I bought this for my 10 month old.  She loves it!  It sounds so much better than the toy drums that are out there.  I don't mind the banging as a result (it's definitely better than pots and pans)!  I don't think it's super loud though but maybe I can tolerate loud noises.  Great quality.  The mallets are not appropriate for babies b/c there is a twisty wire holding the cover in place which could be taken apart and swallowed, so I did not let my baby use the mallets for now.  But she is able to play the drum just fine with her hands.