Whether you’re a first-time parent, have multiple kids, or are just looking for the best baby gifts to bring to a shower, it’s easy to become overwhelmed with options. The SmartNoggin NogginStik Developmental Light-Up Rattle boasts stimulating entertainment and sensory learning for babies from birth up—but does it deliver? If you have questions about this product’s design, entertainment value, and primary features, you’ve come to the right place! I took this product home, had my 10-month-old son use it, and evaluated all its key features to see if it was worth buying. Keep reading for a comprehensive review of the NogginStik.
Design: Compact and engaging
This toy has a round head (“noggin”) with a smiley face, yellow ears, and solid red plastic on the back. With gentle shaking, the front of the head lights up—first to red, then blue, then green. Under the head is the handle of the rattle, which is made from red plastic with semi-soft yellow rubber dots, making it easy for tiny fingers to grip and hold. The base of the toy is made of sturdy white plastic with four slightly elevated black stripes. On the very bottom is a mirror, a common feature of many baby toys as they learn to recognize themselves. The toy has what sounds like small, plastic beads inside and makes a pleasant shaking noise when it moves, which engages a baby’s hearing skills. With a compact design, the NogginStik is small enough to tote along pretty much anywhere you take your child. However, unlike most infant toys, it can’t be attached to a car seat, stroller, or activity center. Also, the hard plastic material invites lots of banging on surfaces throughout the home—but this is to be expected with most plastic toys, especially rattles. The NogginStik is made from sturdy plastic that holds up through continuous banging and dropping on the floor. Additionally, the product is free from BPAs, PVC (polyvinyl chloride), lead, and phthalate, making it safe for babies who love to put everything in their mouths. Overall, I felt that its design was smart and frustration-free. The product also comes with an informational packet that guides parents through various developmental milestones following birth. Milestones include responding to sound, following an item through the range of vision, reaching for toys, and finally, holding and interacting with an object. It’s almost like an advanced maraca—and babies love maracas. As a whole, the product seems to help develop an understanding of cause and effect, which is essential for children in the first year.
Entertainment Value: Holds a tot’s attention
The SmartNoggin NogginStik provides hours of entertainment and sensory stimulation. The tactile details, mirror, light, and rattle noises are exactly what babies like. The changing lights and shaking sounds were endlessly delightful to my son. Also, infants tend to move from toy to toy, but this rattle held his attention throughout the day. It would make a great gift for baby boys or girls.
Age Range: A go for children under 1
The manufacturer recommends the NogginStik for infants up to 12 months. The milestone guide encourages parents to use the toy to start tracking their child’s development within the first month. Younger babies who aren’t yet able to hold toys will likely be entertained by the lights, rattle noise, and mirror. That being said, babies between 6 to 12 months of age will probably get the most use out of the product, as they’ll be able to hold and shake it themselves.
Ease of Cleaning: No problem
The plastic NogginStick doesn’t collect dirt—but be forewarned, as soon as the product gets in the hands of a baby, the shiny mirror will become clouded and smudged. However, the product is very easy to clean. I used a disinfectant wipe or slightly damp cloth to rid the rattle of sticky residue and germs, which worked great.
Price: Steep for a rattle, but worth the money
Retailing at about $25, the SmartNoggin NogginStik Developmental Light-Up Rattle is more expensive than most baby rattles. However, the interactive features and engaging design are the perfect combination for a curious, growing baby. It’s more than a simple rattle and well worth its price tag— as long as it fits your budget.
Competition: You’ve got options
Lamaze Rainbow Glow Rattle: Similar to the NogginStick, the Rainbow Glow Rattle rotates among three lit-up colors that activate with motion as well as a sturdy base to keep the toy upright on a flat surface. It also has soft rubbery eyes for teething babies, making it a pretty good deal for around $9. Skip Hop Explore and More Roll Around Rattle Toy: Retailing at about $8, the easy-to-grab Explore and More Roll Around Rattle Toy provides engaging entertainment for infants. While it’s suitable for teethers, it doesn’t light up and isn’t recommended for babies under 3 months of age. VTech Baby Rattle & Sing Puppy: For around $8, you can get the Baby Rattle & Sing Puppy, which lights up, sings, talks, and helps infants learn about cause and effect. The puppy’s crinkly ears provide additional tactile and auditory stimulation. Need some help finding what you’re looking for? Check out our list of the best baby boy gifts. While the SmartNoggin NogginStik Developmental Light-Up Rattle has a higher price tag than most rattle toys, the entertainment value and overall quality make it a worthy purchase. It’s easy to hold, engaging, and stimulating, while encouraging sensory learning for children under 12 months.
