Six to nine months is a fascinating age for babies and for parents too! It’s a stage of rapid growth where your baby might be sitting, crawling, babbling, or just figuring out how to grab everything in sight (including your coffee cup if you’re not quick enough).
The thing about this age is that every baby is on their own timeline. Some are starting to move, while others are content to observe the world from one spot. My daughter was crawling confidently by six months and walking by eight, while my son also started crawling early but took his time exploring at his own pace. In my work with babies, I’ve seen everything from first crawls to early standing to the tiniest scoots across the floor. What’s important is that every baby is unique, and toys at this stage can help them practice the skills they’re ready for, whether that’s sitting, rolling, or chasing after a moving toy.
What to Look for in Toys
So, what should you look for in toys at this stage? Babies are becoming more mobile (or gearing up to be). They’re also starting to explore cause and effect realizing that when they do something, it makes something happen. And, of course, they’re continuing to hone their hand eye coordination and fine motor skills.
Here’s what works best:
Movement Inspiring Toys: Think rolling balls, push toys, or anything that encourages scooting or crawling, like this activity ball.
Toys for Sitting and Reaching: Stacking rings or shape sorters, like this colorful stacking set, help babies practice coordination.
Cause and Effect Toys: Simple toys that light up, make noise, or move when touched, like this pop,up activity toy, are always a hit.
Sensory Exploration: Babies are still drawn to textures, sounds, and colors, so toys like this sensory play cube are great for engaging multiple senses.
When my daughter started crawling, she was all about toys she could chase, rolling balls or push and go cars were her favorite. My son, on the other hand, loved anything he could sit and explore, especially stacking toys. It’s such a reminder that even at the same stage, babies can have completely different interests.
Top Toys for Babies aged 6 to 9 Months
1. Rolling Balls and Chase Toys
Babies who are crawling (or just trying to) love toys that move. Rolling a ball across the floor for them to chase can turn into their favorite game. My daughter was obsessed with this activity ball, she’d crawl after it like it was her mission in life. Even for babies who aren’t crawling yet, rolling toys can encourage reaching and scooting.
2. Stacking Toys and Shape Sorters
Sitting babies love toys that challenge their coordination, like this stacking ring set. My son was mesmerized by stacking rings at this stage, he’d focus so intently on getting each ring onto the pole, and when he managed it, the look of accomplishment was priceless. Shape sorters are also great for introducing problem solving skills, even if your baby just likes to knock the pieces over for now.
3. Cause and Effect Toys
Toys that light up, make sounds, or pop up when buttons are pressed are fantastic for this age. This pop up activity toy was a favorite in our house, especially for my daughter, who loved figuring out how to make the characters pop up. It’s a great way to introduce early problem solving while keeping them entertained.
4. Sensory Play Cubes
Babies are still exploring the world through touch, and toys with lots of textures, buttons, and sounds are perfect for this stage. This sensory play cube kept both my kids entertained, it’s one of those toys where they discover something new every time they pick it up.
How to Play with Your 6 to 9 Month Old Baby
Playtime at this stage is all about interaction and discovery. Here are some easy ways to engage your baby:
Chase the Toy: Roll a ball or push a toy across the floor and encourage your baby to scoot or crawl after it.
Stack and Knock: Show your baby how to stack rings or blocks and then let them knock them over, it’s half the fun!
Push and Pop: Use a cause and effect toy, like this pop up activity set, and show your baby how to make things happen. Then, let them take the lead.
Sensory Exploration: Offer toys with different textures and colours and let your baby explore with their hands and mouth. Describe what they’re touching to introduce new words and concepts.
And remember: there’s no one “right” way to play. Whether you’re crawling alongside them, stacking blocks, or just watching them figure it all out, it’s these little moments that matter most.
Final Thoughts
The six to nine month stage is a time of big (and little) milestones. Whether your baby is crawling everywhere, sitting and stacking toys, or just starting to explore how things work, play is a crucial part of their development.
Every baby moves at their own pace, and the best toys are the ones that meet them where they’re at. Whether it’s a rolling ball for your little crawler or a stacking toy for your sitter, the right toys can turn everyday moments into opportunities for growth and connection. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that this stage is equal parts exciting and unpredictable, kind of like watching a tiny scientist experiment with the world.
