Best Baby Rattles of 2025

Mortimer isn’t just a rattle; he is a full sensory experience. This plush moose has remained a best-seller for years because he is virtually indestructible, surviving countless drops and wash cycles.

The design features high-contrast knotted hooves to stimulate vision, a squeaker tummy for auditory cause-and-effect, and textured antlers that are perfect for gnawing on. The included link clip is a lifesaver for parents, letting you attach Mortimer to a stroller or car seat so he never hits the dirty floor.

When playtime is over and your baby is ready to sleep, Mortimer’s soft body acts as a comforting snuggle buddy.

This horse is packed with textures designed to awaken curiosity. The combination of satin, plush, and ribbed fabrics invites tactile exploration, while the click-clack rings on the foot help develop fine motor skills.

Unlike standard rattles, this one offers a variety of sounds. There is a bell for soothing chimes and beads for shaking. It is a fantastic option for teaching babies that different actions produce different noises, essentially helping them make baby music.

The Winkel is an award-winning classic for a reason. Its maze of soft, continuous tubes makes it incredibly easy for even the tiniest hands to grasp from any angle. The central cube contains a rattle that isn’t too loud, saving your sanity.

The BPA-free loops are soft and pliable, making them safe for gumming. A pro tip from many parents: throw this in the fridge for a few minutes to provide cooling relief for teething babies. It is suitable for ages 0 to 2 years, but it really shines in the 4-8 month range.

This inexpensive rattle is specifically designed for newborns. The high-contrast black, white, and red patterns help reinforce visual tracking skills before a baby’s color vision fully develops.

The multi-textured fingers are soft against sensitive skin and easy to chew. It is lightweight enough that a young baby can hold it without fatigue. Plus, you can easily tie it to a play gym or car seat handle for on-the-go entertainment.

It looks like a physics experiment, but babies love it. The Skwish is made of wooden dowels and elastic ties that allow the toy to be flattened and bounce back to its original shape instantly.

The sliding beads create a pleasant, woody clacking sound rather than a high-pitched rattle. It encourages two-handed play and introduces concepts of geometry and tension. While safe for all ages, older babies (6 months+) get the most out of squishing and manipulating the structure.

Sometimes simple is best. This ring rattle focuses on high-contrast patterns, dots and stripes, to capture a newborn’s attention. The large ring design makes it nearly effortless for a baby to hook their arm or fingers through.

The clear plastic section lets babies see the beads moving, connecting the sound to the visual movement. It is lightweight, durable, and the variety of textures on the ring helps with tactile sensitivity during grasping practice.

This set of two maracas is perfectly sized for small hands to shake. The smartest design feature is the soft fabric pom-pom on one end; if your enthusiastic baby accidentally hits themselves in the face while shaking, it won’t hurt.

The handles are smooth plastic, offering a textural difference that expands your baby’s sensory knowledge. They create a nice rhythm that isn’t too piercing, allowing your little musician to make beats without causing a headache.

This was a personal favorite in our testing because of the handle. The textured ridges make it incredibly easy for sweaty little palms to maintain a grip.

The clear chamber showcases colorful beads that spin and slide, creating a visual spectacle that teaches cause and effect. It is easy to clean with a quick wipe and compact enough to toss into a diaper bag for restaurant or car distractions.

If standard rattles are too jarring for you, try a rainstick. This toy features the classic Oball design with finger holes that make gripping easy, but the center tube contains beads that cascade gently to mimic rain.

Recommended for babies 3 months and up, this toy grows well with the child. At first, it is a shaker; later, it becomes a ball to roll across the floor to encourage crawling. It is durable enough to be banged like a drum or chewed on during teething.

The OBall has longevity. Like any ball, it serves many purposes. My older kids still play with it. One OBall rattle even made it onto our Christmas tree as an ornament!

Editor's Note:

Katelyn Holt RN, BSN, BC

Ellie the Elephant is a stroller essential for babies over 3 months. This plush toy includes a soft bandana teether, a rattle ring, and crinkle ears that babies love to squeeze.

The standout feature is the hidden functionality: a small mirror for self-recognition and a clip for easy travel. It keeps babies occupied in the car seat for long stretches, making it a favorite for road trips.

Two mini Oballs connected by a textured handle make this one of the easiest toys for a clumsy baby to hold. The large holes in the end balls allow fingers to lace through for a secure grip.

Inside the handle, colorful beads provide visual stimulation and a fun shaker sound. The material is flexible and smooth, so there are no sharp edges to worry about if your baby decides to use it as a teether.

For eco-conscious parents, this set of keys is a winner. Made from sustainable rubberwood and finished with non-toxic vegetable dyes, it is safe for the most vigorous chewers.

The keys dangle on a rope ring, making a satisfying wooden “clack” rather than a plastic rattle sound. It is great for babies 4 months and up who are developing gross motor skills and want to mimic their parents handling car keys.

Before babies can grasp toys, they can still enjoy these wearable rattles. This set straps onto wrists or ankles with soft Velcro, turning every random wiggle into a sound-producing event.

This teaches cause and effect long before fine motor skills are fully developed. We found them incredibly useful during diaper changes; strapping them to your baby’s ankles keeps their legs in the air and their hands occupied, making the cleanup process much smoother.