Infant toys support crucial development milestones including sitting, reaching, grasping, and exploring cause and effect.
Quick Summary
The 6-12 month period is full of rapid development. Oball Classic leads our list as the perfect first ball that supports grasping, throwing, and hand-eye coordination development.
🏆 Best Overall
Oball Classic
Perfect first ball design
💰 Best Value
Infantino Textured Multi Ball Set
Multiple textures, great price
✨ Most Engaging
Baby Einstein Magic Touch Piano
Musical discovery and cause-effect
Infant Development (6-12 Months)
During this crucial period, babies are:
- Learning to sit independently (6-8 months)
- Developing pincer grasp (8-10 months)
- Understanding cause and effect
- Exploring objects by mouthing and shaking
- Beginning to crawl and cruise
- Responding to their name and simple words
- Showing stranger anxiety and attachment
1. Oball Classic
The Perfect First Ball
This ingenious design features finger holes that make it easy for little hands to grasp, while the flexible plastic construction is safe for mouthing and throwing. It bounces unpredictably, encouraging crawling and chasing.
2. Infantino Textured Multi Ball Set
Sensory Ball Collection
Four different balls with unique textures, colors, and sounds. Each ball offers different sensory experiences - smooth, bumpy, ridged, and soft. Perfect for developing tactile awareness and motor skills.
3. Baby Einstein Magic Touch Piano
Musical Cause and Effect
This wooden piano responds to touch with beautiful melodies and lights. Babies learn that their actions create results, while the music exposure supports brain development. Two modes offer different experiences.
Essential Infant Toy Categories
Grasping and Manipulation
- Rattles with easy-grip handles
- Teething rings and textured toys
- Soft blocks for squeezing
- Ring stackers and shape sorters
Cause and Effect
- Musical toys that respond to touch
- Pop-up toys and busy boxes
- Toys with buttons, switches, and dials
- Activity centers with multiple elements
Mobility Encouragement
- Balls that roll and bounce
- Toys that move when pushed
- Crawl-through tunnels
- Push-and-pull toys for cruising
Sensory Exploration
- Toys with different textures
- Musical instruments and sound makers
- Mirrors and reflective surfaces
- Water play toys for bath time
Safety Considerations for Infants
- Ensure toys are too large to be choking hazards
- Check for small parts that could break off
- Choose BPA-free materials safe for mouthing
- Avoid toys with strings longer than 7 inches
- Regularly inspect toys for wear and damage
- Keep toys clean as babies explore with their mouths
Developmental Milestones and Toys
6-7 Months: Sitting Support
- Toys that can be manipulated while sitting
- Soft toys for practicing balance
- Activity tables at appropriate height
- Toys that encourage reaching and stretching
8-9 Months: Crawling Preparation
- Toys that move to encourage chasing
- Objects placed just out of reach
- Tunnels and obstacles for exploration
- Cause-and-effect toys for motivation
10-12 Months: Standing and Cruising
- Push toys for walking support
- Activity tables for standing play
- Toys that encourage pulling up
- Simple shape sorters for problem-solving
Toy Rotation for Infants
Keep play interesting with these strategies:
- Rotate toys weekly to maintain novelty
- Observe which toys capture attention longest
- Introduce complexity gradually
- Combine toys for new play possibilities
- Follow your baby's interest and energy levels
- Store unused toys out of sight
Signs of Toy Readiness
Your infant is ready for more complex toys when they:
- Show sustained interest in cause-and-effect
- Can transfer objects between hands
- Sit independently for several minutes
- Demonstrate intentional movements
- Show problem-solving behaviors
- Display clear preferences for certain activities
Final Thoughts
The infant stage is a time of incredible growth and discovery. The right toys can support this development while providing endless entertainment. Choose toys that match your baby's current abilities while offering room to grow, and always prioritize safety in your selections.