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Image: MomJunction Design Team
When your child is still little, they are much more capable of forming habits and learning new skills, such as playing a musical instrument. To start off, you can gift them the best baby xylophone to teach them all about tones, rhythms, scales, and octaves, thus exposing them to the language of music.
Of course, it might seem like your child is simply hammering away with their mallet, but with practice, they will start to develop a more defined musical acumen. Xylophones are colorful and visually stimulating and are great for honing children’s creativity, dexterity, motor skills, sensory skills, hand-eye coordination, and more.
However, choosing the correct xylophone is a necessity, as you don’t want to get stuck with an instrument that feels gimmicky and doesn’t fully engage your little one. We have listed the top xylophones for babies that sound great, are durable, and have been tried and tested by many. Keep scrolling.
Top Picks
15 Best Xylophones For Babies And Kids In 2024
1. Best Child-Safe: Hape Pound & Tap Bench With Slide Out Xylophone
Let your little one explore different sounds and notes by pounding on the balls and letting them fall on the musical keys or by pulling out the xylophone to create their own innovative music with a wooden mallet. This xylophone instrument enhances hand-eye coordination, arm movement, dexterity, audio recognition, musical exploration, and fine motor skills.
It also promotes problem-solving, spatial, matching, and critical thinking skills and understanding of the relationship between cause and effect.This xylophone has undergone multiple tests and has rounded edges, well-polished wooden surfaces, and bright rainbow colors to give your toddler many years of joy. Check out this video review of a tester’s experience to make an informed decision.
Pros
- Made of durable material
- Child-safe and non-toxic finish
- Water-based paint
- Ideal for introducing your little one to music
Cons
- Sound quality could have been better
- May be slightly heavy for some
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
Over 15,208 Amazon shoppers have left good reviews about this product, citing its quality features and benefits.
2. Best PVC-Free: Skip Hop Explore & More Fox Xylophone
Image: Skip Hop This cute little fox xylophone for babies has eight keys in different colors, which toddlers can tap with the attached mallet to discover their musical talent and be as creative as they want. These eight keys cover the full range of musical notes and promote the development of fine motor skills and creative skills.
The mallet is attached to a cord and encourages them to make music wherever they go while preventing the mallet from getting misplaced. The mallet and cord can also be used by your toddler to drag the xylophone that has wheels attached. The fox xylophone measures 13x6x4in and has the mallet stored under the belly.
Pros
- Free of PVC and phthalates
- Lightweight design
- Fox bobs up and down
- Has smooth wheels to move easily
Cons
- Xylophone may be a bit wider than expected
- Tune might be slightly off
"This product stands out due to its dual functionality. Apart from enjoying it as a musical toy, my child also uses it as a pull-along toy, which allows her to work on her balancing skills. Its attached mallet is also much appreciated as it eliminates the risk of misplacing it."
Quick tip3. Best Non-Toxic: Rolimate Hammering & Pounding Xylophone
This unique and innovative four-in-one toy includes a tap table, three colorful wooden balls, six colorful wood blocks in different shapes, a wooden hammer, and a xylophone with two xylophone sticks. The safety-tested xylophone features eight different notes, which enhance their auditory and creative skills. It also comes with a colorful shape sorter that helps them recognize various colors and shapes, and pounding the colorful balls promotes tactile development.
The numbers and patterns on the wooden blocks stimulate their imagination and creativity. Made of natural beech wood, the surfaces are well polished, the edges are rounded, ensuring that your toddler is always safe. Take a look at this video to learn about the merits and demerits of the expert-approved product.
Pros
- Water-based and fade-resistant paint
- Non-toxic and free of BPA, lead, and phthalates
- Eco-friendly
- ASTM and EN71-approved
- Sensory toy for children with autism
- Burr-free edges
- Compact and easy to store
Cons
- Balls may crack
- May require adult supervision
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
Over 8,902 satisfied customers on Amazon have said good things about the product.
Hape Pound & Tap Bench With Slide Out Xylophone Best Child-Safe | Skip Hop Explore & More Fox Xylophone Best PVC-Free | Rolimate Hammering & Pounding Xylophone Best Non-Toxic | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 4.8 ounces | 3.87 ounces | 1.1 pounds |
| Dimensions | 9.4 x 5.3 x 5.9 inches | 6 x 4 x 13 inches | 9.5 x 6 x 6.5 inches |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 15,208 | 3,849 | 8,902 |
| Price | $27.99 | $17.99 | $29.99 |
4. Best Versatile: Ohuhu Baby Xylophone
Introduce your little one to music with this versatile toy xylophone. It has ten classical songs and eight preprogrammed nursery rhymes to let children learn something new and play along. Let your child have their own concert with this all-in-one set. You can choose between the sound effects of a xylophone, trumpet, guitar, piano solmization, and color words.
The rainbow-colored keys help children learn colors, numbers, and animal sounds and are a great educational tool. This mom-approved xylophone also includes a whac-a-mole game with five levels, two modes for music and songs, jazz drum, and three kinds of drum beats. Unlike simple traditional xylophones, this includes a whac-a-mole game with five levels, two modes for music and songs, jazz drum, and three kinds of drum beats. This colorful xylophone is part instrument and part learning tool, with loads of fun. Your little child will master rhythm, notes, counting, and animal identification.
Pros
- Comes with a volume controller
- Includes dual drumstick slots
- Comes with a bottom stand for positioning the xylophone
- Sparks creativity
- Bright colors
Cons
- Some buttons may be not be durable enough
- Keys may wobble over time
"Playing with this toy has helped my son improve his hand-eye coordination. Its base is slightly wobbly, but my son is not too bothered by it. He just loves listening to its varied animal sounds. Plus, the toy is so much fun that even I can't resist joining in at times."
Did you know?5. Best For Learning: Fisca 3-in-1 Musical Instruments
This interesting musical toy includes an electronic xylophone, a piano keyboard, and a beat drum set. The xylophone for children can be played in the glockenspiel mode, xylophone mode, animal mode with seven animal sounds, and 1-to-8-number mode. The beat drum set can be played in the play mode as a jazz drum and djembe, while the music mode has three beats and nine songs. Further, it includes a whack-a-mole game with five levels of difficulty.
The piano keyboard can be played in the piano mode, solmization mode, trumpet mode, guitar mode, and color mode with eight colors. This musical toy encourages curiosity, imitation, and exploration, and enhances cognitive and visual development in a fun way. It also helps children recognize musical scales, numbers, instruments, colors, animals, and animal sounds.
Pros
- Made of high-quality plastic
- Smooth surfaces with no rough edges
- Encourages learning
- Easy to assemble
- Makes a great gift for children
Cons
- Drum sticks may be smaller than expected
- Animal sounds may sound funny
"Despite being compact, this versatile musical toy keeps my child entertained with its drums, piano, and xylophone. Its assortment of sounds and music is ideal for all his developmental stages and skills. Plus, it even has a little storage area for the sticks."
6. Best For Enhancing Creativity: VTech Zoo Jamx Xylophone – Green
Let your child make this caterpillar their new friend and learn music at the same time. This adorable caterpillar has three interactive modes and several levels of fun. It features eight xylophone bars that light up to play songs and musical notes. Your child can watch the caterpillar play a song and then mimic it, or they can follow the lights on the keys note by note to learn how to play a song.
They can also use their imagination to create their own music by tapping the keys with the attached mallet. The caterpillar xylophone for kids plays both old and new tunes and moves its head from side to side. Your baby can also use the mallet to pull the caterpillar and play music wherever they go.
Pros
- Teaches sing-along songs
- Enhances creativity
- Multiple levels of games
- Multiple color options
Cons
- Rope may be short
- Batteries may exhaust quickly
"This toy gives my toddler ample sensory stimulation and pleasure with its light-up feature. Though I found the mallet's string to be a bit too short, it doesn't dampen the excitement. The play-along-the-song feature is also worth mentioning."
Quick factWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
Over 1,009 customers on Amazon have opined that this is one of the best products in its category.
7. Best Odorless: Kidwill Baby Xylophone
This multifunctional toy can be used as a musical xylophone, a classic pounding bench, and a number maze puzzle. The wooden toy xylophone has eight notes, which your child can tap with the mallet to improve musical skills and audio recognition. The whack-a-mole game on the other side has ten hamster pegs that pop up and down, and as two mallets and two hammers are included, your child can play this entertaining game with friends.
This game enhances fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and strengthens arm muscles. The number maze puzzle offers food for the brain and improves number recognition. This toy is beautifully designed for your baby’s small hands to touch and grasp and makes a great gift for birthdays, festivals, and all other occasions.
Pros
- Made of high-quality wood
- Sturdy and durable
- Smooth finish
- Non-toxic
- Odorless water-based paint
- Delicate print and patterns
Cons
- No dedicated storage space for mallets
- Wood may not be splinter-proof
8. Best BPA-Free: Top Bright Wooden Xylophone For Kids
Image: Top Bright Your little toddler will love this safety-tested xylophone with its eight rainbow-colored keys and accurate tuning. Each key matches the notes assigned to them on which your baby can create beautiful melodies. Its durable and long-lasting wooden base gives your kid many years of joy on the xylophone. Included are three classical music sheets, which encourage your budding music lover to play simple and fun songs and also familiarize themselves with rhythms, octaves, and intervals.
It also enhances fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination, develops muscles, and improves dexterity while also teaching them to recognize and match colors. Made of natural wood and securely attached metal keys, this expert-approved toy xylophone is extremely safe for your child.
Pros
- Mallets made of plastic material
- Smooth surface
- ASTM-certified
- Storage space for mallets
- Sturdy wooden base
- Free of odor, BPA, lead, and phthalates
Cons
- Sounds may not be consistent
- Sticks may be thin
"Introducing my son to the joys of music and musical instruments has been a breeze with this toy. Besides being a fun plaything, its color-coded musical sheed is perfect for creating melodic music and improving color recognition and matching skills."
9. Best For Fine Motor Skills: Baby Einstein Magic Touch Xylophone
Image: Baby Einstein Encourage your baby to express themselves with this delightful xylophone, which they can play either in instructor mode or freestyle mode. Your baby can tap out new tunes with the mallet in the freestyle mode and discover the relationship between sound and effect in the instructor mode.
Your baby can play instrumental sounds with just a touch, thanks to its magic touch technology. It features more than 30 melodies and sounds as well as colored keys and lights that will delight any child. It has the added advantage of three levels of volume control to let you control the volume as per your requirements.
Pros
- Smooth edges
- Attached mallet
- Hones fine motor skills
- Easy-to-operate buttons
- Free of PVS, lead, and phthalates
Cons
- Wood may not be splinter-proof
- May be slightly wobbly
"Its non-metal construction is perfect for my munchkin’s independent play scenarios. I wish it were equipped with suction cups to keep it in place. Nonetheless, it's proven to be a delightful find as its interactive lights and sound captivate my daughter for hours."
10. Best Eco-Friendly: Musicube Xylophone For Kids
This fantastic musical instrument kit, a trusted choice, includes a xylophone, a harmonica, two music cards, and two wooden mallets. It is perfect for children above the age of three years. The beginner instrument, known for its proven performance, has eight colorful keys in C major for great sound and a realistic experience—an ideal kit to begin their musical education. It features two wooden mallets that can be stored in the wooden base so that it doesn’t get misplaced.
The keys are attached to the wooden base with plastic nails to prevent your baby from being hurt. They also feature cushions to stabilize the sound. Perfect for improving gross motor skills, cognitive development, and eye-hand coordination, it also enhances creativity as they explore new possibilities while creating music. It is expert-approved and includes a diatonic 20t, ten-hole harmonica that goes well with this xylophone so children can start their own little band.
Pros
- Made of eco-friendly plywood
- Accurately tuned metal keys
- Includes two music cards
- Has smooth edges
- Non-toxic and ASTM-certified
Cons
- Stick may not be break-resistant
- Keys may wobble over time
"The sturdy wooden build of this toy assures me of its durability, and the rainbow colors are very welcoming. My daughter loves pushing the keys while singing rhymes and pretend songs. It has also helped improve her motor skills and concentration, so I consider it worthwhile."
11. Best Rust-Resistant:Munchkin Dingray Xylophone Musical Bath Toy
Make bath time even more fun for your baby with this musical bath toy, a trusted choice that they can use even outside the tub. It features a xylophone shaped like a stingray, along with a mallet for tapping the keys and creating music. Made of soft and durable material, it has five colorful keys and can float on water for endless fun.
Your child can play simple songs and can make fun sounds on this xylophone. The baby-friendly toy xylophone not only encourages creativity and musical development in your child but also improves hand-eye coordination. So, help your child with their creative and emotional development while having fun at the same time.
Pros
- Helps with cognitive development
- Rust-resistant metal keys
- Highly safe for your baby
- Promotes motor skills
Cons
- Stick may not have a ball at the end
- May be smaller than expected
"The best part about this option is that it doubles as a bath toy, so now my child looks forward to bath time. Having used it for a few weeks now, I found it to be robust and resistant to rust. I wish it came with an attached mallet. Nonetheless, it has been a lovely purchase."
12. Best Lightweight: Basic Fun Fisher Price Classic Pull-A-Tune Xylophone
Depending on your child’s mood, this mom-approved toy can be used as a classic pull toy or a simple xylophone. Its retro design features eight brightly colored keys with red wheels and a yellow mallet. The keys are attached with plastic screws for the safety of your child. Ideal for children between 18 months and two years, it promotes creativity and imagination and develops their musical skills. An ideal first instrument for your baby, it will allow them to enjoy many hours of beautiful melodies.
Pros
- Rust-proof
- Durable
- Lightweight
- Non-toxic material
Cons
- Pull cord may be slightly short
- Tune may not be as expected
"I found the rods to be well-tuned. It lets him enjoy a rhythmic musical session, stimulating his aural senses while providing a soothing effect. It took him some time to get used to playing the instrument, but its vibrant design and melodious tuning won him over."
13. Best Portable: DeXop School Bus Xylophone
Familiarize your baby with rhythms and scales through this school bus xylophone. Showcasing seven colorful keys, it also features plastic mallets that can be stored safely in the bus. Your baby can explore their musical skills through creative play and develop artistic and fine motor skills along the way. This adorable xylophone for babies also includes a shape sorter with seven vibrantly colored blocks in different shapes which your baby can fit into corresponding holes in the bus.
It develops perception of shapes, colors, and objects, and the blocks are easy to grasp and big enough not to pose a choking hazard. It sports a bead design in the front that stimulates curiosity and sensory development. It’s easy-rolling wheels and rope attached to the mallet help your baby pull the bus along anywhere and play music whenever they want.
Pros
- Smooth surface
- Durable and safe
- Made of eco-friendly materials
- Easy to store
- Functional bus door
- Suitable for children with autism
Cons
- Beads may not be break-resistant
- String may not be long enough
"This toy develops my child's fine motor skills as she moves the van, plays the xylophone, and inserts the blocks. It has also improved her shape-recognition abilities. Plus, its space-saving design allows me to store the blocks inside the van when my child is done playing."
14. Best Convenient: Manhattan Toy Beats To Go Wooden Xylophone
Watch your baby develop a sense of music and rhythm with this wooden musical performance toy. This multi-instrument toy includes a xylophone, cymbal, drums, washboard, and two drumsticks to get your baby’s creative juices flowing. It helps your baby to identify which instrument they are interested in and develops fine and gross motor skills along the way. The toy xylophone has seven colored keys on which your baby can tap out all the music they want. This wooden toy has a handle for portability and a place underneath with elastic cords for storing the two drumsticks, while its three legs keep it stable as a table top.
Pros
- Water-based paint
- Non-toxic finish
- Rigorously tested for safety
- Make a great gift for any occasion
Cons
- Contains small parts
- Sound may be a bit loud
"Thanks to its handle-equipped portable design, my son can easily use it during long car rides. The sticks for the drum seem a bit flimsy, but have withstood his rough play. Overall, it has been an excellent pick for screen-free entertainment."
15. Best ABS Plastic: Oprala 2-In-1 Piano Xylophone
This green xylophone for children, with glowing reviews, comes with a mallet and serves as both a xylophone and a piano. The eight keys are vibrantly colored and each key has a number on it. This fun instrument features digital cartoon signs and bright colors, which babies find very attractive. This makes it possible for your baby to easily distinguish them and pick up tunes faster.
Your baby can use the mallet to hit the keys of the xylophone or press the keys of the piano to create tunes, thus developing their eye-hand coordination, musical cognition, and auditory skills. It also enhances color recognition, fine motor skills, sensory engagement, language skills, basic rhythms, and musical skills.
Pros
- Made of safe ABS plastic
- Free of BPA and lead
- Safe and non-toxic
- Has baby-friendly round and burr-free edges
- Develops independent thinking
Cons
- May be smaller than expected
"Even though my daughter has had this toy instrument for a few months, she still gets excited about playing with it. She loves its bright-colored keys and is fascinated with how they make different sounds. Thus, I recommend this toy for its versatility and engagement value."
How To Choose The Right Xylophone For Babies?
Here are some factors to consider before choosing one for your baby.
- Size: Xylophones are available in a variety of sizes and you need to decide what best suits your baby. A larger xylophone will be louder and more powerful while a smaller xylophone will be a little mellow but can still have a great range of tones. Larger xylophones, though more durable with a more dynamic tone, tend to be more expensive and heavier.
- Volume: This is determined by the size of the xylophone— the bigger the xylophone, the louder the sound. This may not be ideal for a smaller child, especially if you are looking for something mellow. But if you want your xylophone to sound as loud as it can, you need to get a big xylophone.
- Material: Wood xylophones are definitely more durable than plastic ones, and they also have a better sound quality. High quality material can withstand breakage and other damage better, as children can be rather rough with their toys and might constantly hammer the keys with the mallet. Also, each key should be securely attached in place, and ensure that there are no splinters, especially on the keys and sticks of the xylophone. Another thing you need to keep in mind is that the xylophone should have no small or loose parts that can be accidentally swallowed by your child.
- Range of the xylophone: Xylophones for smaller children are usually small in size and limited to 1 octave. As they get bigger, the xylophones can go up to 3.5 octaves. If you feel your kid might be interested in playing the xylophone in the long run, you should get them a xylophone that is not limited to 1 octave so that they are able to play a much wider range of notes and music.
- Stimulation: The best baby xylophones will have cute, fun designs and bright colors so that they are visually stimulating for your baby. Ideally, they should also have letters on each key as it will give your baby and you the first lesson in creating music. Some xylophones even carry song cards so that children can learn how to play songs.
Natalie Perez, a parenting blogger and experienced reviewer of baby products, says, “You should also consider a xylophone that grows with your child. Ensure it is durable enough and has a wide range of notes.”
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can my child someday have a career playing the xylophones?
Yes, it is possible. However, it’s better to consider the xylophone as a beginner’s instrument to instill a love of music in your child.
2. Will playing the xylophone help my child learn music?
Yes, it can teach them basic musical fundamentals and help them recognize keys. It can also introduce them to tone, pitch, and keys and keep them interested and engaged.
3. Should I pick percussion or drums for my baby or child?
Percussion should be your first choice as your child must first learn about rhythm and how to coordinate and combine sounds to produce a musical sound. If your child is still interested, you could introduce them to a small drum set.
4. Are xylophones safe for babies?
Yes, xylophones help inculcate interest in music. However, consider a xylophone toy with burr-free edges.
5. What are toy xylophones made of?
Toy xylophones are usually made of wood, metal, and plastic materials. Ensure that the xylophones you offer your little one are made of non-toxic materials.
6. Can a one-year-old play a xylophone?
Although a one-year-old cannot play the xylophone to sing songs, they can explore different sounds and improve their auditory and fine motor skills.
Why Trust MomJunction?
The soothing tones of xylophones can cheer up babies and their parents. While plenty of toy xylophones are available, our team has compiled a well-researched review of the best baby xylophones to help you make the right choice. The features of each product have been mentioned in detail, and we have also included a buying guide to help you pick the right one. These toys have received positive user ratings and reviews on multiple e-commerce sites.
Xylophones are among the most-loved musical instruments of babies and toddlers and are an ideal first percussive instrument for your little rockstar to introduce them to the world of music. If you want to purchase one for your baby, our list of the best xylophones can help them learn tone and notes, besides honing their hand-eye coordination, creativity, and fine motor skills. These xylophones are made of high-quality material (usually wood) and have colorful keys arranged similarly to a piano. Check the essential specifications and choose an ideal xylophone for your little music enthusiast to enjoy hours of musical entertainment.
Infographic: How Does Playing Music Help Babies?
Now that you know the parameters to consider when selecting the right and safe xylophone for your baby, let’s take a look at the advantages of encouraging your little one to indulge in sound and music play. Check out the following infographic to learn about the developmental aspects associated with music.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
References
- How music affects your baby’s brain: Mini Parenting Master Class
https://www.unicef.org/parenting/child-development/how-music-affects-your-babys-brain-class
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