A rattle baby is a type of toy designed specifically for the amusement of an infant. They have been around since antiquity and experts in child development believe they help an infant improve hand eye coordination by stimulating their senses.

When shaken, rattles make sounds that can range from dull sounds like wooden rattles to jingling and bell-type sounds from metal rattles. They also have a variety of textures which produce crinkling noises, and many of them can even play lullabies when a button is pushed.

They can also be used to teach babies about the different properties of objects that they encounter by touch and sight, such as soft, hard, bumpy, hot, cold. Some rattles can also double as teethers because they have textured surfaces which are easy on the mouths of young children.

Babies will shake a rattle in their hands or on their wrists and bang it on the ground as they explore its texture and shape. They may suck on or chew it as well and parents should always check a rattle for sharp edges which can cause injury to a baby’s head.

How to Choose the Right Baby Rattle Toy for Your Baby’s Age and Stage

Rattles are also important for promoting hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. Initially, babies grasp objects with their whole hand but after they’re around one year old they’ll start to pick up small objects with their thumbs and index fingers.

When choosing a rattle, make sure it’s at least 2” in diameter and is made of non-toxic materials. It should also be made of sturdy material that’s not so heavy that a baby can choke on it. It’s also best to choose a brand new toy rather than an older hand me down rattle that may have chips or rough edges.