Rattles provide tactile and auditory stimulation that can help develop a baby’s neurocognitive pathways. They can also stimulate visual development and help babies learn about cause and effect. When purchasing a baby rattle, parents and caregivers should look for one that is appropriate for their baby’s age and is safe to use. For example, a rattle should not have small pieces that could be choking hazards. You should also pay attention to the materials a rattle is made of and if it has any special features, such as buttons, lights, or teething elements. To determine the best baby rattles, we spoke to a pediatrician who helped us understand a rattle’s benefits and what to look for when selecting one. Our list contains a variety of rattles for every budget, ranging from $3 to $69. Each side of the rattle contains colorful beads that make a gentle sound when shaken. However, it may not be loud enough if you’re looking for something more stimulating for your baby. When cleaning the rattle, you shouldn’t submerge it in water as it could seep into the rattle. However, this rattle is durable, small enough to fit in a diaper bag, and is very affordable, making it a great choice overall. Price at time of publication: $3 Due to its many features, this rattle can help strengthen visual tracking skills, hand-eye coordination, and has even been recognized for its STEM attributes. It also comes with a baby milestones guide, which explains how to use the rattle to encourage your baby’s development. However, since the rattle is a bit heavy, you’ll want to supervise your baby to ensure they don’t accidentally hit themselves. Price at time of publication: $24 This rattle is made from rubberwood, which is known for being sustainable and durable. It’s coated in a water-based, non-toxic finish, so it’s safe for babies to put in their mouths, too. Price at time of publication: $20 Price at time of publication: $6 Price at time of publication: $6 As your baby gets older, you can offer them a rattle that is more advanced, such as the trumpet rattle or the IQ ball. Keeping these rattles clean may be a challenge though, as many of them have areas where water and moisture can get trapped. Price at time of publication: $36 Price at time of publication: $16 As your baby gets older, you can roll this ball back and forth together and they may even enjoy throwing it as they strengthen their gross motor skills. While this ball is the perfect size for a baby, you may find that it is smaller than it appears in pictures. Price at time of publication: $7 Best of all, the car is virtually indestructible. It’s also a great toy option for tummy time and when your baby begins to crawl. As with all toys, be sure to supervise your baby while playing with this car as its stickers can peel off and end up in your baby’s mouth. Price at time of publication: $7 To provide extra teething relief, you can chill the Winkel in the refrigerator and let your baby chew on its cool surfaces. To keep this rattle clean, you’ll need to hand-wash it regularly as it’s not designed to withstand a microwave sanitizer. Price at time of publication: $14 On each side of Elmo’s face, there are two handles that your baby can practice grabbing. The handles also have beads that make a rattling noise when shaken back and forth. Price at time of publication: $7 This rattle resembles a cute bug with four legs and two antennas that make a fun crinkling sound when held. The legs and antennas are also good for teething, and the ring is made of a polyester fiber that is soft to the touch. Price at time of publication: $8 These rattles come in three color combinations: blue and orange, green and yellow, or pink and purple. As your baby’s coordination develops, they can hold one maraca in each hand. This set is also good for twins or for keeping one in the car and the other at home. Price at time of publication: $8 This wrap-around rattle can also be placed on the floor with your baby to enjoy during tummy time. It’s designed using high-contrast colors and has a rattle, teething toy, and stuffed animal that hang from its base, as well as a cute bird that perches on top for your baby to grab and hold. Price at time of publication: $52 The top and bottom of this rattle have rounded edges made from wood, while the middle is large enough for toddlers to grasp. This rattle could also be used by younger babies during tummy time, as it can roll back and forth to make a noise as well. Price at time of publication: $14 Price at time of publication: $12 The elephant’s ear also has a mirror for babies to delight in their reflection and lots of different fabrics to feel and touch. There are three different teethers on this elephant as well, although the bandana bib one is challenging for babies to reach. While this stuffed elephant can’t be cleaned in the washing machine or dryer, you can spot-clean it with a damp cloth and mild detergent then set it out to dry. Price at time of publication: $16 Although this rattle isn’t meant for teething, Jellycat products are incredibly well made and will likely be one of your baby’s treasured toys for years to come. To clean this rattle, you’ll need to hand-wash it in cold water and lay it flat to dry. Price at time of publication: $14 Price at time of publication: $69 Keep in mind that while this rattle comes with batteries for demonstration purposes, you’ll need three LR44 batteries for regular use. All in all, your baby will be drawn to this rattle’s colorful, high-contrast patterns, friendly melodies, and variety of textured surfaces. Price at time of publication: $14
What to Look for in Baby Rattles
Safety
Safety is the most important aspect to consider when choosing a rattle for your baby. For example, a rattle should not be so heavy that a baby can hurt themselves with it. This is especially true for keepsake rattles, like the Pottery Barn Salisbury Rattle, which is meant for display only. In addition to purchasing from reputable manufacturers, caregivers should make sure their rattle meets Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) guidelines and has a Children’s Product Certificate that verifies it has met safety testing requirements. Keep in mind that no part of the rattle—including the handle—should be so small that it can go into a child’s mouth and pose a choking hazard.
Age Appropriate
Depending on its material and features, a rattle may be more appropriate for toddlers instead of infants or vice versa. For example, The First Years First Rattle is designed specifically for newborns because it’s made from soft material and doesn’t have any ornamental pieces. The Hape Beaded Raindrops Rattle is an example of a toy that is made for toddlers (ages 12 months and older) because it has wooden ends and is a bit heavier and larger than other rattles. Before you purchase a rattle for your baby, be sure to check the manufacturer’s recommended age range.
Material
The rattles on our list are made from a variety of materials, both soft and firm. While some, like the BlooBlooMax Wrist & Sock Rattles, are made from polyester or cotton, others are made from plastic or silicone, like the Bright Starts Oball Rattle & Roll Sports Race Car. It’s important to choose a rattle that is made from material that is safe for babies. This means choosing a rattle that was designed with water-based paint, silicone, BPA-free plastic, or lead-free material.
Features
From buttons and music to lights and textures, rattles can come with a variety of features. While a rattle should not overstimulate your baby, certain features can actually be helpful for their development. For example, rattles that are designed with high-contrasting colors, like the Sassy Ring Rattle, can help strengthen a baby’s vision. On the other hand, a rattle like the Bright Starts Oball Shaker that has different textures and parts to grab provides tactical and auditory stimulation for babies. As your baby leaves the newborn phase, a rattle that has several features can help keep them engaged and entertained. For example, the Bright Starts Sesame Street Jingle & Shake Elmo Rattle is perfect for tummy time because it sways and balances back and forth, makes a pleasant chime sound, and has a flexible base that gives it a slight bounce when tossed.
Why Trust Verywell Family
Laura Lu is an experienced health writer who has a Master of Science degree in Health Communication. Her work has appeared in publications like The New York Times, Media Psychology, Brit+Co, and Parents.com, to name a few. She’s also a mother of two young children who have thoroughly enjoyed several rattles on this list. “Rattles shouldn’t have small pieces that can be bitten or broken off and should be [made of] a material that won’t hurt a baby if they hit themselves in the face,” says Dr. Garbi. “There should be no sharp edges after normal wear and tear, and a rattle should not be made with lead-based paint.” Keep in mind that hand-me-down wooden rattles should be avoided because wear and tear could create chips, cracks, or sharp edges. According to CPSC guidance, all toys (and small parts of a toy) intended for children under 3 years of age should be at least 1.25 inches wide and 2.25 inches long. A good rule of thumb is to use the “toilet paper roll test”: If it fits through the hole of a toilet paper roll, the object is a choking hazard.
