Best Baby Toys for Learning and Development (3 – 6 Months)

Inside: Find the best educational learning toys for babies 3-6 months old.

As a new mom, I always wondered if there were educational baby toys that could actually help my little bundle of joy reach major milestones. Milestones like reaching, pressing, babbling, crawling, talking that make us so proud as parents, but more importantly show that our children are thriving and developing normally.

Of course, every child is unique and develops at their own pace, but providing a rich sensory experience and tools to help baby get there is just as crucial.

Related: Best Baby Toys for 6-9 Month Old

Throughout the years, I made it a point to find the best early development toys for infants. Toys that would help develop an emotionally intelligent baby and provide them with essential skills later down the road.

Whether you’re looking to teach baby to listen and reach or walk and talk these brain-boosting learning toys will provide plenty of sensory stimulation and physical skills that will be important through child development.

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Read: Best Toddler Toys for Imaginative Play

 

If you’re asking yourself, What are the best toys for my baby 6 months and under?? 

These are our favorite educational toys to encourage a smart, happy milestone-reaching child from 3 to 6 months of age.

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BEST DEVELOPMENTAL TOYS FOR BABIES

Lamaze Peek-A-Boo Forest Soft Book

This soft playful peek-a-boo book features fun rhymes for story-time and bonding.

It was one of my favorite picks for reading with baby, especially because it was soft to touch and easy to toss in the washing machine when used as a teething toy :).

The peek-a-boo flaps in the bright colorful baby book help develop hand-eye coordination and fine-motor skills, making it a great choice for baby’s first toy! Definitely something to add to your Amazon shopping list before the holidays. See what other moms say about it here!

Sassy Developmental Bumpy Ball

This baby-friendly developmental ball is a great toy for babies who are learning to get a more firmer grasp. With chunky colorful bumps to encourage reaching and grasping, this clever toy helps develop emerging fine motor skills.

It actually is a toy that baby can play with from birth to three years old — and is said to include gentle rattle sounds to create a neural connection in baby’s brains! Read more about it here!

Infantino Textured Multi Ball Set

I purchased these textured sensory balls each time my kids were babies. For babies 3-6-month-old, they offer a wide range of sensory fun. The different sizes and shapes help baby develop tactile senses.Read: Best Baby Toys from 0-12 months

Stacking Toys by GreenToys

Stacking cups are a huge hit with kids of all ages, especially as your baby gets closer to 6 months and is approaching new developmental milestones. Although I’ve owned a variety of stacking cups over the years, Green Toys are very eco-friendly and safe for baby. They are free of BPA Phthalates, PVC or other coatings, eliminating the fear of toxins and lead — a major plus when you have a teething baby putting everything in their mouth!NOTE: Although babies typically can really learn from stacking cups after 6 months, I like to introduce them just a little before to peak their curiosity as they begin reaching and grasping more frequently. If Green Toys are out of stock — this is another brand favorite and more affordable cup are a great alternative.

Baby Einstein Take Along Tunes Musical Toy

I recommend this award-winning Baby Einstein musical toy for 3-6 months because of the power in listening to music for babies. Music is said to help develop cognitive skills and a wide set of perceptual skills that can lead to speaking later in life. And this little portable musical toy plays 10 melodies, is easy for baby to grasp and perfect for is easy for on-the-go!

VTech Busy Learners Activity Cube

This VTech activity cube is great for babies near the 6 month age (and fun to play with through 36 months!). As curiosity grows, your little one can play with this 5 sided toy that encourages discovery and exploration.

And we all know that active babies love sound and movement, making the motion sensors and sounds are a great way to attract attention and encourage crawling! Since the toy is often out-of-stock on Amazon, this Mozart-friendly brand makes an excellent alternative.

Infantino Squeeze and Stack Block Set

I really loved letting my babies play with these Infantino blocks as they approached 6 months of age. Not only did they provide a stimulating tactile experience (each block has a different animal and numbers) for baby to feel, but they also were a favorite to use as a teether. Really a great gift idea for any baby 3-6 months!

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Looking for more? Check out these additional resources: 

Toys Dad Can Buy Their Toddler

 baby and toddler shopping list

Baby and Toddler Books and Toys for Cool Parents