Musical Instruments

Real instruments sized for small hands - xylophones with actual notes, tambourines with proper jingles, and shakers your baby can grip from 6 months. All made from FSC-certified wood with water-based paints, because a first instrument should sound good and be safe to chew on.

5 Products

Instruments by Age

Musical play looks very different at 6 months than it does at 3 years. Here's what works when:

6-12 months: Shakers and rattles. Your baby shakes, it makes a sound - that's the whole experience, and it's exactly right for this stage. The grip is reflexive at first and becomes intentional over these months.
12-24 months: Xylophones, tambourines, and small percussion. Your toddler can now aim a strike and connect with a surface, which opens up instruments that require hand-eye coordination. The xylophone produces five distinct notes, so there's actual pitch variety.
2-3 years: Percussion sets and combination instruments. At this age, your child can start experimenting with rhythm, volume, and patterns. Sets that include multiple instruments let them switch between sounds.

Instruments as Sensory Play

For the youngest babies, instruments are really sensory toys that happen to make noise. A wooden shaker provides sound, texture, weight, and visual interest all at once. That's why instruments appear in our Baby & Toddler collection too - they cross the line between toy and instrument naturally.

What's in a Percussion Set

Percussion sets bundle multiple instruments into one box - typically a tambourine, shaker, castanet, and one or two other rhythm instruments. They're the best value if your child enjoys musical play, and the variety keeps things interesting longer than a single instrument would.

Our Wooden Toys & Games collection includes all the same instruments alongside pull toys, stackers, and puzzles if you want to browse wooden formats together.

Instruments as Gifts

A wooden xylophone or tambourine is a popular first birthday gift because it's genuinely fun from 12 months and stays in rotation well past age 2. The FSC-certified wood and bright water-based paint give it a look and feel that stands apart from plastic alternatives.

For a bigger gift, a percussion set covers more ground and comes in a box that works as storage. And for parents who appreciate a quieter option alongside the instruments, our Summer Boredom Busters collection has activity card packs and creative formats that balance out the noise.

Frequently Asked Questions

What age can a baby start with instruments?

6 months for shakers and rattles. 12 months for xylophones and tambourines. The key milestone is being able to grip an object deliberately and either shake it or strike a surface with it.

Are the instruments safe for mouthing?

Yes. All instruments use FSC-certified wood, water-based paints, and water-based varnish. They meet CPSIA, ASTM, and CE safety standards for oral contact at the rated age.

How many notes does the xylophone have?

Five notes on tuned metal keys. The notes are distinct enough for your child to hear pitch differences, which is the first step in musical awareness.

What's included in a percussion set?

Contents vary by set but typically include a tambourine, shaker, castanet, and one or two additional rhythm instruments. All components use FSC-certified wood. Check the product page for specific contents.

Are the instruments loud?

They produce real sound - that's the point - but they're scaled for small hands, so the volume is proportional. A toddler hitting a xylophone isn't as loud as an adult would be. Shakers and castanets are the quietest options.

Do the instruments help with development?

Yes. Musical play at this age builds hand-eye coordination, rhythm awareness, cause-and-effect understanding, and sensory processing. Instruments that require striking (xylophone, tambourine) also develop aim and timing.

What's the difference between a shaker and a rattle?

Functionally they're very similar - both make a sound when shaken. Shakers are typically a self-contained wooden shape (egg, cylinder) with internal beads. Rattles often have a handle and a head. Both work from 6 months.

Can instruments be cleaned?

Wipe with a damp cloth and mild soap. Don't submerge in water. The metal xylophone keys can be wiped separately. Avoid harsh cleaners that could strip the water-based paint finish.