You can never start encouraging learning too early, which is probably why you’re looking for ideas for educational toys for 6-month-olds. Early learning is essential for brain development in babies and helps ensure that they grow up to become skilled adults. With that in mind, our number one pick for educational toys for this age is the Baby Einstein Light Bar Activity Station because it really encourages your baby to learn how things work. However, all babies are different and budgets vary, so read on for all our top suggestions!

Related: Ultimate Guide to the Best STEM Toys this Year

A common theme across all of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) is recognizing patterns and taking an experimental approach. With that in mind, we recommend Baby Einstein Glow & Discover Light Bar Activity Station. It has different modes that baby can choose from, and it can be switched between English, Spanish and French – a perfect way to start teaching your kids different languages!

In addition to music, this interactive toy has two other modes of play: animals and colors. This is an ideal enrichment toy designed to kickstart some of the fundamentals of learning.

The symbiotic relationship between music education and STEM has been documented for some time now by researchers, which is why the second toy on our list is another musical one. 

Slightly more advanced than the Baby Einstein Activity station, the LeapFrog Learn and Groove Musical Table teaches numbers, letters and shapes in addition to sounds and colors. It features classic children’s songs we all know and love, and is designed by experts to facilitate early learning. The toy can lie flat on the floor for pre-walking babies, and grows with your child as they begin to stand and walk, through the attachment of four legs. The skills your child will learn with this toy will undoubtedly give them a developmental kickstart..

The VTech Wiggle and Crawl Ball is a highly interactive toy ideal for playtime. Not only does it move around, it also produces various musical and animal sounds to keep your little one’s attention and excitement going. 

By pressing the different buttons on the ball, your child will learn fine motor skills while also learning about animals. Every kid likes animals!

This penultimate toy featured is again, super interactive and guarantees hours of fun learning. 

With five sides of stimulating play, the VTech Busy Learners Activity Cube encourages discovery – another learning essential your baby scientist in training! With 25 playful songs, learning sounds and letters becomes a breeze for your child. There’s a surprisingly large variety of play possible with this toy, and it should remain interesting to your child well into their toddler years.

Who doesn’t love puppies? The Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Smart Stages Puppy is designed to capture and hold your child’s attention while allowing them to express their creativity and develop their critical thinking skills. All without having to worry about the hassles that come with looking after a real dog!

This smart pup toy teaches words, numbers, shapes and parts of the body, all through fun and engaging songs. It’s educational and adorable at the same time – a perfect combination for your little one!