Best Baby Toys of 2012

Encourage your child to crawl with this BrightStarts vehicle that shoots out balls for him to chase. Put it in Park so he can push the buttons and work on his ABCs. 3 months+, $20; toysrus.com

Owls, apples, woodland charm—this mobile pretty much covers the biggest nursery-décor themes of the moment. It also lulls your kid to sleep with music. 0 to 5 months, $45; skiphop.com

Kids will hop at the chance to take a bath with this floating fountain that squirts water from its mouth. It also teaches numbers through songs and counting activities. 9 months+, $18; vtechkids.com

Crocheted from soft bamboo threads, this handmade rattle is perfect for little hands. 0 months +, $15; dandelionforbaby.com

The popular Whoozit line is back with this blankie that doubles as an activity toy with teethers, crinklers, and more fun. 0 months+, $20; manhattantoy.com

Five friends for the price of one! These organic cotton cuties are great for putting on a show—or letting your teething baby chew on their adorable ears. 0 months+, $15; diapers.com

This cute chimp from Lamaze can hang by its tail on your child's crib, or you can fold it into a triangle so she can see her reflection during tummy time. 0 months+, $25; tomy.com

This plush pal is designed to stimulate your child's senses through vibrant colors, a variety of texures, and noisemakers. 6 months+, $17; auroragift.com

Make your child's floor play a little more cushy with this soft pillow that's covered in surprises like a zippy snail and musical fruit. 3 months+. $28; us.mamasandpapas.com

Playskool goes new-school with this modern-music activity table that has a DJ section and attachable legs. 6 to 36 months, $45; playskool.com

The Everest of ball drops, this towering toy grows with your baby. Using lights, sounds, and ball chutes, it helps boost her motor skills. 6 to 36 months, $70; fisher-price.com

Entertain your baby at home or on the go with this gym that can attach to a car seat or a stroller. It comes with removable, dangling play pods. 0 to 24 months, $50; infantino.com

Originally published in the November 2012 issue of Parents magazine.