Toys for 6-12 Months

Grasping balls, rattles, fabric books and simple activity toys give your baby something to explore with their hands. Choose a variety of playthings rather than offering too many at once, and check the age recommendation for each product.

A lightweight grasping ball, a cloth book, or a teething ring designed for babies aged 6 months and younger can be a good choice. Choose something your baby can hold and explore, and follow the instructions for use and cleaning.

Many babies enjoy turning, moving and shaking toys. A ball, a rattle or an activity toy with different textures can inspire simple games you can play together. Follow your baby’s interests rather than a set list of skills.

Simple activities like taking things out and putting them back can be exciting. Also look for activity toys designed for the age when actions produce a clear response, such as making a sound when shaken.

A fabric book, a soft ball or a toy with easy-to-grip features and different textures can make lovely gifts. Ask the parents what the baby enjoys. A product marked for ages 12 months and up should wait until the child reaches the recommended age.

Yes, if the specific model is designed for children aged 12 months. You can start with a few pieces and have an adult build a small tower. Other models are intended for older children, so always check the age label.

Choose toys that suit what your child is doing now: looking, grasping, shaking and exploring on the floor. A ball can also be fascinating within reach. Toys shouldn’t be used to pressure your child into crawling; children develop at different rates.

Start with a few items that offer different ways to play, such as a book, a ball and a rattle. Switch between them and notice what your baby comes back to. Being present together and taking pauses are also part of play.

A grasping ball, a lightweight rattle or an age-appropriate activity toy can encourage your baby to reach, grasp and move things from hand to hand. Roll a ball close to your baby on the floor, and give them time to have a go themselves. Follow your baby’s lead and what they can do right now; the toy doesn’t need to do lots of things to inspire enjoyable play together.

Always follow the cleaning instructions for each product. A fabric book may have different washing instructions from a rattle or a ball, and not all baby toys are suitable for washing in a washing machine or dishwasher, or for boiling. Toys with batteries must not be submerged in water unless the manufacturer explicitly says this is safe. Also check for signs of wear and loose parts when cleaning the toy.

Choose baby toys designed for your child’s age, and follow the labels and warnings. An age-appropriate teething ring can be an ideal choice for little hands and mouths. Check that there are no loose small parts or damage, and keep older siblings’ toys with small parts out of your baby’s reach. Adult supervision does not make toys labelled for older children suitable for a baby.

No, we also recommend simple items such as textured fabric books, grasping balls and rattles. They give you the chance to feel, roll and repeat little games together. If you choose toys with sounds or lights, offer one activity at a time, follow your baby’s cues and leave room for quiet breaks. Choose based on your baby’s interests rather than the number of features.