If the names Rachmaninov, Sokolov, Evgeny, and Kissin, even Lang Lang, don’t ring a bell with you, that’s okay. These are just the names of a few of the famous pianists who got their start in music at an early age. Don’t believe me? Mozart was only three years old when he started learning the basics of the piano.
My point is, although your child may not be a child musical prodigy or the next big name in classical music, they’re never too young to start learning a musical instrument, and a toddler piano is a great place to start. A piano for kids is perfect for toddlers and younger children because it’s easier for their little fingers and hands to manipulate the keyboard.
Other benefits of getting a toddler piano or another musical instrument for your baby or young child include learning how to keep rhythm and beat. It also teaches them problem-solving skills and improves their hand-eye coordination development as well as their fine motor skills. You’ll be able to see your child’s self-confidence grow as the piano stimulates their musical talent. They’ll fall in love with and become huge fans of all types of music.
Toddler pianos are fun for babies and young kids. They allow them to hear and learn new instrument sounds. But, purchasing toddler pianos isn’t as simple as going to your local department store and grabbing one off of the shelf or ordering one online and praying that it didn’t get damaged or lost in the mail. That’s why I’m here to help. I’m going to help you wade through the different types of pianos, so you can get the best item for your little musician.
Carry on reading or jump straight to our number #1 pick on Amazon here.
Table of Contents
- What Should I Look for in a Toddler Piano?
- Here’s How I’ve Determined the Best Toddler Piano
- Our Top Picks for the Best Toddler Piano of 2024
- #1: Melissa & Doug Learn-To-Play Piano (Best Value)
- #2: Schoenhut Learn-to-Play Baby Grand Toy Piano (Best Premium)
- #3: Play22 Keyboard Playmat (Best Playmat)
- #4: BOBXIN Kids Piano Keyboard Toy (Best Low Cost)
- #5: VTech Record & Learn KidiStudio (Best Recording Studio)
- #6. Amy&Benton Toy Piano (Best Multifunctional Piano)
- #7. Mochoog Toy Piano for Toddlers (Best for English/Spanish)
- #8. Reditmo 31 Keys Kids Piano Keyboard (Best for Smartphone Connectivity)
- #9. Best Choice Products Kids Classic Wooden 30-Key Mini Grand Piano (Best for Finger Placement)
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Verdict: Your Best Toddler Piano
What Should I Look for in a Toddler Piano?
Criteria #1: Consider the age of your toddler.
Most of these toddler pianos are designed for little ones between the ages of one and five years old. While they’re all built a bit differently, they’ll benefit children of these ages. If you have younger toddlers, you’ll want to consider getting them playmats or smaller, more user-friendly toddler pianos. For those with older children, consider a piano for kids with more features like different musical instrument sound effects or microphones.
Criteria #2: The types of keys matter.
Yes, the types of toddler piano keys matter. Again, if you’re planning on purchasing a piano for a younger child, the playmat or a piano with soft keys will be better (and also easier to keep clean). Mostly this is because they tend to drool and spill drinks. Older toddlers and kids will benefit from the toddler pianos with realistic-looking piano keys. This will help them learn proper finger position and control as well as develop their coordination and musical ear.
Criteria #3: Is the toddler piano multipurpose?
Many toddler pianos are multipurpose. They might have a microphone or different musical instrument sounds. Some come preprogrammed with dance rhythms and song demos. Others are bilingual and can teach your child a foreign language. Most of these pianos offer more than just a simple keyboard.
Here’s How I’ve Determined the Best Toddler Piano
When it comes to buying a piano for kids, you want the best. I want the best for you. So, I looked at and did research on a bunch of toddler pianos myself. I took the time to read their reviews. I also considered whether or not these pianos would help with the musical development of your kids. And, last but not least, I factored in the experience of other parents and customers.
Our Top Picks for the Best Toddler Piano of 2024
#1: Melissa & Doug Learn-To-Play Piano (Best Value)
The Melissa & Doug Learn-To-Play Piano is a must-have piano for kids because it helps aspiring young musicians of all ages learn how to play the piano. Your little one will be a music aficionado in no time. That’s because this toy piano is the only learn-to-play piano that comes with an illustrated songbook.
Solid Wood Construction
This brightly-painted upright piano is built with high-quality solid wood materials to keep your child safe and ensure its durability.
25 Keys
This pint-sized piano features 25 keys and two full octaves, so your toddler can feel like they’re playing a real piano. Your child will be fascinated with the sound quality of the beautiful notes and sounds they’ll be producing with the touch of each key on this piano.
Songbook
Your child doesn’t have to know how to read words to use the songbook that comes with this piano. The illustrated songbook is color-coded, allowing your child to learn to play nine of their favorite tunes while developing their hand-eye coordination.
Reviews
Parents say this Melissa & Doug Learn-To-Play Piano is a great, sturdy instrument that’s perfect for babies and toddlers and one of the best for its price point.
If you’re looking for the best baby Grand piano for your toddler, this is it. The Schoenhut Learn-to-Play Baby Grand Toy Piano is perfect for those little ones just starting in music as well as those who might be a little more advanced. This is the only realistic toy grand piano that comes from such a trusted name in the industry as Schoenhut.
Realistic Baby Grand Piano
This is the most pragmatic baby grand piano with its realistic keys and overall look. This one offers all of the features of a real piano, just scaled down. This makes it perfect for children and their smaller hands.
Promotes Correct Finger Position
The width of the keys promotes correct finger position, which will enable your child to have a smoother transition when it’s time to move to a larger piano. It’ll also give them the confidence needed to succeed, should they decide to pursue their piano education further.
30 Keys
This baby Grand piano has 30 keys that create unique, strong-sounding chimes. These sounds will mesmerize your toddler as they learn the different notes.
Trusted Name
Schoenhut is an American company that has been making toy pianos since 1872. Saying they’re a business favorite is an understatement.
Reviews
This instrument is a great beginner’s piano. It’s not only nice to look at, but it’s also fun for children to learn to play on. It’s a bit higher on the price scale but well worth the cost.
#3: Play22 Keyboard Playmat (Best Playmat)
Your toddler is all but guaranteed to have a blast as they use their feet to make sounds with the Play22 Keyboard Playmat. It’s great for older babies and younger toddlers since there are no hard keys for them to bang on. This is the only piano on this list that is a playmat.
24 Keys
The Play22 Keyboard Playmat features 24 touch-sensitive keys that your child is bound to enjoy stepping on.
Eight Musical Instruments
The playmat comes with eight selectable musical instruments. Your toddler will love hearing the different sounds of the piano, saxophone, violin, clarinet, trumpet, banjo, xylophone, and guitar.
Play Modes
Your child can be their very own maestro with the four different play modes. They can record and play back or choose the demo or play options.
Adjustable Volume
Parents will be happy to know that you can have control of this playmat with the adjustable volume control.
Requires Batteries
This playmat requires four AA batteries. They aren’t included, so keep that in mind when making your purchase.
Reviews
Customers who’ve bought this instrument for their children and grandchildren say this is a great way to introduce little ones to music and keep them moving and busy at the same time.
#4: BOBXIN Kids Piano Keyboard Toy (Best Low Cost)
This piano is on this list as the best low-cost toddler piano, but that doesn’t mean you should discount this one. It has as many great features as the other pianos here. I’ll show you why this is a great choice for your little ones.
Easy On/Off Button
Turn this piano toy on or off by simply using the button on the right side of the keyboard. You won’t have to worry about the batteries going dead too soon, which we’ll get to later.
Two Modes
Your toddler can either use the BOBXIN Kids Piano Keyboard Toy as a piano, or switch the mode button on the left side of the keyboard for music. The 22 keys mean 22 different songs.
Colorful Lights
There are soft, colorful lights that are safe and won’t hurt your baby’s eyes. The cute rabbit stickers make this piano even more attractive for toddlers.
Portable
The convenient handle design means your little one can take this piano with them anywhere.
Uses Batteries
Like the Play22 Keyboard Playmat, the BOBXIN Kids Piano Keyboard Toy will require three AA batteries that aren’t included.
Reviews
People agree this instrument is worth the money, saying it’s a fantastic keyboard piano for their babies and toddlers to play music with, and at a great price every parent will love.
#5: VTech Record & Learn KidiStudio (Best Recording Studio)
What better way to get your toddler interested in the piano and music than by giving them their very own recording studio? The VTech Record & Learn KidiStudio offers all of this and more. This is the only piano on this list with so many features.
Record and Playback
Similar to the Play22 Keyboard Playmat, this piano toy has record and playback settings so your kids can perform their own music for friends and family.
Microphone
The real, working microphone also acts as a voice changer. Your child is sure to get a kick out of that feature.
Variety of Sounds
This keyboard lets your child explore music with a variety of sounds, including drums, a scratch disk, and a whammy bar.
40+ Songs
With more than 40 songs and sounds, this recording studio provides the most songs and sounds of any of the pianos on this list. Your child won’t be bored. They’ll be rocking out to jazz, techno, and rock and roll music in no time.
Light-Up Keyboard
Your child can also follow along to their favorite songs with the light-up keyboard. This will help them learn tempo, rhythm, and melody as well as identify the different sounds of the notes.
Will Need Batteries
This keyboard piano takes three AA batteries. However, unlike the Play22 Keyboard Playmat and the BOBXIN Kids Piano Keyboard Toy, demo batteries are included. You’ll just want to pick some up for future use since demo batteries won’t last very long.
Reviews
Customer reviews agree that this instrument is a great toy for toddlers and young children. Your kid will love to explore music and sing with the microphone for hours.
#6. Amy&Benton Toy Piano (Best Multifunctional Piano)
Similar to the Schoenhut Learn-to-Play Baby Grand Toy Piano, the Amy&Benton Toy Piano resembles a real piano but is suited perfectly for babies and toddlers. This is the only one on this list that can be disassembled for easy storage.
Multifunctional
These toy pianos are multifunctional. Not only does it perform as a learning piano, but it also provides sounds for eight percussion instruments and four musical instruments.
Microphone
Like the VTech Record & Learn KidiStudio, this has a working microphone. It also has an external port to play MP3s and playback functions.
Folding Legs
The legs on these pianos fold in, making this one easy to store when not in use. This feature also makes the Amy&Benton Toy Piano perfect for traveling on holidays or vacation.
Will Require Batteries
The Amy&Benton Toy Piano will require four AA batteries that will need to be purchased separately.
Reviews
This instrument is a great product that even the harshest of parental critics are impressed by. It not only produces great sound quality but is also the perfect size for little hands and fingers to play music.
#7. Mochoog Toy Piano for Toddlers (Best for English/Spanish)
These toy pianos made the list because of their ability to promote both English and Spanish learning if you’re looking to help your babies and toddlers learn a second language (or even a first language).
English/Spanish Learning
The Mochoog Toy Piano for Toddlers is the only piano on this list that comes in Spanish. The double-sided bilingual cards can be heard in both English and Spanish when used with this piano, making this a great toy for those learning either the English or Spanish languages.
Built-In Microphone
Like the VTech Record & Learn KidiStudio and the Amy&Benton Toy Piano, this one also comes with a microphone. Your little ones will love singing while making sounds with the keys on their own piano.
Record and Play Back
Also similar to the VTech Record & Learn KidiStudio and the Play22 Keyboard Playmat, the Mochoog Toy Piano for Toddlers allows children to record and play back their masterpieces.
Needs Batteries
This piano will also require batteries. It will need three AA batteries before your child can play with it.
Reviews
Customer reviews say this instrument is great fun for toddlers. They’re not only learning to play the piano, but they’re also able to experience a new language through music.
#8. Reditmo 31 Keys Kids Piano Keyboard (Best for Smartphone Connectivity)
Having a toddler piano isn’t only fun for your child, but can be just as exciting for the whole family as well. That’s because this 31-key piano includes a stereo speaker and will connect to a smart device when you use its USB port. This is the only toy piano with a double-channel stereo speaker.
31 Keys
These pianos have 31 keys that will inspire your kid’s musical talent as he or she listens to the sound each key makes.
Double Channels Stereo Speaker
This speaker gives the piano great sound quality, so your kids can clearly hear each of the notes.
Demo Songs
Your kids can play along with the 15 built-in demo songs.
Eight Dance Rhythms
The eight dance rhythms are fun for the whole family.
Connects to Smartphones
As long as you’re getting the family in on the fun, why not connect the piano to your smartphone via the USB port? Your kids will really feel like a rock star then!
Thick Stool
The thick stool is safe and sturdy for your kids to sit on while they develop their unique piano skills.
Reviews
Parents are raving about this piano for kids. It’s a great little piano that allows their kids to develop their creativity while learning to play the piano.
#9. Best Choice Products Kids Classic Wooden 30-Key Mini Grand Piano (Best for Finger Placement)
This is more than a piano toy, it’s a little grand piano that looks like the real thing, perfect for kids ready to develop their skills.
30 Keys
Similar to the Schoenhut Learn-to-Play Baby Grand Toy Piano, this piano has 30 keys for your child to practice with until they’re ready to transition to a full-size piano.
Key Stickers
To show your kids where to place their fingers, the Best Choice Products Kids Classic Wooden 30-Key Mini Grand Piano comes with stickers for the keys. These key stickers show your kids how and where to place their fingers for correct placement every time.
Great Sound Quality
Your musicians can develop their musical ear, and even open the top of the piano to amplify the acoustics of the notes, with the amazing sound that comes out of this grand piano.
Music Book
Not only does this piano come with a music book, but it also has a foldable music rack and a matching wood stool. Your kids will be practicing in style with this grand piano.
Reviews
This is a wonderful grand piano for beginners. Parents love the price as well as the quality and sound.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will My Toddler Learn Finger Placement from a Toy Piano?
Your child can most definitely learn where to put their fingers by using a piano toy. Some toy pianos come with color-coded keys that can help your child know what finger goes where. Others have songbooks that are play-by-number. I’ve even seen some that use various animal stickers.
Just remember that your kids don’t need to know where their little fingers go right away. Let them start with their dominant finger or whatever feels comfortable for them. Every kid is going to be different. For example, if your child insists on playing a song with his or her thumbs, know that’s okay. Does your other kid want to play all their songs with their index finger? That’s okay, too. They must be completely comfortable, to begin with. You’re not teaching bad habits, you’re letting your kid explore their own skills and get acquainted with the instrument.
At What Age Should My Child Start Piano Lessons?
This is really going to depend on the child, but generally the best age for your child to start piano lessons is between six and nine years old. However, children as young as three and four can learn to play. A good rule of thumb is to wait until they can tie their own shoes. Playing the piano not only great for mastering hand-eye coordination and keeping their little hands flexible, but it’s also great for brain development and recognizing and remembering information.
What Other Instruments Can Toddlers Play?
Drums, xylophones, guitars, and violins are all great instruments for your young kid to play. As a matter of fact, my six-year-old daughter is now taking violin lessons where they offer all different types of instrument programs designed specifically for toddlers and younger children. It’s so cute watching them learning to play their instruments. These kids are all so proud of themselves as they’re walking out of their lessons. My daughter, in particular, is convinced she’s going to be the next Lindsey Sterling. There’s nothing more satisfying than watching your kid develop in areas of their mind and body with musical skills.
Verdict: Your Best Toddler Piano
Here is a cheat sheet of all the pianos for kids that I’ve covered above.
If you want the best piano for the money, pick the Melissa & Doug Learn-To-Play Piano.
If you’re looking for the best baby Grand piano with 30 keys, choose the Schoenhut Learn-to-Play Baby Grand Toy Piano.
If you’re looking for a piano playmat, choose the Play22 Keyboard Playmat.
If you’re looking for the best at a low cost, pick the BOBXIN Kids Piano Keyboard Toy.
If you’re looking for a piano with a recording studio, pick the VTech Record & Learn KidiStudio.
If you want a multifunctional upright piano, pick the Amy&Benton Toy Piano.
If you want a piano that teaches in both English and Spanish, choose the Mochoog Toy Piano for Toddlers.
If you’re looking for a piano you can connect to your smart device, choose the Mochoog Toy Piano for Toddlers.
If you want a piano to help with finger placement, choose the Best Choice Products Kids Classic Wooden 30-Key Mini Grand Piano.
You can usually find a music program just about anywhere you look, from your local high school, church, or music store. But, take it from me, these can be pretty costly. If your children are still babies and toddlers, it may be best to wait it out until they’re around six or seven years old before sinking your money into lessons.
That doesn’t mean they can’t learn, though. You can teach your children at home by buying them a toddler’s piano and letting them explore. For even better results, you might also find books that will help you to help your toddler develop a musical mind. Most have a table of contents and step-by-step guidelines to help with the learning journey.
Remember, your children don’t have to become the world’s greatest musicians overnight. Let your children have fun, even if it’s just letting them make sounds by banging on the keys of their toddler piano. Encourage them to come up with their own songs. Be your kid’s biggest fan. It’s the small things that count, and if one of those things is a toddler piano or other musical items, go for it. Your little one will thank you for it.
Really would have preferred to watch a little one playing so I could hear the sounds the piano keys makes and watch a little one playing to see how realistically the keys operate. I don’t see a piano review showing most realistic sound and realistic keys
The only video I saw had other music not related to the piano. Why would I want to hear that?