At 9 months old, babies are starting to explore the world around them and develop new skills. Toys can play a crucial role in this process, providing entertainment, stimulation, and opportunities for learning. However, with so many options available, it can be challenging to choose the best toys for a 9-month-old.
When selecting toys for a 9-month-old, it’s important to keep in mind their developmental stage. At this age, babies are becoming more mobile and gaining better control of their movements. They are also developing their hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills, which means they are ready for toys that encourage grasping, pulling, and manipulating.
One critical factor to consider when choosing toys for a 9-month-old is safety. Babies at this age are still putting everything in their mouths, so it’s crucial to select toys that are non-toxic and free from small parts that could pose a choking hazard.
We researched and tested a variety of toys to identify the best options for 9-month-olds. In the following sections, we will highlight our top picks and explain why we believe they are the best choices for this age group.
Top 3 Best Toys for 9 Month Old
1. VTech Drop and Go Dump Truck
2. Playskool Busy Ball Popper Toy
3. Melissa & Doug First Bead Maze
As parents, we know how important it is to provide our babies with toys that are not only fun but also help them develop their skills. At 9 months old, babies are starting to become more mobile and curious about the world around them. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best toys for 9 month olds that will keep them engaged and encourage their development. From sensory toys to musical instruments, we’ve got you covered. Check out our top picks below!
VTech Drop and Go Dump Truck
We highly recommend the VTech Drop and Go Dump Truck for parents looking for an engaging and educational toy for their 9-month-old.
Pros
- The interactive truck teaches numbers by counting the colorful rocks as they are dropped into the bucket.
- The push and pull motion of the truck helps develop motor skills.
- The three colorful buttons play melodies, phrases, and teach tools and colors, providing a fun and stimulating experience for the child.
Cons
- The toy requires 2 AAA batteries, which are included for demo purposes only, and new batteries are recommended for regular use.
- The dump truck is intended for toddlers ages 6 months to 3 years, so it may not hold the attention of older children.
- The lack of stability may cause the truck to tip over if the child is not careful.
The VTech Drop and Go Dump Truck is a great early education toy for toddlers. The child can learn numbers, colors, and tools while having fun with the interactive truck. The push and pull motion of the truck helps develop motor skills, and the three colorful buttons play melodies, phrases, and teach tools and colors, providing a fun and stimulating experience for the child. The only downsides are that the toy requires 2 AAA batteries, which are included for demo purposes only, and new batteries are recommended for regular use.
Additionally, the lack of stability may cause the truck to tip over if the child is not careful. Overall, we believe that the VTech Drop and Go Dump Truck is a great investment for parents looking to provide their child with an engaging and educational toy.
Playskool Busy Ball Popper Toy for Toddlers and Babies 9 Months and Up with 5 Balls (Amazon Exclusive) Frustration-Free Packaging
If you’re looking for a fun and engaging toy for your 9-month-old, the Playskool Busy Ball Popper is definitely worth considering. This toy is perfect for boys and girls as a holiday gift or even a 1st birthday gift.
Pros
- The toy is easy to activate with a big button, so even little hands can start the fun all by themselves.
- The 5 colorful balls that pop up in the air, roll down the ramps, and through clear tubes are mesmerizing for babies and toddlers.
- The toy comes with 8 songs and silly sound effects that provide a fun sensory experience.
Cons
- The toy requires four D batteries, which are not included.
- The toy can be quite loud, which may not be ideal for some parents.
- The balls can roll away, which may require some supervision from parents.
We’ve had the Playskool Busy Ball Popper toy for a few months now, and our 9-month-old loves it. The bright colors and fun sounds immediately caught his attention, and he quickly learned how to activate the toy by pressing the big button. The toy has been great for his fine motor skills, and we love watching him track the balls as they pop up and down.
One thing to note is that the toy can be quite loud, which may not be ideal for some parents. Additionally, the balls can roll away, so we’ve had to keep an eye on them to make sure we don’t lose any. Overall, we highly recommend the Playskool Busy Ball Popper toy for any parents looking for a fun and engaging toy for their 9-month-old.
Melissa & Doug First Bead Maze
We highly recommend the Melissa & Doug First Bead Maze for any parent looking for an educational and entertaining toy for their 9-month-old.
Pros
- The bright colors and various shapes of the beads and rings keep babies engaged and entertained.
- The toy is well-constructed with high-quality materials, making it safe and durable for extended use.
- The suction cup base allows for easy attachment to a high chair or table, keeping the toy in place and preventing it from falling onto the floor.
Cons
- The toy is fairly small and may not hold the attention of older babies for long periods of time.
- The suction cup base can be difficult to remove from surfaces, making it challenging to move the toy to different locations.
- The wire pathways can be difficult for younger babies to manipulate, requiring adult assistance.
The Melissa & Doug First Bead Maze is an exceptional developmental toy for babies. It features 18 multiple-shaped wooden beads and three plastic rings that spin and slide along the wire pathways. This toy is designed to help babies develop sensory skills, fine motor skills, and hand-eye coordination.
The toy is well-constructed with high-quality materials, ensuring safety and durability for extended use. The suction cup base allows for easy attachment to a high chair or table, keeping the toy in place and preventing it from falling onto the floor. However, the toy is fairly small and may not hold the attention of older babies for long periods of time. Additionally, the suction cup base can be difficult to remove from surfaces, making it challenging to move the toy to different locations.
Overall, the Melissa & Doug First Bead Maze is a delightful and educational gift for babies 12 months and up. We highly recommend adding the Melissa & Doug Shape Sorting Cube to round out the hands-on experience and to give babies an engaging option for screen-free play.
Thremhoo Montessori Tissue Box Toys
If you’re searching for a fun and educational toy for your 9-month-old, the Thremhoo Montessori Tissue Box Toys is a great option.
Pros
- The toy comes with 1 cotton tissue box, 3 bright and stimulating crinkle tissues & 10 rainbow colors shiffon tissues.
- The crinkle toys for babies 6-12 months have a crackly sound that will stimulate hearing & senses of babies.
- The toy is made of cotton and is non-toxic, strong stitching, and washable.
Cons
- The thin, see-through fabric can be dangerous to walk on, so make sure to pick it up when done playing.
- The toy may not be as engaging as some parents expected.
- The toy may not hold up well over time.
This Montessori tissue box toy is an attractive and fun toy that will keep your little one entertained for hours. The crinkle toys for babies 6-12 months have a crackly sound that will stimulate hearing & senses of babies. The patterns on each side are not repeated, including animals, dinosaurs, numbers, alphabet, fruit & cars. Baby can learn while playing with these Montessori tissues toys. Great for improving fine motor skills, sensory exploration & recognition. Perfect developmental toys for 6 7 8 9 month old 1 year old baby boy girl.
The toy is made of cotton and is non-toxic, strong stitching, and washable. This makes it a reassuring toy for parents who are concerned about their baby’s safety. However, the thin, see-through fabric can be dangerous to walk on, so make sure to pick it up when done playing.
Overall, the Thremhoo Montessori Tissue Box Toys is a great toy for 9-month-olds who are looking for something fun and educational to play with.
VTech Sit-To-Stand Learning Walker (Frustration Free Packaging), Blue Blue Walker
If you’re looking for a fun and educational toy for your 9-month-old, the VTech Sit-To-Stand Learning Walker is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The activity-packed, detachable panel is perfect for babies who can sit up and can also re-attach to the walker for on-the-run fun on both carpet and bare floors.
- The activity center for baby boys & girls includes five piano keys that play musical notes and a telephone handset to encourage creativity and role-play fun.
- The baby rolling walker features 3 shape sorters, light-up buttons, and colorful spinning rollers that help define motor skills and balance development.
Cons
- The walker may not be ideal for smaller babies who are still learning to sit up or crawl.
- The volume on the music and sounds may be too loud for some parents.
- The toy may not be as durable as some of the more expensive options on the market.
We were impressed by the VTech Sit-To-Stand Learning Walker. Our little one loved the colorful design and the interactive features that kept them entertained for hours. The detachable activity panel was a great feature that allowed us to use it for on-the-go playtime. We also appreciated that it was adjustable, with a two-speed control switch that allowed growth along with our little one’s changing speeds.
Overall, we would definitely recommend the VTech Sit-To-Stand Learning Walker for parents looking for an affordable and engaging toy that helps with sensory development, motor skills, and hand-eye coordination.
Buying Guide
When it comes to buying toys for your 9-month-old, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure you are getting the best product for your little one. Here are some features to consider when selecting toys for your 9-month-old baby:
Safety
Safety should always be a top priority when it comes to buying toys for your baby. Make sure the toy is age-appropriate and does not have any small parts that can be choking hazards. Also, check for any sharp edges or points that can cause injuries.
Developmental Benefits
At 9 months old, your baby is starting to develop fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and cognitive abilities. Look for toys that help develop these skills, such as toys with buttons, knobs, and levers, or toys that encourage crawling or standing.
Durability
Babies can be tough on their toys, so it’s important to choose toys that are durable and can withstand rough play. Look for toys made of sturdy materials and avoid toys that are easily breakable.
Variety
Babies can get bored easily, so it’s important to provide them with a variety of toys to keep them engaged and entertained. Look for toys with different textures, colors, and sounds to keep your baby interested.
Educational Value
Toys can also be a great way to introduce your baby to new concepts and skills. Look for toys that have educational value, such as toys that teach letters, numbers, or shapes.
By keeping these features in mind, you can ensure that you are selecting the best toys for your 9-month-old baby.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of walking toys are recommended for a 9-month-old?
At 9 months old, babies are usually starting to explore their environment by crawling and standing up. Push and pull toys, such as wagons and carts, can be great for encouraging walking and balance. Look for toys that are sturdy, have a wide base, and are easy to grip.
Which wooden toys are suitable for a 9-month-old’s development?
Wooden toys are a great option for babies as they are durable, safe, and can stimulate their senses. At 9 months old, babies are developing their fine motor skills, so wooden toys with knobs, buttons, and levers can be beneficial. Wooden blocks, stacking toys, and shape sorters are also great options.
What are some age-appropriate Montessori toys for a 9 to 12-month-old?
Montessori toys are designed to promote independent play and learning. For a 9 to 12-month-old, Montessori toys that focus on sensory exploration, such as sensory balls and textured blocks, can be helpful. Toys that encourage problem-solving and fine motor skills, such as puzzles and shape sorters, are also great options.
What are the best developmental toys for a baby between 6 to 9 months?
Between 6 to 9 months, babies are developing their gross and fine motor skills, as well as their cognitive abilities. Toys that encourage crawling, such as tunnels and play mats, can be beneficial. Toys that promote sensory exploration, such as soft books and rattles, are also great options.
What are some ideal Christmas gift ideas for a 9-month-old?
For a 9-month-old, Christmas gift ideas can include toys that promote exploration and development, such as activity tables and play kitchens. Soft toys, such as stuffed animals and plush balls, can also be great options. Look for toys that are age-appropriate and safe for your baby.
How can I ensure the toys for my 10-month-old support their growth and learning?
To ensure that toys support your 10-month-old’s growth and learning, look for toys that are age-appropriate and safe. Toys that encourage exploration, such as shape sorters and stacking toys, can be beneficial. Toys that promote problem-solving and fine motor skills, such as puzzles and building blocks, are also great options. Remember to supervise your baby during playtime and to choose toys that match their interests and abilities.
