The 10 Best Crib Toys

The Baby Einstein Sea Dreams (about $39) offers two songs, soothing ocean sounds, and friendly sea creatures that move gently with the music. Over 25 minutes the drift-off feature gradually softens the lights and sounds, plus there's a remote so you can activate it without being seen.

With an array of vibrant colors, soft textures, and jingly rings, Lamaze Freddie the Firefly (around $15) is a fanfare of sensory stimulation to engage an infant's natural curiosity and keep them entertained. He even has a tethered teether to soothe sore gums.

The Cloud B Sound Soother (around $22) can be secured to the crib rails for newborns, and once your child turns one, it can become your toddler's beloved naptime pal. Five different animal friends offer sweet lullabies and reassuring noises, like mother's heartbeat and gentle rain.

The plush Fisher Price Twinkle and Cuddle (around $30) can be secured safely out of the reach of babies and, later, toddlers can use it as a "lovey" or transitional object. It plays multiple songs and nature sounds, plus it cycles through six light colors that sync to the music.

The Fisher Price Settle and Sleep (about $39) mesmerizes infants with overhead starlight projection and a three-stage playlist that ends in white noise for a good night's rest. There's an easy-to-push button for older tots to turn it on and off themselves.

With the Lamaze Discovering Shapes Gallery (appx. $9), you'll get two toys in one at a budget-friendly price. High contrast patterns will visually stimulate newborns, plus they'll love the welcoming animal faces. The flip side is more detailed and colorful for added interest.

If you're fortunate enough to have a child who self-entertains after waking up, the Kiddo Lab Lira the Caterpillar (around $30) may keep them occupied a little bit longer. Newborns may find its bright colors engaging, but it doesn't play music unless your tot can reach the buttons.

The Infantino Spiral (around $16) can be installed in seconds as its flexible coils can wrap around a railing of almost any size. If it becomes your child's favorite toy, you can remove it in a snap and secure it to strollers and car seats with no fuss.

When you pull down the Infantino Hug and Tug Musical Bug (about $15), he slowly retreats back up to his starting position, making a great distraction for your young fussbudget. The music and motion draws their attention and can even lull them to sleep.

If you want to keep your child occupied for a few minutes after waking, the versatile Tumama Sensory (about $15) provides a variety of textures and sounds for baby to explore. It's smaller than the typical hanging toy, but that makes it a great size for using with strollers as well.