10 Essential Baby Rattles for Newborns: A Parent's Guide
Find the top 10 baby rattles for newborns in this comprehensive guide, featuring safe, engaging options to stimulate your baby's senses and development.
Published: August 28, 2025
You want the best start for your infant, and choosing the right toys can significantly influence their early development. Infant development toys are not just about fun—they play a crucial role in sensory growth, motor skills, and cognitive learning. By selecting toys designed with these objectives in mind, you provide your child with tools to explore, learn, and develop essential abilities from the very beginning.
This guide highlights carefully chosen toys that support your baby’s growth milestones while keeping them engaged and happy. Understanding what makes a toy valuable for infant development empowers you to make informed decisions that benefit your child’s journey.
Category |
Product |
Price |
Score |
|---|---|---|---|
🏆 Best Overall |
£19.18 |
92/100 |
|
🎯 Best for Beginners |
£15.19 |
89/100 |
|
💰 Best Value |
£18.44 |
90/100 |
|
⚡ Best Performance |
£21.45 |
90/100 |
|
💡 Best Innovation |
£17.09 |
85/100 |
We focused on toys that actively promote key developmental areas such as sensory exploration, motor skills, cognitive learning, and hand-eye coordination. Priority was given to safety, quality materials, and age-appropriate designs that can grow with your child. We also considered customer feedback to evaluate durability, engagement level, and educational value.
Price and value for money were assessed to ensure you get the most beneficial options without overspending. Our expert selection aims to make it easier for you to choose effective, trusted toys that help your infant thrive.
You’ll find this Joyreal set packed with everything you need to keep your little one engaged during those first important months. It’s got a mix of rattles, a musical caterpillar, textured balls and a cute wooden ribbon ring – all colourful and easy for tiny hands to hold. Whether it’s tummy time, car journeys, or stroller walks, these toys fit right in and help build your baby’s senses and coordination naturally.
The storage bag is a thoughtful touch that keeps things tidy at home or on the go. It’s one of those sets you can see getting regular use and bringing smiles during playtime.
Parents love that this set has all the basics covered in one package, with bright colours and varied textures that keep babies interested. It’s praised for quality and its clever storage solution.
🗣️ Katri
I’ve been using these toys for my 4 month old for a few weeks now and the set really contains everything you need for the little ones. The toys seem like great quality and they come with a storage bag so you never lose any of them. My son’s favourites are the colourful rattle and the caterpillar pillow. Such a lovely set and would make a nice gift.
🗣️ lisa
My baby loved this set. Good value for money too.
Made from sturdy, non-toxic cotton. The toys are firmly stitched and free from small parts, ensuring they’re safe for babies to explore with their hands and mouths.
Babies enjoy the musical caterpillar’s sounds and the tactile elements that encourage touching and grabbing, making playtime engaging and full of discovery.
Designed specifically for newborns to 6 months, these toys are light, soft, and sized perfectly so your baby can handle them easily without frustration.
Current Price: £19.18
Rating: 4.5 (Total: 159+)
Buy NowYou’ll love how this pop-up toy brings together fun and learning in one colourful package. It’s perfect for toddlers who are just starting to explore their motor skills and curiosity.
With five different animals that pop up when pressed, slid, or turned, it encourages your little one to test cause and effect naturally. The adjustable music and game modes make it a great fit for daily play, whether you’re at home or looking for a mindful activity during visits or quiet afternoons.
Plus, the handy handle makes it easy for small hands to carry around, so it’s an ideal companion for birthday gifts or playdates.
Parents find this toy perfect for keeping toddlers busy, praising its sturdy design and ability to hold kids’ attention through interactive features and music. Many note improvements in their child's coordination and curiosity during play.
🗣️ JessMum
My toddler is completely hooked on this toy. The variety of ways to make the animals pop up keeps her engaged, and the adjustable music volume means it's not too noisy. It’s sturdy and easy for her to hold, and I’ve noticed her hand coordination getting better.
🗣️ TomDad
We bought this for our 18-month-old’s birthday and it’s been a hit. The different play modes are clever, especially the game mode with light prompts – it’s like a fun little challenge that helps with colour and animal recognition.
Crafted from non-toxic, BPA-free plastic with rounded edges, this toy prioritises safety while being tough enough to withstand excited little hands. Batteries are required but not included, so you can ensure fresh power for worry-free play.
The pop-up surprise combined with cheerful animal sounds and music makes every interaction a mini celebration. The light-based game mode adds a fun challenge, keeping toddlers entertained and eager to play again.
Sized just right for toddlers 12 months and up, this toy feels good in small hands and encourages independent play. Its handle is great for carrying around, making it a toddler-friendly design you’ll appreciate.
Current Price: £18.44
Rating: 4.7 (Total: 1565+)
Buy NowThis vibrant farm train set offers so much more than just a toy. It’s a wonderful way to introduce your little one to colours, numbers, and sorting, all through hands-on play. The detachable roof means your child can open up the train and interact with the farmer and animals inside, making it perfect for role-playing fun.
Whether you're using it as a daily learning tool at home or bringing it along to family gatherings, you’ll find it sparks creativity and learning. Plus, the sturdy construction means it’s ready for all those toddler adventures and the inevitable crashes that come with playtime.
Parents love how this toy keeps toddlers engaged by blending learning with fun. The bright colours and solid build make it a favourite, especially for little ones fascinated by trains and animals.
It’s also praised for the variety of ways children can explore numbers, colours, and pretend play.
🗣️ Lexi
Very colourful train to engage a young toddler. It's a great size, just right for little hands and is very sturdy with no small pieces to cause a hazard. My Granddaughter loved playing with all the animals, taking them out and putting them back into the carriages, she found it funny to crash the train. I would recommend this toy as a gift or just as a fab toy to engage a toddler whilst also teaching numbers and colours.
🗣️ Amazon Customer
This toy has been played with every morning since we purchased. My son is 20 months and train obsessed. There’s many ways to play with this toy which I love. We take the houses in our going out bags to cafes he loves taking the lids on and off and taking the animals out. At home he loves pulling the train along, he also connects his duplo trains to the hooks as they do fit on. As he grows there’s colour matching and counting! Amazing toy would recommend!
Made from child-safe, non-toxic plastic with no small detachable parts, it's designed to handle energetic play while keeping safety a priority. All edges are smooth, reducing any risk, and the animal puppets offer a fun yet secure role-play experience.
From stacking numbered barns to pulling the train around and acting out farm adventures, this toy keeps enthusiasm high. The mix of sorting and puppet play offers lots of encouragement for your child to explore and use their imagination every day.
Sized just right for toddlers 1 to 3 years old, it’s easy for little hands to grasp and manipulate. The sturdy build means it won’t easily break, giving your child confidence to explore independently.
Current Price: £21.45
Rating: 4.5 (Total: 896+)
Buy NowThis toy is a great choice when you want to mix learning with play. You’ll find 50 brightly coloured wooden blocks in different shapes that your little one can sort, stack, and match. The included flashcards add layers of challenge, so it grows with your child's abilities—from simple colour and shape recognition to early pattern and logic skills. It’s handy for everyday playtime or even special gift occasions, making screen-free learning both fun and tactile.
Plus, the wooden finish feels nice and sturdy in those little hands, so it’s built to last through all the sorting sessions and tumbles.
Parents appreciate the balance of education and fun this toy offers. It keeps toddlers focused and entertained while helping develop fine motor skills and logical thinking. The high-quality wood and smooth finish are often highlighted, making it a reliable choice for lasting play.
🗣️ claire
Great quality toy, my 3-year-old enjoys sorting by shapes and colours and will soon move on to using the cards for more complex activities. The wooden pieces have smooth edges and the paint hasn't chipped despite rough use.
🗣️ Monika
Perfect size for toddler hands and excellent for learning colours and hand-eye coordination. My twins are fascinated by the shapes and colours, and I like that it offers something they can return to as they get older, especially with the included maths problem cards.
Crafted from child-safe, non-toxic wood with expertly sanded smooth edges, this toy is designed with safety in mind. No small detachable parts mean less worry about choking hazards, letting your little one explore freely.
Sorting the bright, chunky shapes and stacking them offers lots of hands-on fun. The activity cards provide a clever way to add variety and new challenges, so the play keeps feeling fresh and engaging.
Sized perfectly for tiny hands, these blocks are easy to grasp and handle, encouraging independent play. The sturdy wooden pieces handle energetic toddlers well, so you won’t have to stress over breakage.
Current Price: £15.29
Rating: 4.5 (Total: 143+)
Buy NowYou’ll find this charming set a lovely way to introduce your little one to music and sensory play. It’s packed with a range of instruments like a tambourine, clarinet, and hand bell, combined with stacking rings and blocks that have interesting textures and patterns. Perfect for quiet afternoons or lively playtimes, this set fits nicely into Montessori-inspired learning, encouraging rhythm, coordination, and curiosity.
Whether it’s a regular part of your daily play or a special gift for birthdays or holidays, it makes exploration feel fresh and fun without any loud gadgets or screens.
Parents talk about the quality and variety of toys in the set, noting it appeals to a broad age range—from babies starting to explore textures to toddlers enjoying musical rhythms. The well-crafted wooden parts and engaging designs keep children entertained while helping build important skills.
🗣️ Jacob
Huge and really lovely set of toys. A mix of soft plastic toys perfect for toddlers and quality wooden instruments. It’s great that it works well for different ages and will grow with the child as they get older. The wooden instruments look very well made.
🗣️ Happy 2025
Brilliant little set for curious hands and noisy toddlers! The mix of stacking and musical play works well — keeps my little one busy and learning. The wood quality is excellent with no sharp edges, ideal for tiny hands and Montessori-style play.
Crafted from BAP-free natural wood and durable, food-grade silicone, this set is non-toxic and built to last. Smooth finishes and safe materials mean you don’t have to worry when your child explores with their hands or mouth.
It hits the right notes between noise and neatness, offering instruments that make cheerful sounds alongside intriguing stacking toys. This variety keeps playtime stimulating and enjoyable without overwhelming little ones.
Sized and shaped with toddlers and babies in mind, the pieces are easy to grasp and gentle to hold. The sturdy wooden construction stands up to energetic play, and the soft textures add sensory delight for the youngest explorers.
Current Price: £35.99
Rating: 4.4 (Total: 135+)
Buy NowIf you’re looking for an easy way to keep your little one entertained on the go or at home, these plush rattles from TUMAMA KIDS feel like a perfect fit. They come with four different animals — a fawn, lion, elephant, and frog — each with its own gentle rattle and crinkle sounds that catch baby’s attention without being overwhelming. Plus, the soft teethers and grab-friendly shapes help your baby strengthen their grip and soothe gums.
You can quickly hang them on strollers, cots, or playmats, making them handy for daily outings or quiet moments indoors. Whether you’re after a practical everyday toy or searching for a thoughtful birthday or holiday gift, these multitasking cuddly companions make playtime feel a bit easier and more colourful.
Many parents love how these toys combine softness with interactive features like rattles and teethers. The versatile hanging design is praised for keeping babies entertained both indoors and on the move, with durable hooks that stay put on prams and playpens.
🗣️ Gmd
My 8-month-old loves these and I can easily hang them on the playpen and stroller. They’ve held up well in the wash too, which is a big plus. Definitely a great buy for busy parents who need versatile toys.
🗣️ Amazon Customer
The toys are colourful and soft, perfect for my baby to grab and hold. The sturdy hooks let me attach them securely to the pram and cot, which is really handy. The rattle is a bit softer than expected, but it’s still fun and not too loud.
Made from non-toxic fabric with soft filling, these toys are designed with baby safety in mind. The rattles are gentle, avoiding loud noises, and all materials are recommended for hand washing to keep them clean and safe.
The variety of sounds—from rattling to crinkling—keeps babies curious without overwhelming them. Plus, the bright animal faces and different textures invite exploration and play, making it a hit during tummy time or stroller rides.
Designed specifically for babies up to 12 months, these rattles are lightweight and easy to grasp, supporting babies as they develop hand coordination. The soft texture means they’re perfect for little hands and mouths.
Current Price: £21.99
Rating: 4.6 (Total: 3,692+)
Buy NowYou’ll find these caterbee Travel Arch Bassinet Toys super handy when you want to keep your little one entertained anywhere – from strolls in the park to quiet moments at home. They clip on effortlessly to pushchairs, car seats, and bassinets, so no matter where you are, your baby can enjoy the varied textures and sounds designed to spark their senses.
What’s great is how lightweight and soft these toys are, perfect for newborns and toddlers alike. They encourage your baby to bat and grab, which is great for building hand-eye coordination.
Whether you’re out and about or just settling in for playtime, this arch keeps things engaging and fuss-free.
Parents appreciate how this toy arch keeps their babies focused during rides or nap times, highlighting the easy attachment and the soft textures that babies love to explore safely.
🗣️ Sophie M.
I love how easy it is to attach the toys to the stroller and the clips are flexible enough to fit different setups. It’s nice having something sturdy yet soft that keeps my baby entertained during both indoor and outdoor outings.
🗣️ TomAndBea
The three plush toys are just the right size for my 4-month-old to grasp and the squeaky sounds are gentle but enough to grab attention. We take it everywhere, and it’s held up well without any fuss.
Crafted from soft, baby-safe cotton with no small parts, this toy arch is designed to be completely safe for newborns. The sturdy clips securely hold in place without risk of detachment during use.
The gentle squeaky sounds combined with the plush textures keep your little one engaged without overwhelming them, making playtime naturally inviting both on the go and at home.
Perfectly sized and soft, these toys are easy to bat and grasp, supporting your baby’s developing grip and coordination from day one.
Current Price: £19.99
Rating: 4.6 (Total: 555+)
Buy NowYou’ll love how this busy board keeps your toddler entertained while sneaking in some serious learning. With 20 different activities like buttoning, zipping, and puzzles, it’s a clever way to encourage independence and develop fine motor skills all at once. It's compact enough to pop in your bag, making it a handy companion whether you're at home or on a family trip. The mix of farm scenes and daily-life tasks means your little one is always exploring something new, making busy moments enjoyable instead of frustrating.
Parents often mention how this board is great for both learning and keeping toddlers occupied. Many appreciate the thoughtful design that balances fun with developmental benefits, especially during outings.
🗣️ EmmaLovesToys
My toddler is completely absorbed by the variety of activities here. The mix of buttoning, lacing and clock play has really helped with his hand coordination. Plus, the quality feels sturdy enough to survive his enthusiastic handling.
🗣️ Mark_Travels
We took this busy board on a long car trip and it was brilliant at keeping my 2-year-old calm and busy without any screen time. The zipper pocket is a great touch to keep small bits safe.
Crafted from high-quality, non-toxic materials with securely attached parts and no small loose pieces, this toy passes rigorous safety tests to keep your child safe during play.
With so many engaging elements packed in, your little one is bound to find something that piques their interest — from farm animals to drawing boards, making playtime a joy.
Sized perfectly for toddlers, this busy board features easy-to-use fasteners and soft edges that are gentle on little hands while encouraging essential developmental skills.
Current Price: £19.99
Rating: 4.3 (Total: 46+)
Buy NowYou’ll find this Montessori fishing game a brilliant way to sneak some learning into playful moments. It comes with colourful fish, stacking cups, and a fishing rod made for little hands, helping your toddler practise counting, sorting, and hand-eye coordination. Whether it’s a quiet afternoon at home or a busy family outing, everything packs neatly into the included ocean mat and storage bag.
It’s portable, soft, and designed to keep your little one happily engaged, making early learning feel like a fun adventure.
Parents love how this set combines learning and play with easy storage and portability. The bright colours and varied activities keep toddlers engaged, while the soft materials make it safe for little ones to explore.
🗣️ Sam Barroso
I got this Montessori toy set as a gift, and it was a huge hit with the little one. The cloth fishing game is adorable, and the brightly coloured stacking cups make learning fun. The soft fabric fish are perfect for toddlers who tend to chew on toys, and the fishing rod really helps develop coordination. It’s an engaging, educational set that lasts well and offers loads of playtime.
🗣️ Wendy Ellis
This fishing set arrived nicely boxed and was perfect as a gift. It includes two fishing rods, bright and numbered fish, and stacking cups that work well for sand or water play. Everything packs away nicely in the bag mat. It teaches colour recognition, counting and hand-eye coordination, plus it’s really fun to play with alongside your toddler.
Crafted from soft cotton with no sharp edges or hard parts, this set uses Velcro instead of magnets to ensure safe play. It’s non-toxic, machine washable, and designed with toddler safety front and centre.
Fishing for soft, colourful fish while sorting and stacking cups brings a playful twist to learning, making every session feel like an exciting little adventure for your child.
The pieces are sized just right for toddlers' hands and made from soft, durable fabric, so your little one can handle and explore them comfortably and safely.
Current Price: £17.09
Rating: 4.1 (Total: 26+)
Buy NowThis playful steering wheel brings the driving experience to your little one’s playtime. You can press the horn to hear fun rhymes about numbers, helping your child learn while having a blast. Turning the wheel makes the car move along the colourful route, and with moving parts like the mirror and gear lever, it’s perfect for practising hand-eye coordination. The suction cup means you can securely attach it to your child’s seat or any flat surface, making it handy for both daily use and road trips.
It’s ideal if you want a toy that mixes interactive fun with simple learning moments.
Parents appreciate how this steering wheel combines learning with engaging play. The interactive features keep toddlers entertained, and the sturdy suction cup means it stays put, whether at home or in the car.
🗣️ Laura M.
My little one loves turning the wheel and pressing the horn to hear the rhymes. The moving mirror and gear lever keep their hands busy, which has really helped with their coordination. It’s also great that the suction cup holds it firmly during car rides.
🗣️ Chris B.
A lovely interactive toy that combines learning numbers with playful driving sounds. The two play modes keep my toddler interested, and the size is perfect for small hands. Batteries included is a bonus, so it’s ready right out of the box.
Made with safe, non-toxic materials and designed for children from 6 months upwards. The toy has smooth edges and a secure suction cup to prevent slips during play.
Your toddler can enjoy the sounds of a real car with buttons and moving parts that invite exploration. The rhymes and lights add extra excitement, turning each playtime into a little adventure.
Sized perfectly for small hands, this toy encourages active engagement without overwhelming your child. It’s lightweight but robust enough to withstand lots of playtime.
Current Price: £15.49
Rating: 3.8 (Total: 6+)
Buy NowYou’ll find this tummy time mirror is a great companion as your little one starts exploring their world. The large, clear mirror encourages self-discovery, which really helps keep babies engaged while on their tummy. Plus, the attached crinkle cloth book and soft teether add layers of sensory fun—all in one lightweight, foldable toy that’s easy to take anywhere.
Whether you’re setting it up at home, attaching it to a car seat, or using it in the stroller, it’s designed to make tummy time more enjoyable, helping strengthen those little muscles needed before crawling.
Parents love that this toy makes tummy time less of a struggle because babies are intrigued by their reflection and the textured cloth book. The compact design for travel and ease of cleaning also gets a lot of praise.
🗣️ あや❤︎
This tummy time mirror is cleverly designed with mild, non-overstimulating colours — mostly greyscale with just a touch of orange to keep it interesting. My baby loves the mirror and spends a lot of time exploring his reflection, which helps make tummy time easier. It also includes an interactive soft book and can be folded up easily to take on the go. I sometimes use it as a little mat for short lay-downs (better for younger babies before they get too big). It’s light, compact, and has multiple uses — great for travel or minimal setups at home.
🗣️ Jeff McCarthy
My baby absolutely loves this toy! She's obsessed with the little mushroom flap on the crinkle book, and its easy to travel with ( out to dinner, etc) to keep her preoccupied. It's easy to wipe clean too!
Crafted from non-toxic, skin-friendly cotton and fabric with no sharp edges or small parts. It’s been thoroughly tested to meet strict safety standards for infants aged 0-6 months.
The playful crinkle sounds, rattle, and soft teether keep babies curious and entertained, turning tummy time into an interactive and enjoyable experience for both of you.
Perfectly sized for newborns up to six months, it’s soft and lightweight so your baby can comfortably explore it during tummy time or while lying down.
Current Price: £15.19
Rating: 4.5 (Total: 34+)
Buy NowYou’ll find that selecting toys like the Joyreal Baby Toys 10pcs Newborn Sensory Set or the HAHALAND Pop Up Montessori Toys supports your infant’s sensory, motor, and cognitive skills from as early as birth. These toys combine bright colours, varied textures, and interactive elements, encouraging your baby to explore cause and effect, develop hand-eye coordination, and engage in sensory stimulation.
Using such toys regularly during playtime not only keeps your little one entertained but also promotes critical developmental milestones effectively.
When choosing toys, safety and suitability are paramount. Look for toys that have no small parts to avoid choking hazards and are made from non-toxic, durable materials like cotton or wood, such as the KMTJT Montessori Toys or the TUMAMA KIDS Baby Rattles.
It’s important to select age-appropriate toys that grow with your child’s developmental stages; for example, the Play-Act Learning Farm Train is perfect for toddlers progressing from grasping to imaginative play. Additionally, consider whether the toy is easy to clean and if batteries are required, so you’re prepared for any ongoing maintenance.
Lastly, value for money is crucial, so look for sets offering multiple functions to keep your baby engaged longer.
To maximise benefits, integrate these toys into daily routines like tummy time, stroller trips, or quiet play sessions. For instance, you can hang the TUMAMA KIDS soft toys on a pram or cot to foster grasping skills and sensory exploration on the go. Using the RoamReady Tummy Time Mirror encourages your baby to lift their head and develop neck strength, turning necessary exercises into enjoyable play.
Rotate the toys periodically to maintain your infant’s interest and avoid overstimulation by observing their reactions. With simple, consistent engagement, these toys become invaluable tools in supporting your baby’s growth during those precious early months.
In this guide, you’ve discovered several meticulously selected toys that support infant development through sensory play, motor skills practice, and cognitive challenges. Each recommendation is tailored to different stages and needs, ensuring you find something suitable whether your child is a newborn or toddler. By choosing these toys, you are investing in your child’s early learning and growth, which can have lasting benefits. Remember, the right toys don’t just entertain—they foster important abilities that lay the foundation for lifelong skills.
As you prepare for 2025, these must-have toys can be valuable tools on your parenting journey.
| Product | Image | Rating | Price | Recommended Age | Educational Objectives | Material Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Joyreal Baby Toys - 10pcs Newborn Sensory Set |  |
4.5/5 (159 reviews) | £19.18 | 0 - 1 years |
|
Cotton |
| HAHALAND Pop Up Montessori Toys |  |
4.7/5 (1,565 reviews) | £18.44 | 1 year - 10 years |
|
Plastic |
| Play-Act Learning Toy for Toddlers |  |
4.5/5 (896 reviews) | £21.45 | 1 - 3 years |
|
Plastic |
| KMTJT Montessori Toys for 2 Year Old |  |
4.5/5 (143 reviews) | £15.29 | 1 month and up |
|
Wood |
| Musical Instruments Wooden for Kids |  |
4.4/5 (135 reviews) | £35.99 | 1 - 3 years |
|
Wood |
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