What type of toys should my 6-month-old have?

“When choosing toys for any age group, it is best to consider what developmental milestones are happening with your baby at that time,” says Neela Sethi, MD , lactation expert, MAM Baby ambassador , pediatrician, and mom. Dr. Neela says that at this point in time, babies are usually starting to sit up and can transfer objects between their hands. They also love sounds. “Toys that play music when buttons are pushed are a great option,” says Dr. Neela. “Stacking blocks, toys, where you have to put objects into a container, balls, and toys that have texture or are crinkly, are also fun at this age.”

What toys are developmentally appropriate for a 6-month-old?

Dr. Neela reminds parents that babies are growing fast at this age, and their interest levels may change rapidly along with their development. “Six-month-old babies love toys that play music, activity boxes, and toys with texture,” she says. “They tend to do a lot of teething at this age, so don’t forget the importance of teething toys! MAM teethers massage and cool sore gums, and the outer textures stimulate the sense of touch,” she adds. At this age, babies also love soft books, balls, stacking rings or cups, and blocks.

What should 6-month-old babies play with?

At six months, your baby is excited to be exploring the world around them. Try to find toys that are safe for them to chew on, as well as fun toys that play music or make sounds in response to your child's actions (like pressing a button). “They love balls and things that move,” says Dr. Neela. “It is also fun to stack at this age or place items in a container. As they grow, babies will gravitate to activity centers and plush toys.” At this age, toys can be fairly simple, and something as straightforward as a ball can provide hours of entertainment. Toys and books provide valuable stimulation to help your baby develop.

How much do developmental toys for 6-month-olds cost?

High-quality developmental toys that are age-appropriate for 6-month-olds range in cost, but generally, you can expect to pay between $10 and $40. However, there are plenty of options below $10 and many pricier toys to choose from, such as the Lovevery The Senser Play Kit , if your budget allows. At $5, The First Years Stack Up Cup Toys is the cheapest item on our list and is a simple yet versatile toy. The priciest toy we included is the ALEX Toys Discover My Busy Town Activity Cube , which retails for $100 and is a more elaborate toy with five sides of various learning and fine motor activities.

The 17 Best Developmental Toys for 6-Month-Olds of 2023

In addition to getting cuter every second 6-month-olds are reaching a time of huge growth and development, as some babies will begin babbling, sitting up on their own, and eating solid food. To celebrate these major accomplishments, add a developmental toy to your child's collection. These educational toys also make a great holiday gift for any little one in your life. When shopping, consider what’s best for the child and their lifestyle—most importantly, ensure the toy is safe by avoiding anything with small pieces that could pose a choking hazard.

Reviewed & Approved

The LeapFrog My Pal Scout Smarty Paws plush puppy gets your little one moving and learning thanks to dozens of songs, dances, and learning activities.
For a toy that doesn’t require batteries, we recommend The First Years Stack Up Cup Toys, which are 33% off right now at Amazon.

"By six months, a baby is able to roll over and start to sit unassisted. As babies get older, you want developmental toys that encourage your baby to sit up and play and even start crawling. Once babies become more mobile, they need toys that can keep up," says Laurie Leahey, senior editor at Toys, Tots, Pets & More (TTPM). We researched value, toy safety, and age recommendations when reviewing these best toys for 6-month-olds.

Our Top Picks

LeapFrog My Pal Scout Smarty Paws Puppy at Amazon

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The First Years Stack Up Cup Toys at Amazon

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SmartNoggin NogginStik Light-Up Rattle at Amazon

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Sassy Tummy Time Floor Mirror at Amazon

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Edushape See-Me 4-Inch Sensory Balls at Amazon

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Fat Brain Toys InnyBin at Amazon

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ALEX Toys Discover My Busy Town Activity Cube at Amazon

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Baby Einstein Sticky Spinner High Chair Activity Toy at Amazon

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Munchkin Float and Play Bubbles Bath Toy at Amazon

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Fat Brain Toys Sensory Rollers at Walmart

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In This Article

Our Picks
How We Selected
What to Look For
FAQs
Why Trust Verywell Family

Amazon

Pros

Over 40 lullabies with three time-lengths
Can be personalized to say child's name
Over 15 learning activities

Cons

Needs setup for personalization to work

Sing, play, and dance along with this cute puppy pal that will help your little one as they learn first words (including feelings and emotions), numbers, and colors. The LeapFrog My Pal Scout Smarty Paws is at the top of our list because of the endless ways to play and loads of learning activities. When kiddos grab onto Scout’s paws, the pup will react with music, games, and mindfulness exercises, which will stop when the baby lets go—this helps to teach cause and effect. Parents can program the toy with a smartphone, tablet, or computer, so the pup will know the kiddo’s name.

When it’s time to transition to quiet time, there’s a sensor in Scout’s right paw that activates nighttime mode, which will play five, 10, or 15 minutes of bedtime music (with volume control) that’ll soothe and calm your little one. Plus, thanks to Scout's soft, plush fabric, babies will love snuggling up with their new friend.

Price at time of publication: $25

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

Free of BPA, lead, or phthalates
Numbers on base encourage counting skills
Lightweight for babies, sturdy enough for toddlers

Cons

Only toddlers might be able to grip

These eight brightly colored cups are fun for stacking and pouring and will even help teach some early number and color recognition. Each cup has different variations of holes in the bottom, so your kiddo will love filling them up with water or sand and then watching it trickle out of the bottom. These easy-to-clean stacking cups are versatile, budget-friendly toys.

Price at time of publication: $5

What Our Editors Say

"For $5, you can't do better. My daughter loved these simple cups so much that we got a set for our house as well as her grandparents'. The set kept her occupied, whether she was making noise with the cups, stacking them, or just throwing them on the floor!" —Lauren Levinson, Editorial Director, Verywell Family

Bed Bath and Beyond

Pros

Free of BPA, PVC, phthalates, or lead
Color-changing lights for visual tracking skills
Mirror on bottom for early self-recognition and vision skills
Textured body encourages sense of touch

Cons

Plastic design could deter some buyers

Increase cognitive development with this multi-purpose toy. Each Noggin Head has color-changing lights that are activated when batted by the baby's hand. The eyes on the face encourage visual tracking, the texture on the toy’s body provides tactile engagement, a built-in rattle increases audio engagement, and a mirror on the bottom helps babies see themselves.

Included with the toy is a parent’s guide to monitoring milestones.

Price at time of publication: $24

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

Easy to set up
Rattle and crinkly bee encourage development of touch
Mirror stimulates early self-recognition and vision skills

Cons

Construction of mirror could deter some

Tummy time just got a lot more engaging (and cute!) with this floor mirror made just for babies. Easy to set up, the easel-shaped mirror stands on the floor while the mirror engages the baby's developing vision. Curious kids will love grabbing for the rotating, clicking, and crinkly bee and ladybug rattle that are both attached to the mirror.

Price at time of publish: $21

What the Experts Say

"Milestones at six months relate to the child’s ability to start interacting with the world. This means recognizing their own faces and faces of important people in their lives. Children at this age develop an interest in seeing themselves, and I like toys with mirrors that allow themselves the opportunity to see their face in different contexts." —Daniel Marston, PhD, ABPP, clinical psychologist

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

Can be rolled, gripped, tossed, and bounced
Easy-gripping nubby texture for tactile development
Bright colors for visual recognition skills

Cons

Some might find it not entirely stimulating

Engage baby’s senses and tactile development with this set of four sensory balls that are fun for rolling, gripping, tossing, and bouncing. The bright color design and nubby surface make these versatile toys for kids of all ages, so they’re perfect for young kids and their older siblings. Parents appreciate that they come perfectly inflated, so they’re easy for little hands to grab and grip.

Price at time of publication: $20

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

Textured chunky blocks for grip and touch
Stimulates fine motor skills
Different styles of blocks for shapes learning

Cons

Straps on box might restrict some hands
A bit more expensive

Babies will love exploring the textures of the six chunky blocks that are sized just right for little hands. Children are challenged to push the different shapes through the elastic bands of the cube, encouraging fine motor skills, tactile exploration, and experimentation. A self-contained toy, kids can put other toys in the versatile bin for added storage and learning.

Price at time of publish: $26

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

Improves gross motor skills
Offers a full-body engagement
Five sides of various learning activities

Cons

Construction could use some work
A bit more expensive

Babies can use their large muscles to improve gross motor skills by playing with this cube, sitting at it, pulling themselves up, and eventually standing at the sturdy wooden toy. The five sides of fun include curvy wire rides, peek-a-boo doors, spin and match animals, ABC tiles, and more. While it’s recommended for ages 12 months and up, most 6-month-old babies can begin playing with this toy and will age into it.

Price at time of publication: $111

Amazon

Pros

Great for travel or keeping baby entertained in restaurants
BPA-free
Encourages hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills

Cons

May not suction to every type of surface

This portable spinner toy suctions to tables, highchair trays, and more to keep baby entertained, whether it’s on a plane or during mealtime at home or at a restaurant. The colorful outer loops and the inner ball spin in opposite directions to capture the little one’s attention, and the toy is made out of soft BPA-free plastic, so it’s safe for babies to play with. Kiddos can grasp and spin the loops, helping them practice hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.

Price at time of publication: $9

Amazon

Pros

Stimulates baby’s senses of touch, sight, and hearing
Tight seal prevents mold and mildew
Can also be used outside of bathtime

Cons

Hard to clean under the ring

Keep your baby entertained and engaged during bathtime with these Float and Play Bubbles balls. Each plastic ball has a rotating textured ring on the outside and a fun toy inside that rattles and spins. The spheres are the right size for little hands to grasp, and their tight seal prevents mold and mildew growth.

Price at time of publication: $9

Amazon

Pros

BPA-free food-grade silicone material is safe for baby
Six different textures to explore
Easy to clean

Cons

A bit heavy

These silicone sensory rollers are great for babies to explore their senses of sight, taste, touch, and more. Each ball has two unique patterns for little ones to investigate, as well as a chime inside, which rings when the ball is shaken or rolled. Plus, the rollers are dishwasher-safe and made from BPA-free food-grade silicone, so they’re easy to clean and safe for teething babies.

Price at time of publication: $20

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

Volume is adjustable and shuts off automatically
Grabs baby’s attentions with lights and songs

Cons

Lower volume setting may still be too loud for some babies

With five sides of play to explore, babies can press, slide, and twirl this toy’s many buttons and knobs. The cube has a motion sensor, which plays fun sounds when the toy is moved to keep the baby engaged. The four light-up buttons on the top teach your little one about animal names and noises, while other features highlight numbers and letters; together, these features make this an educational toy in addition to a fun one. The volume can be adjusted and will automatically shut off, though new AAA batteries will need to be inserted for the sound and lights to work, as the included batteries are just for demo purposes.

Price at time of publication: $19

Amazon

Pros

Grows with your kid
Play mat is machine-washable
The toys are detachable

Cons

The three required AA batteries are not included

This play gym is fun for your little one at all ages. Before the baby starts sitting, they’ll love laying on the mat and looking up at the toy bar—featuring a plush bird rattle, sun mirror, ring rattle, textured leaf toy, and animal flashcards—and kicking at the piano and drum pad, which lights up and makes several different noises. Once they can sit up, the toy bar can be removed to give them more space, and the piano can be flipped into a seated position. When your kid is older, still, the instrument converts into a fun portable piano and drum toy. Plus, the five toys on the toy bar can be unclipped and taken with you to keep your little one entertained in their stroller or at a restaurant.

Price at time of publication: $40

Amazon

Pros

Promotes hand-eye coordination and teaches object permanence
Each ball is a different texture for additional exploration
Helps develop hand, wrist, and finger control

Cons

The balls may be loud when dropped into the box

To use this toy, your baby simply needs to drop a ball into the hole on the top of the wooden box and then watch it reappear as it rolls out into the tray. Watching the balls disappear and reappear will help them work on concentration and object permanence. The three balls are made from different materials—plastic, wood, and a knit ball—for little ones to explore various textures. Depending on the material, the balls might make a loud noise when dropped into the wooden box, so caregivers could add a piece of felt to the bottom of the box.

Price at time of publication: $23

4.8

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

Multi-sensory toy
Doubles as a rattle and teether
Wood is painted with non-toxic paint

Cons

Tricky to clean

This combined rattle and teether helps your baby learn about sound, touch, and taste, while the textured wooden beads and elastic strings are great for tactile exploration. Baby can grasp and shake this toy and watch the colorful beads move back and forth—then, when they’re older, they can use it to learn their colors. The wooden toy is coated in non-toxic paint, so it’s safe for when they inevitably put it in their mouth.

Price at time of publication: $21

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

Variety of textures for teething
Helps develop hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills
Clear ring with beads helps baby connect sight and sound

Cons

Toy is quite small

From working on hand-eye coordination to encountering new textures, these stacking rings are an engaging way for little ones to explore lots of new sensory skills. Featuring eight different-sized rings to help develop fine motor skills, kiddos can stack the rings onto the straight pole in any order. The rings’ various textures are also great for teething babies, while the clear ring with visible, colorful beads helps them connect what they’re hearing to what they see.

Price at time of publication: $13

Lovevery

Pros

Toys are specifically designed to align with milestones
Play guide for parents is included
Toys are inspired by Montessori learning

Cons

Subscription options are pricey

Tailored to babies that are 5–6 months, this kit helps little ones explore their senses and build their skills, from touch to body control to object permanence. The kit includes a spinning rainbow toy, magic tissue box, grippable rainbow ball, “Parts of Me” book, play socks, and a wobbler for tummy time. Also included is a handy play guide for parents with expert tips, at-home activities, additional uses for the toys, and more. Sign up for a single shipment or pre-pay for multiple subscription boxes, delivered every two months.

Price at time of publication: $80

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

Super portable
Bright colors and patterns are visually appealing
Babies can see themselves in the hidden mirror

Cons

Not machine-washable

Doubling as a soft stuffed friend, Baby Whoozit is a multisensory toy that babies can play with on the go. With eye-catching patterns like stripes, stars, and checks, the brightly-colored toy crinkles, rattles, and squeaks to engage little ones. Kiddos can grasp Baby Whoozit’s pink mouth loop or red nose, which flips up to reveal a mirror. Attached to the top of its head is a plastic clip, which can attach Baby Whoozit to cribs, strollers, and car seats for portable entertainment.

Price at time of publication: $19

How We Selected the Best Developmental Toys for 6-Month-Olds

We chose the best developmental toys for 6-month-olds by researching reviews from customers and competitors, and we studied the features of more than two dozen products on the market. We considered price, design, features, ease of cleaning, age recommendations, and material when deciding our picks. We also consulted with Laurie Leahey, senior editor at Toys, Tots, Pets & More (TTPM), and clinical psychologist Daniel Marston, PhD, ABPP, for any considerations or product recommendations while reviewing guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics on toy buying safety.

What to Look for in a Developmental Toy for a 6-Month-Old

Safety

When you’re shopping for toys for a 6-month-old, think large—meaning you don’t want a toy that has pieces small enough to fit in the baby’s mouth.

Also, avoid toys made with bean-like pellets, loose stuffing, and toxic materials. Pellets or loose stuffing can cause suffocation or choking if ingested, while toxic materials may be poisonous.

"If your baby is mobile, block stairs, cover electrical outlets, lock low cabinet doors, and take other appropriate precautions to keep your baby from getting into something or somewhere they shouldn't be," says Laurie Leahey, senior editor at Toys, Tots, Pets & More (TTPM). "Parental supervision is also really important during playtime. That helps keep baby safe, but parent interaction also helps babies develop language skills and promotes the parent-child relationship."

Developmental Milestones

At 6 months old, a lot of exciting developmental milestones are happening, and many of them can be achieved through play.

The First Years Stack Up Cups are great for the cognitive skill of passing things from one hand to another.
For language and communication development, try the LeapFrog My Pal Scout, which helps little ones learn vowel sounds.
When babies look at themselves in a mirror, such as with the Sassy Tummy Time Floor Mirror, they are working on social and emotional development.

Types of Play

Clinical psychologist Daniel Marston, PhD, ABPP, recommends "toys that do not limit available activities to one or two things but allow for a variety. In my opinion, this allows the child to develop curiosity and individuality." He continues, "the most important thing that toys offer for children during infancy and the first half of their first year is the ability to not only start to distinguish objects but to interact with the world as soon as they are able."

Understanding your child’s milestones will give you an idea of what steps you need to take to further develop their skills. Parents and caregivers should look for toys that allow babies to explore cause and effect, stimulate the senses, and support fine and gross motor development.

"Interact with the child when using toys, but do not direct the child in using toys," Marston says. "This lets the child develop skills in their own individual way and builds curiosity while fostering individuality."

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of toys should my 6-month-old have?

“When choosing toys for any age group, it is best to consider what developmental milestones are happening with your baby at that time,” says Neela Sethi, MD, lactation expert, MAM Baby ambassador, pediatrician, and mom. Dr. Neela says that at this point in time, babies are usually starting to sit up and can transfer objects between their hands. They also love sounds. “Toys that play music when buttons are pushed are a great option,” says Dr. Neela. “Stacking blocks, toys, where you have to put objects into a container, balls, and toys that have texture or are crinkly, are also fun at this age.”
What toys are developmentally appropriate for a 6-month-old?

Dr. Neela reminds parents that babies are growing fast at this age, and their interest levels may change rapidly along with their development. “Six-month-old babies love toys that play music, activity boxes, and toys with texture,” she says. “They tend to do a lot of teething at this age, so don’t forget the importance of teething toys! MAM teethers massage and cool sore gums, and the outer textures stimulate the sense of touch,” she adds. At this age, babies also love soft books, balls, stacking rings or cups, and blocks.
What should 6-month-old babies play with?

At six months, your baby is excited to be exploring the world around them. Try to find toys that are safe for them to chew on, as well as fun toys that play music or make sounds in response to your child's actions (like pressing a button). “They love balls and things that move,” says Dr. Neela. “It is also fun to stack at this age or place items in a container. As they grow, babies will gravitate to activity centers and plush toys.” At this age, toys can be fairly simple, and something as straightforward as a ball can provide hours of entertainment. Toys and books provide valuable stimulation to help your baby develop.
How much do developmental toys for 6-month-olds cost?

High-quality developmental toys that are age-appropriate for 6-month-olds range in cost, but generally, you can expect to pay between $10 and $40. However, there are plenty of options below $10 and many pricier toys to choose from, such as the Lovevery The Senser Play Kit, if your budget allows. At $5, The First Years Stack Up Cup Toys is the cheapest item on our list and is a simple yet versatile toy. The priciest toy we included is the ALEX Toys Discover My Busy Town Activity Cube, which retails for $100 and is a more elaborate toy with five sides of various learning and fine motor activities.

Why Trust Verywell Family?

Maya Polton is a former marketing manager and current freelance writer who covers food, home, and parenting. She’s also the mom of a 10-year-old son, 7-year-old son, and 3-year old daughter. Her favorite toys for younger kids are simple toys that have longevity and might be enjoyed by older siblings, too, like stacking toys and book sets.

Phoebe Sklansky is Verywell Family’s Associate Commerce Editor. She is a big fan of sensory play and has fond memories of watching her younger brother play with the Whoozit as a child.

Additional reporting by Ashley Ziegler

LeapFrog My Pal Scout Smarty Paws Puppy

The First Years Stack Up Cup Toys

What Our Editors Say

SmartNoggin NogginStik Developmental Light-Up Rattle

Sassy Tummy Time Floor Mirror

What the Experts Say

Edushape See-Me 4-Inch Sensory Balls

Fat Brain Toys InnyBin

ALEX Toys Discover My Busy Town Activity Cube

Baby Einstein Sticky Spinner High Chair Activity Toy

Munchkin Float and Play Bubbles Bath Toy

Fat Brain Toys Sensory Rollers

VTech Busy Learners Activity Cube

Bright Starts 4-in-1 Groovin’ Kicks Piano Gym

Adena Montessori Object Permanence Box

Manhattan Toy Skwish Classic Rattle and Teether

Sassy Stacks of Circles Stacking Ring STEM Learning Toy

Lovevery The Senser Play Kit

Manhattan Toy Baby Whoozit 6" Stroller and Travel Activity Toy