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15 Best Baby Musical Instruments For Kids And Toddlers In 2022

15 Best Baby Musical Instruments For Kids And Toddlers In 2022

Making sure your little one is regularly exposed to the best baby musical instruments helps them develop better linguistic, intellectual, and motor skills.

Not to mention it makes playtime that much more fun! Studies have shown that children are more in touch with their feelings when musical toys are part of their everyday life. And I’m here to point you toward the best ones!

Per my gyno’s advice, I played music for my kiddos ever since the womb. Why? Because music is instrumental (pun intended) in a baby’s cognitive and social development. So the real question is – why not?

Babies are known to respond extremely well to songs and rhythm they can follow. So I’ve purchased some truly amazing educational toys to ensure the best possible upbringing for my kids.

I’d love to familiarize you with the best musical instrument sets that meet the needs of kids of all ages (from as early as newborn, to your 2-year old, all the way to preschoolers).

I’ve narrowed down the list of all the best musical toys my research (and personal experience) have garnered to help you ignite your baby’s musical curiosity!

You’d be surprised how musical instruments such as a xylophone, tambourine, maraca, drum set, castanets, piano toy, and lots more can benefit your child.

So without further ado, here are Amazon’s absolute best music instruments for your youngster!

Best Kids Musical Instruments For The Earliest Stages Of Life

1. Melissa & Doug Band-In-A-Box Musical Instrument

This amazing musical set is the perfect tool to introduce your little one to the music world while helping their growth process and brain development.

With this music set, your kiddo will be exposed to different types of tunes that will inspire their curiosity and perhaps uncover little baby Einstein in the process (one can hope, right?)

The quality of this set is unmatched and offers plenty of opportunities for kids to move with the music, feel the beat, and easily get accustomed to the funky rhythm.

On top of that, you’ll notice a really handy wooden crate where you can neatly pack up all the instruments after playtime and get rid of the mess in seconds!

(We all understand how much kids love to throw everything around and within five minutes your tidy condo becomes a total pigsty. Kids will be kids!)

With this set, your child will be privy to an array of amazing musical instruments and uncover all different types of melodies with each one.

And the best part – your little one will soon be able to differentiate all kinds of different sounds and words. To me, this is pure heaven!

2. VTech – Jungle Rock – Elephant Drum Set

Peep this interactive drum set that can let your kid explore different types of music!

In this phenomenal set, your kiddo gets all of 6 drums and cymbals that also light up at the touch, so your young one will be even more in awe.

We know how important diversity is in every aspect of life, and music is no exception. In this set, you get not one, but four different modes of play – numbers, lights, memory, sounds, and free play.

And as if that wasn’t enough, my kid particularly enjoyed the electronic activities tablet. It’s really not hard to decipher why – kids are obsessed with the different tunes and melodies that this instantly activates!

This is basically a really fun way for a child to learn about music with the help of animals (more precisely, an elephant, giraffe, zebra, and lion).

Kids get to create their own tunes (which is a child-favorite everywhere) plus hear animal noises, and different musical notes.

There are all kinds of features kids will thoroughly enjoy (the pedal, drum sticks, buttons that let out animal noises, etc.) and you are totally in control of the volume (fully adjustable for parental sanity!)

3. VTech Record & Learn KidiStudio

This awesome set teaches toddlers about pretend play as it allows them to create music on various instruments and even offers to add vocals (a microphone comes with the set).

Your kid’s creative growth will be off the charts as they tackle toy drums, learn to play piano, and use the mic to add some funky vocals of their own!

Can you imagine a child not enjoying this to the max? My bestie got this for her daughter who wasn’t even into music, and now you can’t get her off this multi-purpose musical instrument!

This is primarily meant for kids of ages 3-6 and is perfect as an early education tool that allows them to explore their creative side while learning how to master every feature.

This is one of my favorite baby musical instruments as it allows every child to truly get in touch with their creative side they didn’t even know was there.

My friend’s girl loves the fact that she can record herself, then take a close listen and with each new recording improve bit by bit. They might be kids, but their ability to detect errors and learn to get better is astonishing.

You’ll also be happy to know that it comes with 3 AA batteries for demo use (you can then purchase new batteries for regular use).

4. VTech Musical Rhymes Book

When it comes to speech development and language acquisition, you won’t find a more high-quality solution than this musical rhymes book.

This book not only helps children develop and nurture their auditory skills, but it also makes it such a fun process that they’ll learn with a smile on their face.

If your child is from the ages 6 months to 3 years, this is the perfect gift set to surprise your little boy or girl with for any occasion (it’s perfect as a birthday gift).

There is an array of developmental benefits that come with this educational book. If your goal is for your child to acquire a deep appreciation for music while igniting their literacy skills, definitely consider purchasing this.

Additionally, we all know that kids don’t really possess the quality of gentle hands (they’ll just flip the pages carelessly) and this material will definitely hold its own.

You’ll also notice five little piano toy buttons that will keep surprising your kid with different melodies.

5. WolVol Educational Musical Toy

The amazing thing about this educational musical toy is that not only is it extremely fun, but it also enhances hand-eye coordination, while encouraging kids to develop critical thinking and work on finding solutions on the fly.

And most importantly – it provides them with an abundance of never-ending fun!

The various functions you’ll notice involve all kinds of kid activities. They’ll get to drive around, show off their singing chops, and simply talk.

The sheer amount of handy features (such as buttons, a steering wheel, fun sounds, a horn, accompanied by hard-to-miss colors) will impress even the fussiest of kids!

Their little hands won’t give this any rest, which is perfectly okay, as it was made with precisely that in mind!

The material is strong and durable – trust me, I was surprised myself – mine still functions perfectly, just like the day I got it.

What I love most about it is the fact that it contains zero lead, which makes it perfectly safe for kids.

Other than that, there are lights, different sounds, and music that will do a great job bettering your kid’s motor skills and helping them to learn to think outside of the box.

6. Leapfrog Musical Rainbow Tea Party

There are a few reasons why I decided to get this set as soon as I saw it on Amazon (and why I think you should too).

This interactive play is an amazing educational tool that is actually a game that consists of ten pieces, seven beautiful tunes, and over fifty different sounds and sayings.

This game set will teach your kids the importance of patience (always a major plus), get them to learn about how to interact healthily, and grasp ahead of time some really important preschool skills.

Your kid will see this as a toy (which, essentially, it is) but they won’t realize how much they actually benefit from it.

They’ll learn to wait for their turn, acquire some advanced vocabulary (for their age), and discover that sharing is caring. Baby musical instruments truly are marvelous in more ways than one!

Kids also get acquainted with colors with the help of the teapot that lights up in six various colors. Oh, and the sparkly mirror makes a funny noise every time it’s lifted!

Like all of the baby toys listed here, this offers a variety of options – only this one doesn’t include ukulele or a drum kit, so you as a parent might enjoy this musical instrument even more than the kid (just kidding!)

7. Piano Play Mat

Perhaps you’ve noticed your toddler has expressed increased interest in music? If so, this piano dance mat will blow their mind!

Even for non-music enthusiasts, this playmat will quickly change their minds. I find it that no kid could resist what this mat can offer.

This extremely fun and educational toy encompasses everything from visual, tactile, auditory, all the way to motion features. It allows your child to strengthen their posture and work on their motor skills.

It’s a great exercise that provides them with a surprising amount of fun!

Check this out. There are EIGHT musical instruments included in this playmat – saxophone, piano, clarinet, guitar, accordion, violin, vibraphone, and flute!

The volume is completely adjustable, and your kid can jump for joy on the numerous black and white keys. The best thing is, more than one person can use it at the same time, so your little one can play with their siblings or friends.

There are four different play modes for your kid to enjoy – record, play, demo, and playback.

The material is easily cleaned and completely safe. It provides every kid with an abundance of fun that they’ll never get tired of.

8. Halilit 4-Piece Mini Orchestra

Let’s start with why this particular toy is on this list. Firstly, this is something that your baby can enjoy from 6 months of age (then keep enjoying as they grow).

We all know how curious kids of all ages are, and this toy is made with just that in mind. Not only will it inspire your child’s creative side, but also help them develop their cognitive skills.

One other thing you can expect is that this might even boost your kid’s sensory development as well.

9. LeapFrog Learn & Groove Musical Table

Kids are exposed to an array of different sounds, melodies, and noises ever since they’re born. The LeapFrog Learn & Groove Musical Table is just the type of toy that emulates an endless amount of sounds, containing a whopping 70 songs and instrumental melodies.

Kids generally enjoy the sound of the piano and are amused by the thought of playing with drums, which is precisely what this kit entails!

It’s the perfect choice for little ones from 6 months to 3 years of age. You know how their tiny fingers can struggle to properly hold musical elements, which is where this musical table comes in!

Your angel will be able to seamlessly explore all the different tunes this set includes, and as they grow older, you can explain what each instrument represents.

This toy will be tremendously helpful with getting your child acquainted with the basics of coordination, even if they’re not familiar with every sound, lyric, and tune in this set.

And do you want to know what appealed to me the most? The toy is bilingual! Yup, you heard that right! If you want to introduce your child to Spanish, this is your best chance!

Who knows, your kiddo might end up loving the language so much that they keep working on it as they get older. This is what I call a truly educational toy.

10. Fisher-Price Laugh and Learn Singin Soccer Ball

Every single time your kiddo kicks or touches this instrument, there will be a cute tune, which is why this is an awesome idea for your kid if they’re somewhere between the ages of 6 months to 3 years old.

Furthermore, this works great as a mnemonic device as well. This Fisher-Price toy entails three different and interactive play modes that will gradually familiarize your child with each sound and melody.

This toy’s primary goal is to encourage kids to actively play, explore, and discover new sounds and melodies.

Another great thing is that you get to regulate the sound and volume. Plus, this musical soccer ball is really easy to hold, move, and kick!

This will also introduce your child to numbers, colors, and useful phrases that might come in handy one day.

You can wash it in the machine as many times as you want, and it’s also made of safe materials, so there is no reason to worry about that aspect.

Every kid I know loves to kick a soccer ball. But when it’s accompanied by sounds and melodies, it’s a sure thing to win them over for good.

Amazon and eBay musical instruments are truly a gift that keeps on giving. They’re beyond fun, yet so educational and rewarding for the child.

11. Melissa & Doug Chomp & Clack Alligator Push Toy

My personal favorite thing about kids is how incredibly curious they are about the world around them!

No matter which child we’re talking about, they all gravitate toward the unknown (sounds, things, noises) with no fear or holding back. That’s something us grown-ups could really learn from them.

This particular toy is the most amazing instrument that will strengthen your child’s core, as well as stimulate their brain through a sea of beautiful melodies.

It encourages active play, while also allowing your kid to use all of their muscles in the process. Additionally, its high-quality construction is with every child’s safety in mind.

The craftsmanship is top-notch, and every kid from 12 months upward is more than welcome to play!

One other amazing benefit is that it will help your kid develop their motor skills. This push toy is full of animal features, which is something kids are always drawn to! There are alligators, fish, and the cutest ladybugs.

And since it’s so colorful and joyful, it will surely be a huge hit with your child, just like it was with mine!

12. JOYIN Baby Cute Animal Piano Keyboard Toy

If your goal is for your little one to start acquiring (and nurturing) their cognitive abilities, patience, and hand-eye coordination, this keyboard toy is your winner!

It’s great for both girls and boys over the ages of 15 months.

The keyboard consists of 4 different melodies, so your baby will safely enjoy electronic flash drums, sounds of the piano, and cute animal noises that will keep them amused for hours if you’re lucky.

As with most of these amazing musical toys, this one also puts creativity in first place and helps kids discover which tunes they like.

Also, since kids need to learn which key they need to press, it will undoubtedly help their hand-eye coordination as well.

This toy is perfect for fussy children who perhaps tend to get frustrated more easily than others, as it allows them to release their suppressed energy. That way, your child’s emotional well-being is also being nurtured.

I particularly enjoy how this keyboard toy promotes a restful night of sleep and simply relaxing, which is something both you and your little one will benefit from.

13. B Toys Drumroll Please Drum Kit

Baby drums are just the cutest, don’t you think? My kiddo has been obsessed with drums since forever and always has to carry toy drums even when in the stroller! Kids can be so particular when it comes to their toys.

This fantastic drum set will allow your little girl or boy (if they’re 18 months or older) to express themselves loudly, happily, and with the help of amusing sounds and melodies!

And at the same time, their little brains will be stimulated. What I love about this set are the vast options it offers! Your child can enjoy how to maneuver seven different instruments as they learn which one tickles their fancy!

Also, it’s really easy to put it away as the toy comes with a convenient carry storage bag to easily keep everything in order both during and after playtime.

On top of that, the kit is rich in color and texture, which is something a child’s sensory system can greatly benefit from!

This phenomenal drum kit is all about movement and developing motor skills. All the knobs, bristles, bumps, and handles will ensure your little one is always on the move while also strengthening their muscles.

14. Hape Mini Band Set Toy

Whether it’s through percussion instruments, mallets, or a drum set, a child getting to experience the beauty of rhythm and melodies is a priceless experience!

And this set is all about diversity. Your little one gets to make their own type of music with the help of various instruments. They can start a band with their little buddies and each one can have their own thing!

It’s important to note, though, that this may not be suitable for kids under the age of 3, but hey, you can buy it if their third birthday is coming up (like I did!) and give them the sweetest surprise!

The set comes with instructions, so if there are any unfamiliarities, you’ll easily figure it out.

This band set toy will help your child learn to work as a team (should they choose to share the pretend stage with their buddies) and make some great musical memories that will surely improve as they get older.

Oh, and it’s made of sustainable and safe material, so it’s perfectly safe for kids to play with.

15. Xylophone Table Music Toys

I got this for my nephew recently and let me tell you, he hasn’t been able to get his little hands off this thing!

I think he loves that it’s basically one sole instrument, but so many melodies, sounds, and possibilities! This is such a cool set, as it contains both classical tunes as well as nursery rhymes.

But this is far more than just an instrument – this is such a handy educational tool all parents could do with!

Your child can learn colors with such ease with the help of the rainbow keys, and they can also explore and discover so many interesting things about the world through the number of reading modes and animal noises.

This out-of-this-world electric xylophone also has a kid-favorite whac-a-mole game with two playing modes that you just know your little one will be obsessed with!

Trust me, your munchkin will have such a great time uncovering their inner musician and getting acquainted with the vast melodies and sounds.

If my nephew can be trusted, this xylophone thingy is all the rage nowadays in the kid universe.

How Exactly Is Playing With Musical Toys Beneficial For Kids?

group of babies playing musical instruments

“I think music in itself is healing. It’s an explosive expression of humanity. It’s something we are all touched by. No matter what culture we’re from, everyone loves music.” – Billy Joel

As you’ve probably realized by now, music is a powerful tool that children of all backgrounds can greatly benefit from. It allows them to develop fine motor skills, advances their sensory system, and vastly improves their hand-eye coordination.

Here are the mindblowing reasons why musical instruments are immeasurably good for children from the earliest stages of life.

It helps them develop great memory skills

two toddlers playing with musical instruments

It’s very simple really. When learning how to maneuver a musical instrument, a child learns how to create, store, and memorize things with much more ease than before.

It has been proven that playing an instrument is a powerful tool that is a unique workout for the mind. No matter what a child is going through, an instrument provides them with an escape route that the brain benefits from.

As they grow older and learn more complicated melodies, they acquire the ability to memorize advanced melodies that they successfully keep in their brain and recall at any time they want.

It teaches them patience and perseverance

dad and baby playing music

One of the most valuable lessons a child will learn is patience. As your kiddo is figuring out the ins and outs of their baby musical instrument, they will be faced with a lot of tiny hurdles along the way.

They won’t always get it right, and it can get frustrating, especially for their undeveloped brains.

But what will come of it is invaluable. Your child will learn that a little patience goes a long way. Naturally, this won’t hit them right away, but eventually, they will be left with no choice but to go the slow route while they learn all the rules.

And once they do, it will help them appreciate the hard work they put into it in their own little way. As they grow older, this will become much more meaningful and valuable.

It is great for hand-eye coordination

baby girl playing triangle musical instrument

As I’ve previously mentioned, musical toys are an excellent tool to improve your child’s hand-eye coordination.

When playing an instrument, a child is forced to pay attention to multiple things at a time, which will at first be a struggle, and later a huge accomplishment.

As time goes by, they will learn to multitask, not even realizing how much progress they are making. But you will!

And it will make you so proud that your little one is able to work at impressive speeds (that will only keep getting better as they mature).

It helps them develop outstanding comprehension skills

baby boy playing drums

Learning how to play an instrument (that includes a musical toy) is no easy task for a kid’s brain. Depending on the nature of the instrument, there are various factors that play a significant role.

For example, kids will have to understand how long to hold a certain note, if it should be a long note, crisp, or maybe connected to the next one.

As they spend more time, they will subconsciously start understanding what each melody entails and how it should be played. With time, their comprehension skills will be extremely advanced for their age.

Naturally, it all depends on their age, but if we’re talking 3 years old to preschoolers, chances are they will acquire some impressive skills with each new musical instrument they are exposed to.

And just like that, they’ll go from baby musical instrument to the real thing.

It teaches them about responsibility

baby toddler siblings playing with musical instruments

Their musical toy is theirs to keep safe and out of harm’s way. If they want to play with it and enjoy it for a long time, it’s up to them to take good care of it.

And believe it or not, when children see that their own actions determine whether they get to be happy or not, they tend to learn how to be responsible.

Naturally, you can’t expect your 1-year-old to take care of their musical instruments (if only) but if you have toddlers, or better yet, preschoolers, you better believe that having them in charge of their toys will turn out beneficial for the both of you.

They will learn that they can’t just expect to be reckless and messy and then get what they want. Nope. If they want to enjoy their drum set, they will have to take good care of it, keep it safe, and handle it with caution.

Don’t worry, it takes a while for them to understand this, but I assure you, with time, they’ll get there – they all do.

It allows them to develop their creativity

babies playing with musical instruments

What I love more than anything is letting a young child discover who they are and what they truly love. And getting your kiddo a musical toy will help them understand what that is.

Are they secretly gifted on the piano? Do they have an incredible sense of rhythm? Are they into guitars or maybe there’s a hidden drum expert in them?

Who knows! But allowing your child to nurture their self-expression is the best thing you can do for them.

It will help them get in touch with their creative side and find that one instrument that will end up being their favorite thing when they get older.

It all starts at a young age and before you know it, they turn into an amazingly talented young musician in the making.

It significantly improves their listening skills

cute baby girl playing with musical instrument

As they listen to an array of preprogrammed melodies on their musical toys, they will learn to differentiate between so many of them.

They will learn to identify each instrument they hear with precision, which will make them feel a sense of accomplishment.

Also, there’s the rhythm that’s different in every single melody, not to mention the tempo and pitch. Children need to listen carefully in order to understand what’s playing and that will translate into their real world.

They will learn how to listen better and actually understand, as opposed to just nodding along. So not only will this be beneficial with regards to music but in real life as well.

So to say that music is good for children is an understatement of the century, don’t you agree?

Wrapping Up

At this point, it’s crystal clear how beneficial baby musical instruments are from the earliest stages of a young child’s life.

Being exposed to an array of musical toys will tickle their fancy, allow them to uncover their hidden talents, and most importantly, they will learn the power of self-expression.

Here I’ve narrowed down the list of the most effective musical toys your child will absolutely love. Not only will they have a blast with each and every one of these, but in the process, they will also develop their motor skills, advance their coordination, and get in touch with their creative side.

There are countless benefits your child will enjoy with the help of sounds, melodies, and sound effects. It will start as a fun hobby and later it can become the thing that changes their life.

Music is such a stimulating educational tool that can inspire every child to find something that fulfills them. Enjoy helping your child find their passion. That’s truly what this is all about!

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