Shopping for the best toys for nine-month-olds can seem daunting. Are they old enough to do this? What about that? What are they learning at this age?
The truth is, babies this age are still going through many developmental milestones. They are learning more about cause and effect, and how to communicate with their parents by playing peek-a-boo or pointing at things.
They are also learning about social interaction.
But, what does all of that mean when it comes to picking out the best toys for a nine-month-old? It means you should get them toys that help develop skills like motor skills, sensory stimulation, social skills, cognitive development, oral development, and speech.
In this article, we give you our detailed insight into the top ten toys for 9-month-old babies plus a bonus 11th choice.
Table of Contents
What are the best toys for 9 month old babies – Our Top Picks
- iHaHa 40 x 40 Inches Baby Tummy Time Water Play Mat – best fun baby toy for 9 month old
- VTech Care for Me Learning Carrier – best toy for 9 month old girl
- TEMI 2.4Ghz Remote Control Dinosaur Toy – best toy for 9 month old boy
- Melissa & Doug Wonderful World of Peekaboo Soft Activity Book – best toy for 9 month old on airplane
- BEST LEARNING Stack & Learn Educational Activity Toy – best learning toy for 9 month old baby
- Woody Treasures Noah’s Ark Toy – best educational toy for 9 month old boy
- Sassy Stacks of Circles Stacking Ring STEM Learning Toy – best rated toy for 9 month old
- The Last Dragon Plush Toy – best toy for 9 month old Christmas
- VTech Sort and Discover Activity Cube – best developmental toy for 9 month old
- VTech Sit-To-Stand Learning Walker – Best sit-to-stand toy for nine month olds
- Aidiya Elephant Baby Stuffed Animal – Best interactive for nine month olds
See Also: Best Jumping Toys for Babies
What are the best toys for a 9 month old child – Reviews
1. iHaHa 40 x 40 Inches Baby Tummy Time Water Play Mat
The iHaHa baby mat is one of the best ways for babies to have fun and explore on their own.
This water play mat will certainly quench their desire for fun. Your baby will be entertained hours on end by playful characters.
This ocean-themed mat allows your child to explore the underwater world while having fun.
Your kids can feast their eyes on a beautiful shipwreck. Still, they can try to grab adorable and playful ocean characters. From grinning sharks to wiggly octopuses, this mat is sure to bring a smile to their face!
Do you worry that it will not hold up well?
Do not fret! This mat is thicker, leakproof, and heat resistant. That is more than you can say for other ordinary mats.
Not only that, but it is also larger. It can hold 2 or 3 kids, which makes tummy time even more fun.
Are you planning to take it on a camping trip?
Well, this mat has a travel-friendly design. It folds down to the size of an iPad, small enough to pack in a diaper bag.
However, this water play mat is not all about fun.
It improves posture, endurance, and hand-eye coordination. Also, by strengthening the neck, head, and shoulder muscles, this water play mat eliminates the risk of flat head syndrome.
Pros
✅ Extra-large size
✅ Vibrant colors
✅ Engaging ocean-themed characters
✅ No leaks
✅ All-season use
✅ Portable
Cons
X️ A bit heavy when filled
Learn More from BestToyLine: Best Bouncy Castle For Babies
2. VTech Care for Me Learning Carrier
Are you still trying to figure out what gift to get your little girl?
Do not hurt your head anymore. VTech Care for Me Learning Carrier is just the perfect gift she needs.
This interactive pet carrier teaches your little girl how to be a good caregiver. It comes with a plush pet for your child to cuddle, groom, and feed.
The carrier is designed to let your young one be more than just an observer of the world around them.
They can be a part of it through interactions with more than 100 sing-along songs, phrases, and sound effects tailored to their age. Moreover, this interactive pet carrier has light-up buttons that introduce your child to colors, shapes, and letters.
VTech Learning Carrier comes in pink. Well, for a little girl, it is hard not to be overwhelmed by such charm.
Also, this per carrier is not something that your kid will leave behind. Instead, it has a built-in handle that allows your little one to have fun on the go.
Pros
✅ Engaging and educational
✅ Portable for use anywhere
✅ Two color variants
Cons
X️ The packaging is not up to the mark
3. TEMI 2.4Ghz Remote Control Dinosaur Toy
The TEMI Remote Control Dinosaur tops the list of top toys for 9-month-old boy.
The T-Rex RC Dinosaur Toy looks and sounds like the real thing. Hence, it is sure to surprise and delight your little boy!
Well, this lifelike replica of the T-Rex also has lights and realistic movements. By using the remote control, this toy dinosaur can walk in any direction. Not only that, but it can also open the mouth and shake its head.
Your little boy will also love the design of the remote. It is ergonomic and small enough for young hands. Also, it has a good range of up to 20 meters.
Because it comes in sturdy ABS plastic, it is very unlikely that any harm will come to this toy dinosaur. Hence, it makes the perfect play partner for years to come.
Indeed, this cool toy is sure to be a hit with any little boy that loves dinosaurs and wants something fun they can play with outside or inside.
Pros
✅ BPA-free and kid-safe
✅ Rechargeable battery
✅ Includes a battle mode
✅ 360-degree rotation stunts
✅ Sounds like a real dinosaur
Cons
X️ The battery doesn’t last long
4. Melissa & Doug Wonderful World of Peekaboo Soft Activity Book
Using toys remains the best way how to keep 9-month old entertained on plane. This soft activity book will take the boredom out of those long hours of flight.
This book is a fun and interactive way to help them learn how to recognize different shapes, colors, textures, words, animals, and objects. Your child will love flipping through the pages while you read it together!
Your baby will also love the bright colors on each page as well as the peek-a-boo hole that allows them to see what is coming next.
All these encourage exploration and learning through sensory play!
And because this soft activity book has five pages, your child will never be bored with the same thing. Plus, its delightful story and easy-to-read text will give them plenty of in-flight entertainment!
Now, this is not your ordinary paper book. Instead, it comes in a machine-washable fabric, making it tear-proof and easy to care for.
Also, you will like the size. It is large enough for little ones to get a good look but small enough not to overwhelm them.
Pros
✅ Machine washable
✅ Safe to chew on
✅ Has peekaboo animals
✅ Strong stitching for extra durability
Cons
X️ Some of the animals are a bit hard to see
5. BEST LEARNING Stack & Learn Educational Activity Toy
Do you still have trouble choosing the best learning toy for 9-month-old baby? Well, with the Stack & Learn Activity Toy, you will search no more.
Stack & Learn is an educational toy that will help your child learn while having fun. This toy has five brightly colored rings, one for each object, color, animal, or musical instrument.
It introduces the concept of relative size by allowing your child to sort and stack the rings from the biggest to the smallest.
This toy also has three fun play modes to enhance their curiosity sense of discovery.
It has a color mode that introduces your child to the five colors and related objects. Also, it has the animal mode that micks the sound of the animal in every ring your child selects.
Even more fun is the orchestral mode that plays music based on the combination of musical instruments.
That is not the end of the road. This toy also has over 10 melodies that promote language development.
The Stack & Learn toy is not only improved with new features, but it also has an award-winning design to give your child the best learning experience.
Pros
✅ Three fun play modes
✅ One-minute automatic shutoff saves battery
✅ Non-toxic
✅ Comes with batteries
Cons
X️ No setting to stop the light from blinking
Learn More from BestToyLine: Best Indoor Bounce House For Toddlers
6. Woody Treasures Noah’s Ark Toy
Are you looking for the best educational toy for 9-month-old boy?
Well, with a little research, we have found Noah’s Ark Toy is the perfect gift idea. Not only is this toy educational, but it is also fun!
This toy teaches social skills, creativity, and problem-solving. Also, it develops motor skills. Hence, it allows your child to develop through fun and play.
Noah’s Ark, in itself, is also a classic story that teaches valuable lessons to kids.
The wooden construction also makes this toy a timeless classic. In addition, it is built to last. Thus, your little boy will be interested in it for a long time.
This toy also includes 12 interactive animal toys that are sure to delight your little boy.
Pros
✅ Timeless wooden design
✅ 12 interactive animals
✅ Child safe edges and paint
✅ Comes fully assembled
Cons
X️ The paint tends to chip on some of the pieces
7. Sassy Stacks of Circles Stacking Ring STEM Learning Toy
Sassy Stack STEM Learning Toy is easily the best rate toy for 9-month-old babies. It indeed deserves such high ratings, and for good reasons.
You know, stacking rings are great for fine motor skills and learning colors, shapes, and numbers. They are also a fun way to explore STEM concepts like geometry and physics. However, when toys stop being fun, kids will lose interest quickly.
That is why Sassy Stacks of Circles Stacking Rings are the perfect addition to any toy box. These stacking rings come in sets of 9 and include different weights, sizes, and colors.
And did we mention that each one has a different texture ideal for mouthing? Plus, with colorful, rattling beads to boot, this STEM learning toy also allows your child to connect sound to sight.
The rings are a perfect size for little hands, and the circles work together with the color-coded segments to teach kids how to count, group, and sort. Also, they teach them how to identify texture, shape, and color.
On the whole, this toy is a perfect addition to your child’s growing STEM collection!
Pros
✅ Easy-to-grasp rings
✅ Durable materials
✅ Easy to stack in any order
✅ Sturdy base
Cons
X️ Not safe for sterilizers
See Also: Best Toys in the 90s
8. The Last Dragon Plush Toy
If you are asking what do you buy a 9-month-old for Christmas, then look no further than the Last Dragon Plush Toy.
Who would have thought that a dragon toy could be so much fun? I mean, that terrifying fire-breathing monster?
Well, this dragon toy uses a different design concept that makes it charming and adorable.
It has a soft, realistic dragon-shaped hair that any child would love to cuddle with. Also, it has more heart-warming colors of purple and blue, making it irresistible and a centerpiece for display.
Though it does not have the fire-breathing ability, this fluffy toy of happiness and joy certainly has a lot of personalities. Moreover, it is durable, hence a long-lasting companion for your child.
Pros
✅ Soft and cuddly
✅ Realistic styling
✅ High-quality stitching and materials
✅ Sized for little baby hands
Cons
X️ The tail comes a bit creased from the package
9. VTech Sort and Discover Activity Cube
Are you looking for the best toy that will help develop young minds? VTech Sort and Discover Activity Cube will certainly suffice. It is the best developmental toy for 9-month-old babies.
This interactive toy has a variety of features that engage the baby’s senses, including a light-up keyboard, music, different animal buttons, colorful shapes, and more.
The VTech Sort & Discover Activity Cube is designed to encourage interactive play with age-appropriate exercises. Kids can learn about numbers, letters, animals, and colors. In addition, this toy helps your child develop motor skills as they sort objects by color or shape.
Well, this activity cube also comes with two modes. One is for beginners who need help learning how to use the buttons. The other mode is for kids who want to explore on their own or with a grown-up.
The cube comes in durable materials for hours of play and learning fun. Your child will love it, and you, too, will appreciate the educational value this toy offers.
Pros
✅ Multiple fun learning activities
✅ Introduces numbers, colors, and animals
✅ Easy to clean
✅ The right size for babies to manipulate
Cons
X️ Stickers come off when chewed on
10. VTech Sit-To-Stand Learning Walker
VTech Learning Walker is easily the best sit-to-stand toy for nine-month-olds. It is the perfect way for your child to learn how to walk without having to try.
Thanks to the removable activity panel, this learning walker provides three different modes of play for your child: sit-and-play, walk-along, and stand-up fun.
It includes five interactive light-up buttons that teach animal names, shapes & more. In addition, it has an interactive spinning wheel that teaches fine motor skills.
Your little one will love pushing the attached button to hear fun sounds, songs, and phrases. In fact, it has multiple tunes and melodies to keep your child engaged. Moreover, it comes with a telephone handset for role-play fun.
Hence, this is a toy that will help your child develop as they learn how to walk.
Do you know what else makes this learning walker great?
Well, it has a 2-speed control that allows it to grow with your child and accommodate their changing needs.
With this walker, your little one will not be able to stay still for long before discovering something new to explore.
Pros
✅ Removable activity panel
✅ Easy to clean and store
✅ Grows with your child
✅ High-quality pieces
Cons
X️ Tip-over danger
11. Aidiya Elephant Baby Stuffed Animal
This plush singing and talking elephant is the best interactive toy for nine-month-olds.
Well, this elephant baby stuffed animal is a new addition to the Aidiya plush family. With big, dark eyes and a heartwarming smile, your child will find it irresistible.
This cuddly little elephant is not just cute. It is also soft and huggable with its long velvety ears and ultra-plush body. The silky smooth feel and adorable embroidered face will make your child want to touch it all day long.
But there is more that makes this plush elephant toy so special.
This plush elephant also sings and talks to bring a smile to your little one’s face. Additionally, it has a built-in volume control that lets you be in charge of the noise level.
At 12 inches, this plush toy is the perfect size for your little one to take everywhere with them, and it is just what they need to keep them company on all of her adventures!
Your child will certainly love this sweet little animal for hours of imaginative playtime. And you will love having one around too!
Pros
✅ Sound adjustment
✅ Super-soft and huggable
✅ Unisex design
✅ Quality fabric and stitching
Cons
X️ Requires batteries
What kind of toys for 9-month-old baby – Buying Guide
As a new parent, you are faced with the daunting task of selecting toys that are just right for your child. This is not an easy task as there are so many choices.
Hence, to make things easier, we have created this handy guide to help you choose the best toys for nine-month-olds.
1. What toys do 9-month-old babies like?
Nine-month-olds like toys that are interactive and fun.
Hence, choose toys that have music or sound to keep them engaged. In the case of stuffed animal toys, consider those that are super soft and cuddly.
Also, find toys that have bright colors, interesting textures, and shapes.
2. What toys does a 9-month-old need?
Nine-month-olds need toys that aid growth and development. Also, they need toys that are educational.
Hence, consider toys that improve gross motor skills, social skills, language skills, and problem-solving skills.
Additionally, nine-month-olds need toys that are safe and easy to use.
3. What is your child’s ability?
Though babies may fall under the same age, they tend to have different abilities. Some are slow to learn, while others grasp things quickly.
So, to choose the right toy for your 9-month-old, consider their ability to play with the toy. Also, consider the ability of the child to understand how to use the toy.
4. How safe is the toy?
Every kid needs toys to play with, but you want to make sure they are safe. With all the recalls and safety hazards that have happened in recent years, it can be hard to know which toys are safe for your child.
Here are some guidelines on what type of toys are safe for a nine-month-old child.
Ensure the toy is larger than your child’s mouth to prevent choking and avoid toys that are too loud to preserve your child’s hearing.
To prevent poisoning, choose a toy with a non-toxic label. After all, babies at this age love to chew on things. Also, in the event that you buy electric toys, ensure they are UL approved.
Conclusion
I hope this article helps you find the best toys for nine-month-olds. Essentially, you should take into account their age, what they enjoy and what stage of development they are in to guide you in the right direction.
Also, you want something that is both fun and educational.
Our recommendations are sure to be winners with your little one. Still, we would love to know which toy you deem the best for your 9-month-old child.