I am asked this question often, "What is  best baby rattle?"

It's not about the best, it's about what it does. Baby likes to hold it, shake it, chew it, swing it and fling it.
Mom and Dad like to shake it for baby to see and then baby usually likes to smile, reach for it, bat it and
take it.

So with that in mind, there are 3 kinds of rattles:

The first rattle mom and dad holds:
Any  rattle that make sounds and is colorful and appealing to look at is what is most important.  
This will attract  baby's attention and as mom and dad moves it side to side, baby can practice eye tracking and following the object.

A bit heavy, this one is for mom and dad to use and play with baby or it makes a great keepsake on a shelf in the nursery.
Holgate Baby Rattle Block
http://www.amazon.com/Holgate-HZ2051-Baby-Rattle-Block/dp/B001LQWVOA


The rattle baby holds:
Choose wisely and  look for anything that can have pieces pulled off (choking hazard). I always  tug at everything before  we test rattles to be sure of this.  You don't want baby to see or touch any rattle that can be a potential danger.

If baby can hold it, keep it soft.  Tactile development starts with the recognition of touch.  he trend is organic cotton coverings and natural wood .

Organic Cotton Knitted Bear
http://www.dovelightinternational.com/b-165797011-B00175YU7G-Organic_Cotton_Knitted_Bear_TeetherRattle_Safe_Non_toxic_Toy.html

Eco Friendly Dandelion Organic Cotton Baby Cloth Ring Rattle
http://www.amazon.com/Friendly-Dandelion-Organic-Cotton-Rattle/dp/B00282Y7OS

Sassy Earth Brights Wooden Cherry Tree Rattle
http://www.amazon.com/Sassy-Brights-Wooden-Cherry-Rattle/dp/B000X4NYS8

This Waldorf inspired Cheery Rattle is made of natural wood and the moving bead encourage sensory development.  This one makes an excellent choice as a natural toy gift.
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss?url=search-alias%3Dbaby-products&field-keywords=B000VKYBYA&x=0&y=0

Whimsical rattles are just fun to look at, not just for baby, but only for mom and dad!
Kushies Zolo Cha Cha Iota
http://www.amazon.com/Kushies-Zolo-Cha-Iota/dp/B001UOKK78/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=baby-products&qid=1253597984&sr=1-1

Most likely if baby can hold it. baby will chew it, so when you are making choices keep in mind the controversial issues of BPA and Phthalates in soft plastic rattles.

The heirloom baby shower gift:
Silver Barbell Baby Rattle by Harmony Ball Co
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss?url=search-alias%3Dbaby-products&field-keywords=B002J9ATEM&x=0&y=0
Marianne