JOE MINI RATTLE

A rattle small enough for the hand it is actually given to.

Most first rattles are sized for a six-month-old and handed to a newborn, which is why they sit unused for months. This one is deliberately compact and light: a very young baby can close a hand around it, lift it and produce a sound.

That last part is the whole point. An integrated bell means movement is rewarded immediately, and it is one of the earliest lessons a baby gets in cause and effect.

Joe is the magician of the gang, working spells out of his grandfather Walter's old books. Entirely soft fabric with no hard parts, safe to be chewed and dropped.

Machine washable at 30 degrees on a gentle cycle. Lilliputiens is a Belgian brand, founded in 1995 and designed by a team largely made up of parents working alongside early-childhood specialists. Tested to EN71 and ASTM standards and screened for AZO dyes, cadmium and phthalates.

A FIRST RATTLE THAT ACTUALLY FITS - Deliberately small and light, so a newborn hand can close around it and lift it. Most rattles are built for six-month-olds and given to newborns.

SHAKE IT AND IT ANSWERS - An integrated bell means every movement produces a sound, which is how babies first work out that they can make something happen.

JOE THE DRAGON - Joe is the magician of the gang, working spells out of his grandfather Walter's old books. He runs right through the Lilliputiens range, so this pairs with the Joe cuddle book, puppet and rattle with handles.

THE ONE YOU KEEP IN THE BAG - Small enough for a coat pocket or the side of the changing bag, which is exactly where you want a distraction toy to be when you need one.

SOFT AND SAFE TO MOUTH - Entirely fabric with no hard parts, filled with recycled polyester. Machine washable at 30 degrees on a gentle cycle. Tested to EN71 and ASTM standards and screened for AZO dyes, cadmium and phthalates.

0 months and above (suitable from birth)

100% polyester with recycled polyester filling; integrated bell