
Best Rattles
Let your baby shake, rattle and roll with these sweet toys.
By Babylist Team
For thousands of years, babies have been shaking, banging and teething on rattles. They’re always a huge hit with little ones, and they’re practical too.
Rattles help teach wee ones about cause and effect and let them put into practice their developing dexterity. But many of today’s rattles look nothing like the old-fashioned, ball-with-a-handle rattles that come to mind. Modern rattles come in all different shapes, but their goal is the same: entertain curious tots.
These are our favorite picks to help your baby get their rattle on:
Baby's First Maracas
Your tiny dancer will be busting a groove in no time with the help of these maraca-like rattles. Placed in your baby’s palm, these egg-shaped forest animals each make a slightly different sound when shaken (the set comes with three). They’re colorful, fun and the noise will make you want to whip out your party hat.
Additional Specs
Child Guidelines | Ages 3 months+ |
Dimensions | 2.25” x 2” x 2.75” |
Knots of Fun
Even the tiniest hands can hold the lightweight Winkel. They can shake it to make the middle cube give off a faint rattle, but what babies like best about this toy is its brightly colored plastic loops. They’re soft, pliable and perfect for teething babies to gum. For extra relief, refrigerate it before playtime to soothe soreness. The loops are made from polyurethane and are free of BPA and PVC, but don’t submerge it in water or else it might grow mold.
Additional Specs
Child Guidelines | Ages 0 months+ |
Dimensions | 5” x 3.5” x 4” |
Classic Stick Rattle
Some rattles do still have that ball-with-a-handle look, but this one is anything but basic. Made of solid maple and birch, this wooden rattle is naturally anti-microbial and one of the safest options for babies. The simple design means it’s Montessori friendly, and there are (non toxic) painted options, too, if you’d like a little more color.
Additional Specs
Child Guidelines | Ages 0 months+ |
Dimensions | 7.9” x 3.8” x 1.7” |
The High-Tech Rattle
If your baby is more interested in the sounds and bright lights of tech-y toys than something more Montessori-inspired, they’re sure to love this rattle. It’s even in the classic rattle shape! Just give it a gentle shake and watch the puppy’s cheeks light up, and a press of the music button plays about two dozen songs and sounds for hours of fun.
Additional Specs
Child Guidelines | Ages 3 months-2 years |
Dimensions | 2” x 5.3” x 7” |
Soft and Sweet
With so many hard plastic and wooden rattles out there, we completely understand if you’re looking for something that’s a little softer in your baby’s hands. Enter Estella, makers of beautiful hand-knit toys. This rattle made from 100% organic cotton, and the sound is sweet and delicate, making this a good option for quieter moments like nap time. And there are several fun and quirky designs to choose from, including a bright yellow taxi and a tasty hamburger (but please don’t eat it).
Additional Specs
Child Guidelines | Ages 0 months+ |
A Teether, Too
Parents love Ryan & Rose for their adorable pacifiers, teethers and clips made of 100% food-grade silicone, and now their chewable bubble design can make a little noise, too! This double-duty rattle lets your little one be entertained by the gentle rattle noise while they safely nibble to soothe their sore gums.
Heirloom Quality
Most of the time, parents can’t wait to get rid of toys as soon as kids are done with them. But this durable rattle is pretty enough to pass down. Made from maple wood and finished with organic beeswax and flaxseed oil, the rattle is all natural and safe for baby to put in their mouth. Customize the color of the middle disks to your baby’s nursery or have their name and birth details—date, time, length and weight—laser engraved to create a keepsake.
Additional Specs
Child Guidelines | Ages 0 months+ |
Dimensions | 3.75” x 4.5” |
Rattlin’ Multi-Pack
This collection of rattles may appear simple, but sometimes simple is what gets baby’s attention. The set includes a classic ball-and-stick rattle, a flexible ring-shaped rattle and a squishy ball rattle, so your little one gets a good variety of toys plus three different ways to practice their grasping skills.
Additional Specs
Child Guidelines | Ages 0 months+ |
Shake & Snuggle
What parent doesn’t love a good multifunctional toy? While your little one might have already gathered a few stuffed animals (they’re often a go-to baby shower gift), this one has a built-in rattle to bring extra delight to your baby. And our favorite part: The entire lamb is machine-washable!
Additional Specs
Child Guidelines | Ages 0 months+ |
Dimensions | 7.9” x 5.5” x 4.1” |
A Wearable Rattle
Within the first couple of months, most babies will “find their hands,” or gain awareness of (and acute interest in) their body, and these wearable rattles can help with their discovery. With one pair for baby’s wrists and another pair for baby’s feet, plus extra crinkles in the bugs to go with the rattling sounds, this set is a sure-fire way to keep the youngest babies entertained. They also make a great distraction during diaper changes!
Additional Specs
Child Guidelines | Ages 0 months+ |