Infants and toddlers need their own specialized music programs. You don't need to spend money necessarily (you could do much of this at home or as music playdates with friends), but you do need to have reasonable expectations of your baby. Some simple guidelines are:

• Wait until around six months, at the earliest, before introducing your child to a music class. 
• Enroll in short programs since your child's nap time is likely to move around several times and you'll need to reschedule if you're looking to commit to music long-term.
• Ask to take a free class as a trial before committing to a series. Most reputable programs will allow this as a normal occurence. Be wary of any teacher that will not allow you check out the teacher's style, the class location or your child's response to the program.
• If there are small instruments, check to see they are age-appropriate and clean. Also important: are there 'wet' and 'dry' boxes used to separate the clean and 'gummed' instruments after use?
• Look for classes that allow the children to roam freely and safely. Be wary of any music class at this age which expects children to sit for long periods.
• Look for a teacher that emphasizes parent participation in the program.

Most large cities have their own homegrown music programs, along with some representation from the national programs which feature their own training and licensing. The main national programs are Music Together, Kindermusik and Gymboree Music and Play.

Next > National music classes explained