Baby instruments nourish their natural love of music, and build confidence around sound.

We want to give our daughter plenty of opportunities to explore music through play.

Here are some sets that inspire us.

Manhattan Toy Musical Chicken

We received this musical chicken from Manhattan Toy as a gift. We love it! There's a cymbal, xylophone, clapping wings, and a maracas tail. The sounds are loud and clear.

Ages 12+

Melissa & Doug Band in a Box Clap! Clang! Tap!

This instrument set from Melissa & Doug looks like a great value.

Ages 3+

Hape Mini Band Set

This playful set from Hape looks like lots of fun. We'd love to check it out in person!

Ages 3+

FAO Schwarz 8 in 1 Instrument Set

We got this set to use as a family. When our baby first got her hearing aids, we played the instruments for her. The bells and chimes have an especially gorgeous sound.

Now that she's older and wants to participate, we have put most of the instruments away. But, we're excited for when she gets a bit older and can use all of them herself!

This would be a nice set for any family, or for an older child.

Ages 3+

$60 at faoschwarz.com (out of stock)

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Kids Play 8 Note Handbells

Handbells are a fun way for the whole family to join in! We use ours at Christmas.

Pair it with an I Can Play That song book ($8.95) for easy to follow guides—in Standard and Christmas.

Ages 3+

$45.99 at musiciansfriend.com

Go Pro

Real instruments don't have to be expensive. Here's a few professional instruments for less than $20 each.

• Finger Cymbals - $5.50
• Conductor's Baton - $3.49
• Tambourine - $14.00
• Wood Block - $16.99
• Cabasa - $19.99