Toys & Gifts Infants & Toddlers The 17 Best Developmental Toys for 6-Month-Olds of 2023 By Maya Polton, Maya Polton LinkedIn Maya has more than 15 years of experience in digital media and communications and specializes in writing about family, food, and lifestyles. Learn about our editorial process Ashley Ziegler, Ashley Ziegler LinkedIn Ashley Ziegler is a lifestyle writer specializing in motherhood, family health, and consumer products. She has written for Romper, Moms.com, and more. Learn about our editorial process and Phoebe Sklansky Phoebe Sklansky LinkedIn Twitter Phoebe Sklansky is Verywell Family's Associate Commerce Editor who focuses on all things lifestyle, wellness, and family. Learn about our editorial process Updated on April 13, 2023 Fact checked by Marley Hall Fact checked by Marley Hall LinkedIn Marley Hall is a writer and fact-checker who is certified in clinical and translational research. Her work has been published in medical journals in the field of surgery, and she has received numerous awards for publication in education. Learn about our editorial process Print We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Verywell / Chloe Jeong 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. By 6 months old, your baby is likely able to roll over and start to sit unassisted. Our experts recommend looking for developmental toys that encourage your baby to sit up and play—or even start crawling! As babies become more mobile and active, they'll need toys that can keep up with their pace. When picking the best developmental toys for 6-month-olds, we studied the features of over three dozen options, evaluating them based on value, toy safety, and age recommendations. To ensure that our picks are safe and developmentally appropriate, we reviewed toy safety guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics and consulted experts in pediatrics, clinical psychology, and the toy industry. Our Top Picks LeapFrog My Pal Scout Smarty Paws Puppy at Amazon Jump to Review The First Years Stack Up Cup Toys at Amazon Jump to Review SmartNoggin NogginStik Light-Up Rattle at Amazon Jump to Review Sassy Tummy Time Floor Mirror at Amazon Jump to Review Edushape See-Me 4-Inch Sensory Balls at Amazon Jump to Review Fat Brain Toys InnyBin at Amazon Jump to Review ALEX Toys Discover My Busy Town Activity Cube at Amazon Jump to Review Baby Einstein Sticky Spinner High Chair Activity Toy at Amazon Jump to Review Munchkin Float and Play Bubbles Bath Toy at Amazon Jump to Review Fat Brain Toys Sensory Rollers at Walmart Jump to Review In This Article Expand Our Picks How We Selected What to Look For FAQs Why Trust Verywell Family LeapFrog My Pal Scout Smarty Paws Puppy Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart 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 The First Years Stack Up Cup Toys Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Fatbraintoys.com 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: $7 What Our Editors Say "For under $10, 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 SmartNoggin NogginStik Developmental Light-Up Rattle 5 Bed Bath and Beyond View On Amazon View On Fatbraintoys.com View On Target 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 The 27 Best Infant Toys of 2023 Sassy Tummy Time Floor Mirror Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Babylist.com 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 The 8 Best Tummy Time Toys of 2023 Edushape See-Me 4-Inch Sensory Balls Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart 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: $22 The 7 Best Developmental Toys for Babies of 2023 Fat Brain Toys InnyBin Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Belk.com 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 publication: $28 The 11 Best Toys for Fine Motor Skill Development of 2023 ALEX Toys Discover My Busy Town Activity Cube Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On QVC 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 Baby Einstein Sticky Spinner High Chair Activity Toy Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Buybuy BABY 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 Munchkin Float and Play Bubbles Bath Toy Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Munchkin.com 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 The Best Bath Toys That Kids Will Love Fat Brain Toys Sensory Rollers Fat Brain View On Walmart View On Curated.com View On Fatbraintoys.com 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: $31 VTech Busy Learners Activity Cube Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart 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: $20 Bright Starts 4-in-1 Groovin’ Kicks Piano Gym Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Bed Bath & Beyond 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: $45 The Best Baby Play Mats and Play Gyms to Exercise Little Minds Adena Montessori Object Permanence Box Amazon View On 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: $28 Manhattan Toy Skwish Classic Rattle and Teether 4.8 Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart 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: $24 The Best Baby Teethers for Soothing Your Little One's Sore Gums Sassy Stacks of Circles Stacking Ring STEM Learning Toy Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Target 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 The Senser Play Kit Lovevery View On Lovevery.com 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 per Play Kit Best Baby Subscription Boxes Manhattan Toy Baby Whoozit 6" Stroller and Travel Activity Toy Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart 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: $20 How We Selected the Best Developmental Toys for 6-Month-Olds We chose the best developmental toys for 6-month-olds by studying the features of more than three dozen products on the market, considering price, design, features, ease of cleaning, age recommendations, and material when deciding our picks. We also researched reviews from customers and competitors. To ensure that our picks are age- and developmentally appropriate, we reviewed guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics on toy buying safety and consulted several experts: Laurie Leahey, senior editor at Toys, Tots, Pets & More; Daniel Marston, PhD, ABPP, a Pennsylvania-based clinical psychologist, and Neela Sethi, MD, a pediatrician and lactation expert. 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 Leahey. "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 Marston recommends toys allow for a variety of types of play and exploration, which helps the child develop curiosity and individuality. In the first half of their first year, toys should help babies not only start to distinguish between objects, but interact with the world around them, he adds. 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. Marston cautions against directing your child's play. Rather, he advises interacting with your child when they're using toys, which lets them develop skills in their own individual way. Frequently Asked Questions What type of toys should my 6-month-old have? No matter what age group you're choosing toys for, consider the developmental milestones that are happening with your baby at that point in time, says Dr. Sethi. She explains that at 6 months old, babies are usually starting to sit up and can transfer objects between their hands.They also love sounds, so toys that play music when buttons are pushed are great options, she says. “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," she adds. What toys are developmentally appropriate for a 6-month-old? Dr. Sethi reminds parents that babies are growing fast at this age, and their interest levels may change rapidly along with their development. In general, 6-month-old babies love toys that play music or are textured, she tells Verywell Family. They tend to do lots of teething at this age, so make sure you're picking toys that are made from non-toxic materials that are safe to put in their mouths. At this age, babies also love soft books, balls, stacking rings or cups, and blocks. What should 6-month-old babies play with? At 6 months old, 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're particularly fascinated by balls and things that move, says Dr. Sethi, who recommends toys that they can stack or place into a container.As they grow, babies may gravitate towards activity centers and plush toys, she says. 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. 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. As a commerce writer and avid shopper herself, she enjoys helping readers find the best products for their unique needs. She's researched hundreds of baby products and has tested dozens in our lab, from strollers to baby swings to diaper bags. 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 5 Sources Verywell Family uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. American Academy of Pediatrics. How to Buy Safe Toys. American Academy of Pediatrics. How to buy safe toys. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Important milestones: Your baby by six months. Rosenberg RA, Butler RA. Sound as a reinforcer for infants’ manipulations of toys. J Speech Hear Disord. 1982;47(3):292-295. doi:10.1044/jshd.4703.292 Kim ET, Lillie M, Gallis J, et al. Correlates of early stimulation activities among mothers of children under age two in Siaya County, Kenya: Maternal mental health and other maternal, child, and household factors. Social Science & Medicine. 2021;287:114369. doi:10.1016/j.socscimed.2021.114369 See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit