When it comes to finding the best toys for 6-12 month olds, Emma Hubbard has you covered. In her video, she discusses the ultimate baby gift guide, developmental toys, must-have recommendations, and toys to avoid for safety and developmental concerns. With valuable information on developmental milestones and a reminder to seek professional advice, Emma’s video is a must-watch for any parent looking to provide their baby with the best toys for their age range.
As a pediatric occupational therapist and experienced mom, Emma shares her insights on the top toys for babies aged 6-12 months. From soft toys and teethers to rattles, shape sorters, and activity stations, Emma highlights the toys that will engage and entertain your little one. With a focus on toys that promote development and fun, Emma’s recommendations are sure to help you choose the best toys for your baby’s age and stage of development.
Sensory Toys
At the age of 6-12 months, babies are developing their senses rapidly. They are exploring the world around them through touch, sound, and visual stimulation. Soft books with textures are a fantastic sensory toy for babies in this age group. These books usually feature different textures for the baby to touch and feel, stimulating their sense of touch. Rattles and shakers are another great sensory toy option. These toys produce sound as babies shake them, helping to enhance their auditory development. Sensory balls are also popular among babies in this age group, as they come in various textures and sizes, providing tactile stimulation and encouraging grasping and exploration.
Interactive Toys
Interactive toys are essential for engaging and stimulating a baby’s senses at 6-12 months of age. Musical toys are a favorite among babies as they respond to sound and music. Activity cubes are another great interactive toy option, as they offer a variety of activities to keep babies entertained and engaged. Shape sorters are excellent for cognitive development, as babies learn to match shapes and colors. These toys help develop problem-solving skills and hand-eye coordination.
Stuffed Animals and Loveys
Stuffed animals and loveys provide comfort and security to babies in the 6-12 month age range. Soft plush toys are perfect for cuddling and provide a sense of companionship for the baby. Security blankets are another essential item, offering comfort and familiarity. Animal-themed toys are popular among babies, as they often feature bright colors and playful designs that capture their attention.
Teething Toys
Teething can be a challenging time for babies, making teething toys essential at 6-12 months of age. Teething rings provide relief for sore gums and help babies explore textures with their mouths. Silicone teethers are safe and durable, offering different textures for chewing. Cooling teethers are great for soothing teething pain, as they can be chilled in the refrigerator before use.
Educational Toys
Educational toys play a crucial role in promoting learning and development in babies aged 6-12 months. Stacking cups help babies learn about size, shape, and spatial awareness as they stack and nest the cups. Shape puzzles allow babies to match shapes and improve their problem-solving skills. Counting toys introduce babies to numbers and help develop early math skills.
Activity Gyms and Playmats
Activity gyms and playmats provide a safe and stimulating environment for babies to play and explore. Colorful playmats offer a soft and comfortable space for babies to practice tummy time and develop their motor skills. Hanging toys on the play gym encourage reaching and grasping, promoting hand-eye coordination. Mirrors on playmats allow babies to discover their reflection and engage in self-awareness activities.
Push and Pull Toys
Push and pull toys are excellent for encouraging crawling and walking in babies aged 6-12 months. Push-along animals are fun companions for babies as they learn to push them along the floor. Pull-back vehicles promote movement and hand-eye coordination, as babies pull them back and watch them zoom forward. Walking toys provide support for babies learning to walk, helping them build confidence and balance.
Bath Toys
Bath time can be a fun and sensory experience for babies with the right toys. Water squirters add excitement to bath time and encourage fine motor skills as babies squeeze and aim the toys. Floatable toys make bath time enjoyable and promote sensory exploration. Stacking cups for water play introduce babies to the concept of filling, pouring, and stacking.
Outdoor Toys
Outdoor play is essential for babies’ physical development and sensory stimulation. A toddler swing offers a safe and enjoyable experience for babies to swing and sway. A baby slide provides a gentle introduction to sliding and promotes balance and coordination. A sand and water table is a versatile outdoor toy that allows babies to explore different textures and engage in imaginative play.
DIY Toys
DIY toys are a creative and cost-effective way to provide babies with stimulating play experiences. Sensory bottles can be made with simple household items and filled with various textures to engage babies’ senses. A fabric busy board offers tactile exploration and fine motor skill development through buttons, zippers, and snaps. Homemade musical instruments encourage babies to explore different sounds and rhythms, stimulating their auditory senses and creativity.