Babble Best: Musical Instruments

Sassafras Animal Band Music Kit — $24.95

We recommend keeping a bag of musical tricks on hand for rainy days and indoor playdates. Take it from us — once the kids tire of arts and crafts, making a junkyard band can keep juiced-up tots busy for hours. We love the wooden construction and animal characters of this five-piece set, which includes Ladybug Maracas, Zebra Clapper, Fish Noisemaker, Frog Castanet and Animal Bells. When the tropical play date is over, toss everything back in the zippered pouch for storage and make yourself a well-deserved margarita.

Get it from Amazon.

Music Together Egg Shakers — $2 each

"Hello Everybodeeee . . ." Maybe you know the welcome song from the hugely popular Music Together franchise. It's a national "Mommy & Me"-type class where kids and their caregivers gather to sing and embrace music. We think their simple egg shaker is a must-have first instrument. It feels great in the hand and delivers a soothing sound. Toss one in the diaper bag for emergency entertainment purposes.

Get it from Music Together.

Woodstock Percussion Kid's Xylophone — $20

Colorful and easy to use, this instrument is a terrific way to introduce the concept of musical notes. The tuned bars of this all-wood xylophone have a range of 1.5 octaves. To teach tykes a bit about musical theory, the toy includes a songbook. A simple color-coding system helps your kid learn the notes. Even if your child has no interest in turning into the next Mozart, he'll still play with this toy. Why? Kids adore banging things with sticks (a pair of wooden mallets is included). Thankfully, this toy is well constructed and can survive rambunctious play.

Get it from Amazon.

Edushape Clatterpillar — $12.95

Making a racket is half the fun of music. Derived from a Japanese musical instrument called the Kokiriko, this plastic instrument is a super way to expose toddlers to rhythm. It's easy to figure out how to work the clatterpillar: Grab the toy with two hands and shake. Shake softly and you'll get a subtle rustling noise. Pick up the pace and you'll achieve an extremely loud clatter (enough to scare the cat under the bed). The repetitive sound may drive you a bit batty, but it will certainly help your kid get into the groove.

Get it from Amazon.