Image: MomJunction Design Team
Rattles are great first toys for babies and toddlers. The jingly sound that rattles make grabs the attention of our little ones and keeps them entertained. The best baby rattles are simple percussion toys that are attractive, colorful, and easy to hold. Some even serve as teethers to soothe the teething pain of toddlers.
Rattle toys aid little ones in developing their fine motor and sensory skills and improving their situational awareness and hand-eye coordination. In this post, we have listed some safety-tested rattle toys for your little one. Read on to discover more.
Top Picks
20 Best Baby Rattles
1. Best BPA-Free:Manhattan Toy Winkel Rattle and Sensory Teether Toy
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has earned its stripes, with over 30,870 reviews on Amazon.
A rattle as well as a teether, this mesmerizing maze toy has a unique and colorful design that is attractive for babies. The loops are soft and might help in soothing a baby’s painful gums. The small cube at the center makes gentle sounds when the baby jiggles this toy. Check out the review of this product showcasing a tester’s experience for more information.
Pros
- Easy-to-grab design.
- Bright colors for enhanced visual stimulation
- Smooth finish with no sharp edges.
- BPA and lead-free plastic.
- Measures 5 x 4 x 3.5 inches to fit into tiny hands.
Cons
- Could be difficult to clean.
- Chances of bacterial growth in the creases.
2. Best Braided:Itzy Ritzy Ritzy Rattle Pal With Teether
The Itzy Ritzy Ritzy Rattle Pal with teether is a BPA-free baby rattle, making it a perfect companion for your little one. As an excellent teething rattle toy, this plush and braided teething ring features a plush koala character and a braided teething ring for soothing sore gums during the teething stage. Additionally, the gentle and soft baby rattle teether and the textured ribbons provide auditory and sensory stimulation, helping develop your baby’s fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
Pros
- Braided texture helps soothe sore gums
- Multi-functional
- Made of soft material
- BPA-free, food-grade silicone makes it safe for babies
- Dishwasher-safe and easy to clean
Cons
- May be small for some babies to hold comfortably
- Teether may not be thick enough
"It's practical and visually appealing and manages to engage my baby. I like its combination of a teether and rattle. Plus, it is lightweight for easy grasping, soft for hugging, and sturdy enough to withstand washes."
3. Best Easy To Hold:Baby Einstein Bendy Ball Rattle
This quality-tested ball-shaped rattle could become your baby’s favorite toy. With vibrant hues and an adorable caterpillar, this bright-colored rattle is sure to grab the baby’s attention. The ball inside will make just the right amount of sound to entertain them. Here’s an honest review of the product.
Pros
- Easy to hold and bend.
- Compact size for the diaper bag.
- Easy to clean.
- Enhances visual tracking skills
- Easily rolls back and forth.
Cons
- May not be durable.
- Baby’s fingers might get trapped in the narrow spaces.
Quick fact4. Best For Teething Pain:Bright Starts Grab And Spin Rattle
This two-in-one rattle and teether toy comes in the perfect size for little hands to grab and play. Loved by many reviewers, the rattle has an oval structure filled with tiny colorful balls that not only make soothing sounds but also grab your little one’s attention.
Pros
- Easy to grab.
- Ideal for visual development
- Rattles with textured surfaces to relieve teething pain.
- A great toy to take along when traveling.
Cons
- Might be difficult to clean.
"I chose this rattle because of its raining sound and chewable texture. It's sturdy and cleverly constructed, and since my child enjoys exploring sounds and sensations, I'd let him continue using it for some more time."
5. Best Baby-Friendly:iPlay, iLearn 10pcs Baby Rattles and Teethers Set
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The 25,890 positive customer reviews on Amazon are a testament to its quality and reliability.
With bright colors, baby-friendly designs, and unique features, this iPlay, iLearn 10pcs baby rattles toy set is an all-in-one package for your baby to have a good time. The tried-and-tested rattles and teethers are said to be designed to keep your baby engaged for hours.
Pros
- The variety of models keeps babies entertained.
- Visual, tactile, hearing, and fine motor development.
- Storage box included.
Cons
- Difficult to clean and dry.
6. Best Soft Texture:The First Years First Rattle
Ideal for a newborn, the First Years First Rattle could be your child’s first toy. It is not just a rattle but can also be used as a teether. This simple rattle toy has contrasting colors and a friendly face that could make your child want to play with this toy more than any other, making it a trusted option among parents.
Pros
- Easy-to-grab design
- Interesting and soft textures to soothe teething pain.
- Mild rattling sound.
- Can also be used as a wrist rattle.
Cons
- Some babies might find it bulky.
7. Best Adorable:Skip Hop Silver Lining Cloud Rattle
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The 4,529 positive customer reviews on Amazon attest to the product’s quality.
Your baby might just like this adorable rattle with a plush, cloud-shaped top part, and a transparent rainstick rattle that has beads. This part is said to be easy to grab and gives out soothing raindrops like noise upon jiggling. The tested and trusted plush rattle also has a raindrop speaker ball at the base.
Pros
- Colorful and adorable.
- Helps improve eye-tracking skills
- Easy to grab and in attractive colors.
- Top loop to hang it anywhere.
- Soothing sounds.
Cons
- The beads could be a choking hazard if leaked.
- Difficult to clean
"This rattle has captured my little one's attention with its rain sound and soft, chewable texture. He loves to explore the sounds and sensations, and it has become his beloved night-time companion."
8. Best For Hand-Eye Coordination: Sassy Linky Links Rattle Set
The Sassy Linky Links Rattle Set comes in a pack of two. These easy-to-grip rattles fit comfortably in an infant’s hand and can be used as a teether. The inner pieces spin to strengthen your little one’s hand-eye coordination. As per reviews, both the infant rattles can either be linked or taken apart to play separately.
Pros
- Can be attached to trollers and bags.
- Sturdy and durable
- Helps build motor skills
- Colorful and engaging
- Dishwasher-safe
Cons
- Water may not drain completely post-washing
- Material might attract lint a
"These toys have been quite the find. They are larger than I had expected, enabling my child to hold them easily. The captivating colors have also drawn my son's attention."
Caution9. Best Light-Up:SmartNoggin Developmental Light-Up Rattle
Highly engaging and easy to grab, the SmartNoggin rattle is said to help your baby during their early developmental stages. This developmental rattle comes with an easy-to-use instructions booklet and is said to be a fun way for parents to bond with and entertain their babies.
Pros
- Sleek slender design, easy to grab and hold.
- Lights up in three different colors.
- Free of BPA, lead, and phthalates.
- Soft rattle sound.
- Supports visual development
- Different textures and a delight to touch.
Cons
- Might be expensive.
- Requires changing batteries.
10. Best For Newborns:Infantino Wrist Rattles
These adorable and cute baby wrist rattles are said to be suitable for all babies, including newborns. Each pack contains two wrist rattles, and you can choose from Butterfly/Ladybug or Panda/Monkey variants. These tried-and-tested rattles are easy to attach with baby-soft Velcro and can be used on wrists or ankles.
Pros
- Easy to attach and remove.
- Friendly faces to grab the baby’s attention.
- Soft material and texture.
- Said to be durable.
Cons
- Fit may be an issue.
- Might be too quiet for a rattle.
"My little one enjoys wearing these wrist and ankle rattles. Their sound is subtle, making them perfect for his sensitive ears. They offer a nice fit for my baby but might be less suitable for chunkier babies."
Quick tip11. Best Easy-Grip Handle:Lamaze Rainbow Glow Rattle
Designed to fit into little hands easily, this rattle has everything to keep the baby engaged. The slender body is easy to hold and jingle. The top bug-shaped portion illuminates and changes colors upon shaking. This simple rattle toy has a compact design and can be carried anywhere.
Pros
- Soft, chewy textures to soothe teething gums.
- Easy to hold.
- Might help in promoting fine motor skills
- A broad and sturdy base.
Cons
- Needs a change of batteries.
- Poorly placed battery case.
12. B. Toys by Battat Rain-Glow-Squeeze-Light-up Cloud Rattle
With colorful beads and interesting textures, this rattle cum teether could be one of the best baby rattles. The cloud placed in the center glows upon shaking and also has six colorful beads that have a soothing and engaging sound. Tested and trusted by many reviewers, this plastic rattle is suitable for babies three months and up.
Pros
- Easy to hold design.
- Colorful, and a soft glow might keep the baby engaged.
- Exposure to multiple textures.
- Enhances visual development
- A friendly face and a smooth finish.
Cons
- No information about the safety of the materials used.
- May contain sharp edges.
13. Best Gym-Inspired: Genuine Fred Buff Baby Dumbbell Baby Rattle
Genuine Fred’s Buff Baby dumbbell rattle combines functionality with entertainment. Your curious little one will be entertained by the gentle rattle sound and natural hand grips. Shaped as a dumbbell, Buff Baby is designed to elicit a couple of laughs.
Pros
- Phthalate- and BPA-free
- Easy to hold
- Durable and sturdy
- Safe chew toy
Cons
- Material might be slightly hard
"My son adores this cute dumbbell-shaped rattle. It's easy for his little hands to hold and has a pleasant rattle sound. A softer material might have made it perfect, but it's a good choice for photo ops and has managed to engage him."
14. Homi Baby Organic Wood Baby Rattle
If you are looking for an old-school wooden rattle, then you may consider trying this one. Said to be handcrafted from organic wood, these safe and durable traditional rattles do not have any sharp edges and are sealed with a mixture of organic coconut oil and beeswax.
Pros
- Made with eco-friendly and organic materials.
- Sleek and slender design, easy to grab and jiggle.
- Ten variants to choose from.
- Durable and long-lasting.
Cons
- Might be less appealing to some children.
"The rattle gets a thumbs-up from me for engaging my child's grip and auditory sense with its smooth wood construction and distinct sounds. I also like that it is made of all-natural materials."
15. Best Tactile: Taf Toys Star Rainstick Rattle
Taf Toys brings you the Star Rainstick sensory rattle for babies to capture your little one’s attention and stimulate curiosity. The plush star and the colorful ribbons engage the baby’s visual, tactile, and auditory senses. Made of durable fabric and BPA-free, phthalate-free plastic, this plush rattle is safe for long-lasting use. Besides, with this easy-grip baby rattle, you can promote your little one’s grasping skills as they play.
Pros
- Develops tactile sense
- Ideal for relaxation
- Provides visual stimulation
- Toy’s beads develop coordination skills
Cons
- Ribbons may not stay put
- Sound of the rattle can be low for some users
"My baby loves exploring this rattle with her little hands. Plus, the vibrant patterns and calming rainstick keep her engaged. But I feel the bead movement could be smoother. Still, I am pleased with its design and features."
16. Best Premium:Bearington Baby Dottie Pink Teddy Bear Baby Rattle
If you are looking for a rattle with an added soft toy attraction to keep your baby engaged, Bearington Baby Dottie Pink Teddy Bear can be an excellent choice. This luxuriously soft and plush teddy bear with a rattle shaker has plenty to offer. With its cuddly fabric, the doll toy rattle will become your baby’s favorite bedtime companion.
Pros
- Washable fabric
- Perfect for gifting
- Soothing rattle sound
- Ideal size for the baby to hold and play with
Cons
- May not be easy to maintain
- Plastic balls inside the rattle can be a choking hazard
"My baby can't get enough of this cute stuffed animal and rattle. The size and soft texture of the toy are perfect for her hands, and the sound generated by the beads is a delight to the ears."
17. Best Easy To Clean:Gizmovine 10pcs Baby Rattles Set
If you are looking for a baby shower or a newborn baby gift, then this is just what you might need. This set of ten entertaining rattles has everything a newborn baby might like to play with. There are cute shapes such as a car, telephone receiver, a bug, etc., and each rattle has a unique feature. These lightweight rattle toys come with a storage box.
Item Weight: 2.4 ounces
Pros
- Wide variety to keep the baby engaged.
- Easy to hold and play.
- Different shapes, sounds, and colors.
- Could be boiled for disinfecting.
- Made with baby-safe materials.
Cons
- Some babies might find the colors dull.
- Hard plastic parts may hurt babies teething gums.
"The fascinating sounds never fail to engage my child. I am pleased it has held up to my child's rough use and energetic play."
18. Best Moster Sensor:VTech Lil’ Critters Singin’ Monkey Rattle
Looking for a rattle that does more than making sounds? Then try this colorful and musical rattle from Vtech that also plays songs, music, and small phrases when the monkey’s tummy aka the music button is pressed. The recommended age for this fun rattle toy is three to 18 months.
Pros
- Attractive design.
- Helps in developing early vocabulary.
- Aids in overall development.
Cons
- Requires battery changes.
- Limited songs and no volume control.
"This toy has garnered my kid's attention with its bright colors and captivating sounds. It also promotes interactive play and withstands rough use by my baby. Since he is just beginning to grab and explore, this toy has been a wonderful purchase."
19. Best Safety:Temi Newborn Baby Rattle and Teether
Adorable and multipurpose are two words to describe this newborn rattle toy. This age-appropriate toy can be used both as a teether and a rattle. The maze-like design is made of soft silicone rubber, which might help soothe painful gums.
Pros
- Easy to hold and carry.
- Might help in the overall development of the child.
- Easy to clean.
Cons
- Some babies may not find it engaging.
20. Bright Starts Rattle and Shake Barbell Toy
With a unique twisted design and exciting colors, this plastic rattle might become your baby’s favorite toy. According to the reviewers, you can tuck it inside the diaper bag and carry it on the go. It makes pleasant sounds when jingled, helping you grab your baby’s attention.
Pros
- Easy to grab.
- Easy to grip and jiggle.
- Mirrored surfaces with colorful beads.
Cons
- Hard plastic and might hurt the baby.
- May not be a sturdy structure.
"This rattle's sound is just right—not too loud, yet tempting enough. It's also easy to hold, and my daughter seems to like the vibrant colors."
How To Choose The Right Baby Rattle?
Here are a few factors you should consider to ensure you pick the right rattle for your baby.
- Safety: Make sure the rattle complies with safety standards and is made using non-toxic and safe materials. Also, make sure they do not have any protruding or sharp edges. They should not have any small parts, which could become a choking hazard.
- Age: Not all rattles are suitable for babies. Some could be useful when your baby is learning to crawl, while some would be helpful when they are teething. So, choose an age-appropriate rattle.
- Multipurpose: Choose a rattle that offers multiple developmental benefits and can be useful to your child until the next five to six months. Some rattles have multipurpose aspects that are useful from birth to probably 18 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do newborns need rattles?
Rattles help enhance focus, hand-eye coordination, and motor skills in your little one (1). It is the first toy your child can hold in their palm comfortably.
2. What are baby rattles suitable for?
Baby rattles are suitable for enhancing the attention span. They also have buttons and other add-ons for the encouragement of motor skill development.
3. When should I introduce the rattle to my baby?
You can introduce a rattle to your baby at around two months as they learn to hold the toy in their fist (2).
4. Do rattles help with teething?
Some rattles double as teething toys. Such toys have a soft texture to relieve baby gums on being chewed.
5. How long should babies play with rattles?
Your baby may play with rattles until they get bored of the toy. Usually, babies’ focus changes to different toys around four months as they are close to achieving the next milestone.
6. How can I tell if a baby rattle is safe?
A rattle is safe if it doesn’t have the potential to cause choking. Ensure that the rattle doesn’t block the baby’s throat and is made as per CPSC standards (3). Also, choose one that makes soothing rattle sounds.
The Bottom Line
Baby rattles make great toys for babies as they come in different sizes, shapes, patterns, and colors and produce fun sounds. These jingly toys attract babies and keep them entertained for hours. When choosing a rattle, ensure that it is made of safe materials, well-sized, free of sharp edges, and free of small parts that can pose a choking hazard. Lastly, ensure that it is lightweight and ergonomically designed. The best rattle toys you choose should also serve as teething toys for your baby. Our top pick is the Manhattan Toy Winkel Rattle and Sensory Teether Toy, which is BPA-free and easy to grab. You may also consider the Baby Einstein Bendy Ball Rattle for its vibrant colors and ease of cleaning and the Bright Starts Grab And Spin Rattle for its travel-friendly design.
Infographic: Factors To Consider When Buying Rattle Toys For Babies
Baby rattles are not just toys; they also contribute to a baby’s cognitive and sensory development. This informative infographic will explore the essential factors to consider when purchasing baby rattles. Knowing these factors will help you choose the perfect rattle to entertain your little one while promoting their growth and exploration.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
References
- Ways to Use Rattles with Your Baby or Toddler
https://www.helpmegrowutah.org/images/easyblog_articles/47/Ways-to-Use-Rattles-with-your-baby-or-toddler-_20180816-161846_1.pdf - Learning Play and Your 1- to 3-Month-Old
https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/learn13m.html - Ways to UseRattles with Your Baby or Toddler
https://www.helpmegrowutah.org/images/easyblog_articles/47/Ways-to-Use-Rattles-with-your-baby-or-toddler-_20180816-161846_1.pdf - How Small Batteries Can Become Dangerous to Children
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/at-home/Pages/Button-Battery-Injuries-in-Children-A-Growing-Risk.aspx
Why Trust MomJunction?
Priti Bose is an experienced product writer specializing in gifts and children’s toys. With her extensive knowledge of the subject and in-depth research, she has listed the best baby rattles with detailed specifications of each product, including their pros and cons. She has also provided a purchasing guide and mentioned the factors you need to consider to choose the right rattle for your baby. These safe baby rattles will keep your children entertained by engaging their senses.
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