Toys for Babies 6–12 Months: Supporting Development Through Play

Babies between six and twelve months are entering an exciting phase of rapid growth and curiosity. During this stage, play is not just fun—it is essential for development. The right toys can support motor skills, cognitive growth, sensory exploration, and social interaction, laying the foundation for lifelong learning.

Understanding Developmental Milestones at 6–12 Months

Between 6–12 months, babies typically:

• Start sitting without support and may begin crawling.
• Reach and grasp objects with increasing coordination.
• Explore their environment using hands and mouth.
• Recognize familiar faces and begin social play like peekaboo.
• Begin to imitate sounds and gestures, developing early language skills.

How Toys Support Growth

Toys at this stage are more than entertainment—they are tools for:

• Motor development: Toys encourage reaching, grasping, pushing, pulling, and crawling.
• Cognitive skills: Cause-and-effect toys help babies understand actions and consequences.
• Sensory exploration: Textures, sounds, and colors stimulate vision, hearing, and touch.
• Social and emotional skills: Toys that involve interaction with caregivers promote bonding and empathy.

Choosing the Right Toys

When selecting toys for 6–12 month olds, consider:

• Safety: Avoid small parts, sharp edges, and toxic materials.
• Age-appropriateness: Choose toys labeled for 6–12 months or developmental stage.
• Durability: Babies explore with hands and mouth, so sturdy materials are important.
• Engagement: Toys that grow with the baby’s skills encourage continued exploration.

Types of Toys for 6–12 Month Olds

1. Wooden Toys

Wooden blocks, stacking toys, and push-pull items are excellent for fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and problem-solving. They are durable and safe for teething babies.

2. Developmental Toys for 7–8 Month Olds

Toys that respond with sound or movement when pressed, shaken, or pulled teach cause-and-effect and encourage exploration. Soft plush toys with crinkles, rattles, and activity centers engage multiple senses.

3. Interactive Play Toys

Toys like pop-up activity cubes, stacking rings, and shape sorters develop cognitive skills, patience, and problem-solving abilities. Bright colors and different textures also enhance sensory learning.

4. Musical Toys

Simple instruments like tambourines, xylophones, and baby-safe keyboards introduce rhythm, sound recognition, and auditory development. Music helps babies respond to patterns and develop early language skills through songs and beats.

5. Soft Books and Textured Toys

Soft fabric books with different textures, flaps, and mirrors encourage tactile exploration and visual tracking. These toys also help in early literacy skills as babies learn to recognize shapes, colors, and eventually letters and numbers.

6. Teething Toys

Teething rings and chewable toys provide relief for sore gums while promoting hand-to-mouth coordination. They also encourage self-soothing and sensory exploration.

Tips for Encouraging Play

• Rotate toys to maintain interest and challenge skills.
• Engage with your baby during play to strengthen social and emotional development.
• Use toys as learning tools by naming colors, shapes, and actions.
• Create safe play spaces for crawling and exploration.
• Observe the baby’s interests and adapt toys to match curiosity and skill level.

Developmental Benefits of Play

Structured play with appropriate toys promotes:

• Gross motor skills: Crawling, standing, and cruising around furniture.
• Fine motor skills: Grasping, holding, and manipulating small objects.
• Language development: Babbling, mimicking sounds, and early words.
• Problem-solving skills: Understanding how objects work, learning cause-and-effect.
• Social-emotional growth: Bonding with caregivers, learning empathy and sharing.

7. Imaginative Play Toys

Soft dolls, animal figures, and pretend food sets help babies explore social roles and empathy. Even at 6–12 months, introducing simple role-play encourages cognitive development and emotional understanding.

8. Push-and-Pull Toys

These toys encourage movement, balance, and coordination. They motivate crawling, standing, and early walking, supporting gross motor development and spatial awareness.

Daily Activities to Support Development

• tummy time: Encourages neck and upper body strength.
• Peek-a-boo and interactive games: Builds object permanence and social skills.
• Reading and singing: Supports language development and auditory skills.
• Exploring textures and shapes: Enhances sensory and fine motor development.
• Outdoor time: Stimulates curiosity and environmental awareness.

FAQs About Toys for Babies 6–12 Months

What types of toys are safest for babies 6–12 months?

Soft, non-toxic, and appropriately sized toys are safest. Avoid small parts, sharp edges, and choking hazards.

How can I encourage my baby to play independently?

Place interesting toys within reach, rotate them regularly, and provide a safe, comfortable play area. Briefly stepping back allows babies to explore independently while feeling secure.

Can play help with early language development?

Yes, naming objects, singing songs, and interactive games stimulate early communication skills and vocabulary recognition.

Are educational toys better than regular toys?

Both types are important. Educational toys have a learning focus, while regular toys foster creativity, imagination, and free play.

We’d love to hear from you: Which toys have been most engaging for your baby between 6–12 months? Share your favorite picks, playtime tips, or observations below. Your experiences can help other parents discover fun and developmental toys for their little ones!

Monthly Toy Recommendations

6–7 Months

• Soft stacking blocks: Encourage hand-eye coordination and grasping skills.
• Rattles and noise-making toys: Help babies understand cause and effect.
• Board books: Introduce early language and visual recognition.
• Textured balls: Stimulate sensory exploration.

8–9 Months

• Activity cubes: Promote fine motor skills, problem-solving, and multi-sensory learning.
• Teething rings: Provide comfort while encouraging grasping and mouthing exploration.
• Pull toys: Motivate crawling and early walking.
• Mirror play toys: Support self-recognition and social awareness.

10–12 Months

• Push-and-pull wagons: Build gross motor skills and balance.
• Simple musical instruments: Encourage rhythm, auditory learning, and creativity.
• Shape sorters: Teach problem-solving, shape recognition, and fine motor control.
• Pretend play items: Soft dolls or animal figures for early imaginative play.

Tips for Safe and Engaging Play

• Always supervise playtime to prevent accidents or choking hazards.
• Rotate toys weekly to maintain novelty and curiosity.
• Include a mix of sensory, motor, cognitive, and imaginative toys for balanced development.
• Encourage interactive play with caregivers to strengthen social-emotional skills.
• Use everyday household items like cups, spoons, or fabrics for exploration, under supervision.

Choosing the Right Toys

When selecting toys for babies 6–12 months, prioritize:

• Safety: Non-toxic materials, no small detachable parts, and age-appropriate design.
• Durability: Toys should withstand chewing, tossing, and repeated use.
• Multi-sensory engagement: Toys that involve touch, sight, and sound are ideal.
• Encouraging independence: Toys should allow babies to explore on their own while feeling secure.
• Educational value: Subtle learning opportunities such as colors, shapes, and cause-and-effect interactions.

Providing babies aged 6–12 months with developmentally appropriate toys is more than just entertainment—it is a foundation for growth, learning, and early skill development. Through thoughtful play, babies enhance motor skills, cognitive abilities, social-emotional understanding, and sensory exploration. Caregivers play a crucial role by guiding, encouraging, and participating in these activities, creating meaningful moments that foster strong bonds and joyful learning experiences.

FAQs About Toys for Babies 6–12 Months

What type of toys are best for 6–12 month old babies?

Toys that stimulate multiple senses, such as soft blocks, rattles, textured balls, board books, and activity cubes, are ideal. Look for age-appropriate, safe, and engaging options.

How can toys support motor skill development?

Push-and-pull toys, shape sorters, teething rings, and musical instruments help strengthen both fine and gross motor skills by encouraging grasping, crawling, standing, and walking activities.

Are educational toys necessary at this age?

While babies primarily learn through exploration and play, educational toys provide subtle opportunities to understand colors, shapes, sounds, and cause-and-effect, supporting early cognitive development.

How often should toys be rotated for babies?

Rotate toys weekly or biweekly to maintain interest, encourage curiosity, and prevent overstimulation while ensuring exposure to diverse developmental experiences.

We’d love to hear from you: Which toys have been your baby’s favorites at 6–12 months? Share your experiences, tips, or ideas below. Your insights can help other parents choose engaging and developmentally supportive toys for their little ones!