Why Baby Rattles Are The Best Toys For Your Little One
Babies have to learn so much from the moment they are born. And these first few instances are significant as they lay a strong base for future learning. Baby rattles might not look super fun to an adult, but they spark a wide range of sensory experiences for a baby.
The learning process begins right there as the baby makes random movements and waves, causing the rattle to move and make sounds. The baby tries to understand where the sound is coming from. A simple rattle can amuse a baby for hours and help its development. Therefore, baby rattles might be the best toy for your little one.
How Can Rattles Help In Your Baby's Development?
From the beginning, baby rattles have proven to be a toy that most babies love playing with. Rattles keep the babies engaged and entertained for hours; hence, they are a great way to encourage them to play on their own for a while.
In addition, there are several other benefits of playing with baby rattles.
- Baby rattles can help babies explore their senses of touch, sight, and hearing at most.
- Rattles with vibrant colors, designs, and patterns improve color recognition.
- Baby's fine motor skills, like grasping, moving fingers, and hand-eye coordination can be supported by playing with a rattle.
- As the baby stays attentive toward a rattle, it also improves cognitive development.
- The concept of cause and effect occurs as the baby observes how moving their hands makes the rattle sound.
- Rattles allow babies to explore their curiosity.
- Babies can learn about sound recognition while playing with a rattle as well.
Rattles are one of those toys that can improve the sensory system of a baby. But a few factors are crucial in choosing the right kind of rattle for your little one. Because anything too advanced can make your baby feel overwhelmed, and a rattle too introductory for their age can make them bored.
Important Factors To Look Out For Before Choosing A Baby Rattle
There are five essential factors to consider to get your baby's correct type of rattle.
Apt for the baby's age
Toys are like learning centers for kids. A suitable toy at the right time can substantially impact how the baby perceives and engages with the toy. When a new toy catches a baby's attention, their first instinct is to explore and master the skill to play with it.
However, if the toy turns out to be too difficult for their age, the baby will be least interested. They might not even play with it for a while. On the contrary, if the toy is too easy for their age, it will not be stimulating enough to gauge their attention.
Therefore, it is best to seek a rattle that is apt for your baby's age.
Safe for the baby
Choking hazards are a common concern for most parents. A toy with the danger of small parts breaking off can be a considerable disadvantage and danger for the baby. Although babies are not as strong, a rattle must be strong enough to bear the slams and whacks of playtime.
Wooden baby rattles are usually better and sturdier than plastic ones. Plus, getting a rattle with no small parts at risk of breaking or coming off is always essential. The rattle should be of excellent quality, free from harmful elements, and vetted by experts to be the safest choice for babies.
Appropriate for mouthing or teething
Babies' lips and mouths are full of sensory nerves that help them to get a feel of what something may be. It is common for babies to explore toys and other objects in their surroundings through their mouths.
And as they grow older, the stage of teething sets in where they use different objects to chew on to soothe the painful sensations in their gums. Thus, a baby rattle should be appropriate for mouthing or teething. Sharp or toxic materials should be avoided, and premium quality should be preferred that is safe for the baby to take in their mouth.
Early learning and development
Toys are essential to a baby's early learning and developmental stage. Babies can adapt many skills and learn many facts just by playing with a toy. For example, a rattle can teach a baby about different colors, senses, sounds, shapes, weights, and other core concepts.
Besides providing a lot of fun, baby rattles are designed to assist babies in their growth and development journey according to their age and milestones.
Cleaning
Babies constantly chew on rattles, suck, and drool on them. Which inevitably can lead to bacteria growth and the transfer of germs. Given the weak immunity of babies, it is essential to consider whether the rattle is easy to clean.
Wooden or plastic rattles are comparatively easy to clean with a wipe. Whereas fabric or plush baby rattles may require a little more effort as they need to be washed thoroughly and adequately for the baby to play with them safely. So, choose a rattle that is easy to maintain and keep clean for you as a parent.
Conclusion
Baby rattles are the best toy for your little one as they are filled with learning and sensory experiences that enrich a baby's development and well-being. While not every baby may not like a specific rattle, there are tons of choices to choose from and help your baby to learn more challenging skills.
