0-6 Month Gift Guide
simple toys for big firsts
As a pediatric physical therapist and mom of 3, I look for toys that give babies opportunities to explore the skills they're working on now, with room to grow into what comes next. For this stage, think lightweight toys they can grasp, high contrast patterns to look at, and a few tummy time toys and floor time favorites.
Remember, you don't need a million toys for this age! A few can go a LONG way.
Thoughtfully curated by Dr. KC Rickerd, PT, DPT | Updated November 2026
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& why I love them
Play Mat/Gym
While not a necessity, having a designated play mat (bonus points if there are overhead bars to hang items from!) can make carving out intentional floor time so much easier while also supporting some of the first SUPER exciting milestones!
High contrast (black, white, red) and faces are the ticket to tapping into your baby’s visual system. Added bonus, change the orientation of the mirror during floor time to maximize baby lifting their head and pressing up!
My top 5 toys for babies 0-6 months
Tummy Time Mirror
O-ball
By far my favorite toy for this age group! The holes allow for success when your baby first starts bringing hands to midline & swatting at toys, which is one of the first milestone catalysts for SO much of their development.
A small addition with BIG impact - adding these to floortime helps increase body awareness, encourages pre-rolling skills, crossing midline, brain strengthening & more!
This is a GREAT one for encouraging lifting of the head during tummy time AND active turning of the head, which is especially key for little ones showing a preference to turn one way!
Wrist/Ankle Rattles
Sea Dreams Soother
You don't need all of these!
Start with one or two and a comfortable place for floor time. Your face and voice are a big part of the fun, too!
Skip the super noisy options. While both color and noise absolutely have a time and place in childhood, sticking with simpler, high-contrast options in the younger stage is often an easy yes!
Look for room to grow. Cause and effect features, open-ended toys with no real “right or wrong” way to play, adjustability for different stages, and durable materials.
Support the skills coming next. High contrast (black, white, red), mirrors, and lightweight toys that encourage your baby to bring both hands together at the middle of their body to explore.
a few things to keep in mind
Aiming for toys that support your child's current development and upcoming milestones can make a world of difference.
Most toys can last across SO many more ages and stages than we typically realize, especially if you can get a bit creative! Considering features that grow WITH your child can absolutely get you more bang for your buck.
what i look for in toys for 0-6 months
favorites that grow with your baby
