Navigating the world of baby toys can be overwhelming, but there’s one commonly shared filter that play experts and seasoned parents attest to seek passive toys rather than active toys.

Active Toys: These are toys that do a lot of the play for the child, typically in an entertaining manner. It might move, sing, or speak to the child. The more active a toy is, the less playing your child does because they are merely invited to follow along.

Passive Toys: These toys won’t do anything unless manipulated by the child, which prompts more active engagement—things like puzzles, blocks, and animal figurines. Passive toys can inspire bigger, longer-lasting play because the child is thinking, creating, moving, and doing.

In other words, less is more. Simple toys tend to spark better play.