A soft ball built out of rings, which turns out to be a much better shape for a baby than a sphere.

Five rings run around the body, each in a different material: very soft, grooved, ribbed, smooth, wood. A baby hooks their fingers through them and lifts the whole toy without needing a proper grip, so picking it up succeeds immediately.

Hidden around it are a rattle, a squeak and a teether, so however it gets handled something responds. The colours and contrasts are chosen for what young eyesight can genuinely resolve, and there is embroidery, ribbon and labelling for the fingers.

Leon is the small, prickly, endlessly curious one.

Machine washable at 30 degrees on a gentle cycle. Lilliputiens is a Belgian brand, founded in 1995 and designed by a team largely made up of parents working alongside early-childhood specialists. Tested to EN71 and ASTM standards and screened for AZO dyes, cadmium and phthalates.

FIVE RINGS, FIVE SENSATIONS - Each ring around the body offers a different feel: very soft, grooved, ribbed, smooth, wooden. A baby learns the differences through their palms long before they can name them.

EASY TO GRAB FROM ANY ANGLE - The rings are the design. They give a baby something to hook fingers through, so this can be picked up successfully from the first attempt rather than batted around the floor.

RATTLE, SQUEAK AND TEETHER - Different sounds hidden around the body and a teether for sore gums, so the toy keeps answering back however your baby handles it.

CONTRAST PITCHED AT YOUNG EYES - The colour palette and prints are chosen for what a toddler's sight can actually resolve, with embroidery, labels and ribbons for touch.

LEON THE HEDGEHOG AT THE CENTRE - Leon is the small, prickly, endlessly curious one. Machine washable at 30 degrees on a gentle cycle.

6 months and above

Outer 100% polyester, inner 100% recycled polyester; wood, teether, rattle and squeaker elements

LEON SENSORY RINGS