate critical thinking skills right from the early stages.
Developing problem-solving skills
STEM toys stimulate the development of problem-solving aptitudes by presenting kids with required tasks that necessitate critical thinking and the formulation of solutions.
Cultivating creativity
STEM toys can also foster creativity by encouraging babies to experiment and explore. These toys often have no limited rules, allowing kids to use their imaginations to create and build whatever they want. This freedom to be creative can help children develop their artistic and inventive abilities.
Creating critical thinking abilities
The development of critical thinking is paramount for kids to thrive academically and in their future endeavors. STEM toys serve as valuable stuff in cultivating children’s critical thinking abilities. Moreover, these STEM kits aid in teaching babies how to evaluate information and think logically, skills that hold significant importance across various domains for achieving success.
The right way to introduce STEM toys to newborns
Newborn babies can be easily distracted and lose interest in toys quickly. As parents and caregivers, it’s essential to present toys in an appealing and engaging manner to keep children interested and engaged. Here are some tips for presenting toys in an appealing and engaging manner:
- Organize toys: Organizing toys by type, color, or theme can make it easier for young babies to find and play with them. It also makes it easier for parents and caregivers to clean up after playtime.
- Rotate toys: Babies can get bored with the same toys over time. Rotating toys can help keep kids interested and engaged. Introduce new toys every once in a while to keep things fresh.
- Play with your baby: Babies love to play with their parents and caregivers. Playing with your baby can make playtime more engaging and fun. It also helps parents and caregivers bond with their kids.
In a nutshell
Introducing STEM education to newborn babies can have numerous benefits, from developing critical thinking skills to fostering a love for learning. It’s never too early to start laying the foundation for their education, and STEM education is an important part of that foundation.
Hope our how to choose the best STEM toys for newborns in 2023 guide can help you out.
STEM toys are an excellent way to help children develop problem-solving, creativity, and critical thinking skills from an early age. By providing children with challenging and engaging toys, parents and educators can help children develop the skills they need to succeed in the future. So, if you want to give your child a head start in life, consider investing in some STEM toys and watch them grow and thrive.
In addition, presenting these best STEM toys newborn babies love appealingly and engagingly is important for a child’s development. Parents and caregivers can use the tips discussed in this blog post to make playtime more engaging and balance it with other important activities.
By the way, if your kids get a little bit older, you can consider referring to the article on the best STEM LEGO building kits for kids and can choose one or two of the recommendations.
