Every parent knows what it's like when your little one is obsessed with a particular electronic toy, and some of these (especially the really cheap ones) can be downright obnoxious! Here is how to turn down the volume so your little one can still push all the buttons... Without pushing yours.

You Will Need:

-small screwdrivers
-cotton balls
-obnoxiously loud electronic toy

***EDIT: I am NOT an electrician. I have no idea if this is safe to do. A couple of people have commented that placing cotton balls inside an electronic device could pose a fire hazard. DO THIS AT YOUR OWN RISK.

Step 1: Remove the Batteries

You don't want to zap yourself while disassembling the toy. Plus, it's obnoxiously loud and you're about to pull your hair out. Set the batteries in a safe place out of reach of your child.

Step 2: Open the Toy

Using a small screwdriver, remove all the screws from the back of the toy and open it up. Obviously, how many screws there are and their locations will vary depending on the toy you are dismantling. Remember to keep the screws organized so you can put the toy back together after.

*** EDIT: be very careful while dismantling/reassembling your toy. Do not pinch any wires. Put everything back exactly how it was. Take pictures along the way so you remember where everything goes.

Step 3: Locate the Speaker

You may need to remove more screws and some electronic parts to gain access to the toy's ridiculously loud speaker. Remember to keep everything organized. Taking pictures of the process is helpful.

Step 4: Stuffing the Speaker

Remove the speaker and stuff the speaker cavity with all or part of a cotton ball. This will muffle the sound and make the toy a little more bearable.

***EDIT: some people have commented that cotton balls are flammable and putting them inside an electronic device could pose a fire hazard. Do this at your own risk.

Step 5: Reassemble the Toy

Replace the speaker, replace all electronic components and close up the toy. Make sure all screws are in the correct locations and are properly tightened. Make sure no screws are missing/have been eaten by toddler.

Step 6: You're Finished!

Replace the batteries and you're done! Your toy has now been transformed from a ridiculously obnoxiously loud parental torture device into a quieter toy your child can still enjoy, and you can hear yourself think again!

***EDIT: once again, I am not an electrician and I cannot vouch for the safety of this procedure. Also, opening and tampering with any electronic device (over and above replacing the batteries) will most likely void any manufacturer's warranty. The only reason I haven't deleted this instructable is because the toy I silenced has not, as of yet, burst into flames or electrocuted anyone. A safer way to make a loud toy quiet would, obviously, be to remove the batteries, or if you have the receipt, return it to the store. Another possibility may be to use a non-flammable material to stuff the speaker with.