Musical Toys for Toddlers: Instruments for Little Music Makers
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Toddlers are natural music makers. They bounce to a beat, bang on pots and ask for the same song again and again. Musical toys give that enthusiasm an outlet and make it easy to share music together.
Making music supports listening skills, coordination and language, since songs repeat words and rhythms in a memorable way. You do not need any musical training to enjoy this with your child; a shaker and a favourite nursery rhyme are enough to start.
Here we cover the instrument types that suit toddlers best, plus some ideas for singing along with our nursery rhyme videos.
Best first instruments for toddlers
Percussion instruments are the easiest place to begin, because toddlers get an instant sound from a simple movement. A mixed set lets them compare sounds and choose favourites.
You can also make simple instruments at home, such as a container of dried rice with the lid taped firmly shut, or a saucepan and wooden spoon. Supervise home-made shakers closely, since the contents are a choking hazard if they come loose.
- See options on Amazon
Toddler percussion set
Usually includes a tambourine, shakers and a small drum, so siblings can play together.
Age 12m+ - See options on Amazon
Child-sized drum
Big movements and loud sounds are satisfying for toddlers and good for rhythm.
Age 18m+ - See options on Amazon
Wooden xylophone
Coloured bars make it easy to talk about colours and high and low notes.
Age 12m+ - See options on Amazon
Handheld bells
Easy to shake along with songs, especially festive ones.
Age 12m+
What musical toys are good for a 1-year-old?
Young toddlers need instruments that are lightweight, easy to hold and robust enough to be dropped. Rounded edges and chunky handles are a good sign.
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Egg shakers
Small, light and perfect for little hands during action songs.
Age 12m+ - See options on Amazon
Musical activity cube
Several sound-making activities in one toy keep young toddlers exploring.
Age 12m+ - See options on Amazon
Rainmaker or rain stick
The gentle sound is calming and shows cause and effect clearly.
Age 12m+ - See options on Amazon
Soft musical toy
A gentle option for quiet time and bedtime routines.
Age 6m+
Toddler keyboards and melody toys
Older toddlers often enjoy pressing keys and hearing different notes. Choose a keyboard with a volume control and simple layout; many parents also appreciate an off switch.
- See options on Amazon
Mini piano or keyboard
Introduces the idea of notes and lets children experiment with simple tunes.
Age 18m+ - See options on Amazon
Musical walking mat
Stepping on keys combines movement with music.
Age 2y+ - See options on Amazon
Toddler guitar or ukulele
Strumming is fun for pretend performances and sing-alongs.
Age 3y+ - See options on Amazon
Kazoo or harmonica for kids
Blowing instruments help children explore their voice and breath.
Age 3y+
How to use nursery rhymes with musical toys
Pick a song with a strong beat and invite your child to tap, shake or drum along. Action songs work well because they give children a natural cue for when to play.
Try these simple ideas:
- Shake loud and soft with a lullaby, then fast and slow with a lively song.
- Take turns: you sing a line, your child plays a line.
- March around the room with a drum during a counting song.
- Use bells for a quiet star song at bedtime.
- See options on Amazon
Music and movement scarves
Waving scarves to music encourages big movements and listening.
Age 12m+ - See options on Amazon
Nursery rhyme sound book
Pressing buttons to play familiar tunes supports early page turning and singing together.
Age 12m+ - See options on Amazon
Toddler microphone
Encourages singing and speaking, and lets shy children take the spotlight.
Age 2y+
Choosing quality musical toys
Listen for pleasant tones rather than harsh, tinny sounds. Wooden instruments often have a warmer sound, while plastic options can be lighter and easier to clean. Check that beads inside shakers are fully sealed and that mallets are short and rounded.
- Look for volume controls on electronic toys.
- Avoid long strings or cords on instruments.
- Choose sturdy construction that can handle being dropped.
- See options on Amazon
Wooden music set with storage box
Keeps instruments together and makes tidy-up part of the game.
Age 18m+ - See options on Amazon
Tambourine for kids
Can be shaken or tapped, which offers two ways to play.
Age 18m+ - See options on Amazon
Toddler maracas
Easy to grip and shake, and a simple way to keep a beat together.
Age 12m+
Safety checklist
Check shakers, rain sticks and maracas regularly for cracks, as the beads inside can be a choking hazard for children under 3. Choose instruments labelled for your child's age, in line with Australia's mandatory standard for toys for children up to 36 months.
Electronic keyboards and sound books may use button or coin batteries. Make sure the compartment is secured with a screw, as required under Australian mandatory standards, and keep spare batteries out of reach. Keep volume at a comfortable level and avoid holding sound toys close to your child's ears.
Questions parents ask
What age can toddlers start playing instruments?
Babies can enjoy shakers and soft rattles, and most toddlers can bang a drum or xylophone from around 12 months. The aim is exploration, not formal learning.
Are musical toys good for toddler development?
Music play can support listening, rhythm, coordination and language, particularly when you sing and play together. It is also a simple way to share a fun moment.
What is the best musical toy for a 2-year-old?
A small percussion set or xylophone suits many two-year-olds, as they offer different sounds and are easy to play. A keyboard with volume control can also be a hit.
How can I make noisy toys less loud?
Choose toys with volume settings, try wooden instruments with softer tones, or put a small piece of tape over the speaker of electronic toys. Setting a music time can also help.
Do toddlers need music lessons?
Formal lessons are not necessary for toddlers. Singing, dancing and playing simple instruments at home, or joining a relaxed parent-and-child music group, gives them plenty of musical experience.
