Babies love songs, music, and rhythm. Right? Music plays a crucial role in the development of a child. Besides, studies indicate that children can develop advanced motor, linguistic, and intellectual development when exposed to music in the womb. Music also allows toddlers and infants to be in tune with emotions such as happiness or even sadness, which makes music vital in social development and interaction of a child.
Once your baby starts to hit three months+ you’ll notice a wide range of miniature musical instruments in the market which can make it a daunting task to know which best suits your needs and that of your baby. In this guide, we’ve narrowed down the list of the Best Musical Toys for Babies that little boys and girls can start to play with from the early stages of life that include maracas, drums, recorders, shakers and more.
- Top 30 Best Musical Toys For Babies & Toddlers 2023
- 1. Melissa & Doug Band-in-a-Box Musical Instrument
- 2. Vtech KidiBeats Drum Musical Toy
- 3. EXCOUP Baby Drum Musical Keyboard Toy
- 4. Vtech Musical Rhymes Book
- 5. Vtech Record & Learn KidiStudio
- 6. WolVol Educational Musical Activity Cube Play Center
- 7. LeapFrog Musical Rainbow Tea Party
- 8. Fisher-Price Musical Dino
- 9. LeapFrog Learn & Groove Musical Table
- 10. Baby Einstein Octoplush Plush Toy
- 11. Fisher-Price Soccer Ball Toy
- 12. Discover & Play Piano Musical Toy
- 13. JOYIN Dancing Walking Yellow Duck Baby Toy
- 14. Baby Einstein Musical Toy
- 15. Fantastic Zone Light Up Dancing and Singing Musical Duck
- 16. WolVol Electric Toy Drum Set
- 17. Little Ticks PopTunes Keyboard
- 18. Otamatone Unicorn Japanese Electronic Musical Instrument
- 19. Mellisa & Doug Chomp and Clack Alligator Push Toy
- 20. JOYIN Cute Animal Piano Keyboard Toy
- 21. B Toys Drumroll Please Drum Kit
- 22. Forstart Learn-To-Play Musical Toy
- 23. Infantino Hug and Tug Musical Bug
- 24. Fisher-Price Pink and Purple Maracas
- 25. Hape Mighty Mini Band Wooden Percussion Instrument
- 26. Vtech Zoom Jamz Stompin’ Fun Drums
- 27. Kilofy Kids Mini Band Musical Instruments
- 28. Baby Genius Step to Step Dance Mat
- 29. Hohner Accordions Kids Musical Toys
- 30. Baby Einstein Musical Toy, Tunes Neptune
- Bottom Line
Top 30 Best Musical Toys For Babies & Toddlers 2023
1. Melissa & Doug Band-in-a-Box Musical Instrument
Editor’s Rating:
The Band-in-a-Box Musical Instruments features high-quality material construction that allows your kid to move, groove, and feel the beat. Additionally, it comes with a convenient wooden crate with plenty of space that helps you manage and organize all the toys after play.
The musical set allows little boys and girls to explore the most common musical instruments as they hear the different types of sounds from each device. Besides, your child will develop a natural ability to decode sounds and words.
Pros
- Perfect size for little hands
- High quality
- Provides hours of fun
- Cognitive development
Cons
- Chocking hazard - needs adult supervision
2. Vtech KidiBeats Drum Musical Toy
Editor’s Rating:
Vtech KidiBeats Drum Set includes three drum pads and cymbals that come with unique sounds to improve the sensory development in the little one. The drum pads light up to guide your child as they hear the letters and the sound produced.
The set features nine melodies from four genres of music. The toy operates with 3 AA batteries and also features an automatic shut off mechanism that preserves battery life. Vtech also included a volume settings that regulate the sound. It’s an ideal toy for teaching numbers, letters, phonics, and words.
Pros
- Provides lots of options
- Sounds good
- Quality construction
- Hours of fun
Cons
- The background music is a little agitating
3. EXCOUP Baby Drum Musical Keyboard Toy
Editor’s Rating:
The Baby Drum Musical Keyboard toy features a piano, a mini-colorful xylophone, a hand drum, a sax, a guitar and a trumpet that nurtures the baby’s interest in music. EXCOUP also included animal sounds and sing-along songs for fun. It’s a colorful set that helps the little one develop cognitive competence of colors and patterns.
The set features a 1.5V AA battery and includes a volume setting that allows you to regulate the volume for less noisy play at any time. This Baby Drum Musical Keyboard toy will teach the young a straightforward note sound learning; rhythm discovery and improves communication skills.
Pros
- Quality construction
- Offers a variety of play
- Improves imagination and creativity
- A volume adjustment button
Cons
- Price tag
4. Vtech Musical Rhymes Book
Editor’s Rating:
The Vtech Musical Rhymes Book comes with various developmental benefits, which plays an essential role in pre-literacy skills and auditory skills, which helps the child develop the ear for music.
Additionally, this book features high-quality material construction that will stand little hands abuse. It features more than 40 songs, melodies, sounds, and phrases. There are also five colorful piano buttons that make different sounds when played. Besides, the toy is interactive and comes with visually stimulating pages that light up, making this talking book attractive for early learners.
Pros
- Colorful and attractive
- Interactive
- Hours of entertainment
- High quality and durable plastic construction
Cons
- Offers a few options for some users
5. Vtech Record & Learn KidiStudio
Editor’s Rating:
This Record & Learn KidiStudio features an inbuilt karaoke system that teaches kids how to sing with a different tempo, rhythm, and melodies. The recording studio also allows little boys and girls to record and playback their own songs thanks to the microphone and voice change included in the package.
Additionally, this toy allows your child to pretend play and interact with a variety of sounds that come from different musical instruments. The keyboard lights are a nice feature that helps the kid follow along with the preset music.
Pros
- Entertains for a long time
- Easy to use
- Sturdy construction
Cons
- The microphone could be improved
6. WolVol Educational Musical Activity Cube Play Center
Editor’s Rating:
The WolVol Educational Musical Activity Cube features different functions that require little boys and girls to drive, sing, and talk. It includes buttons, a horn, a steering wheel, fun sounds, combined with eye-catching colors that will thrill the young one right out of the box.
It notably features durable and plastic material construction that supply long-term strength to withstand abuse from little hands. The toy contains no Lead making it safe for use and endless hours of fun. Besides, the lights, music, and sound effects encourage creative thinking and promote motor skills.
Pros
- The toy offers lots of activities
- High-quality construction
- Provides a variety of activities
Cons
- Chocking hazard as some parts can come out
7. LeapFrog Musical Rainbow Tea Party
Editor’s Rating:
The LeapFrog Musical Rainbow set allow little boys and girls to interact through imaginative play as well as introduce them to essential preschool skills like vocabulary, taking turns, singing, sharing, and patience.
Additionally, the teapot lights up in six different colors to teach them the various colors while the colorful cake inspires sharing and serving. LeapFrog also included a shiny mirror in the teapot lid which reveals fun sounds when lifted.
Pros
- Sturdy construction
- Educational Toy
- Helps to explore different colors
- Affordable
Cons
- The box indicates it has activities for sorting
8. Fisher-Price Musical Dino
Editor’s Rating:
The Fisher-Price Musical Dino will help parents calm their kids down as music lifts and soothes the spirit. You can incorporate this toy in your child’s playtime routine to indicate the different moments in your child’s daily schedule. Besides, grasping and popping the balls, strengthens the little muscles, and improves hand-eye coordination.
This toy features high-quality material construction, bright colors, and b music and popping action. Exposing babies to various rhythms and beats of music early in life will enhance cognitive development and the natural ability to decode sound and words.
Pros
- The balls are a perfect fit for little hands
- Sturdy construction
- Fun play for babies
- Improves motor skills
Cons
- Makes a lot of noise for some reviewers
9. LeapFrog Learn & Groove Musical Table
Editor’s Rating:
It can be a hurdle for little fingers to master the coordination required to hold musical instruments, this LeapFrog Learn & Groove Musical Table will allow the young one interact and explore with the sounds produced by different musical instruments that you can introduce them to later.
This toy helps your child build coordination even if they don’t understand the lyrics of the song yet. Additionally, LeapFrog Learn & Groove Musical Table features sturdy plastic material construction and includes bilingual play options in English or Spanish.
Pros
- Well made
- Lightweight
- Offers lots of music, and sound options
- Builds coordination
Cons
- Price tag
10. Baby Einstein Octoplush Plush Toy
Editor’s Rating:
Baby Einstein Octoplush Plush Toy includes a squeezable, soft, and huggable stuffed octopus that is both interactive and fun. It features soft, cozy material construction and comes in a bright color, making it an attractive toy right out of the box.
Additionally, this toy’s structure and colors helps to develop the child’s sensory and can be utilized as a lullaby toy to keep the child calm, soothe, and lift their spirit. It’s also effortless to use as she pushes the buttons to manipulate the Baby Einstein Octoplush Plush Toy.
Pros
- Excellent toy for sensory activities
- Great value
- Low volume
- Soft and cuddly
Cons
- The quality of the tentacles could be improved
11. Fisher-Price Soccer Ball Toy
Editor’s Rating:
Music is the first information processed by a young brain. This Fisher-Price toy encourages active play. Additionally, it includes three interactive modes which introduce the young learner to songs and phrases.
It comes with a power and volume control button to regulate the sound. It’s comfortable to hold, easy to move, and comes with exiting learning activities about colors, numbers, and rewarding phrases. This toy is machine washable and safe for use by little boys and girls.
Pros
- Encourages learning through active play
- Volume control for a quiet game
- Engaging and fun toy
- Affordable
Cons
- The quality could be improved
12. Discover & Play Piano Musical Toy
Editor’s Rating:
Recommended Age: 1-3
Music is one of the languages that both the young and old appreciate. This little piano introduces babies to instruments, animals, and numbers. Baby taps on to the softly designed keys and gets entertained by instruments mode by the wonderful sounds of the drum, violin, or horn. The animal mode produces sounds made by animals such as meow, woof, or quack, while numeric mode will introduce numbers 1 to 5 in English, Spanish and French.
Pros
- Portable
- Soft, easy to touch keys
- Volume control
- Comes with batteries
Cons
- Keys are not separate
13. JOYIN Dancing Walking Yellow Duck Baby Toy
Editor’s Rating:
The JOYIN Dancing Walking Yellow Duck Baby Toy is a musical duck with lots of movement and buttons to push and spin, making it fun for little boys and girls. It features multiple modes that can play seven different melodies to help develop your child’s listening skills, sense of music, and rhythm.
Additionally, the toy features safe and durable ABS plastic construction and bid colorful buttons and lights that encourage the baby to touch and press to enhance gross and fine motor skills. Besides, the little one will also grow hand-eye coordination as they discover the joy of music.
Pros
- The lights and waddling movement of the duct attracts the baby and enhances them to move
- Durable
- Improves auditory learning
- Hones finger dexterity
Cons
- Lacks a variety of sounds and music
14. Baby Einstein Musical Toy
Editor’s Rating:
Baby Einstein Take Along Tunes includes seven melodies that light up thanks to the AA batteries included in the package. Additionally, the toy comes with a volume control button that allows quiet play.
This musical instrument is easy to use thanks to the ergonomic handle included that helps the young one develop gross and fine motor skills as they learn how to hold the toy in their hands properly. Besides, since the little one uses this instrument while sitting or standing, it requires muscle control and coordination.
Pros
- Perfectly sized for little hands
- Develops gross and fine motor skills
- Entertaining
Cons
- We wish it included a variety of songs and sounds
15. Fantastic Zone Light Up Dancing and Singing Musical Duck
Editor’s Rating:
This musical toy duck features sturdy ABS plastic construction and comes with vibrant colors and songs that enhance the emotional well being of the toddler. Besides, the lyrics produced will help the young one expand vocabulary and develop language skills.
Additionally, the Fantastic Zone Light Up Dancing and Singing Musical Duck sings and makes fun movements prompting your child to dance along which improves and strengthens the growing muscles making it an excellent holiday and birthday gift for little boys and girls.
Pros
- Great value
- Easy to play
- Quality construction
- Adorable toy
Cons
- We wish it had a variety of sounds and melodies
16. WolVol Electric Toy Drum Set
Editor’s Rating:
Like any other skill, playing a musical instrument require time to master. This WolVol Electric Drum set features a cymbal, microphone, two drum sticks, and a stool to provides hours of fun and equip the little one with a love of music.
The toy features sturdy plastic construction to last a long time. It also comes with vivid bright colors making it a perfect choice for little boys and girls due to the vast array of attractive features and functions. They can play the drum in freestyle, listen to the melodies, and enjoy hours of entertainment.
Pros
- A versatile tool for learning
- Fun hours of entertainment
- Enhances gross and fine motor skills
- Encourages musical development
Cons
- The plastic is too hard, and the stool is a little unstable
17. Little Ticks PopTunes Keyboard
Editor’s Rating:
The toy includes a sturdy build to handle some abuse and constant play. Additionally, the PopTunes keyboard comes with two volume settings that allow you to adjust the sound for a quiet game. Besides, the bright colors will keep little boys and girls entertained as they play their favorite tunes and melodies.
The PopTunes keyboard will help the little one build coordination and encourage them to move as they listen to the different tunes, which in turn develops motor and gross skills. The melodies are entertaining and will offer the young one with hours of entertainment.
Pros
- Develops gross and motor skills
- Affordable
- Sturdy build
- Hours of entertainment
Cons
- Can be loud and a little annoying to parents
18. Otamatone Unicorn Japanese Electronic Musical Instrument
Editor’s Rating:
This Otamatone is an excellent learning tool that will help your child develop coordination even when they don’t understand the lyrics of the music yet. The miniature musical instrument is a Japanese choice instrument that will allow the little one to develop the sensory organs.
The toy features a sturdy plastic construction and comes in bright colors that will allow the young one to identify sound patterns and learn colors. Besides, your child will learn new tunes and dance moves when they play with this miniature Otamatone.
Pros
- Adorable toy
- Offers hours of play
- Helps babies identify sound patterns
- Fun and easy to play
Cons
- Tends to be loud
19. Mellisa & Doug Chomp and Clack Alligator Push Toy
Editor’s Rating:
The Push toy allows active play as your baby flexes every muscle as they push the Chomp and Clack Alligator around. Besides, the toy features sturdy construction and high craftsmanship with precision making it a safe toy for children aged 12 months and above.
Additionally, the toy encourages the development of gross and fine motor skills. The push toy includes three chopping alligators, ladybug beads, and printed fish patterns on the wheels. Chomp and Clack Alligator Push Toy is colorful and will make an instant hit to little boys and girls.
Pros
- Develops gross and fine motor skills
- Builds muscles
- Sturdy construction
- Stimulates young brains
Cons
- We wish it had pre-programmed melodies
20. JOYIN Cute Animal Piano Keyboard Toy
Editor’s Rating:
The keyboard features four different instrumental sounds, including piano sounds, electronic flash drum, and funny animal sounds for fun hours of play. This toy fosters creativity and helps stimulate curiosity in very young children. Besides, this miniature keyboard requires hand-eye coordination to strike the correct keys.
The toy promotes restful sleep and relaxation, which can be beneficial to the overall development of the young one. At the same time, will enhance emotional well being of your baby as they release pent-up energies, especially if they get frustrated easily.
Pros
- Enhances the emotional well being
- Reinforces language skills
- Provides continuous learning
- Bright and colorful
Cons
- Price tag
21. B Toys Drumroll Please Drum Kit
Editor’s Rating:
B Toys Drumroll Please Drum Kit features seven pieces of instruments and an easy to store and carry storage bag that allows you to keep away the toys after use. Additionally, the toys are brightly colored and come in different textures that help the young one develop healthy sensory organs.
The kit notably features bumps and bristles, knobs and different handles that encourage the little one to move, develop gross and fine motor skills. Besides, this toy will help strengthen and improve the small muscles.
Pros
- Builds coordination
- Keeps the young one engaged and entertained
- Portable
- Sturdy construction
Cons
- The whistle doesn’t play
22. Forstart Learn-To-Play Musical Toy
Editor’s Rating:
The Forstart Learn-To-Play Musical Toy features lots of different sounds settings with moving characters that make this instrument unique. The colorful lights develop the sensory organs and help the child identify various colors.
This toy stimulates learning and brain development. Forstart Learn-To-Play Musical instrument has inbuilt lyrics that include the piano, accordion, guitar, and the saxophone. Besides, there are different sounds along with lights that work along with the melodies.
Pros
- Promotes hand-eye coordination
- Well built
- Entertaining
- Fun and adorable
Cons
- Price tag
23. Infantino Hug and Tug Musical Bug
Editor’s Rating:
Infantino Hug and Tug Musical Bug features two clacker rings, pick n’ see mirror and eight knotty legs. It includes high-quality materials and plastic rings that are safe and free of any harmful chemicals.
The toy helps to increase motor skills and coordination as they play with Infantino Hug and Tug Musical Bug. Besides, the bug will lift the mood of your baby and soothe them when they are upset.
Pros
- Well made
- Fun toy
- Helps to develop motor skills and coordination
Cons
- We wish it had extra tunes
24. Fisher-Price Pink and Purple Maracas
Editor’s Rating:
The Fisher-Price Rattle n’ Rock Maracas includes high-quality ABS plastic construction and comes in a variety of colors, textures to help stimulate the babies senses. The toy is unbreakable and child-safe, making it a durable option that will serve you a long time.
Additionally, this maracas allows your child to express their skills and enhances creativity. Fisher-Price included colorful beads on the handle that help the little one to hold it firmly as he shakes the maracas. Besides, this toy features the perfect size for little hands.
Pros
- Stimulates baby’s developing sensory organs
- Soft, colorful pompoms
- Improves gross motor skills
- Affordable
Cons
- The edges could be adjusted
25. Hape Mighty Mini Band Wooden Percussion Instrument
Editor’s Rating:
This Mini Band Instrument features five different musical elements that include a wooden drum, a xylophone, cymbals, a clapper, and a guiro. The toy also notably includes wood sourced from environmentally sustainable forests and meets all the safety standards.
Additionally, this toy develops creativity skills as the child expresses themselves when playing. It can also withstand much abuse from little hands thanks to the durable and sturdy construction.
Pros
- Well made
- A variety of musical options
- Enhances gross and fine motor skills
Cons
- Tends to be noisy
26. Vtech Zoom Jamz Stompin’ Fun Drums
Editor’s Rating:
The Vtech Zoom Jamz Stompin’ Fun Drums set features a bright elephant bass drum and four modes that include rock, orchestra, and many silly animal sounds that keep the baby entertained for hours of fun. Additionally, the toy contains four game modes that encourage the little one to count, memorize, and sing along.
The drum set includes electronic drum panels powered by two AA batteries. The music and rhythm that this toy will produce stimulates areas of development and helps prepare little boys and girls brains for language and movement.
Pros
- Offers a variety of music
- Development of gross and fine motor skills
- Easy to clean
- Great value
Cons
- The quality could be improved
27. Kilofy Kids Mini Band Musical Instruments
Editor’s Rating:
The Kilofy Kids Mini Band Musical instruments is an entertaining and educational tool that features 12 pieces of devices including, shakers, maracas, xylophones, guitar, wrist bells, and more. The set introduces your child to different musical instruments making it a perfect starter kit for your kid to enjoy.
Besides, it includes high-quality construction and a spacious bag that allows you to keep all the toys together and easy to store away after play. The pieces are easy to clean and feature safe materials that will not harm your baby.
Pros
- Sturdy construction
- Durable
- Great value
- Variety of play
Cons
- Choking hazard for the chewy toddlers
28. Baby Genius Step to Step Dance Mat
Editor’s Rating:
The Baby Genius Step to Step Dance Mat features ten multi-colored keyboard keys that produce guitar, piano, clarinet, saxophone, harp sounds, and more. It included a volume button that adjusts the volume when needed.
Music encourages kids to move to help them develop motor and gross motor skills. This toy will allow your child to learn new tunes and dance moves, especially when played in the company of other children. Besides, the rhythm is entertaining, which makes the toddler move up and down, which helps in muscle development, and balance.
Pros
- Develops fine motor and gross skills
- Helps to learn new tunes
- Fun
- Affordable
Cons
- The quality could be improved
29. Hohner Accordions Kids Musical Toys
Editor’s Rating:
This musical toy features a baby maraca with smooth small beads that hits the side of the plastic, making a decent loud noise while the plastic tambourine adds extra fun. Hohner Accordions Kids Musical kit is easy to manipulate and features high-quality plastic material construction, making it safe for use.
Kids are naturally curious and will enjoy exploring different sounds with a range of musical educational toy. This toy will help promote creativity, boost cognitive skills, and develop sensory development.
Pros
- Sturdy plastic construction
- Excellent toy for the musically-inclined infant
- Fun hours of play
- Incorporates music time
Cons
- The clapper is not so rewarding to shake
30. Baby Einstein Musical Toy, Tunes Neptune
Editor’s Rating:
The toy features soft and textured material construction to encourage tactile play and help your baby develop cognitively, socially, and emotionally. Before your child learns how to speak, it’s often difficult to know what is wrong when they’re upset. Baby Einstein Musical Toy allows sensory play that helps the little one develop language, cognitive, and improves social interactions.
This stuffed animal sensory toy helps your baby to chew on it and relieve sore gums, which has a longterm benefit in the little one’s physical and mental development. The soft body and soft textured fins are all bite-worthy.
Pros
- Improves physical and mental developments
- Hours of entertainment
- Safe and good for teething
- Supports language development
Cons
- The music plays for a short period
Bottom Line
It’s hard to emphasize the significance of music in the early stages of a baby’s life. Song, sounds, and tunes stimulate different areas of development such as hand-eye coordination, gross and fine motor skills, strengthens growing muscles, and enhances creativity.
An early introduction to a musical environment will significantly add to your child’s cognitive and sensory growth. Besides, early recognition of music offers the young one will love for the subject later in life.
In addition to purchasing a perfect musical toy that meets the needs of your baby, ensure that all toys and musical instruments are kept safe and clean. Don’t leave your toddler without adult supervision when playing with any toy and confirm your pick comes with no removable parts.