Rattles

Baby rattles — shake, giggle, repeat

The rattle is the original baby toy, and it has survived every trend since because it does something no other toy does at this age: it gives a baby their very first taste of cause and effect. Shake, noise. Shake again, noise again. That connection — I did that — is a genuine developmental moment.

When can a baby hold a rattle?

Most babies can grasp a rattle placed in their hand from around three months, and deliberately reach for one at four to five months. Before that, a rattle is something you shake for them, which is still worth doing — tracking a sound is a skill in itself.

Full detail in our guide to when babies can hold a rattle.

What we stock

  • Soft plush rattles — light, safe to bash themselves with, and the right first choice for a newborn. The teddy bear stick rattle is a good starting point.
  • High-contrast rattles — newborn vision responds to bold black and white long before it manages pastel. Our black and white rattle set pairs a rattle with a maraca.
  • Silicone rattle teethers — two jobs in one, and useful from the moment gums start hurting. See the silicone rattle teether.
  • Natural rubber — Sophie la Girafe rattles and gift sets, soft and warm to hold.
  • Wooden rattles — a satisfying, gentler sound, usually graded from six months because of weight.

What to look for

  • Light enough to lift. A rattle a baby can't raise is a rattle they'll ignore. Weight matters more than anything else at this age.
  • Easy to grip — a narrow handle or ring suits small hands better than a chunky body.
  • Safe to chew, because it will be. Food-grade silicone, natural rubber or a machine-washable fabric.
  • UKCA or CE marked to BS EN 71, with no small detachable parts.
  • Not too loud. A rattle held at arm's length is very close to a baby's ears.

Rattles also make one of the more reliable baby shower gifts — small, always useful, and nobody has too many.

Browse our teethers, sensory toys and toys suitable from birth.