Egg shakers are nearly the perfect first instrument for babies and toddlers. They fit small hands, make a satisfying sound, build rhythm awareness, and are almost impossible to break. Here is what makes a good set and what to avoid.
What Makes a Good Egg Shaker
- •Solid plastic construction with no removable parts
- •Sealed seams (no risk of small filling spilling)
- •Mixed contents — some sets have shakers with different sounds for variety
- •Comes in a set of 6–12 (so multiple kids can play together)
- •Bright colors are a bonus for visual engagement
What to Avoid
- •Wooden egg shakers under age 3 (smaller and harder)
- •Egg shakers with detachable caps
- •Single egg shakers — sets are more useful and not much more expensive
- •Battery-operated shakers that play recorded sound
How to Use Them
- •Shake to the beat of any song
- •Play stop-and-go games (shake when music plays, freeze when it stops)
- •Hide one in a sock and let baby find it by sound
- •Pass-the-shaker games for older toddlers
Looking for the right gear? Browse our curated Baby Instruments shop for kid-tested picks that pair well with this guide.