“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.
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
Price at time of publication: $5
Included with the toy is a parent’s guide to monitoring milestones.
Price at time of publication: $24
Price at time of publish: $21
Price at time of publication: $20
Price at time of publish: $26
Price at time of publication: $111
Price at time of publication: $9
Price at time of publication: $9
Price at time of publication: $20
Price at time of publication: $19
Price at time of publication: $40
Price at time of publication: $23
Price at time of publication: $21
Price at time of publication: $13
Price at time of publication: $80
Price at time of publication: $19
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.”
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
