10 Best Fun Musical Instruments For Toddlers To Learn
Do you want to make fun memories by playing a musical instrument with your toddler?
There are a lot of toddlers around me, and their expressions look so happy when they play with instruments that I feel very happy too.
Playing with toy instruments as a toddler can provide children with fun experiences and develop their cognitive skills.
Additionally, since toddlers are sensitive to sound, musical instruments can attract their attention at once.
In this article, we will look at the 10 best musical instruments for toddlers.
Undine
Hello, I am Undine, a classical composer and the owner of the My Undine website. I specialize in classical composition and currently teach piano lessons and compose music. I also run the My Undine website, which provides valuable information about music. Explore the My Undine website to discover useful insights and information about music.
10 Best Fun Musical Instruments For Toddlers To Learn
First, let’s look at the benefits of teaching a toddler to play a musical instrument.
Teaching a child a musical instrument during the toddler years has many benefits. Because this is a time when children grow and develop rapidly, playing a musical instrument can have a positive impact in a variety of areas of development. Here are some key benefits of teaching a musical instrument during the toddler years.
Recommended reading:
Cognitive Development
Improves memory: Playing an instrument improves your memory because you have to remember scales, rhythms, songs, etc.
Problem-solving skills: In the process of learning a musical instrument, you learn new skills and develop problem-solving skills.
Increased alertness: Your alertness improves as you have to concentrate while playing the instrument.
Motor development
Fine Motor Skills: Playing an instrument develops fine motor skills as it requires delicate movements of the fingers, hands, and arms.
Coordination: Improves overall body coordination, including hand-eye coordination.
Social and emotional development
Increased Confidence: As you learn and play new skills, you will feel a sense of accomplishment and your confidence will increase.
Emotional Expression: The ability to express and regulate emotions is developed through music.
Social Interaction: Group music activities increase social interaction with other children and foster cooperation.
Language development
Language Comprehension: Song lyrics improve language comprehension.
Phonological awareness: Developing phonological awareness through various sounds and rhythms helps in language development.
Cultural awareness
Experience diverse cultures: Exposure to diverse music expands your understanding and awareness of diverse cultures.
Creativity and imagination
Creative Thinking: Creative thinking and imagination are developed through music.
Improvisation: Improvise and improve your creative expression.
Because of these benefits, teaching a toddler a musical instrument during the early years is very beneficial to their overall development. It is important to support children so that they can have fun and develop a variety of skills through music.
Next, let’s look at the characteristics of instruments that are good for toddlers to play.
Features Of Musical Instruments That Are Good For Toddlers To Play
The characteristics of instruments that are good for toddlers to play include safety, simplicity, appropriate size, variety of sounds, durability, educational elements, and excitement.
These instruments should be made of non-toxic materials with soft edges, ensuring safety. They should be easy to operate and capable of producing sounds with simple actions. The instruments should be portable, lightweight, and appropriately sized for small hands, allowing toddlers to explore various tones. Durability is key, ensuring the instruments can withstand prolonged use. Additionally, they should incorporate educational elements to help toddlers learn rhythm and melody easily. Instruments that stimulate children’s interest with bright colors and fun designs, and are intuitive to play, are ideal. Examples of such instruments include xylophones, tambourines, maracas, snare drums, and ukuleles.
Next, let’s explore the types of instruments that toddlers can safely enjoy playing.
1. Xylophone
Xylophone is a percussion instrument with a variety of colors and notes, making sounds by hitting it, making it easy to play. This also helps with audiovisual development, connecting colors and sounds.
Undine's recommendation.
The MUSICUBE xylophone is TUV certified and made of eco-friendly plywood and steel that meets ASTM F963 standards, making it safe and non-toxic. They have no sharp edges, contain wooden sticks that sound better than plastic sticks, and can be easily stored on a wooden stand. Includes a xylophone, 2 mallets and 2 music cards so kids can start playing right away, helping develop hand-eye coordination and gross motor skills.
Pros
Cons
A tambourine is a simple percussion instrument that can be struck or shaken by hand to produce sound. Develops a sense of rhythm and helps understand the connection between sound and movement.
Undine's recommendation.
Hand Held Tambourine
This portable tambourine features a drum shell made from maple wood and a drum head made from polyester leather. This tambourine is a great children’s toy with a metal jingle that makes a beautiful melody sound and adds fun to parties and dancing times. The handle and gently curved edges make it easy and comfortable for young hands to play, and the approximately 6-inch diameter makes it easy to carry.
Pros
Cons
3. Maracas
Maracas are musical instruments that make sounds when shaken, helping children naturally feel rhythm and control hand movements. A variety of colors and designs create interest.
Undine's recommendation.
Egg Shakers Maracas
These Egg Shakers Maracas are a gorgeous set of music instruments for kids. Kids can play by shaking these little egg-shaped, brightly colored maracas to create soothing musical sounds. This is an early learning rhythm toy that allows children to create music together. It is made of high quality wood and coated with safe vegetable paint.
Pros
Cons
Weight: 7.48 x 5.04 x 3.03 inches | Size: 9.6 ounces
4. Small Drum
Small drums are drums that make a sound when struck, helping children explore different rhythms and express their emotions. Additionally, the tapping motion helps develop large muscles.
Undine's recommendation.
LOOIKOOS Kids Drum Set is an all-in-one set of musical instruments for children. Includes cybel, sound block, bell, two drums and two wooden drum sticks. These children’s drum sets are safe as they are made with smooth surfaces, rounded edge designs, neat finishes and appropriate sizes.
Pros
Cons
Weight: 17.36 x 8.39 x 2.28 inches | Size: 1.65 pounds
5. Ukulele
Ukulele is sized to fit small hands, so you can learn melodies by playing simple chords. The action of flicking the string improves fine motor skills.
Undine's recommendation.
17 Inch Kids Ukulele Guitar
The 17-inch Kids Ukulele Guitar is a safe mini toy ukulele. This kit includes a 17-inch mini ukulele, ukulele strap, tutorial, 4 sliding frets, and 2 additional ukulele strings. Made of eco-friendly ABS plastic material, it does not harm young children’s bodies. It features adjustable strings for easy tuning and four carbon nylon strings for easy use.
Pros
Cons
Color: Blue, Pink, Rosewood, Sprucewood | Weight: 1.04 pounds | Size:17 x 5 x 2 inches
6. Bell
A bell is a simple structure that makes a sound when you shake the handle, and helps develop hearing through various sounds. It is also good for developing hand and arm coordination.
Undine's recommendation.
8 Note Musical Handbells Set consists of marked notes from middle C to high C. The corresponding note and scale positions on the top of each handbell help you play, making it an easy and fun music toy for kids to play simple music pieces.
Pros
Cons
Weight: 3.52 ounces | Size: 13 x 6 x 3.5 inches
7.Triangle
Triangle is a musical instrument that makes sound when a triangle made of metal is struck with a stick. Develop a sense of rhythm by allowing children to experience various sounds according to their strikes.
Undine's recommendation.
EASTROCK Triangle
The EASTROCK Triangle is made of high-quality steel, making it sturdy and durable, with excellent sound quality. This hand percussion triangle has a crisp, clear sound. The combination set of different sizes is perfect for all ages, from babies to adults.
Pros
Cons
Weight: 1.08 pounds | Size: 10.08 x 7.05 x 0.91 inches
8. Rain Stick
A rain stick is an instrument that when shaken, small objects inside move and produce similar sounds. Helps children develop their senses through auditory stimulation.
Undine's recommendation.
Rainmaker 12 inch Rain stick
The Rainmaker 12 inch Rain Stick enhances your visual sense by watching the colorful beads move. It can learn colors, sounds and movements and create different sounds by shaking, turning or rolling. This rain stick is very easy for your child to play.
Pros
Cons
Weight: 7.3 ounces | Size: 2 x 2 x 12 inches
9. Castanets
Castanets are musical instruments that produce sound by striking two pieces of wood with the hands. They improve finger motor control and develop a sense of rhythm.
Undine's recommendation.
6pcs Wooden Finger Castanet
6pcs Wooden Finger Castanet is made of natural wood, non-toxic and safe materials. It’s perfectly sized for children’s hands and has a soft surface that makes it easy to hold and play. This Castanet in 6 different animal shapes is easy to learn and great for playing rhythm.
Pros
Cons
Weight: 5.9 ounces | Size: 8.58 x 6.97 x 2.05 inches
10. Keyboard
Keyboard is a simple electronic keyboard that allows you to experience various sounds and rhythms. You can develop fine motor skills in your fingers in a similar way to playing the piano.
Undine's recommendation.
Eastar C Flutes
This Battat Toddler Piano brings endless musical fun to babies. As they explore five instrument settings, kids can discover a variety of sounds while playing pre-recorded children’s songs and classic songs. These toys don’t just provide fun, they also provide educational benefits by promoting hand-eye coordination, concentration, and learning music concepts.
Pros
Cons
Weight: 1.8 pounds | Size:16.2 x 8.9 x 2.3 inches
Should toddlers only use instruments designed for toddlers?
Toddlers do not need to use toddler-specific instruments. They can explore and experience different types of instruments. However, instruments for toddlers are designed for their safety and stage of development, so it is important to consider safe and appropriate sizes and materials when choosing an instrument.
How long can I use the instrument purchased for my toddler?
Musical instruments purchased for toddlers can generally be used by children until they are about 5 to 7 years old. This is a time when children grow and develop rapidly, and there are several factors to keep in mind when using musical instruments.
- Size of the instrument
Toddler musical instruments are designed to fit children’s small hands and bodies. As your child grows, there may come a time when the instrument becomes too small and you need to switch to a larger instrument. - Child’s interests and development level
As your child’s interests and skill level improve, you may need to move to more complex instruments. For example, you can move from very simple percussion instruments to more complex melodic instruments. - Condition of the instrument
The instrument may be damaged or worn out when used by children. Depending on the condition of your instrument, you will need to decide when to replace it. - Educational needs
If your child wants or needs a higher level of music education, they can switch to a more specialized instrument depending on their educational needs.
Toddler musical instruments can usually be used until a child passes infancy and enters elementary school, which is approximately between the ages of 5 and 7. However, the period of use may vary depending on the child’s growth rate, interests, skill level, and the condition of the instrument. It is important to switch to a new instrument at the right time so that your child can continue to enjoy music without losing interest in the instrument.
Frequently Asked Questions: 10 Best Fun Musical Instruments For Toddlers To Learn
Why are musical instruments good for toddlers?
Musical instruments for toddlers provide a multisensory experience, enhancing their cognitive, motor, and social skills.
What are the benefits of music and instrumental activities for toddlers?
Music and instrumental activities help toddlers develop coordination, language skills, creativity, and emotional expression.
How does music help toddler development?
Music stimulates various areas of the brain, promoting cognitive development, language acquisition, and emotional regulation in toddlers.
Why do toddlers love music?
Toddlers are naturally drawn to music because it captivates their senses, encourages movement, and provides a means of self-expression.
Why are musical instruments important?
Musical instruments offer toddlers a hands-on way to explore sound, rhythm, and melody, fostering their creativity, imagination, and appreciation for music.
Do you think it’s important for children to play a musical instrument?
Yes, playing a musical instrument has numerous benefits for children, including enhanced brain development, improved academic performance, and increased self-confidence.
10 Best Fun Musical Instruments For Toddlers To Learn – Summary
Playing a musical instrument during toddlerhood can have a very positive impact on brain development.
Toddlers love toys that make noise, so letting them play a musical instrument can give them really great memories.
Have fun playing musical instruments with your toddler.
– This article is not sponsored by Amazon. 🙂