Best Baby Toys for 6-12 Months: Early Development
Choosing the best toys for your little one is an important part of supporting their development during the crucial 6-12 month age and stage. Selecting the right toys can encourage baby to explore, learn, and grow, setting the foundation for future skills. This article will help you understand the importance of toys during this period and will also highlight some of the best toys to consider.
Understanding the Importance of Toys for 6-12 Months
How Toys Help Infants Learn
Baby toys are essential tools that support the healthy brain development of infants. Play allows for creative learning, which is critical for development. By offering a variety of baby toys, you equip babies with the resources they need to grow and explore their world, which sets them up for success in all developmental areas. Selecting the best toys helps promote cognitive, motor, and social-emotional skills, contributing to the well-rounded development of a 6-month-old baby.
The Role of Tummy Time in Development
Tummy time is a crucial activity for infants, and certain toys can enhance this experience. A colorful mat can make tummy time more engaging, which helps to develop strength in the little one’s arms and legs. Toys for babies, like sensory toys with varying textures, can also be placed within reach during tummy time to encourage the baby to lift their head and explore. Tummy time enhances gross motor skills.
Age and Stage: What to Expect
At 6-12 months, infants are on the move, mastering new skills and discovering how things work. At 6-months-old, babies can sit and manipulate objects with hands, and their movement patterns are more controlled. Babies are now able to sit and pull to stand independently, as well as start to crawl. Toys for 6-month-olds should, therefore, focus on encouraging these abilities. Choosing educational and learning toys will help support cognitive and motor skills as your little one reaches these developmental milestones.
Top Picks: Best Toys for 6-Month-Olds
Essential Developmental Toys
Selecting the appropriate developmental toys for a 6-month-old baby can significantly enhance their growth during this crucial stage. Here’s a summary of some popular choices:
| Toy Category | Recommended Toy |
|---|---|
| Fine Motor Skills & Hand-Eye Coordination | B. Toys Baby Blocks |
| Sensory Development | Hape Put-Stay Rattles |
For musical toys, the Fisher-Price Kick and Play Deluxe Sit-Me-Up Seat is a fantastic option. The Lovevery Play Kits Subscription offers curated educational toys delivered regularly. For sensory toys, the Ms. Rachel Sensory Learning Farm provides varying textures and sounds. Lastly, The First Years Stack And Count Cups are perfect bath toys.
Best Educational Toys for Early Learning
Investing in educational toys is crucial for cognitive development in 6-month-old babies. The Lovevery Play Kit subscription box is an outstanding option, as it delivers developmentally appropriate baby toys right to your doorstep every two months. These kits include aesthetically pleasing toys for the little one to explore, designed to stimulate their curiosity and learning. The kits also contain activity guides for the parents, providing ideas on how to use the baby toys to maximize the developmental benefits. These baby toys encourage problem-solving and support cognitive growth, making them an ideal choice for parents looking to provide a stimulating learning environment for their 6-month-old.
Engaging Sensory Toys
Sensory toys are vital for stimulating a 6-month-old’s development, as these toys engage their senses and promote exploration. Look for baby toys with a variety of textures, colors, and sounds to capture and maintain the little one’s attention. Plush toys made from soft materials can offer comfort and tactile stimulation, while toys with crinkly or rattling components stimulate auditory senses. The importance of texture should not be underestimated; different textures enhance sensory processing and encourage babies to explore their environment through touch. Sensory mats with attached toys are also fantastic for tummy time, encouraging babies to lift their heads and strengthen their neck muscles while engaging with different sensory elements.
Exploring Toys for 6-12 Months
Recommendations for Toddlers
As babies transition from 6 months to 12 months, their developmental needs evolve, so the appropriate toys should grow with them. During this age and stage, toys for 6-month-olds should focus on stimulating sensory exploration and motor skills. As they get older, consider toys that encourage gross motor skills such as soft toys, musical toys, and learning toys. The little one will engage in pretend play, problem-solving, and social interaction. Having a variety of baby toys will support their growth and development.
Bath Toys That Make Splashing Fun
Bath time can be an enriching experience with the right bath toy that makes it fun. Choosing the best toys that float, squirt water, or change color in warm water can capture their attention and encourage baby to enjoy the water. Ensure the bath toy is made from safe, non-toxic materials, free from phthalates and BPA, as the little one will likely put the toy in their mouth. Soft toys can be excellent options for adding a comforting element to bath time, while squeeze toys help develop hand-eye coordination. These can make bath time a fun sensory experience.
Interactive Toys for Cognitive Growth
Interactive learning toys are essential for fostering cognitive growth in the 6-month-old baby during 6-12 months. These toys should be designed to stimulate the baby’s curiosity and encourage exploration of different sounds, textures, and shapes. Sensory toys like the Baby Einstein Take Along Tunes Musical Toy can introduce cause-and-effect relationships, which enhance cognitive skills. Educational toys often incorporate elements of problem-solving and critical thinking, encouraging the little one to develop these skills early on. These toys enhance hand-eye coordination and create an environment for a variety of baby toys. They serve as developmental toys.
Choosing the Right Toys for Your Baby
Factors to Consider When Selecting Toys
Chamorro recommends toys that support development across several key areas. These areas include:
- Communication
- Gross motor skills
- Fine motor skills
- Problem-solving skills
- Social skills
She suggests toys such as blocks, baby books, stacking toys, and mirrors. Chamorro explains that books can help babies develop communication and fine motor skills as they learn to turn pages, an essential developmental stage for the 6 to 12 month age. The best toys are fun toys that facilitate growth and exploration, offering a variety of baby toys.
Safety and Quality Standards for Infant Toys
Young babies like to put just about everything in their mouths, so safety is incredibly important when choosing a toy. “The best way to know if a toy is safe and appropriate for your baby is to check the label,” says Dr. Karp. “All toys are age-graded based on choking or safety risks and the physical and cognitive skills a child needs to play with the toy. Make sure you avoid any small toys or toys with small parts. When you can, opt for toys made of natural materials that are phthalate-, PVC- and BPA-free.” The toys should adhere to standards.
How to Encourage Play and Learning
One of the best ways to entertain a 6-month-old baby is to interact with them. “Singing to them, playing games like peek-a-boo, reading with them, and providing sensory experiences (like splashing in cool water on a cookie tray with your supervision or playing with crushed Cheerios) are all really great ways to engage with babies directly,” says Rickerd. Reading sessions with soft toys and plush toys are also a great idea, and they encourage development of sensory skills during 6-12 months. Tummy time with a mat is a great way to encourage baby’s development.
Frequently Asked Questions
Best Toys for 6-12 Months: Help Them Learn
What are the best toys for 6 to 12 months?
The best toys for 6 to 12 months include a variety of sensory toys, teething toys, and developmental toys that promote learning and motor skills. Look for toys that are easy to grasp, such as soft blocks and push and pull toys, as well as those that make sounds or have buttons to press to engage your little one.
What types of toys are suitable for a 6-month-old?
For a 6-month-old, suitable toys include crinkle toys, stuffed animals, and toys that promote tummy time. Look for toys with high-contrast colors and textures to stimulate visual and tactile senses. Activity centers that incorporate songs and music also help in language development.
What are the top picks for developmental toys for toddlers?
Top picks for developmental toys for toddlers include push walkers, xylophones, and toys that encourage scooting. These toys not only entertain but also help develop gross motor skills and hand-eye coordination through play.
How do educational toys help with language development?
Educational toys, such as those with letters and numbers or that make sounds, can significantly aid in language development. They provide opportunities for babies to learn animal sounds, sing lullabies, and engage in interactive play, which fosters communication skills.
What are some great bath toys for babies?
Great bath toys for babies include washable toys that float, squirt, or make sounds. These toys can make bath time fun and engaging while promoting sensory exploration. Look for BPA-free options that are safe for your little one.
What is the importance of choosing age-appropriate toys?
Choosing age-appropriate toys is crucial as they cater to your child’s developmental stage and abilities. Toys designed for specific age groups, like those for 6 to 12 months, are made to support the skills and milestones typical for that age, ensuring safe and beneficial playtime.
Can toy subscription boxes provide good recommendations for toys?
Yes, toy subscription boxes often provide excellent recommendations for toys tailored to your child’s age and interests. Toy subscription boxes introduce you to new and trending toys that are both educational and fun, thereby simplifying the process of selecting the right toys for your child.
What are some recommended toys for 12-15 months old toddlers?
Recommended toys for 12-15 months old toddlers include push and pull toys, activity centers, and toys that promote imaginative play. These toys help them learn cause and effect, develop social skills, and enhance their creativity through exploration and interaction.
