The 8 Best Developmental Toys for Babies 6-12 Months
Babies are the funniest little things.. no matter how much we spend on toys and other gadgets, they’re just as happy to play with a coaster or piece of paper. At least, that’s how it is with our little guy. Regardless, we were determined to make sure we got him toys as he aged that would help him develop at each stage. So, I’ve compiled a list of our all-time faves thus far for you! In no particular order, here’s my favourite toys for early baby development
* tap the title or the photo to shop an item.
#1: VTech Busy Learners Activity Cube (Under $35)
If you’re looking to stimulate your little one’s senses, this is the toy to do it! This little invention keeps our little guy busy for so long! With 6 activity sides, baby can play and learn from the different parts/activities. It also has sounds and lights to keep your little one’s attention (AAA batteries are required).
#2: Infantino Piano & Numbers Learning Toucan (Under $40)
This toy sings and reads numbers as they’re pressed. This is the number one toy we bring with us to keep our little guy occupied on road trips.
#3: Mega Bloks First Builders Big Building Bag (On Sale Under $15)
While these blocks are recommended for +1 year old, we bought these when our little guy turned 10 months! The size is key with these, as the bigger blocks relieve the worry of baby choking on small pieces. We’re able to sick and stack together for hours (this is more me stacking and my little guy banging the blocks on the floor, but he loves it).
#4: TEYTOY Baby Toy Zoo Series Soft Alphabet Cards (Under $25)
These flashcards are a must for any parent looking to teach their little one the alphabet early. With animals that start with the same letter as the letter presented on the flashcard, you can spend hours learning, reading and identifying with your baby. Whether you’re teaching them animals, how to spell their name, or the alphabet overall, this is an easy and inexpensive way to have hours of learning time with your bundle of joy. Oh, and they’re also extremely soft, so babies love to play with them!
#5: Fisher-Price Chasing Rainbows Bead Maze (On Sale Under $10)
This maze helps your baby learn problem solving skills. It also has a roller with rattle beads inside and a sun that spins (I know, sounds basic, but babies love it). The arches are in 3 different colours, and the sliding beads are different shapes!
#6: Fisher-Price Jumparoo/Exersaucer (On Sale Under $130)
Definitely one of our more expensive baby toy purchases but more than worth it! My little one’s favourite thing to do now is jump and that’s 80% because of the freedom this toy gave him to learn on his own. Not only do the activities and hanging animals keep baby occupied, but since it “floats”, it helps babies learn to stand while still being supported, in addition to jumping!
#7: VTech Magic Star Learning Table (Under $40)
This is easily one of the best toys for baby. With multiple activities, baby is always occupied with learning. The legs are removable, so your baby can play with all the activities while sitting, moving to a standing activity table when they’re able to stand on their own. Our favourite part of this particular toy is the phone activity where it says which number you’re pressing - a great way to teach your little one how to call 911 or you and family members for emergencies when they get a little older.
#8: LeapFrog Shakin’ Colors Maracas (Under $20)
Since 3 months old, this has been one of our baby’s favourite toys. One of the maracas is a shaker, making sounds when baby shakes it. The other plays music, counts with your baby as they shake it, and changes + says the different colours (it’s like a light show). Our little guy is stimulated for quite a while when using these toys, and he absolutely loves it.
Reminder: your baby’s best toy will always be you. This is a guide designed to help with the questions I had, with a quick easy place to get a list of good toys. You do not need any of these toys to be a good parent, I just wanted to reiterate that. Also, in case no one has told you lately, you’re doing great and your little one is so lucky to have you.
xo, Tey
Disclosure: Some of these links are affiliate or third party links and if you go through them to make a purchase, I will earn a commission. These links are to products/services through third party websites which I do not own, nor have control over. I have no responsibility for the content, terms and conditions, products, or anything else these websites may request or produce. In reading this, you acknowledge and agree that I cannot be held liable in any way for any issues or damage caused to or received from any third party’s products/services. I link these companies and their products because of my genuine admiration for these products/services - not because of the commission I receive from your purchases. I am honoured to have a place to share my love for fashion and everything else with you, remaining as transparent as possible.