Page 7 - The First 60 Days Magazine - June

Children’s Health Care Associates

The Role of Music in Infant

Development

July 16, 2024

Music can be incredibly powerful.
Songs and melodies tap into memories, strengthen
community bonds, and help us to express our humanity.
Music can help you feel strong emotions, bring back
memories, and sway your mood. So it may not be surprising
that the effects of music in infant development
can be quite potent.
Many parents may already know this on some level. There’s the old cliche that listening to classical music
when you’re pregnant will somehow turn your baby into the next Einstein. (Any such promises are an
intense exaggeration, however.) That said, there is a great deal of evidence to support the benefits of
listening to soothing music during your third trimester.

Once your baby is born, music becomes no less important. Taking a thoughtful approach to the music and
melodies you serenade your infant with can help you see tangible benefits. Listening to music can help
sooth your child, encourage linguistic development and cognitive growth, and strengthen the bonds
between you and your baby.

Immediate Benefits of Music in Infant Development
For most people, music is something used for enrichment and enjoyment. And that alone makes music an
important part of a home. But that’s not to say there aren’t important practical benefits. Some of these
benefits only become apparent in the long run. Others make an instant impact. Some of the shorter term
benefits of letting your infant listen to music may include the following:
Music can calm and soothe your baby: There are a great many reasons why babies can grow cranky or
fussy. Sometimes your baby is just in a bad mood or feeling anxious. Playing music can help and
soothe your baby. With the right soundtrack, babies can start to relax–preventing further crankiness
and fussiness in the future. That can turn music into a very important tool for parents who are always
looking for ways to help their infants feel calmer and happier.
Music can help your baby sleep: Because music can be calming, it’s also a very effective sleep aid for
babies. (This is, after all, why lullabies are an age-old parenting technique.) Using music to help your
baby fall asleep can make their transition to sleep time smoother and more comfortable. More restful
sleep can help keep your baby healthier and boost their immune system. This can also be a critical
benefit to exhausted parents who relish every single second of nap time.
It’s important to note that music selection is important when it comes to soothing your baby. If you select
some fast-paced punk rock music, your baby will likely not find it soothing (even if you find it calming).
Try to choose softer, slower-paced music for the purpose of calming and soothing your infant
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