best toys for 6-month-old | Baby Journey

The Best Toys for 6- to 9-Month-Old Babies in 2024

The best toys for 6 month old will allow babies to learn new things in a fun and interactive way. To save you time and trouble on endless research of the baby market, here is the ultimate list of best baby toys 6-9 months.

I like the Lovevery concept of a subscription box that arrives every three months. But, as an old-school parent, I love the simple concept of SmartNoggin stick. It plays sounds, has vivid color, a baby-safe mirror and more.

Keep reading to learn more about great baby toys 6 months plus recommendations.

Best Toys for 6-9 Month Olds – Our Reviews

Let’s dive into the world of cute babies and their toys! But first, here’s our selections of the top 5 among this list!

Our Top Pick
SmartNoggin NogginStik
Lovevery The Senser Play Kit
Fat Brain Toys Tobbles Neo
LeapFrog My Pal Scout
The First Years Stack Up Cup Toy
SmartNoggin NogginStik Developmental Light-Up Rattle for Infants up to 12 months
10 Best Newborn Pack and Play & Playard for your Baby 2021 | Baby Journey
10 Best Newborn Pack and Play & Playard for your Baby 2021 | Baby Journey
LeapFrog My Pal Scout
The First Years Stack & Count Stacking Cups - Colorful Baby Stacking Water Toys Set - Stackable Cups for Learning - Baby Bath Toys - Toddler Water Table Toys - 8 Count
Type
Multiple activity toy
Kit consists of different toys
Stacking Toy
Musical Toy
Stacking Toy
Types of play
  • Reciprocal
  • Fine Motor
  • Sensory Play
  • Reciprocal
  • Sensory play
  • Fine motor
  • Social
  • Tactile Exploration
  • Muscle Strength
  • Problem-solving Skills
  • Language
  • Social
  • Tactile Exploration
  • Problem solving
  • Sensory Development
Developmental milestones affected
  • Cognitive
  • Muscle Strength
  • Visual
  • Hand-eye Coordination
  • Social
  • Tactile Exploration
  • Muscle strength
  • Coordination
  • Gross & Fine Motor Skills
  • Sensory Play
  • Reciprocal
Reciprocal
  • Fine Motor
    • Fine Motor
    • Water Play
    • Number Recognition
    Outdoor/Indoor use
    Indoor
    Indoor
    Indoor
    Indoor
    Indoor/Outdoor
    Easy to clean
    Our Top Pick
    SmartNoggin NogginStik
    SmartNoggin NogginStik Developmental Light-Up Rattle for Infants up to 12 months
    Type
    Multiple activity toy
    Types of play
    • Reciprocal
    • Fine Motor
    • Sensory Play
    Developmental milestones affected
    • Cognitive
    • Muscle Strength
    • Visual
    • Hand-eye Coordination
    Outdoor/Indoor use
    Indoor
    Easy to clean
    Check Latest Price
    Lovevery The Senser Play Kit
    10 Best Newborn Pack and Play & Playard for your Baby 2021 | Baby Journey
    Type
    Kit consists of different toys
    Types of play
    • Reciprocal
    • Sensory play
    • Fine motor
    Developmental milestones affected
    • Social
    • Tactile Exploration
    • Muscle strength
    • Coordination
    Outdoor/Indoor use
    Indoor
    Easy to clean
    Check Latest Price
    Fat Brain Toys Tobbles Neo
    10 Best Newborn Pack and Play & Playard for your Baby 2021 | Baby Journey
    Type
    Stacking Toy
    Types of play
    • Social
    • Tactile Exploration
    • Muscle Strength
    • Problem-solving Skills
    Developmental milestones affected
    • Gross & Fine Motor Skills
    • Sensory Play
    • Reciprocal
    Outdoor/Indoor use
    Indoor
    Easy to clean
    Check Latest Price
    LeapFrog My Pal Scout
    LeapFrog My Pal Scout
    Type
    Musical Toy
    Types of play
    • Language
    • Social
    • Tactile Exploration
    Developmental milestones affected
    Reciprocal
  • Fine Motor
  • Outdoor/Indoor use
    Indoor
    Easy to clean
    Check Latest Price
    The First Years Stack Up Cup Toy
    The First Years Stack & Count Stacking Cups - Colorful Baby Stacking Water Toys Set - Stackable Cups for Learning - Baby Bath Toys - Toddler Water Table Toys - 8 Count
    Type
    Stacking Toy
    Types of play
    • Problem solving
    • Sensory Development
    Developmental milestones affected
    • Fine Motor
    • Water Play
    • Number Recognition
    Outdoor/Indoor use
    Indoor/Outdoor
    Easy to clean
    Check Latest Price

    1. Lovevery The Senser Play Kit

    Lovevery The Senser Play Kit | Best Toys for 6 Month Old | Baby Journey

    The Lovevery concept of toys for babies 5-6 months works like this: you pay the monthly subscription for their kits and get one kit every two or three months. As your little one grows, the toys in the kit change. For example, Lovevery The Senser Play Kit includes seven elements designed to help the baby achieve developmental milestones.

    Included toys are simple but effective, such as magic rainbow and tissue kit. Also, you get a guide with ideas on how to use the kit to have a fun time with your baby. I also like the tummy time wobbler because it helps the baby build muscle strength.

    The kits are available at an individual price, without a subscription.

    Pros:

    • Excellent value for the money
    • The comprehensive kit includes various toys
    • It helps little ones to work on cognitive and physical development
    • Play guide save you time for research on how to use the kit
    • Help language development

    Cons:

    • The kit is expensive without a subscription
    • It takes time for the baby to get used to several new toys
    • You can find similar toys separately by a fraction of the costs
    Lovevery The Senser Play Kit | Best Toys for 6 Month Old | Baby Journey

    Lovevery The Senser Play Kit

    • Enter your child’s birth date to find just the right Play Kit to start with
    • Subscribe to The Play Kits starting at the right stage
    • Receive a subscription box every 2-3 months

    2. The First Years Stack Up Cup Toy

    The First Years Stack & Count Stacking Cups - Colorful Baby Stacking Water Toys Set - Stackable Cups for Learning - Baby Bath Toys - Toddler Water Table Toys - 8 Count

    These stack-up cups are one of the best toys for six month old, yet simplest. You’ll get eight vividly colored cups that are easy to play with. The First Years Stack Up Cup Toy is suitable for playing in the water because they have holes at the bottom for simple drainage.

    Also, the cups have large numbers printed on the bottom, which help the baby to learn numbers.

    The soft structure free of lead and phthalates is easy for children to touch and sort, stack them, hide smaller items in cups and tip them over.

    The cups are lightweight and you can use them in the sand!

    Pros:

    • Inexpensive
    • Vivid colors make the cups appealing to babies
    • The cups can are suitable indoors and outdoors use
    • Cups help the baby learn numbers and count
    • Stacking helps the baby to develop basic problem-solving skills

    Cons:

    • Small size
    • Not very tall when stacked
    • Some numbers are cut roughly
    The First Years Stack & Count Stacking Cups - Colorful Baby Stacking Water Toys Set - Stackable Cups for Learning - Baby Bath Toys - Toddler Water Table Toys - 8 Count
    • Colorful Baby Toys: This set of stacking toys features 8 brightly colored cups that stack together with unique holes in the bottom for pouring and water play at bath time
    • Montessori Stacking Toys: Your kids will love creating a rainbow in the water by fitting the cups together, stacking them up, or turning them over and hiding treasures underneath
    • Baby Development Toys: Each of these stacking cups doubles as baby learning toys by featuring features large numbers on the bottom to help toddlers practice counting

    3. SmartNoggin NogginStik

    SmartNoggin NogginStik Developmental Light-Up Rattle for Infants up to 12 months

    The SmartNoggin NogginStik is a multi-activity toy with a simple design. However, NogginStik is one of the most practical, age appropriate toys for 6 month old. The stick form helps your little one to practice grip, while other features have an educational purpose.

    The head of a NogginStik changes color to red, blue or green which is desirable for visual development. The stick has a unique texture, and the bottom plays sounds when the baby presses buttons. Therefore, the toy has a comprehensive sensory impact.

    A baby-safe mirror is also on the bottom of this toy, which is great for peek a boos.

    Pros:

    • Simple design
    • Improves grip, visual, sound and tactile development
    • Easy to hold
    • Made without harmful compounds
    • Interactive toy

    Cons:

    • The buttons on the stick are stiff
    • Baby may break it with constant droppings
    • Older babies might find it boring
    SmartNoggin NogginStik Developmental Light-Up Rattle for Infants up to 12 months
    • FAQ's: The NogginStik isn't designed to constantly stay on. It will turn on for about 40 seconds at a time when gently shaken or tapped. Please refer to product "FAQ" picture on the detail page for common questions related to the use and care of your NogginStik.
    • BABY REGISTRY “MUST HAVE” - The award-winning NogginStik Developmental Light-up Rattle was designed by early childhood experts to help parents, caregivers and early intervention therapists begin encouraging critical early milestones in infants.
    • THE PATENTED NOGGINSTIK lights up a soft red, blue and green to promote visual stimulation and encourage visual tracking skills. The base of the NogginStik makes a soft rattle sound to please the ears. It has an easy to hold handle for mastering grasping and fun textures to delight the sense of touch. Ages 0m+ BPA, PVC, PHTHALATES, AND LEAD FREE.

    4. Fat Brain Toys Tobbles Neo

    Fat Brain Toys Tobbles Neo | Best Toys for 6 Month Old | Baby Journey

    The tobbles toy is cute and practical. It combines dual-textured spheres and allows your baby to play with them in different ways. Each sphere is perfectly balanced, so the baby can spin, wobble, wiggle the toy to explore various movements.

    The design and the positive effect on the motor skills make the Fat Brain toy one of the best baby toys for 6 month old boys and girls. The colors of the soft sphere are appealing to the young ones, so the spheres improve visual-spatial awareness.

    Smart educational toys for babies 6-9 months are attractive, practical and soft, and the Fat Brain Toys Tobbles Neo is surely one of them.

    Pros:

    • Educational
    • Multiple textures
    • Endless possibilities to play with
    • Contrast on each sphere is good for vision improvement
    • Can improve eye-hand coordination

    Cons:

    • Difficult to clean
    • Expensive
    Fat Brain Toys Tobbles Neo | Best Toys for 6 Month Old | Baby Journey

    Fat Brain Toys Tobbles Neo

    • PHYSICS INTERPLAYS WITH MODERN DESIGN throughout these six unique stackable spheres!
    • BALANCE, NEST, SPIN, AND STACK THEM in gravity-defying angles; ideal for busy, curious children

    5. Sassy Wonder Wheel Activity Center

    Sassy Wonder Wheel Activity Center

    The Sassy Wonder Wheel Activity Center is among one of the low-priced, but good toys for 6 month olds. The toy has a suction cup base, which improves safety. Put it on any flat surface and let your little one explore different ways to play with the wheel. He or she can spin the wheel, feel various textures, play with the rings and practice tactile exploration.

    The wheel is compact, and plastic construction makes it easy to clean with wet wipes.

    Pros:

    • Improves visual tracking
    • Suction-cup base is the practical idea at the beginning
    • Great for high chairs
    • The spinning wheel makes sounds so the baby can learn what actions cause sounds
    • Inexpensive

    Cons:

    • The suction base loses suction over the time
    • Not suitable for washing under the water – the water gets in
    • Older babies will grab the toy easily despite the suction
    Sassy Wonder Wheel Activity Center
    17,384 Reviews
    Sassy Wonder Wheel Activity Center
    • Country of origin is China
    • The package dimension of the product is 10"L x 5.5"W x 3.3"H
    • Colors may vary and for age 6-24 months

    6. Edushape See-Me Sensory Balls

    Edushape The Original Sensory Ball for Baby - 4' See-Through Primary Color Baby Ball That Helps Enhance Gross Motor Skills for Kids Aged 6 Months & Up - Stocking Stuffer, Colorful, Unique Toddler Ball

    The Edushape See-Me Sensory Balls are potentially the best toys for 6 month old babies for stimulation and therapy. The set comes with four 4-inch balls in different colors.

    Each ball features a nubby texture, so little ones can squeeze, throw, roll these balls back and forth to improve motor skills and coordination.

    Moreover, if you take the balls outside, they can help with socializing skills.

    Pros:

    • Suitable for dexterity-building play
    • Indoor and outdoor use
    • The nubbly texture is appealing to babies
    • Balls can be used for muscle stimulation
    • Arrive inflated

    Cons:

    • Baby can easily lose them
    • Deflate easily
    • Only one texture – so one ball in four colors
    Edushape The Original Sensory Ball for Baby - 4" See-Through Primary Color Baby Ball That Helps Enhance Gross Motor Skills for Kids Aged 6 Months & Up - Stocking Stuffer, Colorful, Unique Toddler Ball
    • IMPROVE MOTOR SKILLS: Playing Edushape's baby sensory ball enhances children's gross motor skills. These balls for babies encourage crawling & grasping while improving children's balance and coordination.
    • DEVELOP SENSES: Let your child explore their senses with the help of our baby ball toy. These toddler balls promotes a natural desire to reach out, touch, experience different textures, shapes, and bright colors.
    • TOP QUALITY & EASY GRIP: Edushape's baby sensory balls for toddlers are BPA and Phthalate free, feel soft on baby's skin & are just the right size for their little hands to grip!

    7. Fat Brain Toys InnyBin

    Fat Brain Toys InnyBin | Best Toys for 6 Month Old | Baby Journey

    The next toy on my list requires slightly more skills, so it is better suited for older babies. The Fat Brain Toys InnyBin is a shape-exploration toy, which allows the baby to practice tactile skills, learn about textures, sizes and shapes, and develop problem-solving skills.

    The elastic bands around the box are a nifty touch, which further boosts your little one’s curiosity and exploration.

    The InnyBin has six shapes, all made from BPA-free plastic.

    Pros:

    • Advanced shape-sorting toy
    • Colorful elements
    • Convenient size
    • Each block is chunky and has a different texture

    Cons:

    • Babies can struggle to get the toys out
    • The bands are tight
    • Not easy to clean
    Fat Brain Toys InnyBin | Best Toys for 6 Month Old | Baby Journey

    Fat Brain Toys InnyBin

    • Innovative shape-sorting box
    • Encourages fine motor skills, tactile exploration, experimentation
    • 6 chunky, uniquely textured shapes fit through the elastic bands of the cube

    8. Baby Faces Board Book

    Baby Faces Board Book | Best Toys for 6 Month Old | Baby Journey

    The idea behind Baby Faces Board Book is to help babies learn emotions and situations in a fun way, by showing them pictures of other babies. The book is one of the best gifts for 6 month old, that can help improve cognitive development and provide endless hours of fun education for you and your little one.

    Also, the book can help you calm the baby by showing the picture of a happy baby and asking to replicate the expression. It is one of those 6 month old baby toys that ensure a whole new experience every time you play with it.

    Overall, the book shows babies how to express their feelings. So, you can use it for months, and as toys for 8 month old and beyond.

    Pros:

    • Educational role
    • Improves emotional development
    • Induce communication
    • Can be used for months

    Cons:

    • Some images aren’t realistic because of over saturation
    • Sharp pages
    Baby Faces Board Book | Best Toys for 6 Month Old | Baby Journey

    Baby Faces Board book

    • Perfect for early childhood development, happy babies, laughing babies, silly babies and crying babies are found on the pages of this padded board book

    9. Sassy Tummy Time Floor Mirror

    Sassy Tummy Time Floor Mirror | Developmental Baby Toy | Newborn Essential for Tummy Time | Great Shower Gift, Blue, 10 Inch (Pack of 1)

    At an early age, mirrors are necessary toys for babies 6-9 months, because they allow them to learn about themself. Baby safe mirror by Sassy is vivid, with several things included for development.

    The Sassy Tummy Time Floor Mirror has a soft construction and can stand on its own on a flat surface. On the upper corner, there is a symmetrical butterfly toy, which is excellent for visual development. On the opposite side of the mirror, the contrast ladybug has a tracker ball that spins and helps visual perception.

    The mirror can be used with other developmental toys for 6 month olds, such as the above book i’ve just reviewed, to help the baby focus on human faces and expressions. It is also free of sharp edges and small parts, making it the perfect toy for playing peek a boo with babies.

    Pros:

    • Completely safe
    • Stand on a flat surface
    • Accurate reflection
    • Soft construction
    • It has different textures

    Cons:

    • Best when used with other toys
    • Baby can tip the mirror over easily
    SALE
    Sassy Tummy Time Floor Mirror | Developmental Baby Toy | Newborn Essential for Tummy Time | Great Shower Gift, Blue, 10 Inch (Pack of 1)
    • Large True-Reflection Mirror engages baby's developing vision
    • Two-color spinning ball engages baby's curiosity.Care & Cleaning: Spot or Wipe Clean
    • Bold, red ladybug attracts baby's developing visual skills. Rotating/clicking bee engages growing baby.

    10. LeapFrog My Pal Scout

    LeapFrog My Pal Scout

    The LeapFrog is a cuddle pal that can help the baby develop language skills, emotions, colors, numbers, etc. It plays songs and lullabies to keep the baby entertained during day and night time.

    The puppy uses three AAA batteries and is soft and lightweight. A baby can use the toy for years, so you also think about LeapFrog My Pal Scout as one of the potential 6 month old Christmas gift ideas. You can even teach the LeapFrog to tell a baby’s name!

    Pros:

    • Simple personalization when connected with the android phone
    • Suitable for babies and toddlers
    • Improve language skills
    • Has lullabies
    • The collar blinks for visual development

    Cons:

    • You cannot turn off the blinking light
    • Too large for baby toys 6 months of age
    • iPhone users might struggle to connect the toy with their phone
    LeapFrog My Pal Scout
    • Teach Scout your child's name and favorite things for personalized learning in 15+ activities
    • Listen along to 40+ learning songs, melodies and lullabies, for active daytime fun and nighttime soothing
    • Teaches first words, feelings and emotions, colors and counting

    11. Melissa & Doug Float-Alongs: Tiny Tugboats

    Melissa & Doug Children’s Book - Float-Alongs: Tiny Tugboats (Bath Book + 3 Floating Tugboat Toys)

    The Melissa & Doug toys – book and boats, are an excellent way for babies to interact with the world around them. The book is perfect for learning colors and fun bath time! The boats are easy to store in the section behind the book, so you can always have them ready for the game.

    The Melissa & Doug Float-Alongs: Tiny Tugboats toy comprises a six-page book and three floating boats. Everything is brightly colored, so it captures the baby’s attention. Younger babies love this book because it is safe and easy to play with.

    It lacks some motor skills enhancement features, but it will make bath time much more fun and easy.

    Pros:

    • Easy to clean
    • The tugboats have designated place for storage
    • Inexpensive
    • Bright colors
    • Great way to foster parent-kid interaction

    Cons:

    • Bulky
    • Plain design
    Melissa & Doug Children’s Book - Float-Alongs: Tiny Tugboats (Bath Book + 3 Floating Tugboat Toys)
    • Float-Alongs: Tiny Tugboats bath book with 3 floating tugboat toys
    • 6-page book helps kids learn their primary colors
    • Tugboat toys are fully sealed to prevent water from getting inside, and store in mesh tube attached to book

    Buying Guide

    Here are a few things to keep in mind as you shop for an age appropriate toy for your baby!

    Safety

    Pick a toy that is free of sharp edges and small parts, which are choking hazards. Also, make sure the toy is made without potential harmful chemicals and materials, such as heavy metals, pesticides, phthalates and BPA.

    Developmental Milestones

    During early baby development, there are several milestones you should monitor. Toys can help the baby make these developmental leaps with different stimulation. Here is a guide on which toys induce developmental milestones.

    Best Toys for 6 Month Old | Baby Journey
    Multiple textures and vivid colors are fundamental features of educational toys for babies.

    Social. Recognizing familiar and unfamiliar faces, expressing emotions and playing with others are signs of social milestones. Books with faces, toys that require two or more players, such as balls, and baby-safe mirrors are suitable for helping the baby develop social skills.

    Best Toys for 6 Month Old | Baby Journey
    At the age of six months, babies learn through interaction with their parents and games with their siblings. Source: Pixabay.com

    Language. At some point, the baby will start responding to its name and make different sounds. Musical toys can encourage your baby to practice on communication and language skills. You can start with simple toys that only make a couple of sounds, for example, animal sounds, and move on to more complex ones, such as songs and lullabies.

    Cognitive. Toys that promote curiosity, creativity and problem-solving skills are excellent for brain development at six months. For example, shape-sorting toys and stacking cups are perfect for helping the baby understand the world around them and basic concept of cause and effect.

    Movement and Motor Skills. Activity gyms and toys that help babies develop grip, sit on their own, back and forth crawling, grab and reach for different objects improve muscle strength.

    Types of Play

    Keep an eye on the types of play you can use the toy for. So, pop-up toys and toys that repeat sounds are great for reciprocal play and promote responding to the outer stimulation.

    If you are looking to enhance sensory development, find toys with different textures. You can improve visual tracking with bright-colored and toys with contrast.

    Toys that promote hand-eye coordination by stimulating grip or via contrast colors are excellent for fine motor development. Spinning wheels, sticks, rings and similar things stimulate small muscles and affect fine motor skills.

    You can strengthen your little one’s gross motor skills with toys that require whole-body movement. Those are jumping toys, pull-along toys, balancing toys, etc. Balls are also great for gross motor skills in six old babies because they require a baby to include the whole body to throw the ball.

    Cleaning

    At some point, babies will put everything in their mouths, so you should find a toy that is easy to clean and disinfect.

    Conclusion

    There you have it – a complete list of the best toys for 6-to-9 month old! When choosing a toy, look for those that help your little one make developmental leaps and improve social, language, motor and cognitive skills.

    My top pick is SmartNoggin NogginStik because it has a simple design, but affects visual development, fine motor skills, improves grasp and plays sounds!

    Which toy is your top pick? Share your recommendations with us @babyjourney0183 on Pinterest!

    Best Toys for 6-month-old | Baby Journey

    Last update on 2024-04-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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