- BPA- and phthalate-free
- Easy for little hands to grip
- Available in a variety of colors
- Develops gross and fine motor skills
- Provides sensory stimulation
- Many ways to play
Our evaluations and opinions are not influenced by our advertising relationships, but we may earn a commission from our partners’ links. This content is created independently from TIME’s editorial staff. Learn more about it.
Updated February 19, 2024
There’s so much pressure on parents to choose the right toys for their children. Are loud, light-up toys okay? Should you only be buying wooden and non-toxic? With an overwhelming amount of options out there, it can be hard to narrow down what kids truly need at every age and stage, as well as what’s actually worth purchasing.
“During this age range (6-12 months), babies are developing their fine motor skills such as the ability to grasp, hold, and manipulate objects,” says Michelle Mintz, M.S., CCC-SLP, an early childhood development expert and creator of Baby Blooming Moments. “They’re also developing their gross motor skills such as learning to sit up, crawl, stand, and possibly start walking.”
Of course, they’re putting everything in their mouths, exploring different textures, sounds, and cause and effect, and beginning to babble, too. I spoke with multiple play experts to discover the best baby toys for 6-12 months to help support their development. Read on to shop their personal favorites, as well as my own as a seasoned mom of three young children aged six and under.
What to consider when choosing a toy for a 6-12-month old
“Playing with the right toys can help a child's development between six and 12 months by improving their motor skills, stimulating their senses, enhancing problem-solving abilities, boosting language development, and supporting emotional and social growth,” says Mintz. When selecting toys to engage and entertain your little one, here are some important things to keep in mind.
Safety
Sue Warfield, president of ASTRA and certified play expert, advises parents to steer clear of toys with small, loose parts, “as all things go into the mouth at this age.” Mintz echoes this concern. “Avoid toys with small parts that can be choking hazards, toys with sharp edges, and those made from toxic materials. We want sturdy toys that won't break into little pieces,” she says.
Age appropriateness
“Checking age grade on the package is important,” says Warfield. In this case, you want to look for toys recommended for children ages six to 12 months. These toys are safe for your baby to play with, and developmentally appropriate, as well.
Sensory stimulation
Karri Bowen-Poole, founder of Smart Playrooms, suggests looking for toys that engage the senses, such as touch, sight, and sound. Sensory toys, such as balls in a variety of sizes, shapes, colors, and textures are a popular one for this age group.
Motor skill, cognitive, and language development
Many six- to12-month-olds are already on the move! To improve motor skills, “look for toys that encourage reaching, grasping, crawling, and moving, like soft balls, mats, and push or walking toys,” recommends Bowen-Poole. Toys “that promote cause and effect, problem solving, and spatial awareness,” are great for cognitive development, while toys that talk or encourage conversations or labeling can help develop language skills, she adds.
Their Interests
No two babies are alike: What one child prefers, another couldn’t care less about. “Allow babies to take the lead in play and follow their interests and cues,” says Bowen-Poole. “Observe their preferences, reactions, and behaviors to understand what types of play activities engage and stimulate them the most.” And if you’re looking to deepen your connection with your baby, Mintz says, “finding toys that encourage parent interaction such as books, rolling balls, and bubbles help foster early attachments.”
Below, you’ll find our selections, and remember, if you find this guide useful, you may also be interested in our guides to the best toys for 0-6 months, the best toddler toys, and the best shower gifts.
Our top picks for the best baby toys for 6-12 months
Edushape Sensory Mini Balls
Edushape The Original Sensory Mini Balls for Baby Pack of 6
They’ll have a ball exploring, touching, and even teething on these popular sensory balls. Available in a set of six, “these balls of different shapes, textures, and colors allow for fun sensorimotor play and can facilitate fun bonding with caregivers, as babies are now much more curious of materials and seeking playful engagement,” says licensed clinical social worker and play expert Jennifer Rothman. “They can explore these balls in so many ways: Reaching, holding, rolling, mouthing, banging, dropping, hiding and finding, visually tracking where it goes, crawling for it, and so much more.”
Specifications:
- Material: Plastic
- Batteries required: No
- Age range: 0+ months
- Price at time of publish: $19.99
What we like:
What we don't Like:
- Pets can easily mistake them for their own toys
The bottom line:
These colorful sensory balls are super fun for babies and also help boost sensory and motor development.
Get it here: Edushape Sensory Mini Balls
Taf Toys Baby Activity Arch
Taf Toys Baby Activity Arch, Stroller and Car Seat Toy Attachment with Rattling Beads Maze and Double-Sided Spinning Mirror, Ideal for Baby’s Fine Motor Skills Development, 0-12 Months
If you’re looking for stroller toys for zero to six months that can easily take you through the first year, I highly recommend this versatile activity arch for on the go. There are black and white and colorful butterflies hanging to stimulate newborns’ visual senses. For babies three months and up, there’s a rattling beads maze, a bunny with crinkling ears and beads, and a double-sided spinning mirror to practice motor skills and develop hand-eye coordination. It easily attaches to car seats, strollers, and bouncers to entertain baby when you’re out and about or just have to get things done around the house. I like that it’s height adjustable, so you can reposition as baby grows.
Specifications:
- Material: Not listed
- Batteries required: No
- Age range: 0-12 months
- Price at time of publish: $29.95
What we like:
- Great for entertaining on the go or at home
- Versatile so can attach to many things
- Visually stimulating
- Hanging toys for baby to play with
- Built-in sensory elements
- Plenty of developmental benefits
- Height adjustable
What we don't Like:
- Some reviewers had trouble attaching it
What we don’t like:
- Some reviewers had trouble attaching it
The bottom line:
This entertaining activity arch is super versatile, attaching to strollers, prams, bouncers, and more to keep them happy when you can’t.
Get it here: Taf Toys Baby Activity Arch
Lovevery Play Kits
Lovevery Play Kits
Researching the best baby and toddler toys can be time consuming, but Lovevery does the hard work for you. “These kits are selected by child development experts who know how best to support hearty brain growth during the early, formative years,” says Bowen-Poole. Each kit is tailored to your baby’s age and stage of development and includes engaging, gorgeous, and high-quality modern toys (many wooden) that you won’t mind adorning your playroom. The best part? When you sign up for a subscription, new toys automatically arrive at your door every two (or three) months to entertain your babe.
Specifications:
- Material: Varies
- Batteries required: No
- Age range: Kits available for months 5-6, 7-8, 9-10, and 11-12
- Price at time of publish: $80
What we like:
- Kits designed and curated by child development experts
- Toys are high quality and made to last
- Highly targeted to specific development windows
- Sustainable company
- Carbon neutral shipping
What we don't Like:
- Play kits are available by subscription only
- Expensive
The bottom line:
Lovevery is worth the splurge for beautiful, sustainable toys made to support brain development and delivered direct to your door bimonthly.
Get it here: Lovevery Play Kits
Touchable Mini Bubbles Wand Toy
JA-RU Grab a Bubble - Touchable Mini Bubbles Wand Toy (6 Pack Assorted Color) | Small Bubble Wands for Kids | Summer Celebration Kid Toys | Party Favors Birthday Gift Goodie in Bulk.1524-6
If there’s one thing all babies and toddlers are obsessed with, it’s bubbles. Mintz highly recommends what she calls “sticky bubbles.” “They are fun, unique bubbles that don't pop and are great for sensory stimulation and increasing attention,” she says. Grab a pack of these to engage and entertain your babe on a nice day. They’re small enough to fit in your diaper bag, stroller caddy or even your pocket for on the go, too.
Specifications:
- Material: Plastic
- Batteries required: No
- Age range: 4-15 (caregivers will need to blow bubbles for baby)
- Price at time of publish: From $5.40
What we like:
- Affordable
- Portable
- Super engaging
- Provides sensory stimulation
- Increases attention
- All kids love them
What we don't Like:
- Leaves a residue so can be tough to clean up, so they’re best used outdoors
The bottom line:
These touchable bubbles are a blast for babies, keeping them busy and providing lots of sensory stimulation.
Get it here: Touchable Mini Bubbles Wand Toy
Copper Pearl Oceana Squirtie Bath Toy Set
Copper Pearl Oceana Squirtie Bath Toy Set
Bathtime is the ultimate sensory experience for babies. Turn up the fun in the tub with these adorable mix-and-match silicone squirties. They pull apart completely, allowing littles to work on hand-eye coordination and strengthen fine motor skills. More importantly, cleaning them is a breeze for parents. Each character has a different spray feature to excite babies and let them explore cause and effect.
Specifications:
- Material: Silicone
- Age range: 9m+
- Batteries required: No
- Price at time of publish: $19.99
What we like:
- Made of soft silicone
- Free from BPA, PVC, and phthalates
- Easy to clean
- Can be mixed and matched
- Lots of developmental benefits
What we don't Like:
- Slightly expensive
The bottom line:
These soft silicone bath toys pull apart for easy cleaning, and are interchangeable to mix up the fun.
Get it here: Copper Pearl Oceana Squirtie Bath Toy Set
Vtech Sit-To-Stand Learning Walker
VTech Sit-to-Stand Learning Walker (Frustration Free Packaging) , Orange
This colorful and interactive baby walker was a staple in our house and beloved by all three of my babies. It has over 90,000 positive reviews on Amazon and an impressive 4.8-star rating, making it a popular pick among parents everywhere. It provides hours of entertainment (seriously!) whether they’re pushing all the buttons or pushing it around the house.
Key features include a piano, multiple shape sorters, light-up buttons, spinning gears, a pretend telephone, and over 70 songs, sound effects, and fun phrases. It’s perfect for working on fine motor skills, sensory stimulation, and getting them up and moving. The activity panel can also be removed for fun floor play when they’re still sitting, and the wheels have two speeds for safety purposes and to accommodate different skill levels.
Specifications:
- Material: Plastic
- Batteries required: Yes
- Age range: 9 months-3 years
- Price at time of publish: $39.99
What we like:
- Interactive
- Versatile
- Lots of developmental benefits
- Activity panel is removable
- Sturdy
- Wheels have two speeds
What we don't Like:
- Can flip when child tries to pull up, so must supervise
The bottom line:
This bright, interactive Learning Walker gets kids moving, holds their attention well, and offers so many fun and educational ways to play.
Get it here: Vtech Sit-To-Stand Learning Walker
B. Toys Baby Blocks
B. toys – Baby Blocks – Stacking & Building Toys For Babies – 10 Soft & Educational Blocks- Numbers, Shapes, Colors, Animals- One Two Squeeze- 6 Months +
These squeezable silicone blocks come in the cutest modern colors with numbers, animals, and shapes embossed on each side to take their learning to the next level. They’re textured for sensory development and double as a teething toy. Littles will enjoy stacking them and, let’s be honest, throwing them. They’re super soft, so they won’t hurt when they knock them over or sling them across the room.
Specifications:
- Material: Silicone
- Batteries required: No
- Age range: 6 months+
- Price at time of publish: $12.99
What we like:
- Well-priced
- Includes a recycled storage bag
- Soft and squeezable
- Suitable for teething
- Lots of developmental benefits
- Teaches babies numbers, shapes, colors, and animals
What we don't Like:
- Can’t be submerged in water and drool can get trapped
The bottom line:
These soft sensory blocks make a great (and safe!) first block set for tiny teethers.
Get it here: B. Toys Baby Blocks
The Wheels On The Bus Board Book
The Wheels On The Bus Board Book
Mintz loves this version of The Wheels on the Bus. “It’s interactive and there is so much to talk about, describe, and label in this book, helping with vocabulary and language development,” she says. It’s also a nostalgic book (and song!) for parents who will enjoy sharing the story with their own children. “Our little one is obsessed with the moving parts of this book,” writes one Amazon reviewer. “Great take on a classic and makes reading it fun and interactive.”
Specifications:
- Material: Paperboard
- Batteries required: No
- Age range: 0+
- Price at time of publish: $23.49
What we like:
- Great for language development
- Interactive
- Classic story/song
- Beautiful graphics/illustrations
What we don't Like:
- Babies can tear or rip tabs and moving parts if they pull too hard
The bottom line:
This classic, interactive board book will quickly become their new bedtime favorite, with lots for littles to do on each page.
Get it here: The Wheels On The Bus Board Book
Creative Kids Sensory Pull Along Baby Tissue Box
Creative Kids Sensory Pull Along Toddler Infant Baby Tissue Box - Colorful Juggling Rainbow Dance Scarves for Kids STEM Montessori Educational Manipulative Preschool Learning Toys – 5 Month 1-2-Year
Work on hand-eye coordination, color recognition, fine motor skills, and so much more with this plush and popular tissue box sensory toy. Inside are 15 textured tissue fabrics, including tulle, shear, and crinkly corduroy cloths, to grab, pull, explore, and excite their senses. The colorful tissues are also perfect to play peek-a-boo with, toss in the air, catch, or whatever games they dream up. The box itself is made from non-toxic materials and gently weighted too, making it easier for babies to pull the tissues out.
Specifications:
- Material: Polyester
- Batteries required: No
- Age range: 5 months-2 years
- Price at time of publish: $22.49
What we like:
- Excellent for sensory development
- Encourages color recognition
- Strengthens fine motor skills
- Weighted base for ease of use
- Many ways to play
- Non-toxic
What we don't Like:
- The tissues are slippery when on the floor
The bottom line:
This plush, sensory tissue box is an excellent investment for babies who love the real thing.
Get it here: Creative Kids Sensory Pull Along Baby Tissue Box
Battat Activity Cube
Battat - Activity Cube With Farm Theme - Educational Wooden Toys For Toddlers And Kids - 1 Year +
This top-rated, heirloom-quality activity cube was one of the most played with toys in our home during the baby and toddler stage. There’s so much to do on each side, allowing little ones to practice fine motor skills and explore cause and effect. They can push and pull beads, play peek-a-boo with farm animals, spin the spinners or watch the animals go down the zig-zag race tracks. The wood quality is excellent too, making it perfect for passing down to younger siblings or family members.
Specifications:
- Material: Wood
- Batteries required: No
- Age range: 12 months+
- Price at time of publish: $20.80
What we like:
- Heirloom quality
- Many ways to play
- Strengthens fine motor skills
- Allows babies to explore cause and effect
- Smooth corners for safety
What we don't Like:
- Expensive
The bottom line:
This heirloom-quality activity cube is full of engaging activities without loud noises or light-up features that can be overstimulating.
Get it here: Battat Activity Cube
Jellycat Bashful Bunny Stuffed Animal
Jellycat Bashful Beige Bunny Medium Plush (12 in.)
My oldest has had his Jellycat bunny since he was a baby and still sleeps with it every night. They are supremely soft, made for cuddling, and the perfect first stuffy for little ones. As Mintz points out, “beginning to understand social cues and forming attachments is important. Dolls, stuffed animals, and toys that encourage imitation play can be helpful.” This is one of my personal go-to baby shower gifts for new parents. It’s lightweight enough for littles to hold and carry, and a toy that can be enjoyed, snuggled, and played with long past the baby stage.
Specifications:
- Material: Polyester, plastic pellets/eyes
- Batteries required: No
- Age range: 0+
- Price at time of publish: $28
What we like:
- Super soft
- Lightweight
- High quality
- Provides comfort and security
- Encourages imitation play
What we don't Like:
- It’s spot clean only
The bottom line:
This Jellycat bunny is luxuriously soft and treasured (and snuggled) by parents and children alike.
Get it here: Jellycat Bashful Bunny Stuffed Animal
Mobi Peeka Developmental Mirror
MOBI PEEKA TUMMY TIME MIRROR - Baby Essentials for your baby - Tummy Time Mat - Baby Toy 0-6 months - Shatterproof Mirror for Baby BPA + Phthalate Free Food Grade Silicone - Baby Mirror Tummy Time Toy
Mirror, mirror on the wall, who’s the cutest baby of them all? This portable and collapsible mirror is packed with so many benefits for babies. “Looking together in the mirror helps your baby learn to imitate facial expressions, which then helps them learn to imitate sounds and eventually words,” says Mintz. “It's a great way to connect and bond with your baby.” This shatterproof mirror also doubles as a fun sensory toy, with textured beads, balls, and handles for baby to explore.
Specifications:
- Material: Food-grade silicone
- Batteries required: No
- Age range: 0+
- Price at time of publish: $24.99
What we like:
- BPA- and phthalate-free
- Doubles as a sensory toy
- Lots of developmental and language benefits
- Collapses for on the go
- Shatterproof
- Easy to clean
What we don't Like:
- Expensive
The bottom line:
While pricey, this popular sensory mirror offers a slew of developmental benefits, encouraging babies to crawl and imitate facial expressions and sounds.
Get it here: Mobi Peeka Developmental Mirror
Colored Organics Kendi Star Stacker
Kendi Star Stacker, (Pink, One Size) - Kids Toys | Colored Organics from Maisonette
“This is wonderful for babies, as it’s a toy and teether all in one,” says Bowen-Poole. Each piece is made of BPA-free, non-toxic silicone that’s super grippy and small enough for small hands to easily pick up, grasp, and play with. When your baby isn’t putting each piece into their mouth to teeth on, they’ll love exercising their hand-eye coordination and learning colors as they stack. As a mom myself, I love how beautifully made and aesthetically pleasing this toy is.
Specifications:
- Material: BPA-free, non-toxic silicone
- Batteries required: No
- Age range: 6 months+
- Price at time of publish: $34
What we like:
- Two toys in one
- Made of BPA-free, non-toxic silicone
- Many developmental benefits
- Modern design
- High quality
What we don't Like:
- Expensive
The bottom line:
This modern stacking toy doubles as a teether and is made of BPA-free, non-toxic silicone. Plus, it’s so pretty!
Get it here: Colored Organics Kendi Star Stacker
How we selected the best baby toys for 6-12 months
To choose the best baby toys for six to 12 months, I spoke with play experts, including a playroom designer, an early childhood development expert, and two certified play experts, who are knowledgeable regarding the types of toys that are beneficial, engaging, and entertaining for this age group.
I also used my own experience as a parenting commerce writer and seasoned mom of three. I have a one-year old myself, and I’ve tried tons of toys over the past seven years. I included personal faves of my own and my children, as well as favorites of the experts I interviewed. I also looked at product reviews and only included toys with excellent ratings.
The information presented here is created independently from the TIME editorial staff. To learn more, see our About page.