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13 Best Baby Rattles of 2024

Updated
Brighten up your baby’s world with one of these mesmerizing rattles.

Today’s baby rattles are nothing like what we had in the past. We got by with simple balls attached to a handle that made such a ruckus that our parents regretted buying them. Compared to those, the feature-full rattles of today look like masterpieces, but that doesn’t always mean they’ll be less annoying or more entertaining.

We’ve studied dozens of baby rattles, comparing their features to determine what makes them fascinating to little ones. In this guide, we’ll discuss what factors will help you select the perfect rattle. We’ll also review our top choices, so you can know you’re choosing a rattle that does more than just make a lot of noise.

Your baby’s new favorite toy awaits!

Our Top Picks

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Image
Model
Product Comparison Table
Features

Product Image of the Lamaze Mortimer The Moose
Best Multifunctional Rattle
Lamaze Mortimer The Moose
  • Super-soft baby toy
  • Teethable antlers
  • Tail rings create engaging sounds
Product Image of the Playgro Horse
Favorite Rattling Friend
Playgro Horse
  • Easy for baby to hold
  • Bright & vibrant colours
  • Various textures
Product Image of the Manhattan Toy Winkel Rattle
Best for Teething
Manhattan Toy Winkel Rattle
  • BPA-free
  • Lightweight construction
  • Soft, pliable teething loops
Product Image of the The First Years First Rattle
Baby’s First Rattle
The First Years First Rattle
  • Multi-textured
  • High-contrast patterns
  • Easy-grip fingers
Product Image of the Manhattan Toy Color Burst
Best for Older Babies
Manhattan Toy Color Burst
  • Constructed of sustainable wood
  • Award-winning design
  • Non-toxic finish
Product Image of the Sassy Ring Rattle
Best for Younger Babies
Sassy Ring Rattle
  • Easy-to-grasp rattle
  • High contrast colors
  • Innovative functional features
Product Image of the Fisher-Price Rattle 'n Rock
For Baby Musicians
Fisher-Price Rattle 'n Rock
  • Includes 2 toy maracas
  • Soft, colorful pom poms
  • Bright rattling beads
Product Image of the Bright Stars Grab and Spin Rattle
Great for Sensory Development
Bright Stars Grab and Spin Rattle
  • Budget-friendly
  • Great for on-the-go
  • Cute and colorful
Product Image of the Oball Rollin' Rainstick Rattle
Soothing Sounds
Oball Rollin' Rainstick Rattle
  • Makes soothing raindrop sounds
  • 6 inches in diameter
  • Bright, colorful and nearly indestructible
Product Image of the Skip Hope Elephant Rattle
Best for Travel
Skip Hope Elephant Rattle
  • Multi-sensory
  • Easy to clean
  • Mirror for self recognition


The Best Baby Rattles of 2024

After much searching and comparing, and plenty of testing by our happy babies, these are the 13 best rattles we’ve found.

Lamaze Mortimer The Moose Baby Rattle

Best Multifunctional Baby Rattle

This rattle stuffy has been around for many years and continues to be a favorite of thousands of babies. It was the first favorite toy of my babies and still held up strong after much use and many machine washes. There are several fun animals to choose from, but Mortimer has a special place in my heart.

He comes with high-contrast knotted hooves, a squeaker tummy, and antlers that are perfect for teething. The link allows you to attach it to other toys, a diaper bag, or a stroller to keep Mortimer off the ground and within your baby’s grasp.

The clickety-clackety tail rings are designed to amuse and entertain your baby. When your little one is finally ready to sleep, the super-soft body is perfect for snuggling.

User Experience

I'm impressed with the versatility of this toy for both babies and pets. The various sounds and movable legs provide ample entertainment, and the different sensory elements keep children engaged for longer periods. This toy is larger than expected, but its size and quality make it a great addition to any playtime routine. It's perfect for improving hand-eye coordination and serves as daily entertainment when attached to a car seat handle.

Playgro Clip Clop Horse Baby Rattle

Favroite Rattling Friend

This happy little fellow will put a smile on your baby’s face. The rattling horse has multiple textures, all designed to awaken a child’s curiosity and senses. With click-clack rings around his foot, he’s sure to keep your little one busy.

Your baby will also discover that the bell around this toy’s neck can be used to soothe sore gums while the horse’s foot makes an enticing noise. Don’t be surprised if the little guy is banged on the floor several times. He’s making baby music.

Personal Perspective

Excellent! As a horse lover, I was thrilled to find this adorable horse-themed baby toy amidst the sea of unicorn products. This toy is larger than expected, measuring around 12 inches, and it has become a favorite for my baby, who wants to take it everywhere. It easily attaches to the car seat and carrier, and we receive numerous compliments on its charming design. Although it doesn't play music, the overall appeal and quality make it a fantastic addition to our baby's collection.

Manhattan Toy Winkel Baby Rattle

Best Baby Rattle for Teething

This award-winning toy features several soft tubes that are interlocked in a maze-like fashion. A cube in the middle produces a pleasant rattling sound when shaken.

Its bright colors are designed to appeal to your little one, who will have no problem clutching it. It’s ideal for babies ages 0 to 2 years. Teething babies, in particular, will love sinking their gums into the chewable, BPA-free tubes.

Community Feedback

These colorful teething rings have been a fantastic toy for my baby who is just starting to hold things on their own. With multiple loops, it's easy for my little one to grab onto and stay entertained, especially during car rides. The soft texture of the rings is perfect for teething, and the gentle rattle sound is enjoyable for both baby and those around them. During tummy time, the rattle quickly captures my baby's attention, and they love chewing on it. Although the rattle could be a bit louder to maintain their interest, overall, this toy has been a wonderful addition to our collection.

The First Years First Rattle

Baby’s First Rattle

This brightly-colored rattle is just right for very young babies who love clutching their parent’s hands. Its multi-textured surface will feel soft against your baby’s skin and in their hands. It’s also safe for your baby to chew on.

The colors and high-contrast patterns are great for reinforcing visual tracking as you move it across your child’s field of vision. You can also attach it to a play mat or car seat, allowing your baby to enjoy it anywhere.

First-Hand Impression

Definitely a hit with the little ones, this toy quickly became a favorite for my four-month-old grandson and my five-month-old daughter. Although it's a bit bigger than expected, even younger babies seem to enjoy the noise and the easy-to-hold design, making it a great teether and sensory experience. The crinkly parts add extra entertainment, and the fact that it's washable is a huge plus. I've even purchased a second one due to its popularity with my son.

Manhattan Toy Skwish Color Burst Baby Rattle

Best Rattle for Older Babies

Your baby may not be ready for geometry class, but they’ll love this uniquely shaped toy. It features colorful rattling beads that slide along wooden dowels, which are strung together using elastic ties.

This rattle encourages two-handed play and is suitable for babies of all ages, but older babies will especially love the challenge involved in manipulating the pieces. Your baby will love squishing and watching this rattle spring back to its original shape.


Sassy Ring Baby Rattle

Best Rattle for Younger Babies

With one sassy ring, you get three amazing benefits. The contrasting polka dots, stripes, and colors will capture your baby’s attention and help develop their visual and motor skills.

Multiple textures around the rattle are great for teething and enhancing your baby’s tactile sensitivity. Suitable for newborns and older babies, this rattle will keep your little one enthralled and engaged.

Personal Perspective

I've found these rattles to be great for teething and of good quality, though the handle and ring are slightly big for smaller hands and mouths. My child enjoys the bright colors, various textures, and the rattling sound it makes when shaken. Washing it can be a bit of a pain due to lint sticking on it, but it's quite durable and has survived being dropped, tossed, and chewed on for months. It's lightweight and portable, making it a convenient toy for on-the-go, but I'd recommend it for babies aged 3 months and up due to its size and hardness.

Fisher-Price Rattle 'n Rock Maracas

Best Rattle for Baby Musicians

This baby-sized set of two is ideal for babies ages 3 months and above. Soft fabric makes up the top side of the maracas, while the rest of the toy consists of smooth plastic.

These textural differences, coupled with the soft-sounding beads, will help expand your baby’s sensory knowledge. Let’s not forget the sweet sound maracas are so famously known for. Your baby will be making their own beats in no time.

Community Feedback

I recently bought the Fisher Price Newborn Toys Rattle 'N Rock Maracas for my 4-month-old, and they have quickly become a favorite in our household. These maracas are colorful, easy to grip, and made of a soft, squishy material that's perfect for little hands and teething gums. The fun design and bright colors immediately caught my baby's attention, and the gentle rattle sound provides hours of entertainment. Even my husband has joined in on the fun, dancing around with the maracas and bringing laughter to our family. The only downside is that our baby sometimes shakes them at 5 AM, waking us up earlier than desired, but overall, these maracas have been a fantastic addition to our toy collection.

Bright Stars Grab and Spin Rattle

Great for Sensory Development

This rattle was another fast favorite in our home. It features a transparent spinner containing a host of colorful beads, and a textured handle for a great grip. The toy will arouse your child’s curiosity as they work their little fingers to spin the beads, listen to the sounds, and feel the different textures.

It’s lightweight, easy to clean, and ideal for babies of all ages. Parents will love being able to slip it into the diaper bag before heading out.

First-Hand Impression

Best rattle I've bought for my baby, as they enjoy the bright colors and subtle noise it makes. This rattle is easy for my little one to grab and chew on, though I wish the handle was made of silicone instead of plastic for better teething comfort.

Oball Rollin' Rainstick Rattle

Soothing Sounds of Rain

This toy is great for little ones in need of a teether or who sometimes need a soothing distraction (who doesn’t?). It features a good-sized ball with holes and a rainstick in the middle. As your child turns the rattle, the beads cascade, mimicking the soothing sound of raindrops.

Recommended for babies ages 3 months and above, this rattle’s colorful appearance will hold your child’s interest for a long time. They can beat on it like a drum, shake it, roll it, or put it in their mouths.

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!
Headshot of Katelyn Holt RN, BSN, BC

Editor's Note:

Katelyn Holt RN, BSN, BC

User Experience

I'm thrilled with how much my granddaughter enjoys this toy, as it quickly became her favorite. At only 5 months old, she finds it easy to grasp and play with, which has greatly contributed to her motor skills development. This lightweight yet sturdy toy is perfect for young babies to hold and explore. Cleaning the toy can be a bit challenging due to its creases, but it doesn't take away from its overall appeal. The material is safe, even when my granddaughter tries to bite it. This toy has been a fantastic addition to her collection, and it's perfect for her little hands to grab and shake.

Skip Hop Elephant Rattle

Best Baby Rattle for Travel

This adorable elephant is a must-have for babies over 3 months old. It features multi-sensory details that are safe for teething or chewing. The large holes offer an easy grip, while its head has a different texture to pique your baby’s interest.

Babies who are starting to get curious will surely love the attached mirror on the elephant’s teether, enough for your young ones to recognize their own face. This plush rattle is also an excellent travel toy, providing comfort and entertainment for a little one stuck in their car seat for any length of time.

Personal Perspective

In my experience with this baby sensory toy, it has proven to be an excellent choice for keeping little ones entertained and engaged. This all-in-one toy offers a variety of features such as teethers, textures, and mirrors, which my baby absolutely loves. It has become a must-have item for us, especially during long car rides. I've also noticed that it helps calm down my daughter when she's fussy.

Oball Kids Shaker Toy

Most Affordable Rattle

This toy is made up of two mesh-like balls attached to either side of a textured handle. The clear handle holds several brightly colored balls that your child will love shaking and watching.

The balls are great for teething and are made to suit tiny fingers. They are easy to grab, bite, or shake. It’s one of those easy-to-clean teether toys that will be a favorite in your home.

Community Feedback

After using this lightweight rattle with my baby, I found that it offers a unique sensory experience and is easy for little hands to grip. The rattle is not too loud, making it convenient for on-the-go play, and it's suitable for teething as well. However, the rigid gaps may cause baby's fingers to get caught, and it's not recommended for water play, as it can lead to sticky toy balls inside. Despite these minor issues, this rattle is a durable and helpful tool for infants learning to grasp and hold objects.

PlanToys Baby Key Rattle

Best Sustainable Rattle

This delightful set of keys is made from high-quality, sustainable rubberwood and is coated with non-toxic finishes. The vibrant colors are derived from vegetable dyes, and the keys are connected on a rope ring.

This toy is ideal for babies ages 4 months and over. It’s safe for teething and promotes visual and gross motor skills. Next time you take your baby out of the house, why not let them carry their own set of keys?

First-Hand Impression

Got this toy for our little one, and it has quickly become a favorite in our household. The compact size makes it easy to carry in a diaper bag, and it's perfect for grabbing, shaking, and teething. This non-toxic toy, made from untreated rubber wood, provides peace of mind as our baby chews and plays with it. The wooden parts clack together, creating a pleasant sound that isn't too loud or obnoxious. Although the paint may fade slightly over time due to teething and slobber, the toy remains visually appealing and, most importantly, safe for our baby to enjoy.

Infantino Baby Wrist Rattles

Wearable Fun

This cute monkey and panda set features two wrist or ankle rattles fitted with soft shakers. They’re great for enhancing visual and auditory skills and introducing the concept of cause and effect to your baby. Every time they wriggle, something happens.

Your baby will enjoy waving their arms or wiggling around, which will help promote their gross motor skills. We found these rattles useful during diaper changes. Just strap them on your little one’s ankles, and they’ll naturally keep their feet in the air as they grab at the rattles, making cleanup a much simpler task.

User Experience

In my experience, these baby rattles are a delightful and versatile toy for little ones. The Velcro is easily adjustable and the soft design is gentle on baby's skin, plus the colors are not too overwhelming. However, I found the rattle sound to be quite faint, which can make it difficult for babies to notice when they move. Additionally, the bands may not fit well on older or larger babies, especially when wearing socks or pants.

How to Choose a Rattle for Baby

When trying to decide which rattles are best for babies, we have some specific criteria: They must be age-appropriate and safe, encourage physical and cognitive development, and be fun and stimulating — without being annoying to parents (you’ll thank us!).

Let’s expand on a couple of these thoughts.

Age Appropriate

Your baby’s age is a key consideration in choosing the best rattle. Soft and lightweight rattles with easy grips or Velcro attachments are better for babies younger than 3 months.

Older babies with better motor skills will appreciate an interactive rattle with buttons they can press, pieces that move, bright colors, or multiple functions. Similarly, a teething baby will be happy to play with rattles that double up as teethers.

Safety

Like any other toy, a rattle will undoubtedly find its way into your baby’s mouth. Ensure that the toy you buy is safe and toxin-free.

Ever seen a funny video where a baby gets bumped by a rattle that’s too big? It’s funny to the people in the video, but the baby could easily get hurt by a toy that’s too big, heavy, or hard.

Material

Different materials are used to make rattles, including plastic, fabric, rubber, silicone, and wood. Go for a rattle made from materials that can withstand constant use and are easy to clean.


Baby Rattle FAQs

Are Rattles Good For Babies?

Rattles are excellent for babies as they help develop fine motor skills, auditory senses, and hand-eye coordination. They also provide stimulation and entertainment.

How Can You Tell If a Baby Rattle is Safe?

Ensure a baby rattle is safe by checking that it’s well-made, free from small parts that could be choking hazards, made of non-toxic materials, and appropriate for the baby’s age.

What Type of Sound is Most Preferred By Infants?

Infants often prefer soft, soothing sounds or gentle rattling noises. They can be sensitive to loud or jarring sounds, so choose rattles with a pleasant, calming sound.

How Do You Sterilize Baby Rattles?

Sterilize baby rattles by cleaning them with mild soap and water, boiling them for a few minutes (if they are boil-safe), or using a baby-safe disinfectant. Always check the manufacturer’s instructions for specific cleaning guidelines.

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Reviewed by

Katelyn Holt RN, BSN, BC

Katelyn Holt RN, BSN, BC is a cardiology nurse and freelance medical writer. Katelyn has 8 years of nursing experience inpatient and outpatient, primarily medical-surgical and cardiac. After having two children she has a passion for Women’s Health and Lactation teaching and support.