Inside: This baby subscription box has the most dynamic sensory toys for 6 month olds. These Montessori-inspired toys are perfect for fine motor development and keeping baby entertained!
One thing no one really tells you when you become a mom is that you don’t need all the things (especially when it comes to toys).
After 3 kids I’ve definitely learned a couple of important tips:
- Less is more
- Skip “one and done” toys
- Quality over quantity
Good marketing wants us to believe that our babies need a lot of toys in order to be happy, stimulated, and on track developmentally.
The truth is this: you can keep it simple, and still raise a baby who is happy, stimulated and on track developmentally.
How?
- Just remember, when it comes to toys, less is more. Babies will engage in deeper play with less things. You can always rotate their toys to keep things fresh.
- Pass on toys that are “one and done” – meaning, they’re fun to play with once or twice, but after that they sit untouched, and the excitement is over.
- Go for high-quality toys made with sturdy materials. What’s the point of spending money on toys if they break easily? I’d rather pay a little more for a high-quality toy that’s built to last and grow with my baby.
Today I’m going to share with you my favorite sensory toys for 6 month olds that fit these exact recommendations.
Why is sensory play for babies important?
According to the educational website, Only About Children:
“Babies learn and develop new connections in their brain through play. Sensory play also helps babies to learn more about the world around them and supports language development as they learn to respond to different stimuli. Babies can enjoy simple sensory play such as touching different objects and surfaces and hearing how different materials create varied sounds.”
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A good example of a sensory toy for babies would be play scarves (simple, I know!)
With a set of scarves you can do:
- Peek-a-boo
- Hide the object
- Tummy time
- Rainbow colors
- Tickle toes
One object, tons of ideas. And as baby grows, this one “toy” can grow with them to include new developmental activities.
Why are sensory toys good for babies?
Knowing why sensory play is essential for development, it follows that sensory toys are a great place to start!
And when it comes to development, there’s no need to wait! It’s never too early to stimulate your baby’s brain.
While you can start developing these skills with your newborn, 6 months old is a great time to promote fine and gross motor development as this is when most babies sit up and begin to work on crawling.
These are very important milestones (and the range for hitting them varies), so providing various opportunities for your baby to engage in sensory play is a great way to help them get there!
Best Sensory Toys for 6 Month Olds
Disclaimer: I was gifted The Senser Kit (5-6 months old) from Lovevery. All opinions are my own. This post may contain affiliate links. You can read our full disclosure policy, here.
Each Lovevery Play Kit is designed by experts to include the best toys for each age and stage, and each kit comes with an essential guide that covers everything from how to play with the toys provided plus developmental tips.
Alright, let’s dive in to what you’ll find in The Senser Kit:
Tummy Time Activities
Spending time on the floor is SO important for babies, especially as they reach 6 months. Tummy time helps babies develop the skills needed to roll, push up, and eventually crawl.
Not all babies love spending time on their belly, though.
With my 3 girls, I’ve found that providing captivating toys helps hold their interest while they’re doing tummy time.
Here are a few examples:
Pictured above: Tummy time wobbler (left) and spinning rainbow (right)
And for a baby who isn’t quite sold on tummy time, try lying them on their back with something engaging to look at (like the play socks shown below). Getting comfortable on the floor is important, even if they’re on their back!
Sitting Up Activities
Around 5 months, you may find that your baby is able to sit up with a little assistance. I love our Bumbo seat because it helps my 6 month old sit up so she can engage with an object right in front of her.
Pictured above: Rainbow ball (left) and Magic tissue box (right)
The guide also shares different ways to play with each toy to keep it fresh!
You can find all of these sensory toys in the The Senser Play Kit. This also makes the perfect gift (any mom would love!).
What to Read Next:
- What to do with a Baby All Day (0-3 months)
- How to Survive the 6 Month Old Nap Regression
- Easy Montessori Hacks Anyone Can Do
- The Ultimate Guide to Toy Rotation
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