Music is a universal language that’s woven into every aspect of human society and culture. Introducing your children to musical toy instruments from a young age has many proven benefits - both for brain and social development.
While they can sometimes be noisy, these toys are popular gifts as they provide hours of entertainment while also teaching new skills. They also come in many shapes and sizes, so you’re sure to find something suitable for any age group or personality type.
In this article, we’ve highlighted the benefits of musical toys and provide a guide to finding the best instrument for your little musician.
What are the Early Learning Benefits of Musical Toys?
Fine and Gross Motor Skills
Musical toys are a great way to improve fine and gross motor skills. Every time your little one picks up the drumsticks, strums the guitar, or taps the keyboard, they’re learning how to use their hands in different ways. Fine motor skill toys are specifically designed to improve grasping and hand-eye coordination. While having fun at the same time, of course!
Sensory Development
When it comes to sensory development, musical toys are ideal for encouraging movement (like dancing!) and improving an understanding of sounds. Interacting with musical instruments during childhood also improves listening skills and educates them about rhythm and pitch - as your child discovers the impact of playing softly, loudly, fast, and slow.
Literacy and Numeracy
When it comes to language and literacy, learning to play nursery rhymes on their favourite musical instrument is a great way to engage your child and make them keen to listen! It helps them with word sequences, which they can learn through repetition. Musical toys can also introduce your little one to early mathematical skills via identifying and replicating sound patterns.
Things to Consider When Buying Musical Toys For Kids
Age
Age is an important factor when determining the best musical instrument toy for a child.
For infants, it’s best to choose toys that promote eye-hand coordination and motor skills development. When it comes to toddlers, interactive toys are beneficial for promoting language development and supporting play skills.
Instruments for older children should be challenging and provide opportunities for creativity and self-expression, while also fostering their social skills.
Ability
When looking for an instrument for your child, don't just buy the first one you see.
It’s important to recognise your child’s current skills and look out for musical toys that will challenge them to move outside their comfort zone to learn and grow.
Quality
As soon as they get their hands on a new toy, children jump right into playtime mode. And that can sometimes be a little on the rough side...
Before buying an instrument, check the quality. While the toy might cost a little extra than options at the cheap stores, it’s worth it if you want to ensure its longevity.
Musical Toys For 0 - 2-Year-Olds
Struggling to decide on the best musical toy for your baby to enjoy? You’re in luck!
We’ve put together a list of our favourite options for babies and toddlers to kickstart your tiny musician’s journey - and start developing those important lifelong skills.
6 Month Olds
The classic wooden egg shaker is a fantastic toy for babies, who have recently honed the art of grabbing. Its size makes it the perfect fit for tiny hands and the soothing sound is suitable for relaxing after a long day - of crying, that is.
Made from durable wood in 6 contemporary designs, this toy won’t break easily. So your little one can enjoy it for hours on end.
1 Year Olds
Castanets, aka clackers, are a fun way to introduce basic motor skills to your little one. Used in Spanish, Italian, Swiss, and Portuguese music, they’re great for adding a touch of culture to their toy collection as well! Clack them together or tap them on a table - this toy can be used in many different ways for an enjoyable playtime.
2 Year Olds
Does your toddler love banging on pots and pans, the table, and anything else they can get their hands on? Our wooden baby xylophone gives them something safer (and maybe less dangerous) to hit!
This musical instrument gives your child the opportunity to experiment with different sound vibrations and develop a deeper understanding of rhythm tones and beats.
Musical Toys For 3-Year-Olds
As your toddler turns into a kid, there’s a wide variety of toys available to challenge themselves as their mind grows. It’s vital to find something that amuses and delights them - whether playing on their own or with a friend.
One of our favourites is the Melody Mix Music Station. Your child can choose from 10 different sound and music experiences. This all-encompassing set features a xylophone, drum, chimes, triangle, cymbal, and more. Perfect for introducing your 3-year-old to the world of music!
Musical Toys For 4-Year-Olds
At four years old, your child’s sense of independence starts to increase. They’re keen to dress themselves, help out around the home (if you’re lucky), and become more drawn to independent playtime.
Our bamboo hanging xylophone is a new, innovative musical toy that encourages kids to explore and discover different sounds by tapping the different chimes. Great for developing fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination, your child will love making up their own tunes and songs. Get ready for a mini ‘concert’ or two!
Musical Toys For 5-Year-Olds
At five years old, your child is practically a ‘big kid’ now. They’re using their imagination more and more at playtime - but can sometimes get bored easily. So you need to stimulate their auditory and visual senses with a range of musical instruments to keep them busy.
The Goki Rain Stick is just one example. This captivating audio-visual toy will keep your little one amused, while also building fine motor skills. It’s also a great tool for alleviating tension during a meltdown. They’ll be mesmerized by the tinkling metal balls as they travel down the stick. It’s calming for grown-ups too!
Key Takeaways
Every toy collection needs some musical influence.
Musical toys and instruments provide hours of fun, while also enhancing your child’s fine and gross motor skills, sensory skills, literacy, and numeracy.
If you’re looking for the perfect gift, My Happy Helpers is here to help. The hardest part is choosing just one!
