As a parent, I’ve found that the stage between nine and twelve months is one of the most exciting—and challenging—times in a baby’s development. At this age, babies are curious explorers. They’re crawling, pulling up, and perhaps even starting to toddle around. They love to test cause and effect, practice fine motor skills, and mimic everything they see. Finding toys that are not only safe but also engaging and developmentally appropriate became a mission for me. After trying countless options, I’ve narrowed down the best toys for 9–12 month olds that have truly made a difference in my baby’s playtime and learning journey.
Why the Right Toys Matter
By this age, babies are transitioning from passive play to interactive learning. They’re fascinated by how things work—whether it’s opening and closing lids, stacking objects, or pressing buttons to see what happens. The right toys not only entertain but also encourage skills like hand-eye coordination, problem-solving, and balance. I quickly realised that quality mattered more than quantity; a few carefully chosen toys were far more valuable than a room full of clutter.
Stacking Cups and Rings
One of the first toys I introduced during this stage was a set of colourful stacking cups. They may seem simple, but my baby found endless ways to play with them—stacking, knocking them down, banging them together, and even using them as mini containers for snacks.
Stacking rings were another favourite, especially for practicing hand-eye coordination. I loved how these toys grew with him; at first he was content just mouthing and banging the pieces, but eventually he learned how to stack them in the right order.
Push Toys for Early Walkers
Around ten months, my little one started pulling himself up on furniture, so I invested in a sturdy push toy. This quickly became one of the most valuable items in our home. Not only did it help build confidence for those wobbly first steps, but it also kept him engaged with the fun activities on the front panel—spinning gears, buttons, and sliders. I found that a push toy with a broad base was safer and less likely to tip, which eased my mind while he practiced.
Soft Blocks and Shape Sorters
I was surprised by how much joy my baby found in soft, squeezable blocks. He stacked them, threw them, and occasionally used them as teething toys.
When he was ready, I introduced a shape sorter. At first, he just loved opening and closing the lid or shaking it like a rattle. Over time, though, he began to understand the challenge of fitting the shapes into the correct holes. Watching that little spark of problem-solving happen was incredibly rewarding for both of us.
Interactive Books
Books have been a staple in our household since day one, but interactive books really stole the show at this stage. Touch-and-feel books, flaps to lift, and even simple sound buttons kept him entertained far longer than I expected. Reading became more than just a quiet bonding moment—it turned into an active exploration. I noticed how he loved the routine of turning the pages himself and pointing at familiar pictures. For me, books were one of the best investments because they nurtured both play and early language development.
Musical Toys
Music has always calmed my baby, so we experimented with a few musical toys. A small xylophone, a drum, and even a toy piano introduced him to the joy of making noise (sometimes a little too joyfully!). While it may have been loud at times, I saw how much he delighted in learning that he could create sound by hitting or pressing something. These toys helped develop rhythm, coordination, and even a budding sense of creativity.
Bath Toys
Bath time transformed into a highlight of our day once I added in a few engaging bath toys. Simple stacking boats, squirty animals, and pouring cups not only kept him entertained but also encouraged sensory exploration. Bath toys are also practical since they double as a way to practice fine motor skills while keeping hygiene fun. I loved watching him experiment with water—filling, pouring, and splashing—all while learning about cause and effect.
Why These Toys Worked for Us
After months of trial and error, I realised that the toys my baby enjoyed most weren’t always the flashiest or most expensive. Instead, the best toys were the ones that encouraged exploration, could be played with in multiple ways, and held his attention over time. Sturdy construction, safe materials, and ease of cleaning were also major deciding factors for me as a parent.
I also found that open-ended toys—the kind that don’t dictate exactly how they should be used—were invaluable. My baby could return to them day after day and find new ways to play. This kept boredom at bay and supported his rapid development during these months.
Final Thoughts
The months between nine and twelve are filled with milestones, and having the right toys can make this period not only more enjoyable but also more enriching for your baby. From stacking cups to push toys and interactive books, these tried-and-tested favorites helped my little one learn, grow, and have fun. As a parent, I found joy in watching him discover new skills and gain confidence through play.
If you’re shopping for toys in this age range, remember that less is often more. Choose a handful of versatile, safe, and developmentally appropriate items, and you’ll be giving your baby the perfect foundation for learning through play.