Stacking toys has many benefits, but the best sets will allow your baby to do more than stack and knock them down. They will stimulate your baby in multiple ways, helping them develop as many skills as possible.
We’ve dedicated ourselves to finding the best stacking toys for babies, so your little one can benefit greatly from this favorite activity.
We’ve purchased many stacking toys over the years and have learned which ones serve more than one purpose — and which ones will keep your baby entertained for more than a few minutes. We’ll review the best features and any drawbacks of the top sets on the market.
Read on to learn how to choose the perfect stacking toy for your child.
- Easy to grab
- Interchangeable soft block
- Lightweight
- BPA-free
- Gender neutral
- Chunky discs with unique textures
- Six graduated cups
- Meets FDA food contact standards
- Dishwasher safe
- Non-toxic, BPA-free plastic
- Interactive and space-saving
- Uncompromising quality
- Various sizes
- Set of 7 colorful spools
- High-quality, BPA-free plastic
- 5 colorful rings
- No-tip rocker base
- Littlest ring has shiny, reflective surface
- Wooden rod base
- Water-based, non-toxic finish
- Heirloom quality
- Bright, bold colors and patterns
- Stimulates baby's tactile senses
- Soft and easy to grab
How to Choose Stacking Toys
Before buying a stacking toy for your baby, there are a few things to consider.
- Size of pieces: Stacking toys come in various shapes and sizes. Always pay attention to the product size to avoid any choking hazards.
- Hard or soft: Softer stacking toys like plush blocks are better for younger babies, while harder plastic or wooden blocks are best for older babies or toddlers.
- Material: Regardless of the materials, you’ll want to avoid blocks containing BPA or other harmful chemicals babies could get in their mouths.
- Versatility: Some stacking toys are super versatile and can grow with your baby. This is usually the case with building blocks. Many of our block sets have remained in use for years.
Benefits of Stacking Toys
There are several benefits to stacking toys. Some benefits are obvious, but others are a little less so. To develop properly, babies need stimulation through toys and interaction. One of the most significant benefits of stacking toys is that they encourage hand-eye coordination.
Hand-eye coordination is something babies begin working on at birth. By the time they reach 6 months old, they’ll begin to learn grasping and other skills needed to stack blocks and other toys.
When it comes to block play, children are exposed to STEM concepts without realizing it. During block play, children can use their imaginations to map out what they want to build. This can help with problem-solving skills and language development.
Block play will continue through early elementary school, so why not get your child started early?
Product Reviews
Here are our favorite baby stacking toys to consider.
Block Party Baby Blocks
Block Play for Younger Babies
Blocks don’t just have to be hard cubes. There are squishy and soft options for younger babies like this set. That way, your baby can benefit from their blocks, and you won’t have to worry about them hurting themselves or choking.
This set comes with six soft blocks with five interchangeable inserts, each providing a different sensory experience. These blocks are great for helping introduce the alphabet to your baby with vibrant illustrations and corresponding letters.
The blocks are BPA- and phthalate-free and are entirely safe for babies with curious mouths. This set also includes a recycled, reusable bag for easy storage. This toy is recommended for babies ages 6 months and up.
Fat Brain Toys SpinAgain Stacking Toy
For Cause and Effect Learning
This unique stacking toy won the 2016 Parent’s Choice Award and is good for babies 12 months and up. It comes with six brightly colored graduated discs for your child to stack. They can watch as each piece cascades down the corkscrew middle.
We like this toy because children don’t have to arrange the pieces from biggest to smallest like other classic stacking toys. It’s perfect for working on hand-eye coordination, cause and effect, and practicing dexterity. This toy is safety-tested and BPA-free.
Lewo Wooden Rainbow Stacker
Montessori-Friendly
This toy is great for those dedicated to the Montessori learning method.
The set comes with six pieces to make up a rainbow-inspired design. Your child can structure them in various ways, encouraging creativity and play in their development. They’ll enjoy learning to build and position the pieces, whether into a rainbow or something else entirely!
This toy is suitable for kids of all ages, but we recommend a parent join in, especially since the purple piece is quite small. These blocks are designed to encourage child/parent play so you can find a fun new way to interact with your baby.
Green Toys Stacking Cups
Environmentally Friendly
This is the perfect toy to consider if you’re into recycling and reducing your carbon footprint. The brand makes most of its toys out of recycled plastic milk containers. They’re also really nice if you’re rollin’ with a budget.
The set comes with six graduated cups your child can stack or nest. They’re also good for bath time or regular playtime. The bottom of each cup has a number to help with correct nesting and stacking.
These cups are suitable for babies starting at 6 months old and help develop motor skills. They meet the FDA food contact standards and are safe for the dishwasher.
Nuby’s Splish Splash Stacking Bath Cups
Best Stacking Bath Toy for Babies
This is another good option if you want something for playtime or even bathtime play. These stacking cups provide fun at bathtime with their interactive functionality. It comes with five colorful cups your child can use for stacking and learning about shapes and colors.
This toy is recommended for children ages 9 months and up. Each cup is made of safe BPA-free plastic material.
Fat Brain Toys Spoolz Stacking Toy
Most Unique Design
This set puts another unique spin on the classic stacking toy. Each easy-to-grip piece is shaped like a spool. They can be stacked virtually any way without falling over.
This is nice for those babies just beginning their hand-eye coordination practice. It comes with seven spools in various colors, each varying in size. This one is recommended for babies from 10 months old.
Fisher-Price Rock-a-Stack Stacking Toy
Best Classic Stacking Toy for Babies
If you’re looking for something simple and classic, consider this. It’s the one stacking ring toy you’ll see in just about every household with young babies. It’s made of plastic and comes with five colorful rings.
Your child will need to stack the rings from biggest to smallest, so it helps teach sequencing. The smallest ring has beads inside and is clear so the baby can see the beads rattle around as it’s shaken. This stacking toy is recommended for babies 6 months old and above.
Fat Brain Toys Tobbles Neo
Great for Little Hands
This toy is the winner of several awards and is a major hit with parents and babies. It comes with six dual-colored spheres you stack on a base. They’re uniquely designed to be stacked in a “wobbly” structure.
The blocks have been safety tested and are made of safe ABS plastic, making them perfect for babies starting at 6 months old. This stacker is recommended for sensory exploration, motor skills, coordination, and visual-spatial awareness. The grippable texture makes it easier for small hands to pick up and manipulate the blocks.
Manhattan Toy Bam Stack-A-Lacka Wooden Stacking Toy
Most Visually Pleasing
If visually pleasing is what you’re looking for, consider this stacking toy. It’s made completely of wood and is compact enough to fit on a shelf. There are two different options: one that consists of circles and arches or one with a rectangular design.
This toy comes with five stackable pieces and a sturdy rod base. The smooth-grain wood is painted with non-toxic, water-based paint and finish.
It’s good for hand-eye coordination, problem-solving, and spatial perception. This stacker is recommended for babies 12 months and above.
Rainbow Stacking Rings
Colorful and Eye-Catching
These soft stacking rings are a nice alternative to classic plastic sets. The set comes with five multi-textured rings that fit around a soft base. The entire toy is made of soft fabric, so it’s easier for babies to grip and will prevent accidental injuries.
The fabric features bright and bold colors, and the rings make a crinkling sound to delight your baby. These rings are recommended for babies 6 months and up.
Petit Collage Rabbit Wood Stacking Toy
Cutest Design
If you’re trying to stick to a wooden theme, consider this rabbit stacker. It has a whimsical design that would make a cute addition to your baby’s nursery. It comes with six brightly colored, polished rings and a bunny head with felt ears.
The pieces are made of sustainably-harvested wood and are painted with non-toxic and water-based paint. This is nice because you don’t have to worry about harmful chemicals going into your baby’s mouth. This stacker toy is recommended for children ages 12 months and above.
FAQs
What are the Milestones For Stacking Objects?
Babies typically start to stack objects around 12 to 18 months as they develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
When Should Babies Start Stacking Toys?
Babies may start showing interest in stacking toys around 12 months, but this can vary. It’s a fun way to encourage motor skills and problem-solving.
What Age are Stacking Cups Good For?
Stacking cups are good for babies and toddlers, typically starting around six months to a year as they begin to grasp objects and enjoy repetitive play.
How Do You Play Stacking Rings With a Baby?
Play with stacking rings by showing your baby how to place rings on the peg, encouraging them to remove and stack them, and talking about colors and sizes for a learning experience.
