Wood If you're concerned about the amount of plastic used in the nursery you might want to consider stocking up with wooden rattles. Wood has natural antiseptic properties and can be easily wiped clean after use. Wood is also a tactile substance in its own right.
Smilechild includes three wooden rattles in its range that are small enough to be grasped in a baby's hand. The Cube contains a small bell and circular holes on each side for the baby to grasp and play with. The Trapezium has a cone of different coloured rings to manipulate and shake and the Hexagon also has coloured rings on a bar that click and rattle when moved. These rattles are treated with natural vegetable oil to retain the antibacterial properties of the wood. Wiping with a clean, damp cloth is all the maintenance they require, plus the occasional buff with olive oil to keep the wood in good condition. Priced 6.99 each.
Telephone 0800 195 6982
www.smilechild.co.uk
There is a large selection of wooden rattles in the Pintoy range: The Baby Rattle Twist (pictured below) is a bestseller and has an interesting, tactile shape with movable spheres in different colours and rounded shapes at each end to grab hold of. The rattle measures 90 x 110 x 70mm and is priced around 4. The External Balls Handy Rattle is column shaped with beads on a string that can be twisted and moved to bang and rattle against the wooden parts. This rattle measures 55 x 55 x 100mm, priced around 5. The Geo Rattle is sized for a baby's hand and comes as a circular, square, oblong or triangular shape, with holes so it can be grasped and a smiley face design, priced around 3.50 each. All made from rubber wood, taken from renewable sources and all suitable for children aged three months and over, from John Crane.
Telephone 01604 774949
www.john-crane.co.uk
New to the Myriad range of baby toys is the Key ring rattle, pictured left.
Based on a traditional theme, the 'keys' on this rattle are actually plectrum-shaped pieces of maple wood in different colours. Made by a community of disabled adults in Germany, the rattle measures 7cm in diameter, priced 8.90. Also included in this range is the Traditional, a rattle that is paddle-shaped and contains small semiprecious stones that are intended to produce a soft sound to make it suitable for the more timid or younger baby. The Traditional is made from renewably sourced alder wood, measures 9cm in length and is priced 6.90. Both rattles are suitable for children aged three months and over.
Telephone 01725 517085
www.myriadonline.co.uk
Fabric
Soft rattles can double up as cuddlies and are a good choice for babies with poor hand-eye co-ordination because they are less likely to become upset if they accidentally hit themselves.
The Soft Activity Rattle in the Bruin range is made from plush fabric with a coloured spinning, beaded rattle in its middle. It comes as an elephant or teddy bear character (pictured above) and is surface washable. The rattle measures 17cm in height and is suitable from birth, priced 3.99 from Babies R Us.
Telephone 0845 786 9778
www.babiesrus.co.uk
Pokie Dot rattles are the latest addition to the Manhattan Toy range and are intended to complement the Pokie Dot soft toys. These soft-touch rattles have a puppy, bear or kitten head with a straight, easy-to-grasp body that has beads in the tip. The rattles are surface washable, measure 14cm in height and are priced 3.99 each.
Telephone 020 8944 3160
www.manhattantoy.com
If there are babies in your care who cannot keep their rattle where they want it they might enjoy a wrist rattle. New from Kaloo, the Candies Collection includes teddy and rabbit wristband rattles that are made from ultra-soft microfibre fabric with 'marshmallow twists' for the wristband and Velcro fastening. The animals' head and arms contain beads that rattle when shaken. Activity and soft toys also form part of this range. Suitable from birth, priced 5.99 each.
Telephone 020 8563 2888
www.mumbojumbotoys.com
Plastic
Hard plastic rattles are long lasting, easy to dip in the steriliser and conducive to teething.
The Abacus rattle is part of the Tolo range from John Crane and comes in primary colours with nine thick rings for the baby to move and shake. This rattle can also be safely used as a teether and is suitable from three months old upwards, priced 4.
Contacts as before
First Friends Rattle Girl (pictured right), also by Tolo, is part of a whole range of girl and boy characters that appear in plastic bubbles for water play, with suction pads and in this traditional rattle/teether. The outer ring is easy to grip and the character spins. The rattle measures 13 x 10cm and is suitable from three months old upwards, priced around 3.50 from John Crane.
Contacts as before
The new Razmataz rattle (pictured right) has two stars that spin and move on a ring, an 'easy grip' handle and produces a giggling sound when moved or shaken. The rattle measures 9cm in diameter and is suitable from birth, priced Pounds 4.95 from Manhattan Toys.
Contacts as before
STOCK UP WITH A BARGAIN
If you're looking to replenish your supply of rattles in an economic way you might want to take a look at Hope's My First Rattle Set, which is now available at a reduced price. The set contains nine rattles, including a key ring, a telephone, a teddy ring, a hammer and a trumpet, and all are suitable from birth. Priced 13.95 per set.
Telephone 08451 202055 www.hope-education.co.uk
