Babies Fight Over Toys
It starts with a squeaky giraffe, a colorful stacking ring, or a soft plush bunny. But once a baby locks eyes on a toy — especially one another baby is holding — a tiny, hilarious battle may be on the horizon.
“Babies fight over toys” might sound dramatic, but it’s one of the most common and entertaining scenes in any daycare or playdate setting. Picture two toddlers sitting side by side. One reaches out innocently for a toy, while the other clutches it tighter, giving a side-eye worthy of an Oscar. The next thing you know, there’s a tug-of-war between two chubby-fingered warriors.
Why do babies seem so territorial over toys — especially when they have dozens of others around them? Simple: it’s about curiosity, not conflict. Around 9 to 18 months, babies begin to understand ownership and preference. If one baby sees another playing with something, it must be good. Suddenly, even the most overlooked rattle becomes the most precious treasure.
Take 14-month-olds Ava and Jack. During a playdate, Ava picked up a musical xylophone and tapped a few notes. Jack, playing with blocks nearby, instantly crawled over and tried to take it. Ava pulled it back. Jack responded by letting out an impressive toddler roar. Neither wanted to hurt the other — but neither wanted to give up the “magical” toy either.
Eventually, with a bit of distraction and a second xylophone, peace was restored. (Pro tip for parents: duplicates save friendships.)
These little disagreements, though loud or dramatic in the moment, are completely normal. They’re part of how babies learn boundaries, sharing, and social behavior. Of course, they don’t have the language or emotional regulation skills to express themselves calmly yet — so the result is often a squeal, a pout, or a tug.
What matters most is how we respond. Gentle redirection, modeling sharing, and encouraging turn-taking all help babies begin to understand empathy and cooperation.
And let’s be honest — it’s also just adorably chaotic to watch.
So the next time you witness a “toy standoff” between two tiny tots, remember: this is baby business. And with a little time, patience, and maybe an extra giraffe, everyone ends up smiling.
