Your baby sits independently and explores with both hands free—this changes everything about how they learn.
These activities develop object permanence, early problem-solving with containers and lids, and the focused exploration that comes with stable independent sitting.
Your baby understands that hidden objects still exist and will pull a cloth off a covered toy to find it. This object permanence is a major cognitive leap — it means they can hold a mental image of something they can't see, which is the foundation of memory and abstract thinking.
Play simple hiding games: cover a toy with a cloth and let your baby uncover it. Put a ball in a cup and tip it out. These games build problem-solving skills and the understanding that the world follows predictable rules.
Object permanence at six months marks the beginning of representational thinking — the ability to hold mental images that underlies memory, language, and all abstract thought.
Your baby can sit independently now! This frees up both hands for exploration, so offer baskets of safe objects for them to discover.
Peek-a-boo is more than a game—it teaches object permanence, the understanding that things still exist when hidden. Play it often.
If you're starting solids, let mealtimes be sensory play too. Squishing, smearing, and tasting are all learning experiences.
Hide a musical toy or phone playing music under a blanket and let your baby search for the sound source. Builds listening skills and early problem-solving.
Create a simple board with different fabrics and textures for your baby to touch and explore. Builds sensory awareness and early reaching skills.
Stack soft blocks into a tower with your baby and let them knock it down. The build-and-crash cycle teaches spatial reasoning, cause and effect, and pure joy.
Introduce your baby to a simple shape sorter — but forget the rules. At this age, mouthing, banging, and experimenting with the pieces is the real learning.
Count to three and lift your baby into the air during play. This anticipation game pairs number words with a thrilling physical payoff babies adore.
Hide a favorite toy under a scarf and let your baby find it. This classic peek-a-boo variation builds object permanence — a major cognitive milestone.