Choosing the right toys for your baby can feel overwhelming—especially when every product claims to be “developmentally appropriate.” But when it comes to supporting your baby’s growth during their first year, timing really is everything. That’s where sensory playkits come in.

At SensoryStore.ie, we design our kits to match your baby’s age and developmental milestones. Whether you're a first-time parent or buying a gift, here’s your go-to guide to choosing the right sensory playkit based on your baby’s age and stage.

🍼 0–3 Months: The Newborn Phase

What to Expect:

At this stage, your baby is adjusting to the world. Vision is still blurry, motor skills are just developing, and their primary focus is bonding, feeding, and sleeping.

Ideal Playkit Features:

• High-contrast black and white toys

• Gentle rattles for auditory stimulation

• Soft fabrics and textures for tactile exploration

• Safe, simple tummy time props

What It Supports:

Visual tracking, sensory awareness, early auditory processing, and parent-baby bonding.

👶 3–6 Months: The Discovery Phase

What to Expect:

Your baby is gaining better head control, starting to reach for objects, and developing early hand-eye coordination. They’re becoming more alert and curious!

Ideal Playkit Features:

• Grasping toys and rattles

• Crinkly textures and teething-safe materials

• Mirror toys to support self-recognition

• Simple cause-and-effect toys

What It Supports:

Fine motor development, cause-and-effect understanding, and social interaction.

🤗 6–9 Months: The Sitting & Exploring Phase

What to Expect:

Your baby may now be sitting, rolling, or even starting to crawl. Their coordination and interest in the world are rapidly growing.

Ideal Playkit Features:

• Stacking or nesting toys

• Sensory balls with different textures

• Peek-a-boo games and pop-up toys

• First instruments (e.g., maracas)

What It Supports:

Object permanence, gross motor skills, and independent play.

🚼 9–12 Months: The Cruising & Communicating Phase

What to Expect:

Your baby is becoming mobile and more vocal. They might be pulling to stand, cruising, or even taking early steps.

Ideal Playkit Features:

• Push/pull toys

• Shape sorters

• Early problem-solving toys

• Language-rich play items (e.g., books with sounds or textures)

What It Supports:

Language development, coordination, problem-solving, and early independence.

🧠 Why Age-Specific Kits Matter

Each of our sensory playkits is designed with input from early childhood development experts. We make sure each toy is:

• Age-appropriate for safety and skill-building

• Multi-sensory to stimulate sight, touch, and sound

• Parent-friendly, with an instructional card explaining how to use each item and why it matters

🎁 One-Time Purchase or Subscription?

Not sure which kit to start with?
We offer two options:

• One-time purchases: Great for gifts or trying out our playkits

• Bi-monthly subscriptions: Automatically receive the right kit as your baby grows—stress-free and always developmentally spot-on

💬 Final Tip: Trust Your Instincts

Every baby develops at their own pace. Use this guide as a helpful starting point, but feel free to adapt based on your baby’s unique interests and needs.

Have a question about which playkit is best? Reach out to us anytime hello@sensorystore.ie —we’re here to help you unlock milestones, box by box.