Toddlers nowadays enjoy a wide range of activities and hobbies, from reading to riding scooters. One hobby in particular that can have a profound impact on their development is music. Not only does music stimulate cognitive development, but it also helps to develop fine motor skills, creativity, and emotional expression. But how do you introduce your toddler to music?
The answer is with easy-to-learn children’s musical instruments designed specifically for babies and toddlers. They’re cute and colourful, but they’re also designed to promote sensory development and help your munchkin explore the world of music. Whether your little one is a budding musician or simply loves to explore new sounds, the following five picks are sure to spark a love of music early on!
Tambourine
This instrument is fun, easy to play, and helps develop your child’s coordination and rhythm skills. Toddlers can simply shake it, tap it with their hands, or use the jingles to create a rhythmic sound. They can also experiment with different rhythms and patterns by tapping the tambourine in different ways.
Another benefit of the tambourine is that it’s a relatively inexpensive children’s musical instrument so parents don’t have to spend a lot of money to get their toddlers started. It’s also very durable, which is important when you’re dealing with young children who are often a bit rough with their toys.
Learning to play the tambourine is also a great way for toddlers to express themselves and develop their creativity. They can experiment with different sounds and rhythms, and even make up their own songs to play along with. Toddlers love making noise and the tambourine is the perfect instrument for that. Plus, it’s easy to take along on the go, so it’s great for entertaining toddlers on car trips or during playdates.
Maracas
One of the great things about maracas is that they’re very intuitive to use. Children can simply shake them to create a sound they like. This means they can start playing right away, without needing any special instruction or guidance.
Moreover, maracas are a very versatile instrument. It lets children experiment with different rhythms and patterns by shaking them in different ways. They can also use them to create their own songs and melodies, which can help develop their creativity and self-expression.
Another benefit of maracas is that they’re portable and durable. They’re small enough to take along on the go, so children can practice playing them wherever they are. And because they’re made of sturdy materials, they can withstand the wear and tear that comes with being used by little kids.
Xylophone
Xylophones are also excellent children’s instruments as they’re easy to play, fun to experiment with, and help develop a child’s musical and cognitive skills. These instruments come in different types and sizes, and there are many options that are suitable for toddlers. Some of them are made of durable plastic, with large, colourful keys that are easy for little hands to play with. These often come with mallets that are specially designed for small hands, making it easy for little children to create their own music.
Other types are made of wood or metal, and they have a more traditional look and feel. These types of xylophones are great for kids who are a bit older or who are already showing an interest in music. Things to keep in mind when choosing a xylophone for a toddler are its size and weight. Toddlers need items that are easy to hold and play with and that won’t be too heavy for them to carry around.
Bells
These children’s musical instruments come in a range of shapes and sizes. Some bells are made of durable plastic, with large, colourful handles that are easy for little hands to hold. These models often come in sets, with each bell producing a different pitch, making it easy for toddlers to experiment with creating their own melodies.
There are also bells made of metal or other materials that have a more traditional look and feel. These types of bells are great for older toddlers. Like maracas, these children’s musical toys are intuitive to use. Toddlers can simply shake them or strike them against a surface to create a rhythmic sound.
This means they can start playing right away, without needing any special instructions. In addition, playing with bells also helps develop a child’s coordination and rhythm skills. As they experiment with different sounds and patterns, they’re developing their cognitive abilities and creativity.
Loog Guitar
Lastly, a Loog guitar is a fun beginner-friendly children’s musical instrument that helps introduce your child to guitars. While some toddlers may be interested in playing the guitar, their small hands and developing fine motor skills can make it difficult for them to hold and play a full-sized instrument.
One of the great things about Loog guitars is that they’re specifically designed for children. They have three strings instead of six, which makes them easier to play and less overwhelming for beginners. The smaller size and lightweight construction also make them easier for toddlers to hold and play with.
What’s more, Loog guitars come with apps that provide video lessons and interactive games to help children learn how to play. These apps make learning to play the guitar more fun and engaging, and they provide a structured learning experience that helps little hands progress quickly.
