Watching your little one grow from a tiny baby to a curious toddler is an amazing journey. Around 9 to 12 months, babies are exploring the world with all their senses. They’re learning to sit up, crawl, and maybe even pull themselves to stand. This is a super exciting time for development, but it can also leave parents wondering: what are the best toys to support this rapid growth?
Choosing toys for this age group can feel overwhelming. You want toys that are safe, engaging, and help your baby learn new skills. But the sheer variety out there can make your head spin! You might worry about picking something that won’t hold their attention or is too advanced for them. Finding toys that encourage exploration and development without being overly stimulating is key.
This blog post is here to help! We’ve put together a guide filled with fantastic toy ideas specifically for 9 to 12-month-olds. You’ll discover toys that boost motor skills, spark imagination, and make playtime a learning adventure. Get ready to find the perfect gifts that will bring smiles and support your baby’s incredible milestones.
Top Toys For 9 To 12 Month Olds Recommendations
No. 1
6-in-1 Baby Toys 6 to 12 Months, Montessori Toys for Babies 6-12-18 Months, Infant Teething Toy Stacking Blocks Rings Sensory Bin, Sorting Sensory Educational Learning Gift for Toddlers Aged 1-3
- 6 in 1 Baby Toy Set : This Montessori toy set contains building blocks, stacking rings stacking cup set, suction cup spinner toys, wooden sorting toys, sensory bin toddler toys, a Storage bag, etc; These Infant toddler toys aid in color and shape learning recognition, sorting, fine motor, hand-eye coordination, spatial awareness, cognitive flexibility, language skills, creativity, problem-solving, logical thinking, etc
- 100% Safe Teething Toys Material : Our Montessori toys for babies 6-12 months are crafted from premium food-grade silicone and high-quality ABS. Infant toy sets are 100% BPA and phthalate-free, making them the perfect choice for your baby; Our baby toy items have undergone the most stringent CPC/ASTM certification tests; Great baby montessori toys 0-6 6-12 12-18 months.
- Sorting & Stacking Toys Set: This contains different themed stacking activities, stacking blocks & stacking rings & stacking cups. They can stack, squeeze, and chew; They are great teething toys for babies 0-6-12 months; each soft building block has different colors, embossed animals, shapes, and numbers and wooden sorting puzzles, create various space classification combinations through different shapes, colors and quantities, Great for color, shape, texture, counting, visual development for babies aged 6-18 months
- Sensory Bin& Fun Spinning Toy: Spark curiosity by sliding the 4 chunky blocks through the cube's elastic band to explore its different textures and shapes; The Spinning Toy's powerful suction cup can be well attached to smooth flat surfaces, such as dining tables, high chairs, bathtubs, car windows, etc. It makes a crisp sound when rotating and can be used as a bath toy or travel toy for babies;whether indoors or outdoors, effortless entertainment for Babies 6-12 Months
- Best Gift For Toddlers: Our Montessori baby toy set is designed to gradually develop and improve your baby's observation & concentration & creativity skills through sensory intervention. The set comes neatly packaged, making them the perfect gifts for 6 months+ girls and boys for any occasion, including birthdays, Easter, Christmas, Children's Day, and New Year's Day.
No. 2
Sassy Stacks of Circles Stacking Ring STEM Learning Toy, Age 6+ Months, Multi, 9 Piece Set
- Straight post accepts different sized rings, strengthening hand-eye coordination
- Chunky rings make it easy for baby to grasp, strengthening fine motor skills
- Each ring features a different texture and weight; Textural variety is great for mouthing.
- Colorful beads in the clear ring allowing baby to connect the sound to sight
- 9 piece set
No. 3
YOGINGO Baby Toys 6 to 12 Months - Tissue Box Toy Montessori for Babies 6-12 Months, Soft Stuffed High Contrast Crinkle Infant Sensory Toys, Boys&Girls Kids Early Learning Gifts
- 【✅Fun Montessori Sensory Toys】Fabric tissue box is a sensory early development toy for infants and toddlers, baby likes pulling facial tissues out of a box, one by one, so we designed this safe and fun sensory toy by simulating babies' behavior. This sensory tissue box will entertain babies for hours with its vibrant colors, crinkly sounds, and pull-along fun. Promote kids' sensory skills by textures, sounds and color recognition.
- 【✅Learning Toys Box for baby】Our baby tissue box toy provides 3 multi-themed crinkle papers & 8 colorful silk scarves for 1~3 year old toddlers to play with. It attracts children with vibrant colors and crumpled sound, which will promote their skills of fine motor, distinguish colors, stimulate the development of their hearing and vision, and exercise their early brain enlightenment.
- 【✅Safe Material for Babies】Babies usually like to put everything into their mouths, to protect the safety of babies, this sensory toy for toddlers babies & kids is safe, skin-friendly, odorless, and soft to touch. Infant toys is Made of non-toxic prime quality material and very easy to use. The tissue box is reinforced with strong stitching, which can maintain its shape well and will not collapse. Easy to wash and carry. Enjoy the happy time of playing tissue box with your children.
- 【✅Colorful Early Education Toys】Cute theme sensory tissue box toy for 6 to 36 months baby. We've designed 6 adorable graphic themes for toddler learning activities,including alphabets, numbers, animal , vehicles, oceans, fruits and 8 colorful silk scarves ,developing the skills of learning colors,numbers and alphabets, and enhancing cognitive.Babies will be attracted by this bright and creative interactive sensory toys box.
- 【✅100% Satisfaction】Customer Satisfaction is TOP PRIORITY ! If anything goes wrong with baby sensory tissue box toys, please contact us immediately, we will try our best to make it right for you! Add the cart and join our game now.
No. 4
Rain Stick Montessori Baby Toys for 6-12 Months 1 Year Old, Wooden Rainmaker Infant Musical Sensory Toy, Baby Shower Gift for Newborn Toddler Boys Girls, 7.7"
- 【Perfect Gift for Babies & Infants】Packaged beautifully, this toy makes an ideal baby shower gift, baby easter gifts, Christmas gift for 6-12-month-olds, or even a delightful baby stocking stuffer. Give your little one the perfect gift today
- 【Soothing Raindrop Sounds】: Turn this rain stick over, shake it or roll it around to produce clear and soothing sound of rain sounds. Raindrop sound can capture baby's attention, assisting our baby in relaxation and comfort, especially during moments of anxiety or unease
- 【Sensory Developmental Toy】: Our rainmaker is a good Montessori toy specially designed for babies 6-12 months and toddlers over 1 year old. Baby can practice visual awareness and auditory sensory by watching the colorful beads moving through the translucent rainmaker , promote sensory development, making this toy an ideal companion for your growing infant
- 【Safe & Portable Toy】: This baby rattle toys is made with baby-safe materials, we are sure you and your toddlers will love this durable wooden toy. It can fit into a diaper bag and does not occupy much space, make it easy to carry whether traveling or going out.Perfect for baby 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 month and 1+ year old
- 【Easy to Grip】: This is a great Montessori toy for 1-year-old baby, Designed to stimulate and enhance baby's hand-eye coordination and imagination. Our babies can easily grasp the rain stick. Don't hesitate, pick it now, and give your baby the best shake rattle toys available
No. 5
Fisher-Price Baby Toy Hide & Peek Pop-Up Animal-Themed Sensory Activity with Wood Accents & Sounds for Ages 9+ Months
- Baby pop-up activity toy that helps strengthen fine motor skills
- Press, slide, turn and toggle the activities on the wood-accented log to see the animal pals pop-up
- Each of 4 activities features fun sounds including clicking, squeak and bell dings
- Features real wood accents and soft fabric details to engage developing senses
- Helps foster fine motor skills and introduce cause & effect for infants and toddlers ages 9 months and older
No. 6
Bright Starts Oball Easy Grasp Rattle & Roll Toy Sports Car BPA-Free Infant Crawling Toy, 1 Pack, Age 3 Months and up, Blue/Green
- Fun to push & Go!
- Easy to grasp for even the littlest fingers
- Tires rattle with colorful beads
- Soft, flexible baby toy for 3 months up
No. 7
Montessori Sensory Toys for Toddlers 1-3 - Travel Activities Busy Board Cube - Baby Gifts for 6 9 12 18 Months 1 2 One Year Old Infant Boys Girls - Airplane Plane Car Travel Toys Educational Learning
- [Montessori Busy Toys]: This Montessori toys includes 6 activity panels that offer different experiences, such as an extendable rocket, a rotating steering wheel, a simulated plug, a squeeze button, a pushable spaceship, and a spinning spinner. These are perfect montessori toys for 1 year old as they keep children busy and entertained for hours, fostering their creativity and imagination.
- [Motor Skills Development]: This 6 month old baby toys includes diverse functional modules that encourage the development of hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills through grasping, pulling, rotating, and pressing actions. With its various activities and interactive elements, baby can stay engaged and entertained for hours.
- [Sensory Developmental Toys]: The bright and vibrant colors of the cube along with the different shapes, textures, and sounds provide sensory stimulation and encourage the development of fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. It is designed to be visually appealing, creating a captivating play experience for toddlers. Perfect sensory toy for toddlers 1-3.
- [Durable and Safe]: The Montessori Busy Board Cube Toy is made of high-quality, durable materials to withstand rough play and ensure long-lasting fun. It is designed with toddlers safety in mind, featuring rounded edges, non-toxic paints, and secure parts, ensuring a safe playtime experience. Ideal for baby toys 6 to 12 months - toys for 1 year old.
- [Idea Gifts for Toddlers and Babies]: Travel toys for toddlers 1-3 is a compact and portable toy designed to keep toddlers engaged and entertained for hours. Perfect for Travel, Birthdays, Christmas, and Easter.. Let your baby enjoy a great sensory exploration.
No. 8
Jyusmile Baby Toys 6-12 Months, Montessori Toy for Babies 6-12 Months, Incl Stacking Building Blocks & Soft Infant Teething Toys & Sensory Balls for Toddlers 0-3-6-9-12 Month
- 3 IN 1 Soft Baby Toy Set - Our baby toy bundle for 6 months and up come in a convenient set of 24 individual pieces, with 12 different colored blocks, 6 soft stacking rings, 5 squeeze and sensory toy balls, and a storage bag. Great developmental montessori toys for boys and girls aged 1-2 years old or 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 18 months, which are soft, high-quality, and super durable.
- Montessori Developmental Education - Our 6 to 12 months infant toys are great for learning colors, shapes, textures, counting, and learning developmental concepts such as balance, fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, cognitive ability, and problem-solving capabilities! Your babies can stay engaged, entertained, and learning the whole way!
- Diverse Stacking Sensory Toy - These connecting baby building blocks, stacking rings, and textured balls are easy to pick up and stacked together for 0-6-12-18 months newborn babies. They will make a squeaking sound when you squeeze the soft and interactive baby toy. Identifying numbers and various beginner math symbols, colors, and shapes, and having fun along the way!
- Safe Teething Material - BPA free, non-toxic, high quality material using makes the product durable and safe. Our montessori toys are super soft for assisting your babies while they are teething. Each of them has a small hole, baby’s teething and enjoys the squeaky noise by biting them, great sensory chew toys and stacking toys for toddlers 1-3.
- Perfect Toy Gift for Toddlers - The infant toy for 0-3 months come in a convenient storage bag, bring several of these toys for the baby whenever you go somewhere. A perfect choice for babies birthday/Christmas/Thanksgiving gift. Recommended to clean with high-temperature water when using. Stick the hole before washing it. Try to squeeze out the water inside, put the hole upward, and dry it in the sun until the water fully evaporates.
Choosing the Best Toys for Your 9 to 12-Month-Old
As your baby enters the exciting stage between 9 and 12 months, their world explodes with new discoveries! They’re sitting up, crawling, and maybe even pulling themselves to stand. This is a crucial time for play that encourages their developing skills. Finding the right toys can make a big difference in their learning and enjoyment.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for toys for your little one, keep these important features in mind:
- Encourages Movement: Toys that help babies practice crawling, cruising (walking while holding onto furniture), and exploring are fantastic. Think push toys or balls they can roll.
- Sensory Exploration: Babies learn through their senses. Look for toys with different textures, bright colors, and interesting sounds. Soft fabrics, smooth plastic, and gentle rattles are great.
- Fine Motor Skill Development: Toys that help babies use their fingers and hands are important. Stacking cups, shape sorters, and large building blocks are perfect for this.
- Cause and Effect Learning: Toys that show babies that their actions have results are very engaging. Pressing a button to make a sound or dropping a block into a hole teaches them how things work.
- Safety First: This is the most important feature! Toys should be made from safe materials and have no small parts that could be a choking hazard.
Important Materials
The materials used in toys are vital for your baby’s health and safety.
- Wood: Natural wood toys are durable and often painted with non-toxic paints. They feel good in little hands.
- BPA-Free Plastic: Many safe plastic toys are made without harmful chemicals like BPA. These are often easy to clean.
- Fabric: Soft fabric toys, like plush animals or sensory balls, offer comfort and different textures. Make sure they are securely stitched.
- Silicone: Food-grade silicone is a safe and flexible material often used for teething toys and some sensory toys.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
- Durability: Toys that can withstand enthusiastic play and occasional drops are a good investment. Well-made toys last longer.
- Ease of Cleaning: Babies put everything in their mouths! Toys that are easy to wipe down or wash are a lifesaver for parents.
- Simplicity: Sometimes, the simplest toys are the best. Overly complicated toys can be overwhelming for babies.
- Small Parts: Toys with tiny pieces are a big no-no. Always check for and remove any small parts that could break off.
- Sharp Edges: Ensure toys have smooth edges and no rough spots that could scratch your baby.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how your baby will interact with the toy and how it fits into your daily routine.
- Playtime on the Floor: Many toys are perfect for tummy time or when your baby is sitting and exploring. A soft mat with attached sensory toys can keep them busy.
- Encouraging Movement: A push toy can be used when your baby starts to stand and wants to move around. They can hold onto it for support.
- Travel and Outings: Smaller, portable toys can provide entertainment during car rides or visits to the grandparents.
- Bath Time Fun: Waterproof toys can make bath time more enjoyable and educational. Floating toys or cups for pouring are great.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for 9 to 12-Month-Old Toys
Q: What are the main developmental benefits of toys for this age group?
A: Toys for 9 to 12-month-olds help babies develop their motor skills, like crawling and grasping. They also boost their sensory exploration and problem-solving abilities as they learn cause and effect.
Q: Are there specific types of toys that are best for encouraging crawling?
A: Yes! Push toys, soft balls they can chase, and toys that make sounds when moved can motivate babies to crawl towards them.
Q: How important is it for toys to be brightly colored?
A: Bright colors are very attractive to babies and help stimulate their visual development. However, muted or natural colors can also be great for sensory exploration.
Q: What should I do if a toy breaks or has small parts?
A: If a toy breaks and reveals small parts, immediately remove the toy from your baby’s reach and discard it. Safety is always the top priority.
Q: Can I use toys that are designed for slightly older babies?
A: It’s best to stick to toys specifically recommended for 9 to 12-month-olds to ensure they are safe and appropriate for their current developmental stage.
Q: How can I make sure a toy is safe to chew on?
A: Look for toys made from food-grade silicone or BPA-free plastic. Always check the manufacturer’s guidelines and ensure there are no small, detachable parts.
Q: What are some good examples of cause-and-effect toys?
A: Toys with buttons that make sounds, blocks that can be stacked and then knocked down, or musical instruments that play a note when tapped are excellent examples.
Q: Should I worry about toys that make loud noises?
A: While some sound is good for engagement, toys with excessively loud noises can be startling or even harmful to a baby’s developing hearing. Look for toys with adjustable volume or gentle sounds.
Q: How much should I expect to spend on toys for this age?
A: Toy prices vary greatly. You can find excellent, safe, and developmental toys at various price points. Focus on quality and developmental benefits rather than just the cost.
Q: Where is the best place to buy toys for my 9 to 12-month-old?
A: Reputable toy stores, online retailers with good return policies, and baby specialty stores are great places to shop. Always read reviews and check for safety certifications.