Your 9-month-old’s attention span is growing, and it’s a struggle to keep her entertained. A month ago, she was content in her swing, but now she’s crawling all over the house. What are some toys for 9-month-old babies that will keep her busy and engaged?
Cause and effect toys can pique the interest of 9-month-olds, says Keri Wilmot, a pediatric occupational therapist and founder of the toy reviewing site Toy Queen. “Babies of this age group are beginning to imitate and copy actions like waving and blowing raspberries, so toys that allow them to push a button and watch something amazing happen gives them an incentive to repeat the action,” Wilmot explains.
Allyson Downey, the co-owner of the toy reviewing site weeSpring, recommends grasping toys to keep babies occupied. “The Oball is one of the most popular products on weeSpring overall, and at $5.99 it’s a no-brainer of a purchase. It’s a clutching toy that’s easy for little baby fingers to grasp and helps them learn important motor developing skills, like passing a toy from hand to hand,” she says.
Here are 15 other toys for 9-month-old babies to consider:
- Manhattan Toy Winkel
This colorful web of plastic tubes from Manhattan Toy is perfect for soothing your teething baby’s sore gums. Your 9-month-old can develop her fine motor skills as she reaches for the rattle in the center.
- Sassy Developmental Wonder Wheel Suction Toy
This visually appealing Sassy toy will keep your baby busy in his high chair. The colorful spinning beads will capture his attention as he learns “what goes up must come down.”
- Tiny Love Follow Me Fred
Your 9-month-old can practice her “power crawl” by chasing her furry friend from Tiny Love around the house. She can press the colorful buttons to hear her pup bark or use the speed control to make the play date faster or slower.
- Earlyears Roll ‘N Swirl Ball Ramp
Your baby will love the entertainment options of this tiered tower from Earlyears. He can gaze at the brightly colored spinning balls and giggle as they glide down the ramp.
- Hohner 4-Piece Baby Band
Your 9-month-old can be a one-baby band with these colorful Hohner instruments. This festive set includes a rainbow shaker, maraca, cage bell and rattle.
- BKids’ Spray ‘N Play Toy Fountain
Bath time is playtime with this floating “island of surprises” from BKids. Your baby can cool off with a spraying turtle or splish ‘n splash with a squirting whale.
- Cloud b Sleep Sheep
This snuggly plush toy from Cloud b will help lull your baby to sleep. She can drift into a peaceful slumber by the calming sounds of the ocean, spring rain or a heartbeat.
- Melissa & Doug Hungry Pelican Learning Toy
Melissa & Doug’s plush pet from K’s Kids encourages cooperative play. Your baby can feed his famished bird sea creatures through his bill. He can show his pet affection by kissing its squeaky cheeks and patting its crinkly feathers.
- LeapFrog Learn and Groove Musical Table
This versatile LeapFrog toy is both fun and functional. Your 9-month-old can tap her toe to the music while she learns her ABCs and 123s in English and Spanish.
- Fisher-Price Brilliant Basics Rock-a-Stack
The brightly colored Fisher-Price ring stack is a classic toy for 9-month-old babies that teaches color recognition, as well as the concept of small, medium and large.
- Vtech Sit-to-Stand Learning Walker
This multi-functional toy from Vtech bridges the gap between crawling and walking. Your baby can sit on the floor and sort shapes with the play panel or pull up and go for a stroll.
- Alex Toys Alex Jr. Learn to Crawl Tunnel
This pastel animal-print Alex Toys tunnel will develop your 9-month-old’s gross motor skills. She can crawl through the tunnel or play a game of peek-a-boo with mom or dad.
- Little Einstein’s Take Along Tunes
This portable music player from Little Einstein will keep your baby content when you’re out and about. He can grasp the caterpillar handle and hum to seven classical melodies.
- Fisher-Price Brilliant Basics Stack and Roll Cups
Match these Fisher-Price cups by size, number or color — the included noise-making ball will keep your baby engaged and interested.
- Lamaze Soft Peek-a-Boo Forest Book
This interactive Lamaze book helps develop your 9-month-old’s language skills. She will begin to identify animals as she learns social skills, such as sharing.
Little ones grow up so quickly! Check out Fun Activities to Do with Toddlers.
Jennifer Gilbert is a freelance writer and field editor for Taste of Home Magazine. She enjoys reading, traveling, baking and spending time with her family.