Activity #289: Make a cheap-o rattle

by Heather

Julian explores cheap-o rattleFaced with all his usual toys, Holden turned toward his faux rattle and rolled it and shook it for 2 days. Here’s how to make this awe-inspiring toy:

  1. Wash and remove the label from a Gerber Prune Apple Juice container
  2. Let dry (important or it all turns to mush and is fun for noone)
  3. Insert about 6 Cheerios or Oatios
  4. Leave for baby to discover

And that’s it… I’m not kidding that this thing holds his attention right now better than his wiz-bang “real” toys. He likes to shake it and also roll it around the carpet and the floor.

{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }

1 Beth T. 02.08.06 at 10:01 am

My daughter once came across 6 or 7 empty baby food jars that I was going to put in the basement for future crafty projects. Oh her joy at taking off the lids and studying the jars around!

2 mommi1225 09.19.06 at 10:06 am

You’re so right, buy them toys and they’ll play with the wrapping paper and bows instead! I used an old margarine tub and filled it with cheerios for my son when he was 6 months old. I used packaging tape around the top for extra security, and it makes a cool crackling sound that he loves!

3 Beth 02.15.07 at 8:41 am

We did the same thing but used an old plastic spice jar with a few coins in it. Made sure it was securely shut and watched the amazement. It sure is surprising how long 18 cents can entertain a child. We also have a mustard bottle version too!

4 Marlo 02.15.07 at 11:29 am

Great idea. You don’t have to worry about losing the rattle too!

5 tanyetta 02.17.07 at 5:58 pm

perfect!!!!

6 Lauren 06.04.07 at 8:30 pm

We have made 3 different versions with dry rice, cous cous, and beans. They each sound a little different and are wonderfully entertaining car toys!

7 Kate 05.16.08 at 12:43 pm

My daughter LOVES this! It’s been her favorite toy for months. And this is a girl who is ordinarily board with a toy after 5 min. At her day care they have bottles with some water and floaty thing and another half full with glitter and yet another half full of sand. They’re her favorites.

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