Musical instruments toys for children of all ages
Music is considered as a universal language and is a vital part of human culture and society around the world. It’s a powerful way to communicate and express our emotions. Importantly, research shows that music has many developmental benefits for young children. Playing with musical instruments has even more advantages. Therefore, as parents and caregivers, we should consider introducing music and musical toys/instruments to our babies and toddlers as early as possible.
Benefits of Musical Instruments Toys
The main benefits of musical toys or musical instruments for babies and toddlers:
Support cognitive and sensory development
Research emphasizes the importance of music in children’s brain development as it stimulates neural pathways in the brain which are responsible for learning and memory. When playing with musical toys, it also activates babies and toddlers' senses, including holding (touching), hearing, balancing, and movement. They also learn the concept of cause and effect through playing with musical toys.
Develop communication skills
Research also shows that babies who are exposed to music are likely to speak earlier as the patterns and rhythms of music help their brain to transfer the information more efficiently.
Improve Literacy and numeracy
Through singing songs and playing with musical toys, babies and toddlers can improve their literacy and numeracy. They develop their vocabulary through songs. They also learn basic mathematics, such as patterns and fractions through creating musical beats or listening to music.
Develop fine and gross motor skills
Musical instruments toys are great tools to help enhance babies and toddlers’ fine and gross motor skills if parents/caregivers know how to choose suitable instruments for their kids. Learning to hold or play an instrument required the work of different muscle areas. By dancing and playing with musical toys frequently, children can strengthen their fine and gross motor skills.
Boost creativity and imagination
Playing with musical toys can also promote children’s creativity as they learn to make different sounds using different musical instruments. They could even come up with their own songs/pieces of music.
Teach patience and perseverance
Playing musical instruments requires time and focus. Children will enjoy the sense of accomplishment. Even if they just create a simple beat by mimicking others, it can teach them patience and perseverance and helps to build their confidence.
Social and emotional skills
Spending time and playing musical toys with your kids can greatly create fun, happy and bonding experiences. In addition, playing music with others helps children improve their social skills as they have fun together and make friends. They also learn to
Encourage self-expression
Musical toys are great tools to encourage children to express their feelings, especially since they are not capable of communicating verbally yet.
Best musical toys for babies:
- Shakers
- Rattles
- Maracas
- Spinning bell
Best musical toys for toddlers and preschoolers:
- Maracas
- Tambourine
- Xylophone
- Bar chime
- Castanet
- Pat bell
Music is the best way to bring joy to people and families all over the world. Let’s keep this very exciting world a little more inspiring and positive everyday to your little treasured ones!