Medically Reviewed by: Dr Amanda Gummer
The best toys for 6-12-month-old babies are just as essential for their development as a good night's sleep or a healthy meal. These toys aren't just for fun. They're key to building motor skills, sensory awareness, and cognitive abilities, laying the foundation for a lifetime of learning and growth.
If you're searching for some great baby toys, you’ve come to the right place! Scroll down for a treasure trove of inspiration, plus reviews from our real-life mum testers who’ve tried and tested the toys. As well as expert tips and advice from Dr Amanda Gummer, the founder of The Good Play Guide and a leading child development expert, to help you make the best choice for your little one’s growth and playtime.
"As an advocate of play in the early years, toys play a vital role in stimulating your baby's development during this critical stage. They serve as tools for exploration, learning, and sensory stimulation, providing valuable opportunities for your little one to engage with their environment and develop essential skills. The right toys can support your baby's growth, from enhancing fine and gross motor skills to fostering cognitive abilities and promoting social interaction. Toys are fun! They can spark curiosity, encourage problem-solving, and ignite creativity, which will help lay the foundation for future learning and development." Says Amanda.
The best toys for 6-12 month-old babies at a glance:
How we chose and tested the best toys for 6-12 month babies
Like all our product recommendations, the best toys for 6-12-month babies are chosen based on a combination of real-world testing from our burgeoning army of mum testers and our experienced editorial team and product specialists. Where we can, we also consult experts who specialise in that field to ensure you get the right advice along with the right product.
At times when we can’t get our hands on something personally, we’ll select products only from reputable brands, scouring reviews, forums and real parent experience to ensure all products are fit for use and deserve a space in your home.
For the best toys for 6-12-month-old babies, we looked at toys that were not only developmentally appropriate but also educational, encouraging key skills. We also ensured the toys were engaging, capturing your baby’s attention and sparking curiosity through fun, interactive play.
The best toys for 6-12 month olds
50% off
Best toys for 6-12 month-old babies overall
©MOTHER&BABYbabymori.com
This may look like a simple toy, but it’s packed with potential for developing a variety of important skills, from problem-solving to shape sorting and colour recognition. We love the Baby Mori - Wooden Shape Sorter, not just for its educational value but also for how engaging it is - plus, it’s beautifully designed with a sleek, natural finish.
Crafted from natural beechwood and linden plywood, this toy helps your little one build fine motor skills as they match shapes to their correct slots. As they play, they’ll also learn about different shapes and colours in a hands-on, fun way.
It’s not just a toy - it’s a learning tool that looks great in your home and is kind to the planet, too!
Our mum tester, Melissa, said: "Mum tester Melissa shares, "The design is beautiful, and the quality of the material makes me feel confident it could be passed down to future kids as they outgrow it. The shapes are the perfect size for little hands, and I love that they’re a bit different from the usual squares and triangles—think diamonds and more unique shapes. Plus, the neutral design is a big win for me; it fits perfectly with any nursery or playroom!"
Pros
- Made from natural materials
- Soft corners
- Non-toxic paints
Cons
- We wished there was a better way to store the toy
| Durability: | 5 |
| Educational benefits: | 5 |
| Design: | 5 |
| Ease of cleaning: | 5 |
48% off
Best toy for 6-12 month old babies learning to stand and walk
AmazonIt was also shortlisted for a 2020 Mother&Baby Award.
Parent testers loved the walker's bright flashing lights and vibrant colours, instantly catching their toddler's attention and keeping them engaged and entertained as they navigated around. The range of activities provides additional stimulation, promoting cognitive and motor skill development. Parents also loved the compact design, making it easy to store away when not in use.
Parents also commented on how easy it was to clean, as it could be easily wiped down. It's also great for supporting those first steps and balance.
However, if you'd prefer an alternative to a baby walker and a toy that doesn't move, you might prefer the SMOBY Play Table, which is coming up later in this list.
Read the full VTech First Steps Baby Walker review.
Pros
- Can help toddlers develop their balance and first steps
- The walker also acts as an activity table and sit and play centre
- It's easy to keep clean
Cons
- The product doesn't include batteries
| Suitable for ages: | 9 months+ |
| Dimensions: | 46 x 40 x 50cm |
| Materials: | Plastic |
| Batteries required: | Yes |
- Light up buttons
- Shape sorter
- Role play phone
- Textured wheels
- Easy grip handle
Best toy for 6 month old babies
©MOTHER&BABYOur parent tester loved the design of the Melissa & Doug Multi-Sensory Peek-a-Boo Berry! She thought it was a simple design but still engaging. As someone who's not a fan of bright colours, our tester also found the red design lovely.
The toy is designed with a loop that can quickly hook onto a pram, car seat, or even a changing bag to take on the go. Thanks to one of the textured rings in the middle, it can help with teething pains, and the different materials can help with sensory exploration.
It might not be ideal for older babies looking for more stimulation, but it's ideal for smaller babies.
Pros
- The teething ring can help with teething pains
- Encourages sensory and exploration
- Small enough to fit in a bag and hook onto prams
Cons
- It might not be as exciting for children over 7 months
| Suitable for ages: | Birth+ |
| Dimensions: | 25 x 3cm |
| Materials: | Cotton, polyester, satin |
- Three textured fabrics for sensory play
- Attachment loop
35% off
Best toys for 6-12 month-old babies for engagement
©MOTHER&BABYThe Smoby Little Activity Table is designed to help develop children's fine motor skills, balance and more. Our parent tester, Charlotte, found that it kept her son focused, and he loved exploring the different elements.
While some baby activity tables can be garish, this one is great. It has soft colours and a gender-neutral design that focuses on interactive elements rather than clashing with everything else in your home.
Our tester mentioned that it was a bit tricky to build, but she found her little one loved it and couldn't fault the product once it was built.
Pros
- It's a gender-neutral design
- It can help develop children's fine motor and balance skills
- There's lots of interactive elements that keep little ones engaged
Cons
- Our tester found it tricky to assemble
| Suitable for ages: | 12+ months |
| Dimensions: | 47 x 47 x 53cm |
| Material: | Plastic |
50% off
best toys for 6-12 month-old babies for design
©MOTHER&BABYbabymori.com
This wooden rainbow stacker has a beautiful, neutral design that makes it ideal for passing on to siblings and friends' little ones, too! It's made from natural beechwood and has smooth edges for safety.
Our parent tester, Melissa, loved the toy's subtle design, especially compared to the bright colours of the Melissa & Doug Multi-Sensory Strawberry.
The wooden rainbow stacker is easy for little hands to hold, and our tester also mentioned that it looked nice displayed in her daughter's nursery.
Pros
- Helps to encourage tactile play
- It also looks nice as a decoration
- The edges are all smoothed to ensure safety
Cons
- Some people might prefer brighter colours rather than muted tones
| Suitable for ages: | 12 months+ |
| Dimensions: | 25 x 13 x 5cm |
| Material: | Natural beechwood and MDF |
- Made from non toxic paints
- Smoothed edges
- Encourages tactile play
best toys for 6-12 month-old babies for cognitive development
©MOTHER&BABYRrp: $13.26
This learning toy suits your baby's needs as they grow and provides plenty of ways for them to play. Each of the six eggs cracks open to reveal different faces and colours so they can play hide-and-seek, shape sort, colour match, and more.
Our parent tester loved how engaging the TOMY Toomies Hide and Squeak Eggs were. They were her grandchild's favourite toy to play with. They're also great for boosting cognitive and physical development.
Pros
- Helps to develop fine motor skills
- They are stored away in an egg carton container
- Encourages shape and colour recognition
Cons
- The eggs must be pressed quite hard to hear the chicks 'chirp.'
| Suitable for ages: | 6+ months |
| Dimensions: | 17.2 x12.6 x 7.7cm |
| Material: | Plastic |
- Easy to store
- Engaging
- Chick squeakers
best toys for 6-12 month-old babies for multipurpose play
©MOTHER&BABYUnlike other stacking toys, our tester thought these Rosa & Bo Woodland Friends Nesting Babies were beautifully designed. Being BPA-free, she also found it reassuring to know they were safe if her baby decided to chomp on them.
Designed so that they can also be used in the bath, the toys create a fun element of play where your baby can help to develop their hand-eye coordination, as well as help to develop early number concepts.
The tester, Melissa, was slightly concerned that when they weren't stacked, they could be broken by falling on them or being thrown. So, if you were looking for an alternate stacking toy with different materials, the Wooden Rainbow Stacker would be an excellent choice.
Pros
- Beautifully designed and easy to hold
- Develops early number concepts, counting and fine motor skills
- They're also suitable for water play
Cons
- They could potentially break when thrown or be stepped on and broke
| Suitable for ages: | Birth+ |
| Dimensions: | 16 x 10 x 10cm |
| Material: | Plastic |
- Encourages hand eye coordination
- Water-safe
- BPA free
- Chiming bunny centre
best toys for 6-12 month-old babies for pretend play
©MOTHER&BABYwww.argos.co.uk
Dolls are fantastic for pretend play, and Baby Annabell Sleep Well Doll stands out! Soft, cuddly, and perfect for bedtime, this doll is designed to comfort and soothe your little one.
The built-in sound device makes it extra special. You can record up to five minutes of a bedtime story, lullaby, or even a message from a loved one. Simply press Baby Annabell’s tummy, and the recording plays up to six times, creating a calming, familiar sound to help your baby drift off to sleep. However, we recommend removing it from the cot once your little one is asleep.
Our parent tester Melissa said, "This is a really sweet first doll suitable for little ones from birth. It has a little rattle inside the doll for soothing sounds when it moves, but it's incredibly soft!"
Pros
- Soft and suitable from birth
- Soothing for bedtime
- Dolls are great for imaginative play
Cons
- Some customers found it a little small.
- Batteries required: 3 x AAA (not included).
| Suitable for ages: | Birth |
| Dimensions: | Height 12 inches/ 30cm |
| Material: | Unknown |
best toys for 6-12 month-old babies for cause and effect play
©MOTHER&BABYAs your little one starts to explore the world, learning about cause and effect is a big part of their development. You’ve probably noticed that when they’re given a meal, they delight in dropping their cutlery or beaker—often repeatedly. While this "game" might be endlessly fascinating to them, it can quickly wear thin on tired parents! That’s where Little Dutch's Spiral Tower comes in, providing hours of fun (and a bit of relief).
This colourful, five-piece stacking set is perfect for little hands to explore. Simply drop the balls onto the top layer and watch them roll and swirl down in a delightful cascade. It’s entertaining, helps develop hand-eye coordination, and teaches your child about cause and effect in a playful, educational way.
Mum tester Samantha said, “While the balls can be a bit noisy as they double up as rattles, this is such a great game for teaching cause and effect! I love the muted colours of the spiral tower and balls, and the size is perfect—no worries if your little one wants to chew on them. Even two years later, it’s still a favourite in our house! Plus, it’s super easy to clean!”
Pros
- Easy to clean
- Engaging
- Lightweight
Cons
- The balls rattle and it can be a little noisy
| Suitable for ages: | 12 months plus |
| Dimensions: | 9.5cm x 22cm x 30cm |
| Material: | Plastic |
best toys for 6-12 month-old babies activity tray for Bumbo seats
©MOTHER&BABYwww.kiddies-kingdom.com
It is designed to fit perfectly on your little one’s Bumbo Booster Seat with Removable Tray and turns their chair into a fun, interactive play station. The tray features a variety of activities, from spinning toys to textured surfaces, all designed to engage and entertain your baby while supporting their fine motor development. Whether reaching, grabbing, or exploring, this tray encourages movement and curiosity in a safe, easy-to-clean setup.
Our parent tester, Charlotte, said, "This is such a sweet little table for the Bumbo! Leo is too big for his Bumbo, so we removed it a while ago. However, to my surprise, he was interested in this table while I was setting it up. Like an activity table, it has a few fun attachments that caught his attention and kept him busy for quite a while!"
Pros
- Lots of different elements
- Develops fine motor skills.
- BPA, PVC and Phthalate-Free
Cons
- The design requires a Bumbo seat with a tray for it to work effectively, but it can be used on any smooth service.
| Suitable for ages: | Three months+ |
| Dimensions: | H: 34cm x L: 22cm x W: 16cm |
| Material: | Polyurethane |
best toys for 6-12 month-old babies bath toy
©MOTHER&BABYThe 2-in-1 Baby Bath Seat & Activity Tablet offers a clever combination of bath time support and entertainment for your little one, making it a handy addition for parents. The seat attaches securely to the bathtub using suction pads and features an adjustable activity tablet, perfect for keeping your baby occupied during bath time.
However, our mum tester, Charlotte, points out that assembly can be tricky. Plus, she noticed a sharp piece of plastic on the yellow leaf part that could be a safety concern when handling it, making her a little wary of putting her son in it.
It's a nice concept, but our mum tester found it could use small tweaks to improve the functionality.
Pros
- Suction pads make for secure attachment to the bath
- The activity table is adjustable
- Lots to keep little ones entertained
Cons
- Assembly wasn't the easiest
- Leaf has a sharp piece of plastic which could be a safety concern
| Suitable for ages: | Six to 16 months |
| Dimensions: | 42D x 34W x 25H centimetres |
| Material: | Plastic |
How to choose the best toy for your 6-12-month-old
While there are a few important things to consider before buying a toy for your tot, the main thing is choosing toys to aid their development, says Dr Amanda Gummer. "Toys should encourage creativity, problem-solving, and independent play to support your baby's growth and well-being."
According to Dr Amanda, when selecting toys for your baby, parents should consider their developmental stage, interests, and safety. "Opt for toys that are age-appropriate, durable, and free from small parts that could pose a choking hazard. Look for toys that offer hands-on exploration and interaction, such as manipulative toys, stacking blocks, and shape sorters, which encourage fine motor skills and problem-solving." Dr Gummer explains.
"Try and choose toys with bright colours, different stand-out patterns, and interesting textures to stimulate your baby's senses. I love the benefits of interactive toys that produce sounds, lights, or movement that can capture your baby's attention. Any toys that inspire creativity and the use of imagination are great to help your baby learn at their own pace." Amanda continues.
Things to consider when choosing the best toys for 6-12 month babies
To help you make the best choices, we have compiled this short list of things you need to consider before buying any toy for a baby or young child.
• Safety: Always check the age suitability of any toy before purchasing it for your child. You should also ensure it meets regulatory safety requirements and features the CE mark. "Prioritise safety when selecting toys. Always ensure they are durable, age-appropriate, and free from potential hazards," Dr Amanda Gummer says.
• Storage: It's important to check the dimensions of any toy before you buy it to ensure it will fit into your home or toy cupboard.
• Ease of use: Some toys can be quite tricky to set up and operate, so it's worth checking to see how easy a toy is to use before buying.
Types of 6–12-month-old toys
Stimulating senses - Anything with bright colours, loud noises, and different textures will stimulate your child's senses and act as a sensory toy. Engaging their senses (sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell) supports your baby's brain growth.
Physical development – Things like baby walkers, rolling balls and activity tables can really help encourage your little one to move, whether that's crawling or finding their feet and becoming more comfortable on their feet.
Hand-eye coordination – Problem-solving toys such as stacking toys or fun puzzles can really help develop their hand-eye coordination.
Creativity and imagination—Any toy that helps your child's imagination grow, including musical instruments, role-play toys, and even toys that require a response, can help improve their imagination as they grow.
What makes a good toy for a 6-12 month baby?
For starters, this is a great age to allow your baby to explore the noisier toys, such as musical or electronic toys, that help teach cause and effect. These sensory toys often feature lights and sounds and are fab for stimulating your little one's senses. Meanwhile, toys that involve a baby's touch help develop hand-eye coordination while providing hours of fun and engagement.
The same can be said for shape sorters and activity cubes. These also encourage your little ones to develop their problem-solving skills. Additionally, baby walkers are recommended at this age to help them with the transition from sitting to standing to walking, as this can help develop their muscles and coordination skills.
You'll find that all the best toys for 6-month-olds are colourful and have lots of texture. This way, they'll keep your bubba engaged while fine-tuning their skills. We've also tried to choose toys that will store away easily and some that you can take away on your travels.
How should I use toys to help their development?
Dr Amanda says there are ways to maximise the developmental benefits of toys for your baby. "I believe it's essential to engage in purposeful and interactive play. Actively participate in playtime with your little one, offering guidance and encouragement as they explore and interact with their toys. It’s not difficult to create a simple but stimulating environment by introducing a variety of toys that target different senses and skills, from sensory-rich textures to engaging sounds and bright colours. It’s worth rotating toys regularly to maintain your baby's interest and provide new challenges, which will foster curiosity and exploration. Playtime is a great opportunity to bond with your baby, nurture your relationship and create positive associations with learning and discovery - always make time for play!"
Why you can trust us
At Mother&Baby, our mission is to provide accurate and reliable reviews, ensuring our readers receive honest and transparent information about the best products available.
Our testers are either pregnant, or real parents with a baby or toddler. This could be members of our editorial team, freelance parenting journalists or external reviewers from the Mother&Baby awards. Our Mother&Baby Awards are renowned in the industry and are among the most highly respected product awards for baby and parenting products. Every year, we arrange for thousands of independent parent reviewers to test the latest products on the market.
We don't accept payment from manufacturers for product reviews, and maintain our editorial independence. While we do work with commercial partners on advertorials, these will always be clearly labelled.
Our writers have full control over their content, ensuring that products are selected based solely on the needs of our readers. While we may earn commissions or other compensation from links on our website, this does not affect our product choices. These links allow us to continue offering valuable consumer advice, without compromising the integrity of our reviews. We are always honest in our reviews, and we won't recommend products that we wouldn't spend our own money on.
Read more about how we test and why you should trust us.
About the expert
Dr Amanda Gummer is a child development expert who founded The Good Play Guide in 2012. Amanda has a PhD in Neuropsychology, a Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education and over 20 years of experience working with children and families. Having worked in children’s industries for many years, Amanda is now widely considered the UK’s go-to expert on play, toys and child development.
Samantha Ball is a Features & Reviews Editor for Mother&Baby, having written for the brand since 2018. She's a mum of two and loves browsing for the best and current trending products for little ones and for cute seasonal outfits.