As the parent of an infant, you probably find yourself wondering what you should be doing with this little one all day. Aside from wacky sleep and feeding schedules, they seem pretty simple. At six months of age, your baby is developing rapidly. Providing little ones with age-appropriate toys can help enhance their development in many ways.
Why Does My 6-Month-Old Need Toys?
Toys play a crucial role in a baby’s development, particularly as they begin using their hands and fingers to explore the world around them. Babies are becoming more aware of cause and effect and are developing their hand-eye coordination. As they grow, both these skills will be improved with the help of age-appropriate toys.
There are particular types of toys that are the best for this age. Toys that encourage exploration and problem-solving help promote brain development, while toys that promote social interaction and communication help with emotional intelligence. Two categories of toys we love for little ones around this age are wood toys and teether toys.
What are the Benefits of Teether Toys?
At six months of age, your baby is likely beginning to experience the discomfort of teething; teether toys can be a lifesaver for you both with the comfort and relief they provide. When babies begin to teeth, your household may become a little more chaotic than usual. Babies often experience fevers, excessive drooling, and obviously significant gum and mouth pain when teething.
Finding the best teether toys can be tricky because there are hundreds upon hundreds of options, like teether necklaces, teether bracelets, and some wonderful teether pacifiers.
Regardless of the kind you choose, all teether toys should be:
- Easy to grip
- Made of mouth-safe materials
- A variety of textures
Best Types of Teether Toys for 6-Month-Olds to Hold
Since your baby is working on perfecting some of their fine motor skills, it’s important to look for teether toys that support that development and are easy to grasp and reach for. If your baby can’t pick up their teether toy, it isn’t much use to them. We love this Mushie Silicone Cat Teether for that very reason; it has a ring that is easy for little hands to grab and hold onto, so they won’t easily lose or throw their new teething toy.
Teether Toys with Non-Toxic Materials
Teether toys are designed to go in mouths; that’s the whole point! When researching teether toys, make sure to look for the ingredients and materials with which the teether toy is made. Mushie makes great silicone teethers. They are made of food-grade silicone and are free from BPA, PVC, and phthalates. We love this Silicone Rainbow Teether for its non-toxic makeup and its cute design.
Different Textures and Materials for Teething Toys
If you’ve had a teething baby, you know they can be a little grumpy sometimes. It can be hard to find a teething toy that makes them totally happy, but trying out different textures can help you get there. Some babies might find wood toys more relieving, while others might prefer silicone or soft materials. Try out this Silicone & Wood Bubble Teether to see if your baby has a preference for one part over another.
Our Favorite Wood Toys for 6-Month-Olds
Wood toys are another great category of toys for six-month-olds because they support independent learning and open-ended play. Open-ended play is really important as kids age because it requires a little bit of critical thinking and problem-solving skills, both of which you want your child to master. Wood toys also promote communication and social skills since little ones will want to share their adventure with friends!
Wood toys are a great choice for six-month-olds because they are durable, eco-friendly, and provide a stimulating experience that plastic toys can’t match. Wood toys are beneficial because they typically are void of bright lights, loud sounds, and flashy aesthetics that may overstimulate your little one.
3 of Our Favorite Wood Toys for Babies:
Learning About Food with Wood Toys
Every little one loves a play kitchen with pretend food! A wood fruit set is perfect for introducing your child to certain foods long before they ever try them. As they age, a wood fruit set could be very beneficial as babies begin to learn colors, counting, and even recipe building. These wood toys will certainly end up in your child’s mouth because they look good enough to eat, but know that they are made with sustainable wood and non-toxic paint that’s safe for little mouths!
Understanding Shapes with MyFirst Shape Sorter
This simple and sweet shape sorter will be a hit with little ones. It’s unique in that its shapes are attached and impossible to lose, unlike other shape-sorting systems. Your six-month-old will have endless fun tinkering with this wood toy even if they can’t quite put the shapes through their respective opening yet. This will help with color and shape recognition once they age a bit!
Farm Animals Wood Toys for 6-Month-Olds
Animals are always popular among the infant crowd. Having a great set of animal wood toys is a fantastic way to get your child engaged in nature. This set is relatively large and easy to grip, so it’s perfect for tiny hands. You can use these animals to practice animal sounds and even to act out your favorite animal stories!
Starting Your 6-Month-Old's Toy Collection
Starting a toy collection for a six-month-old can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be! By focusing on age-appropriate toys that promote sensory development and cognitive skills, parents can create a collection that will engage and entertain little ones for years to come.
Wood toys and teether toys are both essentials when thinking about an infant’s toy collection. Wood toys are great even as your child grows and provide a sensory experience and a safe toy all in one. Plus, their durability means they will last your family a lifetime. Must-have teether toys will be ones that provide pain relief while also engaging baby’s senses and mind. Fortunately, Hazel & Fawn has different types of toys for every kid, along with essential baby gear for newborns to school-age children.
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