Babies develop at a much more accelerated rate than toddlers. By the time your baby reaches nine months of age, they have already picked up some amazing new skills, like:
- Playing peek-a-boo and looking for hidden objects
- Tracking objects as they fall
- Exploring toys with their mouth
- Grasping and handling small objects
In terms of movement, many 9-month-olds can:
- Crawl confidently
- Pull up to stand using furniture
- Sit up without support
At this age, your baby needs tools that support their new skills. Below are some Montessori toys that are perfect for nurturing development at this exciting stage.
Object Permanence
Object permanence is your baby's growing understanding that things still exist, even when they can’t see them. Games like peek-a-boo are great for this, but you can also hide favorite toys around the room and encourage them to go find them. Since they’re likely crawling now, it's fun to watch them search and discover!
Visual Tracking
Grasping and Handling
By nine months, your baby is becoming a little explorer—grabbing toys, passing them between hands, and (of course) putting everything in their mouth. That’s why it’s really important to choose toys that are not only fun to handle but also safe to chew on.
Look for toys that are large enough to avoid any choking risk and made from natural, non-toxic materials. At this age, safety is everything—especially when it comes to paint and finishes. That’s one of the reasons I love our Personalized Wooden Name Puzzle.
This puzzle is made from natural wood and finished with child-safe, lead-free paints, tested right here in U.S. labs. The chunky name pieces are perfect for tiny hands to grip, explore, and even taste without worry. And since it features your baby’s name, it’s a fun way to gently introduce early language and shape recognition while they play.
Discover Montessori Toys for Babies!
Encourage early learning and development with our Montessori Toys for Babies. Designed for sensory exploration, motor skills, and cognitive growth, these toys create a strong foundation for lifelong learning.
Explore Montessori Toys for BabiesFrequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the key developmental milestones for a 9-month-old?
At 9 months, babies are typically crawling, sitting up without support, and beginning to pull up to stand. They also develop grasping skills, visual tracking, and an understanding of object permanence. Montessori toys can support all of these developmental areas through hands-on exploration.
Are Montessori toys safe for 9-month-old babies?
Yes, as long as the toys are made from non-toxic materials and do not contain small parts. At this age, babies put everything in their mouths, so it's important to choose toys that are specifically designed for infants. All our Montessori toys for babies are safety tested and made from natural materials like wood and lead-free paint.
Why are wooden toys recommended for Montessori babies?
Wooden toys are durable, tactile, and made from natural materials—hallmarks of Montessori education. They help babies connect with real-world textures and are often simpler in design, encouraging focus and creativity rather than overstimulation.
What’s the best Montessori toy for visual tracking?
The Amazing Ball Tracker is one of our top picks for 9-month-olds. It encourages visual tracking as your baby watches the ball roll through the maze, while also supporting balance and motor skills as they pull up to play.
Can Montessori toys help with teething?
Yes! Many Montessori toys made of natural wood or silicone can double as safe teething tools. Look for smooth finishes and non-toxic materials, like our Personalized Wooden Name Puzzle, which is safe even when mouthed.
