DIY Noise Makers for Babies

Tired of buying expensive toys that your baby won't even look at? It's time to start making your own, then, ones that cost pennies to make and won't hurt your wallet if your baby shows no interest.

Crinkle toys are fun and non-annoying. They also tend not to scare babies like some louder rattles and noisemakers do. You can make your own crinkle toys using cellophane, available in stationary or gift shops.

To make a really quick and easy crinkle toy, use a mesh bag (the kind onions come in) and stuff it full of cellophane. Tie it off tightly and give it to your little one to play with. Alternatively, you could do a bit o f sewing to make a softer toy. Just cut out the shape of your choice, in any fabric. Cut two of the shape and sew together around the edges, leaving a space along one side so you can turn the object right side out. Slide in a couple of pieces of cellophane, cut to size. Now, hand stitch the opening closed and then stitch about 1/2" in from the edge, to hold the cellophane in place.

You can make your own rattles by putting beans or rice into an empty water bottle and screwing the cap on tightly. It doesn't hurt to add some duct tape around the cap to make sure your baby can't get it off. Add some confetti or glitter to make the rattle more interesting.

Tins or yogurt containers with beans in them (always tightly sealed) make fun rattles, too. Try putting some into a formula tin and taping down the lid. The metal with beans makes a fun sound. You can also mix in some rice to get a couple of different types of sounds.

Small cardboard boxes are great drums for slightly older babies, as are formula tins. Show your little one how to bang on the top of a box or the bottom of a tin and watch him enjoy making his own loud noises! For more fun, give your baby a spoon (make it wooden if you want to keep the noise down) to drum with.

Homemade noisemakers are often just as fun for a baby as the store bought kind. They are easier on your budget and you can use recycled items that would normally have just been tossed in the garbage. Plus, if one breaks, you can replace it within minutes!