Baby rattles are excellent sensory toys for little hands, with the ability to improve fine motor skills and auditory skills. They’re timeless toys and are excellent gifts for baby showers, birthdays, and first meetings. They’re great for pretty much any occasion!
But the last thing new parents want is a load of low-quality, useless toys littering their house. So, we’ve come to the rescue with our research into the best 12 baby rattles, including the Susukoshi Baby Wooden Rattle Toy and the Oball Rattle. No duds are allowed in our article! Let’s get the ball rolling.
We conduct our best baby rattle reviews through a combination of product testing, individual research, real buyer feedback and certified paediatrician approval.
We understand that there is no such thing as a “best baby rattle” for everyone, and what is best for one child might not be suitable for another. With this in mind, we assessed baby rattles by comparing different features and specifications, and have highlighted the buyer we believe the product is best suited to.
We considered the following criteria below:
First up is a simple yet gorgeous Susukoshi Baby Wooden Rattle Toy. The simple natural wood cage surrounding a small wooden bead will never run out of sound (unlike squeakers or other noisy toys), so your baby will have endless years of fun with this one!
Babies of all ages can use this wooden rattle and enjoy its simple yet calming sound. No strength is needed, so this is the ideal first toy for newborns.
Dimensions/size | 7 x 7 cm |
Age suitability | 0 months + |
Material | 100% beechwood |
Colour options | Natural |
Chew Friendly | No |
The Susukoshi Baby Wooden Rattle Toy is a great toy to develop fine motor skills as well as listening skills. With a lightweight body and thin spindles, this rattle is easy for even the smallest hands to grasp. It’s ideal for teaching little hands how to move, grab, and move between objects – everything is a teachable moment!
Below we have listed pros and cons based on real buyer feedback:
The Susukoshi Baby Wooden Rattle Toy is one of the best rattles for babies of a young age who want to explore a number of different senses at once – but without causing sensory overload. Made of naturally cleaning beechwood, this is a great toy for newborns with susceptible immune systems. It’s also super easy to clean with a simple wipe-down.
The Oball Rattle is as fun as it is beneficial for development. This rattle has been designed with 29 finger holes, making it perfect for small hands to hold and turn, as well as shake and rattle! These finger holes make it easy for all babies to grip the toy, making it inclusive for everyone.
The colourful beads within the rattle make a clicking sound with every movement, keeping your child’s attention on their new toy.
Dimensions/size | 10.16 x 10.16 x 10.16 cm |
Age suitability | 0 to 36 months |
Material | Plastic |
Colour options | Teal, Pink, Blue |
Chew Friendly | Yes |
The Oball is an award-winning rattle, so there’s plenty to love about this simple toy! The bright colours offer sensory engagement, and your child will love turning the ball over in their hands to explore all of the single-finger holes. The plastic is super easy to wipe down to keep hygienic, so you don’t have to worry about anything being caught except your baby’s attention!
Below we have listed pros and cons based on real buyer feedback:
The Oball Rattle is best for anyone who enjoys shaking and shimmying their toys! This ball is fun to shake, roll, kick, squeeze, and more – so your child will never get bored of this rattle. Once they get older and start walking, they can even use it to develop their gross motor skills by kicking the ball to generate the rattling sound. This rattle is definitely one of the best for longevity and versatility.
Wrist rattles, such as the Bright Starts Rattle & Teethe Wrist, are great for newborns who haven’t quite grasped how to hold things yet. We get it – learning new skills is tough, and why should your little one miss out on their sensory development because they can’t hold a rattle yet?
This elephant and monkey rattle attaches loosely around your baby’s wrist or ankle and makes a gentle rattle sound every time they squirm or shake. They’ll learn that their movements cause a reaction, and that lesson keeps them entertained for ages – trust us!
Dimensions/size | 18 cm |
Age suitability | 0 months + |
Material | Soft Fabric |
Colour options | Elephant or Monkey |
Chew Friendly | Yes |
On the Bright Starts Rattle & Teethe Wrist, underneath the cute plush elephant or monkey head, there is a plastic green leaf. What could that possibly be for, we wonder. You guessed it – it’s a teether! You simply can never have enough teethers, and that’s a fact. The fabrics are all incredibly high quality, with zero removable parts to end up as choking hazards. The vibrant colours stimulate little brains, giving your baby something fun to look at, too.
Below we have listed pros and cons based on real buyer feedback:
The Bright Starts Rattle & Teethe Wrist is best for younger babies who can’t yet hold their own toys, allowing them to still enjoy a rattle without you having to shake it for them. This encourages independence and thinking skills and also gives you a second to rest! Everyone wins with a wrist rattle, and the cuteness of this butterfly certainly doesn’t hurt, either.
Who doesn’t love a delightful koala-shaped toy? The Weegoamigo Crochet Rattle Koala has a long and thin yet sturdy body that can be easily grasped and held by little hands. The soft shape prevents hands from getting tired while playing, so your little one can play with their rattle for hours!
The Weegoamigo Crochet Rattle Koala is made from 100% cotton and is handmade through the tactful art of crochet. While he’s durable enough to withstand plenty of use, he still isn’t designed for teething. Sore gums will hurt his ears and arms!
Dimensions/size | 15 cm (approx) |
Age suitability | 0 months to 5 years |
Material | 100% hand crochet cotton outer with a polyester fill |
Colour options | Grey/white |
Chew Friendly | No |
Unlike a toddler squeaker, the Weegoamigo Crochet Rattle Koala has an unlimited number of rattles to give in his lifetime. Plus, without needing the strength to sound the rattle, babies of all ages can join in the fun with this toy and make some beautiful music.
Once they’re finished dancing with the rattle, they can give it a lovely cuddle thanks to its plush exterior. He’s a big softie, our koala!
Below we have listed pros and cons based on real buyer feedback:
Similar to Pebble the Bunny, the Weegoamigo Crochet Rattle Koala is perfect for little ones who want a rattle to take everywhere with them, acting as a little best friend as well as an awesome toy. He’s suitable from birth thanks to his ideal long shape, and he’s easy to look after thanks to his durability.
The Natural Wooden Rattle is perfect if you want a keepsake that is both lovely and functional. The Natural Wooden Rattle is made from natural beechwood, making it non-toxic and antibacterial – so it is completely safe for your little one!
This rattle is shaped like a vintage rattle, with a thin handle for your child to hold onto and two rings for them to play with. This improves their hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. And, once they’ve outgrown their rattle days, you’ll have a keepsake to treasure forever.
Dimensions/size | 13 x 4 cm |
Age suitability | 0 months + |
Material | 100% natural beechwood |
Colour options | Natural |
Chew Friendly | Yes |
We love everything about the Natural Wooden Rattle for your little one. It’s naturally self-cleaning and can also be easily wiped down with a damp cloth. It doubles as a teether for sore gums, and it’s an early learning aid for little ones! It even comes with a special gift bag to store it in after it’s exhausted its use as a rattle toy.
Below we have listed pros and cons based on real buyer feedback:
The Natural Wooden Rattle is perfect for any family that wants a sweet memento to remind them of their baby’s infancy. The price is lower to accommodate parents on a budget, and the wooden design incorporates some of the values of Montessori parenting. What’s not to love?
When thinking of baby rattles, you simply cannot go wrong with an old-fashioned maraca, such as the Sophie The Giraffe Soft Maracas Rattle. The small handle is perfect for small hands to hold onto, and the double ended design prevents the instrument from falling out of their hands when shaking.
The round maraca makes a great noise to fill the room, making your child excited about the sound they’re making. This can improve independence and self-confidence.
Dimensions/size | 9.5 x 24.99 x 5 cm |
Age suitability | 0 months + |
Material | Plastic, fabric |
Colour options | White/red/blue/yellow/green |
Chew Friendly | No |
Maracas, like the Sophie The Giraffe Soft Maracas Rattle, are some of the most popular baby rattles for a reason. They’re loud, fun, and can introduce your little one into the world of music. As your baby gets older, they’ll be able to learn about rhythm and sound thanks to their first musical instrument. But in the meantime, these maracas can help develop your baby’s fine motor skills!
Below we have listed pros and cons based on real buyer feedback:
The Sophie The Giraffe Soft Maracas Rattle is a good option for baby rattles if you want your child to learn about the magic of music or if they seem to have a passion for creativity already. They’re also versatile and make louder noises, so your little one will love playing with them for longer than they might a quieter rattle. Your house will never be quiet with a maraca about!
The Very Hungry Caterpillar is a beloved character from a children’s book first published more than 40 years ago. We all love The Very Hungry Caterpillar, so why not share that love with your little one, introducing them to the story with a ring rattle?
The colourful beads make a lovely shaking sound, and the clear plastic ring allows your little one to see the balls moving as they shake it. This adds to the sensory experience!
Dimensions/size | 15 x 5 x 18 cm |
Age suitability | 0 months + |
Material | Plastic, soft materials |
Colour options | One colour |
Chew Friendly | No |
The Very Hungry Caterpillar Ring Rattle provides the best of both worlds, with a durable plastic rattle and a plush toy attached to the Caterpillar themselves. These two different textures offer your child more versatility during their playtime, keeping their attention on their rattle for longer. This toy aids with auditory skills development, vision tracking, fine motor skills, and more!
Below we have listed pros and cons based on real buyer feedback:
You’ll love this baby rattle if you and your child love The Very Hungry Caterpillar, as it features the beloved character on top of the ring rattle. Not only does it aid them in every aspect of sensory development, but it’s also an awesome toy that they’ll love to play with time and time again for years.
The Miffy X Little Dutch Soft Rattle features a well-known and beloved children’s character. Not only is Miffy super cute and cuddly, but this rattle also features three sensory tabs for your little one to feel and explore. The ring shape is easy to hold and shake, and the gentle rattle sound is suitable for newborns and older children alike.
As if the adorable Miffy wasn’t enough, the Little Dutch flowers are perfect for young eyes. The busy patterns offer a sensory reaction, but the muted colours ensure that your child doesn’t become too stimulated.
Dimensions/size | 8 x 5.5 x 16 cm |
Age suitability | 0 months + |
Material | Super soft polyester |
Colour options | One colour |
Chew Friendly | No |
The Miffy X Little Dutch Soft Rattles are simply the gifts that keep on giving! There is plenty of sensory play to be had with this Miffy rattle, aside from the soothing rattle sound. We love plush rattles as they offer plenty of cuddles as well as a way to teach your child the cause and reaction for each of their actions. While others might see a simple toy with the Miffy x Little Dutch Soft Rattle, we see endless opportunities for teachable moments.
Below we have listed pros and cons based on real buyer feedback:
The Miffy x Little Dutch Soft Rattle is perfect for little hands who need a first rattle to occupy their wandering fingers. Miffy is a wonderful cuddler and is eager to meet your little one to teach them the wonders of sensory play. This is a fabulous baby shower or first meeting gift or a keepsake to take in your hospital bag with you.
You wanted to find baby rattles that are both fun and educational? Well, look no further – because we’ve found the perfect option for you. The OleOle rattles come in 16 different patterns and colours, so you won’t find it difficult to find one perfect for your little one’s personality.
These baby rattles have plenty going for them, with a soft ring rattle topped with a plush animal head and three legs topped with different sensory toys. Each of these designs encourages exploration through touch and sight, helping your baby learn colours, shapes, and textures.
Dimensions/size | 40 x 17 cm |
Age suitability | 3 to 12 months |
Material | Soft, plush fabric |
Colour options | 16 colourful animal options |
Chew Friendly | Yes |
What’s not to like about the OleOle Baby Rattle Toys? They’re an explosion of sensory features that can be instrumental for your baby’s development in their first year of life. The materials are durable and soft to ensure safety throughout the entire time these toys are played with, and they can even be chewed on without breaking easily.
Below we have listed pros and cons based on real buyer feedback:
The OleOle Baby Rattles are perfect for babies who would benefit from sensory exploration (so all of them!). These rattles might be the answer to all of your worries if you’re a parent who is struggling to find new and exciting ways to introduce sensory play into your little one’s day.
Last but not least, the Weego Amigo Ice Cream Crochet Rattle is a great addition to any toy box. The ice cream has been crocheted with love, ensuring that your bub gets to play with something made with intention and admiration. Gone are the days when we’re settling for cheap plastic toys that have been mass-produced! This rattle is 100% better and cooler, and you know you’re supporting a small creator.
The rattle inside offers hours of fun, so your little one won’t get bored of their new ice cream quickly!
Dimensions/size | 15 cm |
Age suitability | 0 months + |
Material | 100% cotton outer, 100% polyester filling |
Colour options | Ice Cream |
Chew Friendly | No |
The Weego Amigo Ice Cream Crochet Rattle is made of superior quality and craftsmanship. The outer is completely made of cotton, which is soft and snuggly on your little one’s hands. The filling is polyester, keeping it full and squishy, plus structured. No one wants a melted ice cream!
Below we have listed pros and cons based on real buyer feedback:
Another excellent baby shower gift, the Weego Amigo Ice Cream Crochet Rattle is made with plenty of hard work and love. Little hands can grasp onto the thin cone shape, and the crochet texture makes this even easier. Older toddlers will also love role-playing with their ice cream, so you’ll get plenty of use from this adorable rattle!
Below we have detailed a list of considerations to help you choose the best baby rattle:
Thanks for reading our list of the 12 best baby rattles the Australian market has to offer. There’s plenty to offer for babies of all ages, interests, and skill levels, so make sure you check out all of our reviews to find the best rattle toy for your little one. And enjoy all of their music and dancing!