Let Your Baby Rock and Roll With the Best Baby Rattles

Buying Guide: Baby Rattle

When purchasing a rattle for your baby, you should take many factors into consideration. You want to find a rattle toy that’s safe for your kiddo, durable, and provides hours of enjoyment. With these factors in mind, you should be able to find the perfect rattle toy for your little one. With our detailed buying guide, you’ll be able to pick out the right rattle for your baby’s jingle-jangle pursuits. Let’s take a look!

What To Look for When Buying a Baby Rattle?

Age-appropriateness

While most rattles are suitable for babies up to 12 months old, you’ll want to make sure you select a rattle that’s age-appropriate for your baby. If you’re buying for a newborn, opt for rattles made from smooth, soft materials specifically designed for little hands to grasp. Plastic rattles with multiple textures are fine for children older than three months.

Safety

Above all, safety is the most crucial factor to consider when selecting a baby rattle. Make sure the toy is made from non-toxic materials and doesn’t have any small parts that could pose a choking hazard. We recommend finding smooth-edged rattles made of BPA-free plastic. Be sure to always supervise your child while they’re playing with the rattle to ensure they don’t chew or swallow any parts.

Material

Most rattles are made from plastic or metal, but you can also find ones made from wood or other natural materials. Consider what material would be best for your child and their individual needs. You’ll also want to keep the material’s durability and maintenance in mind.

Weight

Heavier rattles may be more difficult for your child to hold, especially for a very young child. These rattles also pose a risk of injury if the baby accidentally gets hit with the toy. Look for a lightweight yet durable rattle toy so your baby can have fun without getting accidentally hurt.

Shape

Baby rattles come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. Some are simple and straightforward while others are more complex. You should choose a shape that you think won’t be too complicated for your child. The rattle should be easy to grasp and not have any rough edges to poke your little one in the eyes or mouth.

Durability

You also want to find a rattle that is durable and well-made. Avoid rattles that are made from cheap materials or that seem flimsy. Instead, opt for a rattle that is built to last and will stand up to repeated use. It should be able to withstand being dropped or thrown around. We recommend looking for rattles made from sturdy materials such as wood, metal, or high-quality plastic.

What Else Should You Know About Baby Rattles?

Noise level

Another important consideration is the noise level of the rattle. Some parents prefer a softer rattle sound, while others find a louder one helps soothe their baby. You can either experiment with different rattles or read through some customer reviews to get a better idea of a rattle’s noise level.

Interactive features

Some baby rattles come with additional features, such as lights or mirrors, which can help engage and entertain your child. These may be a good option if you’re looking for a toy that will grow with your baby and provide them with hours of fun.

Colors and vibrancy

Rattles come in a variety of colors. Be sure to choose one that you think your child will like. You may want to consider a rattle that is brightly colored and vibrant, as it can help stimulate your baby’s senses.

Teething features

Some baby rattles come with features that can help soothe your child’s gums if they’re teething. These may be a good option if you’re looking for a toy that can serve multiple purposes. Always make sure the material is BPA-free and safe for chewing to avoid risking your child’s health.

Easy to clean

Many rattle toys can be washed in the dishwasher or sterilized, making them very convenient for busy parents. Plush rattles are usually machine-washable. Because babies tend to be quite messy, we recommend looking for a rattle that can be easily disassembled for cleaning purposes.

Choking hazard

As with any toy, it’s essential to make sure that the rattle does not pose a choking hazard. Avoid any rattles with small parts that could come off or sharp edges that could pose a hazard. If a rattle has loose parts, make sure you secure them immediately to avoid any mishap.

What Are the Types of Baby Rattles?

Traditional rattles

These are the simplest type of baby rattle. They usually consist of a wooden or metal handle with a small ball or another object inside. Traditional rattles are a great way to help your child develop their fine motor skills and coordination.

Gripping rattles

The gripping rattle is a simple yet effective tool that can be used to help your baby learn to grip and shake objects. This rattle is easy to hold and has a variety of textures that help your baby explore different sensations and develop their fine motor skills.

Electronic rattles

These rattles feature electronic sounds and lights and they can be great for entertaining your child. Some parents find electronic baby rattles too stimulating for young infants.

Musical rattles

These rattles play music or other sounds when shaken, and they can be a great way to help your child develop their sense of rhythm. Musical rattles are often used as soothing tools to help calm crying babies.

Plush rattles

The plush rattle is a soft and cuddly toy that helps your baby develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. It is easy to grip and shake, and the rattling sound it makes is both fun and stimulating for your baby. The plush rattle also helps your baby explore different textures and sensations. These rattles are an excellent choice for infants who may have sensory issues.

Ring rattles

The ring rattle is a classic toy that has been around for centuries. It is easy to hold and shake, and the ringing sound it makes is unique, fun, and stimulating. Keep in mind that most modern ring rattles are battery-operated. You can also hang these rattles over your baby’s crib or cot.

Rattle figures

Rattle figures are a great way to introduce your baby to different shapes, colors, and textures. They are also easy to grip and shake, making them perfect for developing fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. These rattles can also help your baby learn cause and effect as they discover that shaking the rattle makes a noise.

What Are Baby Rattles Made Of?

Wood

The original baby rattles were made of maple or cherry wood. The handles were sometimes wrapped in yarn or a ribbon for decoration. You can still find wooden rattles today. Some of these rattles have wooden beads inside them that make a noise when shaken. Similarly, some wooden rattles have rings around the handle that produce a rattling sound upon shaking.

Plastic

The most common material for baby rattles is hard plastic. These rattles are available in hundreds of colors, shapes, sizes, and designs. Some have textured handles to ensure a sturdy grip.

Cloth

This type of rattle is usually made of soft fabric like cotton. It tends to feature bright colors and patterns to stimulate a child’s senses. Sometimes cloth rattles also have bells inside to make a jingling sound that makes playtime more fun.

Metal

Metal rattles are traditionally made of silver, aluminum, or stainless steel. While they hold traditional values, today they’re considered unsafe for babies. We recommend steering clear of metallic rattles for your little one.