The first six months are all about connection, feeding, and laying the groundwork for movement. In this holiday gift guide, pediatric PT and mom Dr. Alli shares her favorite toys, feeding tools, and soothing essentials that babies actually use—and parents truly appreciate.

If clothes are stiff, too tight, or constantly covering hands and feet, they can slow down progress. Small changes—like breathable fabrics, leaving toes out, or giving your baby diaper-only floor time—make a huge difference for motor skill practice.