Music is an important addition to life and the same goes for toddlers. Learning to play an instrument encourages children to grow and it strengthens their brain. Mind you, you may lose your mind listening to them smack the keys and hit the same obnoxious button over and over again, but a small sacrifice to help your children learn the piano. Extensive research has been done on your behalf to make your life just a little bit easier with this list of the best pianos for toddlers.
Best Toddler Pianos
The VTech Record & Learn KidiStudio is a tot size electronic piano/studio with many activities to entertain; the Melissa & Doug Learn-To-Play Piano is a colorful, no frills, realistic toddler piano; the Play22 Keyboard Playmat is a floor piano for your toddlers little feet to tap out a tune; and the Little Tikes PopTunes Keyboard is an 8 key, simple on-the-go keyboard for your little one.
VTech Record KidiStudio
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Your little boy or girl will love banging around on the VTech Record KidiStudio. With a built-in microphone, tons of do-dads, even a spin record to delight your baby in sound.
Why I Love It
Appearance: This powerful machine comes in bright orange with teal and black accents to grab attention.
Function: Kids can record, playback their voices, bang away on the piano, scratch a record, and even drums on this fun toy. Over 40 songs and light effects are included and the keyboard works simultaneously with the other functions.
Price: For all this piano for kids does, it is a steal!
Why I Dislike It
Sturdiness: The microphone does not tend to last as long as the rest of the piano. Otherwise, it can take a beating and keep on singing.
Batteries: This toy needs three double-A batteries. With as much as your child will enjoy making music on this machine, you will want to keep batteries stocked up.
Sounds: VTech toys tend to talk a lot and this one is no exception. Constant. Noise. The sound quality will have you running to another room.
RELATED: 32 Best Toy and Gift Ideas for 3-Year-Old Girls
Amy Benton Piano
Children will love this baby grand piano with lots of buttons and a built-in microphone. This educational toy will help improve your child’s understanding of music with an assortment of different sounds from several different instruments. The Amy Benton Piano is up to speed on technology with external MP3 and mobile phone capabilities.
Why I Love It
Appearance: The piano is very short and very white with a few girl-colored buttons but mainly remains gender-neutral. The baby grand appearance is super decadent.
Function: Education meets cute with this spunky little toddler piano toy. The multifunctional toy can play and record with a ton of lights. Your baby will love trying out the 22 demos, playing with the volume, watching the flickering lights, and of course banging on the piano keys!
Price: You won’t believe your luck with this adorable piano for kids priced at this reasonable price! It’s like magic for your toddler and your wallet.
Why I Dislike It
Sturdiness: How sturdy can a plastic piano your child is going to bang on really be? I would not expect to get a lot of resale value out of this item but at the price you pay for it, who cares! The pieces can come off easily too, so watch your child.
Batteries: Stock up on batteries now as this item requires 4 AA batteries to entertain your toddler.
Alternative
The Amy Benton Pink Pianois a great alternative to the Amy Benton Piano if you are looking for girly colors.
Melissa and Doug Learn-to-Play Piano
The Melissa and Doug Learn-to-Play Piano will have your toddler playing music in style! This colorful piano is the right size for your tiny tot to walk up and pound away, which is what they will do at first but with a color-coded chart, they can work their little brain.
Why I Love It
Appearance: Decked out in primary colors, this little piano will grab your child’s eye.
Chart: 25 keys and colored coded songbook can give your little one the confidence to play. Plays recognizable songs for your toddler to learn and sing along with.
Sounds Real: The sound of this piano emits sounds more real than the “tink tink” sound of some fake musical instruments.
Why I Dislike It
Weight: At 12 pounds, this is a decently heavy piano for toddlers. Could be good, but could be dangerous for little ones.
Alternative
If you are a fan of Grand piano and Melissa and Doug, consider the Melissa & Doug Grand Piano instead of the Learn-to-Play Piano. It comes with a bench!
VTech Zoo Jamz Piano
This is really similar to the KidiStudio Piano, except it’s geared towards a slightly younger audience. The piano part doesn’t look as realistic, but toddlers can still get the basic gist of a piano.
If you want a light-up, noise-making machine that will work for your baby and your toddler, then the VTech Zoo Jamz Piano is for you!
Why I Love It
Colors: Your baby will love the black and white patterns of this piano, combined with the cute zebra character. As they grow into a toddler, they’ll keep loving the colors and lights that are sure to keep their attention.
Teaching: There are 4 instruments and over 20 songs and melodies to learn. Best of all, your child can learn to play along as they push the light-up keys during the song. Or, if they want, they can play and sing their own masterpieces with the amplified microphone, drum buttons, and even the disc scratcher.
Price: This is definitely on the cheaper end of the spectrum. It’s cheaper than the more advanced KidiStudio.
Compatible: If you buy the Zoo Jamz Guitar and the Zoo Jamz Rock & Roar Karaoke, you can press the band play button and play a full rock concert with your friends or siblings.
Why I Dislike It
Annoying: If your child plays and then walks away, the piano will keep making noises until you play with it again. And the zebra will randomly laugh when you least expect it… not comforting late at night.
Batteries: You’ll go through 2 AA batteries like crazy. I’m talking changing them once every month or so. It’s a real power hog.
Microphone: The microphone really does work pretty well, considering that this is just an inexpensive kid’s toy. But the cord is ridiculously short! Your child has to hang their head right next to the piano to use it. Safe from strangulation, but prone to hearing loss being that close to the speaker.
Alternative
If the VTech Record KidiStudio sounds too frustrating, or if the VTech Zoo Jamz Piano, sounds to young, try the Kids Piano a PerfectLife for a simplistic design and microphone.
Keyboard Playmat by Play 22
Keyboard Playmat by Play 22 is an epic floor mat your child can dance on. What is music without some moves! While this piano doesn’t have as many functions as the above pianos it will get your toddler some exercise while they become a budding musician!
Why I Love It
Appearance: The appearance is a simple piano with a few pictures of other instruments all in black and white like a typical piano.
Function: Let your toddler walk their way to playing the piano! They can make the sounds of eight other instruments as well. The 24 touch buttons are sensitive enough to play on command but strong enough for your little guy or gal to run across.
Sturdiness: This piano for kids is strong enough for mom and dad to walk across too.
Storage: The 71-inch keyboard folds up for easy storage.
Why I Dislike It
Material: Made of Vinyl with PVC, maybe have your kiddo wear socks when playing on this mat. Vinyl can rip too, which makes this not the safest option for little ones. Watch your child the entire time.
Sounds Real: The sound can be quite distorted or scratchy sounding on this playmat.
Batteries: Everything needs batteries or charging these days and this is no exception!
Alternative
For a larger more colorful option, try the Kidzlane Floor Piano Mat instead of the Piano Playmat by Play 22.
Little Tikes PopTunes Piano
Little Tikes PopTunes Piano is the perfect option for moms on the go. Take this piano with you wherever you and your toddler go to keep them amused. The simplistic design is fantastic to allow baby to follow pre-recorded tunes or freestyle. Even with only eight keys, your child will be delighted in their ability to make a sound.
Why I Love It
Appearance: The tiny red and grey piano isn’t as pretty or colorful as some of the other pianos but will please toddlers who love simplicity.
Function: You kiddo will love the easy use of eight keys and two different play options.
Sturdiness: Like most Little Tikes toys, this one can take a beating and still play songs to annoy you all day long.
Price: This is a great price for a fun toy.
Why I Dislike It
Batteries: Time to splurge for more batteries add this to the list of one million toys that require a little juice to entertain.
Speed: The speed the buttons move in the pre-recorded mode may be too hard for most kids to keep pace with, or confusing.
Education: This is not a learning toy. Surely, your baby has plenty of those though, right?
Lights: The lights are super annoying and practically blinding because they are LED lights.
Size: This piano is great for travel because it’s so small. If you are looking for a sit-down piano look elsewhere.
Alternative
The Baby Einstein Discover and Play Piano is great for younger toddlers and still great for travel with a similar price to the Little Tikes PopTunes Piano. Both are great baby keyboards.
AMOSTING Musical Keyboard
The AMOSTING Musical Keyboard is a cute piano for younger toddlers, especially the six animal sounds that will soon drive you crazy!
Why I Love It
Appearance: This piano looks like a baby piano but works for toddlers too. The bright festive colors will capture your little one’s attention.
Function: Beyond a piano and animal sounds, this piano has drums, tambourines, and other musical sounds as well. Fun for hours and on the go.
Sturdiness: This piano for kids is strong enough for mom and dad to walk across too.
Price: Priced so that you can buy a couple of extra ones for birthdays and baby showers.
Little boys love the physical aspect of drums. Find more fun toys for 2-year-old boys here on EM.
Why I Dislike It
Batteries: Better buy another pack of money-sucking batteries as this piano needs 3 AAs.
Sound: The volume can be jarring even for little ears.
Alternative
If the AMOSTING Musical Keyboard is not right for you then try the KiddoLab Toddler Piano. The cute smiley design and numbered keys will provide some fun for your little one for only a couple of dollars more, but a whole lot fewer functions than the top competitors mentioned above.
Comparing the Best Toddler Pianos
The table below compares only the recommended products on this page. A low or high Price means it is low or high compared to the other products listed. The Popularity Score reflects how often readers click on and buy the product. The Quality Score is our assessment of the overall performance and satisfaction with the product compared to others in the table.
| Alternative | 6.3 | 8.6 | 199.00 |
| Melissa and Doug Learn-to-Play Piano | 9.8 | 9.0 | 65.99 |
| VTech Record KidiStudio | 9.7 | 9.4 | 39.99 |
| Alternative | 5.6 | 8.8 | 34.99 |
| Alternative | 9.5 | 9.2 | 34.99 |
| Keyboard Playmat by Play 22 | 9.7 | 9.2 | 33.99 |
| VTech Zoo Jamz Piano | 9.8 | 9.4 | 29.99 |
| Amy Benton Piano | 9.2 | 8.8 | 25.01 |
| Alternative | 9.8 | 8.8 | 25.00 |
| Little Tikes PopTunes Piano | 6.9 | 8.6 | 19.99 |
| Alternative | 9.9 | 9.4 | 16.99 |
| AMOSTING Musical Keyboard | - | 9.0 | - |
| Alternative | 3.9 | 8.0 | - |
Guide to Selecting a Toddler Piano
While there are no actual guidelines for toddler pianos, CPSC does check each toy is age-appropriate. Musical instruments are both fun and educational even without all the bells and whistles, focus on finding a piano that stimulates your child’s brain, voice, and allows them hours of fun. Either way, they are not looking at a screen if they are playing an instrument.
Sound
If a child’s first introduction to music produces horrible sounds it could dissuade them from pursuing music. Mostly, kids just want to hit the keys but keep the sound in mind and take every opportunity to introduce them to wonderful sounds and musicians.
Multi-Functional
Take the opportunity to buy toddler keyboards that will introduce your child to many instruments, even if not legitimately. This introduction can help them to decide their personal preferences instrument-wise to help them stay interested in music for years.
Safety
Check the materials and sturdiness of any instrument, piano, or toy you purchase. If your toddler is not quite standing or walking be careful to find a piano geared for their stage in life or that will grow with them.
Encourage Interest in Music
Pick a toddler piano toy that will encourage your little one to keep music in their life. The more realistic the better, but at the same time children are drawn to bright colors and lots of buttons. Added bonus: learning music can boost your child’s intelligence.
FAQs – Toddler Pianos
Should I get a piano with a bench?
A bench does not really matter. Most toddler piano toys are small enough that children can sit on the floor or comfortably stand to play. Toddlers usually love to stand as they are so new to being on their feet.
Do I need to tune a kid kids piano?
Toddler pianos usually run on batteries and cannot be tuned. If they are power-free they are still a toy and will not require tuning.
Can a piano fall on my child and hurt her?
Toy pianos are not very sturdy as they are usually made out of plastic or light wood. If one of these toys were to fall over on your child worst-case scenario is probably a bruise.
Can I change the music in toy pianos?
If you want to change the toddler tunes in your child’s piano then get one that can connect to other devices, otherwise, you are stuck with the included music.
Will my toddler learn finger placement from a toy piano?
No. Toddler piano instruments introduce your child to sound but will not prepare them for real music playing or allow them to switch to a real piano and know what they are doing. Upgrade to a real piano once they are finished with the toy version (or maybe try a super-smart piano teaching app).
