Best Developmental Toys for your 3-6 Month Old

The 3-6 month age is a season of quick development. You will watch your baby go from a sweet peanut who eats, sleeps, and makes dirty diapers to an active baby eager to explore the world around them. Keeping developmental milestones in mind, I’ve curated this list of toys that will promote engagement, skill development, and curiosity for your baby. 

1. Your baby will enjoy catching their reflection in this rolling mirror. Babies are naturally drawn to faces and typically begin to smile at and reach for their reflection at 3-6 months. When placed just outside of reach this rolling mirror may motivate your child to begin to crawl towards it. 
2. Playing peek-a-boo with these scarves is a fun way to develop your baby’s early understanding of object permanence (something still exists even when we cannot see it) as well as their sense of anticipation (preparing for what will happen next). 
3. A big milestone for this stage in development is learning to bat at toys and to reach for toys. Having a play gym with hanging toys provides your baby with an opportunity to bat at an object that catches their attention. If you’re looking to splurge, we love this simple and beautiful option, but a classic budget-friendly option will work just as well. Not at home? These hanging toys are perfect for using on the go.
4. Your baby’s understanding of cause and effect (if x, then y) is beginning to emerge. My boys love this light bar that plays music and has lights when activated. It may also motivate your baby to lift their head while in Tummy Time.
5. 3-6 month babies have very active hands!  Encourage your baby to bring their hands to the middle of their body and to their mouth to explore their toys. This Oball will assist them as they learn to grasp toys. Classic rings are an easy way for your baby to practice passing an object from one hand to another. I love to capture my baby’s attention with this light-up rattle and encourage him to reach for it. 
6. Baby’s hands aren’t the only busy body part! Your baby’s kicking is also developing during this stage. Encourage your baby to notice their feet and make the connection that their feet are a part of their body. This kick & play piano play mat demonstrates to your baby that when they kick it will produce a sound. Similarly, these infant rattle socks will engage your baby in the same way. 
7. This moving Dino is a big hit at our house. It always keeps my baby interested during Tummy Time and encourages your baby to lift their head and turn it in both directions to watch the dinosaur move back and forth.
8. You’ll notice your baby will begin to bring anything and everything to their mouth. One of my favorite ways to encourage pre-feeding skills and sensory exploration is by making a breast milk popsicle. This easy to grasp banana is a household favorite and these teething sticks are also a great option.
9. I love to place this bumpy ball slightly out of reach for my baby to encourage reaching and rolling as the bright colors are visually enticing and it is easy to grasp. 
10. These blocks are a wonderful way to practice supported sitting. The blocks have textures, sounds, and a mirror to engage your baby when they are placed in front of them. This spinning drum is also the perfect height for engaging your baby in a supported sitting position.

I hope this list helps you as you engage your baby in play that supports their development. Remember: your baby’s best playmate is you! Don’t underestimate the power of getting on their level and  simply bonding together. 

~Laney