3 Musical Toys That Support Children's Cognitive and Emotional Development
Music is part of our everyday lives. From birth, parents instinctively sing lullabies to soothe their babies or lift their spirits when they are fussy. We often use music to create positive feelings.
But did you know that music can help young children's brain development?
It is not just about listening to music. Learning to play an instrument is also important for children's cognitive and emotional development.
Some research has found links between playing music and children's language and rhythm skills. Its effects on mathematical ability remain inconclusive, but playing music with parents is certainly a form of play that supports development across many areas (HealthyChildren.org).
This is because learning language and learning the basics of music are very similar. Children learn to recognise their parents' tone of voice before they can understand words, just as they can hear music and respond emotionally before they understand the lyrics.
At 3 - 6 months, babies begin experimenting with a variety of sounds. Parents will recognise this as a #MagicalMoment, when their little ones start babbling away without forming any recognisable words.
At this stage, babies learn consonant sounds first and try making sounds in rhythm… See how similar that is to learning musical notes?
What's more, studies suggest that children who frequently listen to and play music tend to have a good sense of rhythm, a skill needed for learning language.
To appreciate how closely the power of music relates to your child's growth, consider how exploring different instruments, whether banging a drum or shaking a tambourine, can help develop the same areas of the brain needed for learning language!
Each musical toy offers different benefits. Let's explore the strengths of each type of instrument—and remember to consider your little one's interests, too.
Drums and Percussion Instruments
Drums and tambourines are toys that most children enjoy, because putting their energy into a rapid burst of beats is so much fun.
If your child is aged 1 - 2 years and loves percussion instruments, remember that drumming requires them to listen, watch and move both hands at the same time.
Children need to use different parts of their brains to listen to and understand the music while creating their own rhythms.
Playing drums also helps develop analytical thinking and creativity, as well as a range of movement and coordination skills.
Why not let your child try the Baby Drum? It lets children explore music and practise different skills, with flashing lights adding extra excitement. Learning life's rhythms can be so much fun!
Keyboards and Electronic Music
Learning piano and keyboard is a wonderful way to express yourself and give your brain a workout!
Playing a keyboard supports coordination because children need to move their two hands independently. It also helps develop reading and language skills.
If your child loves playing the piano and wants to start learning at a young age, Hape offers the Deluxe Grand Piano, a classic white wooden piano with 30 electronic keys. It is ideal for encouraging your child to explore the wonders of music and create their own symphonies.
If you are looking for a different kind of musical toy that your toddler might enjoy, try the DJ Mix & Spin Studio.
This portable DJ studio gives toddlers a chance to scratch their very first track and press buttons that make a variety of funny sounds. Let them groove to the beat!
Guitars
If your child dreams of becoming a rock star, a guitar can help them get started. Playing guitar and other string instruments helps improve memory, patience and concentration.
The Red flame guitar and Flower power Guitar are just the right size for children aged 3 years and up who want to learn an instrument. Made from smoothly polished wood, they can be strummed like real guitars and look cool wherever your child takes them.
The key to choosing musical toys for your child is to "choose age-appropriate toys" and "pay attention to the materials they are made from" to help keep your little one safe. Whenever possible, choose toys made from sustainable, environmentally friendly materials.
Safety precautions: Do not hold loud musical toys close to your child's ears. Choose models with adjustable volume. Battery-operated toys must have a battery compartment secured with a screw, and children under 3 years should not play with toys containing small parts. Some models mentioned in this article may no longer be available. Browse current musical toys at Hape and Children's Toys.
Read more: How to Spot Musical Intelligence in Your Child and 4 Ways to Introduce Your Toddler to the World of Music
We hope parents and caregivers now have a better understanding of how music benefits their little one's development and growth. It's time for a concert at home! Are you ready?
If you are looking for an excellent developmental toy, Hape is a great choice. We offer a wide range of wooden toys that support children's development at every age.
Founded in 1986, this global wooden toy brand (Hape) is known for its colours, fun and support for well-rounded development at every age.
Thoughtfully designed around how children learn, these toys help them practise important skills such as seeing, listening, observing, fine motor skills, problem-solving, imagination and creativity. They also support integrated academic learning through STEAM.
With sturdy designs and durable materials, these toys focus on supporting children's development while making safety a priority. They feature non-toxic colours and FSC quality-controlled wood. Their strength and durability give them a long lifespan and make them environmentally friendly.
These qualities have helped Hape become a global wooden toy brand that meets ICTI, CCIB, ISO 14001 and ISO 9001 standards.
It is easy to see how Hape wooden toys can enrich these activities and help keep children away from screens.
What matters most is sharing happy moments as a family, because where there is love, there is a complete home! What activities do you and your child enjoy together? 😁
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