Looking for a fun and affordable way to keep your baby entertained? This easy guide shows you how to make DIY baby shaker toys at home. These simple sensory toys are perfect for keeping your little one amused while also supporting early development — and they’re incredibly budget-friendly too.
This guide is ideal for babies from around 2 months up to toddlers. These toys are colourful, make gentle sounds, and are easy for little hands to roll, shake and explore.
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What you will need
- A selection of empty, clean plastic bottles with secure screw tops (smooth-sided bottles work best)
- Dried pulses or cake decoration balls
- Food colouring
- Coloured glitter and glycerine
- Strong glue (to seal lids securely)

To make the glitter shaker
- Fill the bottle with water
- Add a sprinkle of coloured glitter
- Add around ½ teaspoon of glycerine to help the glitter move slowly
- Seal the lid securely with glue (important for safety)
- Allow to dry completely before use





To make the coloured water shaker
- Fill the bottle halfway with water
- Add a few drops of bright food colouring
- Seal the lid securely with glue
- Allow to dry before giving to your baby


To make the sound shaker
- Use a funnel to fill a bottle with dried pulses, beans, lentils or decorative balls
- Seal the lid securely with glue
- Allow to dry fully before use

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A selection of homemade baby shaker toys
Safety Tips
- Always seal lids securely with strong glue
- Check regularly for any signs of damage
- Only use under supervision for younger babies
These DIY baby shaker toys are simple to make, affordable, and great for sensory play. They help stimulate your baby’s curiosity through sound, colour and movement — all using everyday items you already have at home.
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