Development & Best Infant Toys for Ages 3-6 Months

Continuing on from the best infant toys for your baby age 1-3 months, here are the best infant toys for your baby ages 3-6 months! Age-appropriate toys are always a must at any development stage.

As your baby continues to grow, you will begin to notice remarkable leaps in development.

The interaction with your baby becomes receptive, with your baby responding more to your emotions and voice, and they begin to recognize and identify many objects with ease.

The ages between 3 and 6 months bring more amazement to both you and your baby. 

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Do baby toys need to be sterilized?

Baby toys do not necessarily need to be sterilized on a regular basis. However, it is important to keep baby toys clean to ensure your child’s health and safety. Here are some guidelines:

Wash Regularly: Most baby toys can be cleaned by washing them with warm, soapy water. Use a mild baby-safe detergent. This is especially important for toys that your baby puts in their mouth.

Disinfect if Needed: Disinfection is not required for all toys, but if your child has been sick or if the toys have been exposed to illness, it’s a good idea to disinfect them. You can use a solution of equal parts water and white vinegar or a diluted bleach solution (1 part bleach to 9 parts water). Make sure to rinse thoroughly and allow the toys to air dry.

Follow Manufacturer’s Instructions: Some toys may have specific cleaning instructions from the manufacturer. Always follow these recommendations.

Machine-Washable Toys: If a toy is labeled as machine washable, follow the care instructions on the label. Use a gentle cycle and place the toy in a pillowcase or laundry bag for protection.

Textured Multi Ball Set for BabiesHABA Rainbow Fabric BallInfantino Sensory Balls, Blocks & BuddiesInfantino Textured Multi Ball Set

 

Teething Toys: Toys that babies chew on, like teething toys, should be cleaned more frequently. You can use warm, soapy water or wipe them down with baby-safe disinfectant wipes.

Inspect for Damage: Regularly inspect toys for any signs of damage, including broken or loose parts. Remove damaged toys from circulation immediately.

Fabric Toys: Fabric toys, such as soft plush toys or loveys, should be machine washed following the care instructions. Be sure to check for any small parts, like plastic eyes or buttons, that could come loose during washing.

Bath Toys: Bath toys can develop mold if they are not dried properly. After each bath, squeeze out any water and allow them to dry thoroughly. Periodically, you can also clean them with a mixture of water and vinegar to prevent mold.

Remember that while it’s important to keep toys clean, some exposure to germs can be beneficial for a child’s developing immune system.

Over-sterilization is not necessary, and a clean, safe play environment is generally sufficient for most babies.

Always check the specific care recommendations for each toy and use common sense when it comes to cleanliness and safety.

Your Baby’s Development Months 3-6

Encourage More Exploration at 3 Months

Throughout the third month, your baby will respond more to your interactive play time especially with movement and sound.

He or she can’t grasp items, so you will have to place the toy in your baby’s hands and help him or her shake it to make different noises or pull at it to make another object move.

More developed baby gym sets that encourage physical movement and cause and effect are best during this stage.

Bright Starts Disney Baby Finding Nemo Mr. Ray Ocean Lights & Music GymEners Baby Gyms Play Mats Musical Activity CenterBaby Einstein 4-in-1 Kickin’ Tunes Music and Language Play GymTummy Time Baby Activity Gym Mat with 5 Infant Learning Sensory Baby Toys

 

You can encourage tummy time for more exploration, but always ensure your baby is supervised as he or she is not strong enough to hold him or herself up for a long period of time.

Improved Hand and Eye Coordination at 4 Months

As your baby develops through his or her fourth month, you will begin to notice better coordination with eye detection and related hand movements.

Your baby will now be able to reach and grasp objects, so you want to ensure the toys are just the right size for little hands, but have large pieces as your baby still loves to place objects in his or her mouth.

Stuffed animals and soft rings that are easy to grasp are all great options.

Musical CaterpillarSkip Hop Bandana Buddies Baby Activity and Teething ToyBaby Plush Stacking Toys SetBaby Musical Stuffed Animal Activity Soft Toy

 

Your baby is better at seeing color at this stage, as well as high-contrast patterns, so you may want to upgrade an infant play center for a more interactive model.

Increased Fine Motor Skills at 5 Months

During the fifth month, your baby’s eyesight continues to develop allowing him or her to see faces and objects much clearer than before.

Shapes, different textures and various sizes are intriguing to your baby.

Grasping becomes easier and most objects still will go straight to his or her mouth as a form of identification or maybe even teething, so teethers are still a great option.

You can begin to introduce your baby to larger toys and increase tummy time for more muscle strength.

Baby Einstein Take Along Tunes Musical Toy, Ages 3 months +Baby Einstein Octoplush Musical Huggable Stuffed Animal Plush Toy, Learn Colors in 3 Languages, Blue, 11Baby Einstein Discover & Play Piano Musical Baby Toy, Learn About Instruments, Numbers and Animals in 3 Languages, Age 3 months and upVTech Touch and Swipe Baby Phone, Orange

 

At this age, you can also begin to sit your child up on a supported baby chair or your lap for interactive playtime.

Your baby will continue to love toys with lights, sounds, and mirrors as the cause and effect, as well as face recognition continues.

Muscle Strength at 6 Months

Don’t be surprised if your six month old begins to sit up with either a little or no assistance.

Your baby’s muscle strength is developing quickly at this stage and so is he or she’s need for discovery and adventure.

Large toys that make music or light up with an interactive cause and effect system will entice your six month old for hours as the sleep time during the day decreases.

Yookidoo Baby Gym Lay to Sit-Up PlaymatSummer 3-Stage Deluxe SuperSeatYookidoo Baby Tummy Time MatInbeby Tummy Time Mirror & Play Mat

 

Buy toys with vibrant colors, but that are not too small that they fit completely in your baby’s mouth that could become a chocking hazard.

Best Infant Toys for Ages 3-6 Months

Toys for babies aged 3-6 months should encourage sensory exploration, promote physical development, and stimulate early cognitive skills. Here are some developmentally and age-appropriate toys for this age group:

Soft, Squeeze Toys: Soft, squeezable toys in various shapes and textures are easy for little hands to grasp and explore. Some make gentle sounds when squeezed, which can be fascinating for babies.

Teething Toys: As some babies begin teething around this age, consider safe teething toys made from non-toxic materials. These toys can soothe sore gums.

Rattles: Lightweight rattles with easy-to-hold handles help develop your baby’s grasp reflex and hand-eye coordination. Some have textured surfaces for added sensory interest.

The First Years First Baby RattleManhattan Toy Winkel Rattle & Sensory TeetherYiosion Baby Rattles SetBaby Teether Rattles Set

 

Mirror Toys: Unbreakable, baby-safe mirrors can introduce your baby to their own reflections and stimulate visual curiosity.

High-Contrast Toys: Toys with bold patterns, black-and-white designs or bright contrasting colors can captivate a baby’s developing vision.

Activity Gyms: Play gyms with dangling toys, mirrors and interactive elements encourage your baby to reach, bat and kick as they lie on their backs. Some have removable toys for on-the-go play.

Soft Books: Cloth or board books with simple, colorful illustrations are ideal for tummy time and promote early visual and cognitive development.

Sassy Stacks of Circles Stacking RingFisher-Price Baby Stacking Rock-A-Stack RingsFisher-Price Toddler Toy Giant Rock-A-StackBaby Sorting & Ring Stacking Bathtub Toys

 

Soft Balls: Lightweight, textured balls are great for encouraging grasping and rolling. Babies can explore different textures with their hands and mouths.

Music and Sound Toys: Toys that play gentle lullabies or soothing sounds can provide auditory stimulation and comfort.

Sensory Balls: Soft sensory balls with various textures, such as bumps or ridges, can engage tactile senses and promote exploration.

Stacking Rings: Stacking toys with colorful rings can help your baby develop hand-eye coordination and an understanding of size and sequencing.

Tummy Time Mats: Play mats with attached toys and interactive elements encourage your baby to lift their heads during tummy time and strengthen their neck and upper body muscles.

When choosing toys, always prioritize safety. Ensure that toys are free from small parts that could be a choking hazard and made from non-toxic materials.

Also, consider your baby’s individual preferences and developmental stage, as every child is unique and may have varying interests and needs.

Finally, remember that the most important interaction for a baby’s development is the loving attention and engagement of caregivers. Toys should complement these interactions rather than replace them.

 Find more development toys for children of all ages on Mommy Evolution!