Wooden rattles for babies: 5 tips for choosing the right one

The range of wooden rattles is so vast that it can be hard to choose. But where does this toy come from? How is it useful for a child's development? And how do you choose between all the rattles available on the market? Here are the answers to these questions and 5 criteria to consider when choosing the right rattles for your baby.

How does a rattle benefit a baby's development?

One could almost say that rattles have been around since the dawn of time. Archaeological digs have uncovered traces of them several centuries B.C. In terracotta, in the shape of circles, topped with bells, their shape and the noise they could make were already at the heart of their use. Montessori material features several types of rattle. Montessori rattles evolve with the child's age and abilities. The first rattles were suspended from a mobile or gantry. The purpose of a rattle is not simply to make sounds when moved. This object is inseparable from grasping activities. That's why the Montessori range of wooden rattles also includes models such as the interlocking double-disc rattle. At three months of age, a 4 cm-diameter bell attached to a satin ribbon can be placed on the baby's hands. A wooden ring replaces the bell to facilitate grasping. Around 5-6 months, the baby can then grasp a rattle made of 3 light beads of different sizes, threaded onto a leather lace. Next comes the caged rattle, which makes sounds when rolled or shaken. The baby experiments with new causal effects.

Why give a baby one or more rattles? 5 reasons

• It stimulates the senses, particularly hearing, touch and sight. The noise is produced by bells or moving parts that rattle together. By manipulating the rattle, babies develop their sense of touch. They explore different textures and shapes. A colorful rattle also stimulates vision by drawing the eye to bright colors.
• By grasping and manipulating the rattle, babies exercise their muscles. It improves hand-eye coordination. They learn to move their hands, catch and release objects, and develop their fine motor skills.
• Although there's no evidence that a rattle can relieve gum disease, babies generally like to explore their environment with their mouths. Chewing on a rattle, experimenting with the material in his mouth, can relieve the discomfort associated with teething.
• The rattle is an entertaining toy for the baby, thanks to its sound, shape and possible colors.
• By manipulating the rattle, babies discover the physical properties of objects, such as their weight, shape and texture. This encourages their desire to explore the world around them and make new discoveries.

#1 - Choose rattles made of wood, fabric or crocheted cotton.

To help babies develop their sense of touch, some wooden rattles incorporate other materials such as :

• satin in the rattle ribbon ring ;
• cotton in the crochet rattles ;
• leather in the grip beads" rattle ;
• from metal with bells.

That's why it's interesting to have different types of rattles to present to your child.

#2 - Select wooden rattles in a variety of shapes

With a variety of rattles, your toddler can also explore shapes and develop his or her prehension skills. From the ring on which other small rings are threaded to the ring of wooden and cotton beads, via the bell with bell or the captive bell, both with handles, the range of Montessori rattles is wide.

#3 - Diversify the sounds made by wooden rattles

Not all rattles make noises, but for those that do, be sure to vary the number and size of bells involved. For example, two bells in a cage won't make the same sound as one. Think, too, of the sounds made by small rings that slide and clatter on a rod or ring. By offering your child a variety of sounds, you're helping him to develop his sense of hearing, his sensitivity to the noises around him and his ability to discriminate between them. This skill will be invaluable when learning to read.

#4 - Adapt rattles to the child's age

The shape and weight of the rattle should correspond to your baby's age. For example, at 3 or 4 months, it's not possible for him to grasp a rattle with a handle. Start with the bell, then the hanging ring, then the ribbon ring. At around 4-5 months, he can begin to hold the rattle with double interlocking discsthe black and white cotton crochet rattlethe grip beads" rattle. When he rolls over onto his stomach, he may be interested in the drum" cylinder rattles to roll. When he begins to control and master these gestures a little better, he can take hold of the rod rattles with rings and captive rattle. By having a variety of rattles available, and by observing your child, you can suggest the rattles best suited to his development.

#5 - Ensuring rattle safety

It's essential to use rattles that meet safety standards. All the rattles offered by ArtMontessori comply with current regulations. What's more, by choosing rattles made from natural wood, or even cotton, you can be sure you're offering your baby healthy materials. The size and weight of rattles are adapted to children's growth. They'll gradually develop their prehension and awareness of their movements, without hurting themselves. With all this information, you're still not sure which rattles to choose? Why not opt for a baby gift set? Each of these our 4 birth gift sets Montessori equipment and rattles to support your baby's development of motor skills, prehension and senses during the first few months.