How does music develop your baby’s wellbeing?

Music is an essential part of our culture and your child’s development. It’s important to listen to music with your child, both in and out of the womb. Music can help children develop their communication skills and even increase reading ability in older children. There are various benefits to sharing musical moments with your child, especially regarding their wellbeing. 

Music can have a positive effect on your baby’s brain. Some research has found that music helps children establish a connection between what they hear and what they feel. Music can help children to understand and recognise their emotions from a young age. It can also help them express feelings, like love and joy, through dancing. Or they can make up their own lyrics and tunes to convey a specific emotion that they are feeling. During birth, many parents use music to soothe both themselves and the baby. 

Furthermore, soft music can help your child have a better night’s sleep. Soft, soothing and relaxing music creates a calm atmosphere that nurtures sleeping patterns. Research has even found that slow, repetitive music can slow down a baby’s heart rate and encourage peaceful, deep breathing. For the ultimate relaxation soundtrack, consider singing to your baby and let them fall asleep to your voice.   

Besides music, the temperature, light and things around your baby can impact their sleep pattern. Try to minimise artificial light before bedtime, and make sure the room is at an appropriate temperature. You can also use a baby zip sleepsuit and soft music to create a safe sleeping environment for your little one. 

Music is all around us – so of course, most people listen to music when they are pregnant. However, you might not know that the baby can hear around the 18th week, and by the third trimester, they can recognise the sound. In the third trimester, an unborn baby can identify their mother’s voice and her native language.  

Classical music, particularly Mozart, is incredibly soothing for babies. Just make sure to listen to music at a standard rate, instead of putting earphones on your bump. Listen to music with your unborn baby and bond over it while rubbing your belly and singing along.  

Music can help babies to recognise word patterns, rhymes and different sounds from a young age. Adding a rhythm to the words can make them easier to learn and remember as your child gets older. 

Make your home a musical environment for your family by playing various genres through your pregnancy and new-born phase. Enjoy dancing with your baby, singing to them and teaching them about your favourite genres.  

Music can be a great learning tool for young children and fun for you as well!