Best Baby Rattles of 2023

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

Editor's Note:

Katelyn Holt RN, BSN, BC

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.

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.

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?

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.