Baby rattles may not look like much fun, but they spark an array of sensory experiences for babies. Providing the stimulation they need to move, communicate, and express themselves, they are essential in their physical and cognitive development from day one.

From birth, babies learn how to cry, talk, crawl, and walk by taking in the sights and sounds of the world around them. This stimulation is the most important part of their learning process.

Rattles are a great way to keep your baby engaged, especially during tummy time and when they’re learning to focus on objects. They can also help improve eye-body coordination, and many have multiple textures to appeal to different senses.

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They can also encourage your baby to develop a sense of rhythm, which is vital for cognitive and behavioral growth. They can become a baby’s favorite toy at any age, and they are often made of durable, child-safe materials.

Rattles come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. Some are designed for small infants (6 months or less) while others are geared toward older babies (1-3 years).

Most rattles have handles that make them easy to hold, which makes them a perfect play toy for newborns. However, the handle length should be just long enough to prevent your baby from reaching into their mouth or putting it in their nose, which can pose a choking hazard.

Rattles should also be manufactured to meet certain CPSC standards and are free of child-safe materials that could present a choking or suffocation hazard. Non-compliant manufacturers and importers face heavy fines, recalls, and court action.