Babies and Music - Why Music Can be Beneficial   by Kit Marsters

Whether the belief that playing certain music to babies will make them smarter is true or not, one thing is for sure - babies tend to love music.

At twenty weeks from conception, an unborn baby can hear. Singing and playing music can be a soothing and pleasant experience for both you and the baby, and it is thought that babies can remember music from even before birth. Studies show that these memories can last for up to fifteen months after birth and the baby will often show a preference for listening to that music.

When your baby is born, allowing music to be a part of their lives can be very beneficial. Music can affect both your mood and the baby's - a slow melody can soothe and help him/her get sleepy. More lively music can inspire dancing or gentle rocking and fun for both.

Classical music is thought to be closest in rhythm and pattern to your voice, and many babies will show a liking of this type of music. It's what they are familiar with and tuned in to - they listened to you and your voice when they were still in the womb.

Music can help stimulate sensory development. At about three months of age, it is likely that your baby will start responding actively to music and at about six months of age many babies start to imitate sounds.

Babies love repetition, and whilst it may be boring for you, singing a song over and over will help them learn the various sounds and patterns involved, and it can help with speech development later on.

Exposing your baby to a variety of music and, for example, nursery songs will keep him entertained and will help him develop his own tastes in music later on.

Just like babies love repetition, they also love routine, and making music a part of this can be a wonderful aid in daily life, amongst others in settling him into a sleeping pattern.

Of course, each baby is different and their stages of development can differ. This is nothing to worry about, your baby will develop and grow at his/her own pace - he/she is not a statistic but a tiny individual, after all!

The many benefits of music for children and babies have been proven over time. Most schools will use songs to help children interact, socialise, memorise and learn (think of the alphabet song, for example). It can also be used to aid with the development of motor skills.

Films and television programs aimed at children use songs to educate and entertain. Music can inspire creativity and assist a child's imagination.

Whether you already have children, are expecting one or are thinking of becoming a mother (or father!), consider adding a bit of music to your life and that of your family. You won't regret it.

About the Author

This article has been submitted in affiliation with http://www.BabyNameVote.Com/ which is a site for Baby Names.