The First Toy My Baby Could Actually Grab and Play With
There’s a moment when your baby first starts interacting with the world — little fingers reaching, eyes tracking movement, tiny hands trying to hold onto something.
And in our case, that “something” was the Little Dutch Blue Forest Friends soft balls.
I didn’t expect much — they looked cute and harmless, so I added them to a basket one day.
But they turned out to be the first toy my baby genuinely loved using — and kept coming back to.
Here’s why I recommend these soft sensory balls to every parent with a curious, chubby-handed baby.
Why I Chose Them
Honestly? I was tired of hard plastic toys and overwhelming noisy things that did too much.
These felt simple, soft, and safe. Plus:
- They’re lightweight (so no risk of baby head injuries)
- They fit perfectly in small hands
- They look lovely — calm blues and gentle animal illustrations
And being from Little Dutch, I already trusted the brand to make things that are well made and thoughtfully designed.
What Made These Balls a Hit
1. Easy to Grab, Hold and Chew
At around 3 months, my baby couldn’t quite manage most toys — they were too heavy, too slippery, or too complex.
But these? He could:
- Grab them with both hands
- Pull them to his mouth
- Roll them across a blanket
- Even squeeze them like a stress ball (which made a satisfying crinkle sound)
The soft texture and small size made them the perfect first toy to build hand strength and coordination.
2. Gentle Sensory Features Without Overstimulation
Each ball has a different texture or sound:
- One crinkles
- One rattles
- One squeaks slightly
- One is just soft and squashy
No batteries, no flashing lights, no “learning mode” voices — just good, quiet stimulation.
Great for tummy time, nappy-free time, or gentle play before naps.
3. Safe Enough to Be Left Alone With
By the time my baby was rolling confidently, I felt totally safe leaving him with these balls in his play gym or cot while I made tea.
No sharp edges, no choking hazards, nothing hard or awkward — just soft, easy, harmless fun.
Why I Keep Recommending Them
- Perfect for 2 to 6 months and beyond
- Great gift idea that’s not plastic or loud
- Machine washable (yes, really)
- Looks good in your home — soft blues, not neon chaos
- Keeps baby busy independently for short stretches (gold dust!)
Honestly, they’re the sort of toy that doesn’t try to do too much — and that’s exactly why it works.
Things to Keep in Mind
- Not teething rings — they’re chewable, but not made for gnawing hard
- Very soft — so older babies (10m+) might move on to balls they can throw or bounce
- Hand wash or gentle cycle recommended — they wash well but don’t overdo it
Would I Recommend It?
100%.
If you want:
- A first toy that actually fits baby’s abilities
- Something calm and developmentally helpful
- A lovely soft item that doesn’t scream “baby toy!”
Then these soft balls from Little Dutch are a quiet winner.
Perfect for gift-givers, minimalist parents, or just anyone who wants to give their baby something they’ll actually use.
Where I Got Mine
- Little Dutch – Blue Forest Friends Soft Balls (Official)
- Amazon UK – Little Dutch Soft Balls
- Scandibørn / Kidly – if in stock
Related Reads
- [The First 5 Toys My Baby Actually Used Before 6 Months]
- [Tummy Time Toys That Actually Helped Build Strength]
Leave a Reply