Choosing the right toys for your baby can be overwhelming. Among the essentials, rattles and teethers are two of the most common early baby toys—but they serve different purposes. As a new parent or gift-giver, it’s helpful to understand the benefits of each so you can make the right choice for your little one.
In this guide from Happy Toys Emporium, we’ll break down Rattles vs Teethers, explore when and why each one is useful, and share our top picks for both—all available on Amazon.
🎯 Rattles VS Teethers: What’s the Difference?
🔔 What Is a Baby Rattle?
Rattles are toys that make noise when shaken, designed to entertain and stimulate your baby’s senses. They usually feature bright colors, textures, and sounds that promote auditory and visual development, plus help strengthen fine motor skills.
Benefits of Rattles:
Encourages hand-eye coordination
Stimulates hearing and attention
Promotes grasping reflex
Offers visual and tactile stimulation
🦷 What Is a Baby Teether?
Teethers are toys specifically made for babies to chew on when they’re teething. They help relieve gum discomfort and can be made from soft silicone, rubber, or wood. Some are designed to be cooled in the fridge for extra soothing.
Benefits of Teethers:
Eases teething pain
Massages swollen gums
Reduces fussiness and drooling
Can promote jaw strength and oral development
👶 Which One Does Your Baby Need?
It depends on your baby’s age, stage, and needs:
| Baby’s Stage | Recommended Toy | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| 0–3 Months | Rattles | Helps develop senses and reflexes |
| 3–6 Months | Rattles + Teethers | Dual need for stimulation and early teething relief |
| 6+ Months | Teethers | Ideal for relieving sore gums as teeth emerge |
Pro Tip: You don’t have to choose just one! Most babies benefit from having both—rattles to play with and teethers to chew on.
🏆 Top Amazon Picks for Rattles & Teethers
Here are our top-rated affiliate picks for both categories:
🔔 Best Rattles for Babies
1. Fisher-Price Rattle ‘n Rock Maracas
Perfect for babies 3+ months, with soft fabric and engaging sounds.
Lightweight and easy to hold
Soft pom-poms safe for mouthing
Bright and colorful design
2. The First Years First Rattle
Great for newborns—safe and soothing with various textures.
BPA-free materials
Gentle rattle sound
Designed for little hands
🦷 Best Teethers for Babies
1. Comotomo Silicone Baby Teether
Soft and flexible with multiple biting surfaces.
100% safe silicone
Mimics fingers for natural soothing
Dishwasher and sterilizer safe
2. Itzy Ritzy Silicone Teething Mitt
Wearable teether for babies who chew on their hands.
Crinkle sound + textured silicone
Adjustable strap
Machine washable
💡 Tips for Using Rattles & Teethers
Always supervise during playtime
Clean teethers regularly (some are dishwasher-safe)
Introduce rattles early to encourage motor skills
Keep a few teethers in the fridge for quick relief
Offer both options during the day to match baby’s mood
🎁 Perfect Gift Combo
Consider creating a “Soothing & Play” bundle:
One rattle
One silicone teether
A pacifier clip
Soft plush blanket
Perfect for baby showers, first birthdays, or new parents!
🏁 Final Thoughts
When it comes to rattles vs. teethers, there’s no competition—both play unique roles in your baby’s growth. Rattles engage and excite, while teethers soothe and comfort. With the right selection, you can give your little one both fun and relief, every step of the way.
Explore more handpicked baby toys at Happy Toys Emporium—where play meets purpose.