Toys for 6 to 18 month olds

Choosing toys for 6 to 18 month olds means matching the toy to a stage that changes almost weekly. At six months, babies are grabbing, mouthing and shaking, so soft stacking blocks, sensory kits and musical drums give them something to respond to. By the time crawling and pulling up begin, baby toys for crawling and first steps come into their own: rolling helpers to chase, busy boards fixed at floor level, and stacking sets that reward a wobbly two-handed grip.

The older end of this band brings early pretend play and first words, which is where a real-feel doll, a talking card reader or a plush companion fits naturally. Most babies here still put everything in their mouths, so simple shapes with no loose parts tend to last longest. If you are shopping for a first birthday, a christening or a new baby gift, this range covers developmental toys for one year olds and quieter gifts for babies under 18 months alike.