Musical Instruments For Toddlers
Fun Musical Instruments for Toddlers
Musical instruments for toddlers can be a great way to encourage your little one to get rid of excess energy, hone his motor skills, and to just have fun! The idea of buying toddler-sized instruments may seem like an expensive move, but it really doesn’t have to be. We are going to talk about the most popular types of musical instruments for toddlers as well as the benefits that your little one can reap from each instrument.
A drum can be a fabulous toy for your little guy or gal. You can purchase drums to be used with sticks or drums meant for the hands, such as bongo drums. Toddler drum toys vary quite a lot depending upon the brand name and how realistic the drums are. You may want to consider buying a cheap drum from a second hand music shop. You are likely to find a nice set of bongo drums for about $20, which is absolutely brilliant for younger toddlers. If you want to improve your child’s depth perception and hand-eye coordination then keep your eyes open for drums that require drumsticks.
One of the best musical instruments for toddlers can be summed up in one word: maracas. I know what you’re thinking, but try not to cringe away from the idea of getting your rug-rat a pair. Maracas are, in essence, like big rattles and we all know how much kids like to shake things up! Encourage your little one to create their own song to the beat of the maracas and make a big show of dancing for them. Your child will unconsciously gain better control of his hands and arms by experimenting with different shake-beats. These can be bought online for a price of anywhere from five dollars and up.
Although it may drive you a little nuts at first, a harmonica is a really great toy and instrument for toddlers. Whether you invest in a “real” harmonica or opt for a child’s toy harmonica, your child will reap the same benefits from either type. Not only will your child find this instrument to be both interesting and fun, but all of the controlled breathing will have them well on their way to strengthening the muscles of the diaphragm.
The xylophone is another instrument that can be purchased as a true instrument or as more of a child’s toy. Both are equally as helpful in helping your little one gain a better sense of hand-eye coordination and muscle control. –But that’s not all! Your child can eventually associate a certain tone with each bar on the xylophone (especially if you teach them easy tunes such as Mary Had a Little Lamb), which encourages your child to strengthen their memory.
This next one might seem a little over the top to some parents, but it doesn’t have to be. A child-sized acoustic guitar could be just the thing to give your toddler’s musical interest a kick-start. It also helps your child develop a keen dexterity in the hands and fingers. You don’t have to feel pressured to invest in guitar lessons—your child will have plenty of fun messing around with the different cause and effect sensations that guitar playing creates. Plus, children seem to be drawn to play with guitars, even if they don’t understand the concept of strumming and chords!
There are many other great musical instruments for toddlers available out there, and you can even endeavor to make your own with the bits you may have lying around the house. Music can have an amazing impact on your child’s mental development and even more so when the child has hands-on access to instruments!