Looking for DIY Baby Toys?

The first thing I consider when I think about DIY baby toys is safety. Is it a choking hazard, or could they hurt themselves or others? All these infant activities are completely safe and have been enjoyed by the babies I've cared for over the years. 

I also assess when these baby activities are developmentally appropriate. These baby play ideas can be used in different ways depending on their abilities, too. 

Ribbon DIY Baby Toys

Curtain ring and ribbon DIY baby toys

They are sold on Etsy, yet they can be made easily for a fraction of the price. Just buy a pack of solid wooden curtain rings (before any screws are drilled in) and a pack of ribbon cut-offs online. 

I chose black and white ribbons as part of a newborn gift. The toddlers in my care also enjoyed dancing with them, too. Choose whatever ribbon theme you like. Maybe you already have random ribbons, which could work as well. 

Simply fold each ribbon in half and place the fold near the wooden ring. Thread the ends of each ribbon around the ring and through the ribbon loop on the other side. Ensure the loop is close to the ring. Then knot the ribbon close to the ring. 

Repeat 4-8 times depending on the thickness of the ribbons and your preference. Lay it on a hard surface. Decide how long you want the ribbons to be. I went short to prevent a strangulation hazard, yet I can't remember the lengths of these gifts. Find the sharpest scissors you own (ideally from a sewing kit). Cut the ends off diagonally to prevent fraying. 

Rolling Crawling DIY Baby Toy

Crawling DIY Baby Toys

I don't think a DIY baby toy could be simpler. I've found that baby formula or large coffee tins work best here. However, any sturdy cylindrical container with a lid could work.

This one simply had a large metal jar lid inside. I carefully checked that the opening was all smooth. This could be explored thoroughly, and it wouldn't matter if the baby got the lid off and took out the contents inside.

If yours has a sharp edge at the opening or you use small pieces inside, ensure the lid is superglued or hot glued on from the inside.

You could make yours pretty with sticky back or contact paper if you like. 

Sensory Bottle DIY Baby Toys

I've often found these in daycares and stay-and-play sessions. Additionally, I've made a couple of sets that have lasted quite a few babies in my care and counting. I've seen what works well and what doesn't for these DIY baby toys. 

You need a set of small, sturdy, translucent, empty , and clean plastic bottles with lids, or at least one. Remove the labels. Rub off any sticky residue with lemon essential oil, cooking oil, rubbing alcohol, or toothpaste. 

Sensory bottle DIY baby toys collage

Ideal Objects for Inside Sensory Bottles

All of the food items need to be in their raw versions:

  • Rice or any whole grains (buckwheat or quinoa) 
  • Beans or pulses (lentils or split peas) 
  • Salt
  • Peppercorns 

Art and Craft Supplies:

  • Pom-poms 
  • Gems 
  • Foam/felt shapes 
  • Buttons 
  • Beads 

The following need to be cut into small pieces:

  • Lolly/popsicle sticks 
  • Art pipe cleaners 
  • Straws 

Only fill the bottles about a quarter or a third of the way. This allows them to shake well and helps younger babies hold these small sensory bottles.

Ensure to superglue or hot glue the lids on! You may think you can outsmart a baby by tightening the lid well. Think again! Over time, being knocked together and thrown, lids tend to loosen, creating choking hazards. I've seen copious amounts of sticky tape around some, but they did look tacky. 

What has not worked over time:

  • Weak plastic bottles don't hold up well to the bashing babies give playthings.
  • Pasta, floury substances, and food in flake form tend to coat the inside of the bottle in powder, making it look dirty.
  • Bottles filled with water and glitter or oil are often too heavy for babies to use and can fall onto them. 

I hope you give these DIY baby toys a go. Discover more Infant Activities Here.