Reddit mentions: The best baby rattles

So I just got home from a cross-country trip with my 14 month old (12 months adjusted, she was a preemie). It wasn't 11 hours but it was a total of 8 hours on a plane plus a couple hour layover. So far this year we've done three long trips to other states so we've been able to experiment some. I don't know what your budget is, but this is what worked for me:

1. $129.99 - Fire HD 8 Kids Edition Tablet, 8" HD Display, 32 GB, Kid-Proof Case. This was our absolute SAVIOR. It was a gift from my mom for her birthday and it has a two-year no questions asked warranty. Most of the apps are geared towards toddlers but there's a couple good free ones for 1-year-olds that are simple ("Balloon Pop!" and "Sago Mini Sound Box" are favorites of hers). The tablet comes with some kid's shows that you can download to it to watch without wifi when you're on the plane. Does your daughter have any videos or shows that she's obsessed with? Ours LOVES Cocomelon videos on YouTube - it takes a couple extra steps to get these working, but it was super worth it. If she does, try to find extended versions - like Cocomelon has compilation videos ("Hello Song & More") that go for about 30-40 min each. The short version is I used this YouTube downloader and transferred the files over after updating the firmware and restarting per this forum post. If you go this route, I would highly recommend getting the TouchLock app (below).
   
2. Free - Touch Lock app - 100% recommend this if you want her to watch any videos on the flight, phone or tablet. Mine loves to touch all over the screen while she's watching which means she's always accidentally pausing her video. This makes it to where you have to tap 4 times in a certain spot (or type a PIN, etc) to make the screen interactable again. If you do end up getting the Fire tablet, I followed these directions exactly to get it working on mine - you just have to play the videos from the parent's profile.
   
3. Free / $1.99 for no ads & extra content - Sensory Baby Toddler Learning app - Cute basic app for Android/iPhone where you pick some fish and some backgrounds and wherever the baby touches the screen it makes bubbles/stars/whatever, the fish swim towards their finger and it vibrates for some haptic feedback. Our daughter is enthralled by it, I ended up paying for it because it just had really good functionality for a free app.
   
4. $11.99 Volume Limiting Soft Kids Headphones - If you go the video or game route you're absolutely going to want some headphones for her to be able to listen. If she tolerates stuff on her head (hats, hoodies), she'll be fine with these. Ours doesn't, so I just kind of drape them over/behind her in the car seat and it's fine.
   
5. Post-it Notes! I read about this when I was searching for toy ideas and it was somewhat of a winner. I had an old book that had different post-its in it and she loved pulling them out and feeling the glue part on the back. It was also apparently hilarious when I stuck them to my forehead and they fell off into her lap.
   
6. $3.99 for two - Baby Buddy Secure-A-Toy Straps - If yours likes to throw toys at all grab a few of these to attach them to baby/car seat/etc. Look for some cheap toys that you can specifically attach that make SOME noise but not much. You can hit up consignment sales and stores (Once Upon a Child) to find a lot of discounted toys, and Goodwill is great for kid's books.
   
7. $11.99 - Ribbon Tag Ball with Rattle or $11.67 - Ribbon Tag Ball with Bells - We got one from a consignment sale for like $1 that looks like the first but has bells like the second. Used a toy strap to attach it to the car seat handle and it kept her entertained on the first flight until she fell asleep.
   
8. $9.99 - Shaker Trio - Something that was recommended to me as a birthday gift and she loves them. They make enough sound to keep her entertained but they're not loud enough to bother anyone else really. We had a few other shaker-type toys that we were rotating too - some like this $2.99 rattle you can also attach with a toy strap.
   
9. $7.99 Sassy Wonder Wheel Activity Center - You can stick this to the tray table (might need a wet cloth to get it to really stick) for some pretty easy entertainment. It has like no resistance on the wheel so she can get pretty crazy spinning it.
   
10. Touch and Feel books - Check reviews to see which ones are actually good but I have a ton of these, two small ones came with us on the plane. Goodwill tends to have these in stock in decent condition, unlike their lift-the-flap books.
    
    Also if you didn't already buy her a seat, ask the gate agents at check-in if there's room to take her car seat on the flight (assuming you're traveling with one). So far on our nine flights (counting layovers), our "lap infant" has had a seat on all but I think two. It's SO much easier putting her in an infant car seat and pulling the hood down a bit if you have one, makes it way easier for them to sleep. Stock up on bottles or pacifiers for take-off and landing, but if she doesn't take a pacifier try not to overfeed her so that she's refusing the bottle. With any luck she'll hopefully have a couple decent naps on the flight but it's still hard. Good luck and you can do this!

I work in insurance. :) If the hospital is in network but the provider (the ENT) is not but your son was seen AT the hospital, then the claim should be run using in network benefits. Sometimes this happens and the member (you) goes to an in network hospital and a certain provider works there but isn't in the global network with the hospital - the insurance company will usually try to do a single case agreement to get a better rate but since the member was technically at an in network facility, they won't be liable for anything above the in network rate. If you saw the out of network ENT at their private office, it could be a different thing. If your husband's insurance has an online portal (most do) you can log in using his information and review the claims under your son's name to see if the ENT shows up on there, if you don't see anything, they didn't run the claim through insurance. If that's the case, call billing for the facility/office the bill is from and talk to them as they missed a step. If you DO see a claim and have questions, call your husband's insurance plan to talk to someone in claims who can review things with you.

As for checking the ENT's network status - go top your insurance plan's home page and you should be able to do a search to check network status under their member section, they sometimes require you log into the portal. You can also search this ENT and see if they're on the hospital's homepage (which would indicate they're global under the hospital and in network). Sounds to me like they never filed a claim and that's what the biggest issue here is - check for the claim first then call billing. :) If you have any other questions, I can do my best to help.

Sophie was given to Mira by her uncle whose two kids LOVED her to pieces. We've been tempted to get a second one as she loves it so much. Lots of babies in my group also love this cloud toy that you can find at target but one baby chewed a piece off and nearly choked so I'm steering clear of it.

• An inflatable tub shaped like a duck! It's adorable, and Monkey likes to play in it when it's not bath time, which is pretty cute.
  Vintage vinyl squeaky books that are fun to touch.
  Summer's muslin swaddling blankets; they rule.
  
  
• A decent portable swing; we take it w/us to friends' houses for dinner, and let her sack out while we eat. It's awesome. When one of the straps broke, their customer service had a free replacement and a fluffy toy in the mail to us the same day. They were actually a joy to deal with, and I will look for their products in the future.
  
  
• Rechargeable batteries. Best. Invention. Ever. We bought a few sets of the spacers so that buying fresh C/D batteries is a thing of the past. We've gifted them out too.
  
  And of course, we have some cute toys for her, but she seems to prefer a single disposable plastic spoon, my rubber watch, a length of knotted cord and our hands/feet. Of the cute toys, the Infantino Stacker is the clear winner for versatility. The base makes a whistling sound, and the rings all have different textures and make different sounds. We combined that with a set of rings and can clip them to her carrier, her car seat, her jumper, her crib, etc., awesome product.

These aren't inexpensive, but we get so much mileage out of these wooden toys by Haba. We have this one and one that's like a little barbell. We got them to help his clutching skills and I think they really helped him! He loves these enough that we don't feel the need to buy more. We also have a few small stuffed animals and clip-on toys like what came with his floor gym as well.

I'd say his favorite toy is the bed sheet. It makes a pretty tent.

EDIT: Here's the Haba barbell toy! He loves this one. So easy to put in his mouth!

My dog loves tags too, so I bought her a Taggies brand baby toy. It’s definitely a supervised toy but so far she LOVES it! The tags are super strong so she’s less likely to rip them off and swallow them. Plus it has a squeaker in it!

It may not teach your dog not to play with tags, but it will help redirect them to an approved way.

Taggies Heather Hedgehog... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GX2YR98?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

There is no rush to buy toys as others have said. Tummy time should begin at birth and you could try to get toys that will hold LO’s attention in that position before they learn to reach for things:

• B&W books like this one
  
• A mirror that can be propped vertically at infant eye level
  
• A tummytime pillow in the same shape as Boppy but smaller, goes under newborn armpits
  
  Next up would be a playard (the Kick n Play Piano one was super popular in our Bumper group) to hang things overhead that they’ll eventually bat at or kick. The Manhattan Toys with lots of strings or loops are great first toys to grasp. You might also like some plastic chain links, which can be toys/teethers on their own at first and graduate to tools for tethering toys in the stroller/car seat.

Gifts for Babies/Toddlers

• Spin and Learn Color Flashlight
  
• Shapes & Sharing Picnic Basket
  
• Turn & Learn Driver
  
• Tap n’ Learn Hammer
  
• Singin’ Soccer Ball
  
• Click & Count Remote
  
• Baby’s Learning Laptop
  
• Take Along Tunes
  
• Cinderella Carriage Pull Toy
  
• Octopus Bath Toy
  
• Stack & Sing Rings
  
• Number Blocks
  
• Texture Ball Set
  
• Roll n' Swirl Ball Ramp
  
• Laugh & Learn Lantern
  
• Lil' Critters Ferris Wheel
  
• O Ball Rattle
  
• Touch & Teach Elephant Book
  
• Caterpillar Stacking Cups
  
• Catch & Count Net
  
• O Links Rattle
  
• Bendy Ball
  
• Shape Sorter and Stacker Bundle
  
  Gifts for Mom
  
  
• Love You Mom: Colouring Book
  
• Burt’s Bees Toes and Hands Kit
  
• Family Tree Picture Frame
  
• What I Love About Mom: Fill In The Blank
  
• MOM Picture Frame
  
• Mom Butterfly Sun Catcher
  
• Superpower Mug
  
  
  Gifts for Dad
  
  
• DAD Picture Frame
  
• Favourite Child Mug
  
• World’s Greatest Dad Parking
  
• Best Dad Ever Mug
  
• What I Love About Dad: Fill In The Blank
  
• Sh*t My Dad Says
  
• Working Hands Creme
  
• Potty Golf Set Gag Gift
  
  Gifts for Grandma
  
  
• Grandma Keepsake Box
  
• NANA Picture Frame
  
• I Love You, Grandma Book
  
• Grandma’s Book of Crosswords
  
  Gifts for Grandpa
  
  
• PAPA Picture Frame
  
• Grandpa Grilling Apron
  
• Grandpa’s Book of Crosswords
  
• Grandpa Mug

Thanks, but that’s not necessary. Just pay it forward someday when you can.

I sent you a few more of the inexpensive things from your list, but I noticed just now that one of them says it is a choking hazard for infants, just FYI.

Hello, World! Backyard Bugs https://www.amazon.com/dp/0553521055/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_qFz9BbC7NQNC9

Manhattan Toy Skwish Natural Rattle and Teether Grasping Activity Toy https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001QKIVO0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_MFz9BbRVVYJS8

Organic Wood Montessori Styled Baby Rattle by Homi Baby - Perfect Grasping Teething Toy for Toddlers - Handmade in the USA - Sealed with Organic Virgin Coconut Oil (Natural) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073J2C879/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_7Fz9Bb0RH5WY1

Playkidz: Super Durable 6 Pack Sensory Balls, Soft & Textured Balls for Babies & Toddlers https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N52GQSK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_SGz9BbNVKKJD8

Should be there Friday.

My daughter loves her Pebble frog. It's cloth and machine washable. She hated a pacifier but loves chewing on the frog's eyes and limbs. It's her favorite toy by far! The company makes other variations but the frog is a winner because of its eye nubs. https://www.amazon.com/Pebble-Frog-Rattle-Boy/dp/B00ADQ5VG4

My daughter is 4 months. Here's what she's getting.

Teethers (solid silicone and squishy rubber)

Clutching Toys (like this one http://www.amazon.com/HABA-3856-Haba-Magica-Clutching/dp/B0033M22LM)

Sensory Balls

Soft Toys

Books

Rattle and shaker

A silicone food chew/strainer thing ( http://www.amazon.com/Award-Winning-Kidsme-Feeder-Large/dp/B005KWLEVW)

Things we already had from first kiddo:

Soft blocks

Mega blocks (like giant legos)

Shape Sorter

Containers and objects ( http://m.melissaanddoug.com/stuffed-bug-jug-fill-and-spill-set)

Object permanence toys

Rolling toys

Floor mirrors

Wooden puzzles

More practically, you could ask for baby proofing stuff.

I know there are mixed opinions, but i really like the teething jewelry (for moms).
There are silicone placemats you can roll up to bring to restaurants

If you have an infant car seat you could ask for a convertible car seat
Sippy cups

I agree with commenters saying to ask for a better carrier.

My kids LOVED the toys that suction to the table top. this one
and this one
were favorites. In fact, these along with this high chair are my go to baby shower gifts.

you're not kidding. Nash LOVES that monkey! We've bought him a replacement, and he's finally coming around to it. But Monkey #1 holds a special place in his heart.

Here's what it's 'supposed' to look like.

Manhattan Toy Skwish Natural Rattle and Teether Grasping Activity Toy https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001QKIVO0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_2e9NDbMK9VK77

Might be a little old for this, but I certainly get a lot of joy playing with the one my daughter has. The sound it makes is soothing vs. loud and irritating typical kid toy noises.

I'm not sure what I'm looking at here, sorry.
Do you loop the light around your finger like a tactical ring?
Or do you bite on the paracord?
One more question, did you sew the loops closed or melt the ends together. I like the idea of a short bite loop. Like a teether toy for adults.
https://www.amazon.com/B-toys-Rain-Glow-Squeeze-Light-Up/dp/B06XCK5SN4/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=light+up+teether+toy&qid=1574867154&sr=8-1

I like open ended toys like texture balls, music shakers, art supplies(fat crayons, washable finger paint, bathtub paint), bath toys like floaters and cups.

Sorry for my links. On mobile. These are all toys I’ve bought for my kids or the kids I watch have and I like them.

Balls: Infantino Textured Multi Ball Set https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DJPK8PA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_ABb0AbG0B9NF6

Music toys: Fisher-Price Rattle 'n Rock Maracas, Green/Yellow https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FBW7CNA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_LEb0AbZ8NXJMF

Oball Shaker https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008J1QP7Y/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_IGb0AbFB3HK8Y

Bath toys: Munchkin Lazy Buoys Bathtub Toys https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004LWZZ76/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_PJb0AbW8FZ0F2

My daughter got this ridiculously expensive light-up rattle as a gift and she still loves it at almost 16 months. It lights up when you shake it/hit it against something and the light changes from red to blue to green . Also this baby Einstein crib hanging aquarium is a favorite.

It was a gift so I have no idea where it came from but it looks like this one on amazon. https://www.amazon.com/Fred-Friends-BUFF-Dumbbell-Rattle/dp/B00UB8BEEM

Awe, that's so cute! I love cat's that play fetch, even if it's their half-assed version. :-) My cat will only fetch a certain type of toy, some rattle balls that used to be sold at my local Target and he will only return them if I don't make direct eye contact. Once he knows I know where the ball is, he sits and waits for me to get it instead, even if he's closer.

I would look at natural wooden baby toys then, there are quite a few available on Amazon. Here are some:

https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_ime_c_1_11?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=wooden+baby+toys&sprefix=wooden+baby%2Caps%2C342&crid=3KLJAKFKSYBIF

And here's a cool looking one:

https://www.amazon.com/Organic-Montessori-Styled-Baby-Homi/dp/B073J2C879/ref=sr_1_7_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1527020330&sr=8-7&keywords=wooden+baby+toys

Best baby toy for little bitties:
https://www.amazon.com/SmartNoggin-NogginStik-Developmental-Light-up-Rattle/dp/B00BOQXWGS/ref=sr_1_1_s_it?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1525184199&sr=1-1&keywords=noggin+stick

I have this funny little toy on my "For my baby!" list, and I think my son would absolutely love it! He's almost 8 months old, and is very curious about everything, but we don't have many interactive toys for him.

I would make the toy then stick one of these when I was stuffing it.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00SKLWG0S/ref=aw_wl_ov_dp_2_2?colid=1YEO4BWV5KB7L&coliid=I13964BNRINL3K

To create it I would make the balls and tubes, stuff them then stiches them together.
http://avtanski.net/projects/crochet/lathe/

And
http://avtanski.net/projects/crochet/
For help on making balls and tubes.

My little guy is obsessed with this giraffe toy: Playgro 0181561107 My First Bead Buddies Giraffe for baby infant toddler children https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005VCHKGY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_Vj6cAbNZJ7ZFM

On mobile, sorry for the crap link. But he seriously loves this thing. He sucks on the ears, the feet crunch, he'll hold it sideways and strum the neck rings like a guitar. He likes to watch if I hold it and shake the rattle part. Three months is when he started showing interest in it.

Found it on Amazon. Thanks!

The silicone teethers have been popular here. Like this one
http://www.amazon.com/Bright-Starts-Teethe-Me-Pals/dp/B00JU971G8 (we have the blue elephant)

The gel ones that go in the freezer are only used for distracting during diaper changes.

Here it is! Per an article on bigblondehair.com lol

https://www.amazon.com/North-American-Bear-Sleepyhead-Rattle/dp/B0013A32BU/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&qid=1510346415&sr=8-8&keywords=blue%2Bbunny%2Bstuffed%2Banimal&th=1&linkCode=sl1&tag=bigblondeha09-20&linkId=7feec8ab61267590ff5a5659440906c2

My son never gets tired of this one:

https://www.amazon.com/Sassy-Wonder-Wheel-Activity-Center/dp/B004AHMCKA/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1501696598&sr=8-1&keywords=highchair+toy

https://www.amazon.com/Fred-BUFF-BABY-Dumbbell-Rattle/dp/B00UB8BEEM?th=1&psc=1

This creepy thing! https://www.amazon.com/Manhattan-Toy-Whoozit-Squeaker-Developmental/dp/B01MUQ8Z8Q/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?keywords=whoozit&qid=1563767445&s=gateway&sr=8-2

• More than $2.00, but still handy
  
  
• Hair Wrapper
  
  
• Shiloh, Rheagan, Phoenix, Talia

6 month old: Stacking Cups and Sassy Rings


[cups] (http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=13343706&mr:keyword=&mr:trackingCode=FB208E66-7315-E311-A497-90E2BA285E75&mr:match=&mr:adType=pla&mr:filter=38523660046&cagpspn=plat_13659071&mr:referralID=NA&mr:ad=35250039166&mr:device=c&camp=PLAPPC-_-PID13659071&KPID=13659071)

[rings] (http://www.amazon.com/Sassy-Ring-Links-Rattle-Developmental/dp/B002L3T9YM)