Toys for 9-month-olds can do much more than entertain—they help babies explore, learn, and connect with the world around them. Around this age, little ones are on the move—crawling, babbling, pulling up, and getting into everything.
Their curiosity is growing, and it’s a fun (and busy!) stage to watch. The right toys can make these moments even more meaningful by supporting their development and creating sweet opportunities for connection with you. Whether it’s stacking cups, peekaboo books, or wobbly push toys, these simple playthings are doing big things behind the scenes—helping your baby build new skills one playful moment at a time.
In this post, I’m sharing some of my favorite recommended toys for 9-month-olds—each one picked with love to spark curiosity and together-time. Let’s dive into some fun ideas to make playtime count!
What to Look for in 9 Month Old Toys
At 9 months, babies are little explorers! They’re curious about everything—how things feel, what sounds they make, and what happens when they push, drop, or shake them. So when you’re picking out 9 months baby toys, it helps to think about what kind of play supports their growing minds and bodies.
Look for toys that offer sensory play—think different textures, bright colors, gentle sounds, or crinkly fabric. Babies love toys that show them cause and effect, like pressing a button that makes music or dropping a ball that rolls away. These little “aha!” moments are actually big learning steps.
It’s also great to choose toys that support motor skill development, whether it’s crawling after something, stacking, or grabbing small pieces. And of course, toys that invite you to play too, like peekaboo books or musical toys, are perfect for building connection and sharing giggles.
Simple toys can do a lot when they spark curiosity and bring you closer together. If you’re looking for more ideas that support a baby’s development through play, check out my post on early learning toys that grow with your child.
Recommended Toys for 9 Month Olds
Here are some of my favorite toys for 9-month-olds that encourage curiosity, play, and connection. Each one is simple, engaging, and just right for babies who are busy exploring the world around them. Whether your little one is crawling, babbling, or discovering how things work, these toys are designed to support their growth and create sweet moments with you along the way. Let’s take a look!
Fat Brain Toys SpinAgain
A colorful stacking toy where babies drop cog-shaped discs onto a corkscrew pole and watch them spin down. It’s eye-catching and super satisfying to watch, which keeps little ones returning for more.
Why It’s Great for 9-Month-Olds:
- Invites independent exploration and baby-parent playtime
- Encourages fine motor and cause-and-effect development
Manhattan Toy Skwish Classic
This clever little toy is part rattle, part teether, and totally fascinating for babies. Made of smooth wood and stretchy elastic, the Skwish bounces back when little hands push or pull it. It’s lightweight, easy to hold, and makes a gentle rattling sound when shaken—perfect for curious little explorers who are still learning how their hands (and mouths!) work.
Why It’s Great for 9-Month-Olds:
- Invites independent exploration and tactile discovery
- Encourages sensory and fine motor development
Melissa & Doug Flip Fish Baby Toy
This soft, colorful fish is full of surprises—crinkly scales, hidden pictures, and a little mirror tucked underneath a fin. It’s easy for babies to hold and explore, and the gentle textures and sounds make it great for quiet play or tummy time.
Why It’s Great for 9-Month-Olds:
- Encourages sensory and fine motor development
- Invites baby-parent bonding and peekaboo-style interaction
Infantino Textured Multi Ball Set
This set of soft, squeezable balls comes in fun shapes and textures. They’re safe for teething and perfect for rolling, tossing, or squeezing.
Why It’s Great for 9-Month-Olds:
- Encourages sensory and gross motor development
- Invites independent exploration and simple games with a caregiver
Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Smart Stages Puppy
This soft, interactive plush sings songs, names body parts, and lights up with gentle touch. It’s like a cuddly little learning buddy!
Why It’s Great for 9-Month-Olds:
- Invites shared giggles and interactive learning with a grown-up
- Encourages language and relational development
Green Toys Stacking Cups
A set of colorful, eco-friendly cups that babies can stack, nest, or use in the bath. They’re simple, but offer endless ways to play.
Why It’s Great for 9-Month-Olds:
- Encourages fine motor and problem-solving skills
- Invites independent play and parent-led activities (like pouring water or counting)
VTech Sit-to-Stand Learning Walker
This colorful walker is like two toys in one. The front panel comes off for floor play, with buttons to press, lights to watch, and fun songs to hear. Once baby is ready to start pulling up and cruising, the sturdy base helps support those exciting first steps. It’s packed with play value and grows with your little one as they go from sitting to standing to walking.
Why It’s Great for 9-Month-Olds:
- Encourages gross motor and cause-and-effect development
- Invites independent movement and cheerful interaction with a caregiver (“You did it!”)
Lamaze Soft Book – Peek-a-Boo Forest
This soft fabric book has crinkly pages, bright colors, and fun flaps to lift—perfect for curious little fingers. Each page features a woodland animal playing peekaboo, which babies love. It’s lightweight, easy to grab, and gentle enough for tiny hands (or mouths!). Even if your baby doesn’t follow the story, flipping pages together and discussing the pictures builds early language skills.
Why It’s Great for 9-Month-Olds:
- Encourages language and sensory development
- Invites shared storytime and baby-parent bonding
Tips for Making the Most of Playtime
You don’t need a big toy collection to keep your 9-month-old learning and smiling. A few well-loved toys (plus your attention!) go a long way. Here are some easy tips to help you make the most of playtime:
- Rotate toys – Babies love “new” things, even if it’s just bringing back a toy you tucked away last week. Switching toys in and out keeps things fresh without needing to buy more.
- Get down on their level – Sitting or laying on the floor with your baby shows them you’re ready to play. It also helps you see what they’re seeing!
- Talk about what they’re doing – Narrating play (“You stacked the cup!” or “That ball rolled away!”) helps build language and makes them feel seen and encouraged.
- Follow their lead – Let baby choose what to explore. They’ll show you what they’re curious about—your job is just to be there and enjoy the moment.
- Keep it simple – You don’t have to entertain constantly. Sometimes just being nearby while they explore is all they need.
Remember that you are your baby’s favorite thing to play with. Your smiles, your voice, your cuddles—that’s where the real magic happens.
Watching your 9-month-old grow and explore is such a special part of the first year. Every shake of a rattle, every stack of a cup, and every giggle during peekaboo is more than just play—it’s learning in action. The toys you choose don’t have to be fancy or expensive. What matters most is that they spark curiosity and give you chances to connect, cuddle, and cheer them on.
So whether you’re adding a new toy to the shelf or just bringing out an old favorite, remember: you are the best part of playtime. Your love, your attention, and your encouragement are the things your baby truly needs the most.
Looking for more play ideas that support learning as your baby grows? Take a peek at this post on early learning toys for babies—you might find your next favorite toy there, too!