Even before birth, exposing your child to music ignites all areas of child development.1

Effect of music on babies in the womb1

An unborn child hears its very first sound around 16─18 weeks of pregnancy. By week 24, babies respond to voices and noise. An unborn child can recognize her mother’s voice, her native language, word patterns and rhymes. By 3rd trimester, the baby can hear the music you play. Play classical music, gentle sounds like lullabies, nice melodies that inspire happiness.

Effect of music on a young child’s brain2,3

Children should be exposed to many kinds of music. They help in the development of:

  • Language and literacy skills
  • Numeracy skills
  • Intellectual development
  • Attention and concentration
  • Physical development and health

How can you use music to soothe your baby to help them sleep?1

Music is a popular recommendation that helps soothe the little one sleep peacefully. The music should be relaxing, soothing and should create an atmosphere to foster sleeping pattern. Playing repetitive, slow, soft music will slow down the heartbeat, allowing for calmer and deeper breathing.

Can music help your child socialize? 1

At an early age, music helps children express themselves and share their feelings. Music helps connect with others by involving empathy, trust and cooperation.

Children can even make up their songs which will help them laugh, repeat words and even memorize them.

Patients can use music to express their love, joy, express their love, joy, and to engage and interact.

There are different ways in which both parents and children can interact musically.3

  • Singing to infants and toddlers is vital to language development.
  • It is also great fun to listen to music together. Introduce your kids to new music.
  • Find fun concerts which are meant for kids and parents to attend together.
  • Playing an instrument together will improve both cognitive functioning and social/emotional skills for adults as well.

My advice is to start music with your children as early as possible.

Reference:

  1. How music affects your baby’s brain: Mini Parenting Master Class [Internet]. Available from https://www.unicef.org/parenting/child-development/how-music-affects- your-babys-brain-class. Accessed on 28th February 2020
  2. Sarkar J, Biswas U. The role of music and the brain development of children. The Pharma Innovation Journal 2015; 4(8): 107-111
  3. Music Is an Important Ingredient for Child Development and Parent-Child Relationships [Internet]. Available from https://childdevelopmentinfo.com/development/music-is-an-important-ingredient-for-child-development-and-parent-child-relationships/#gs.ybuigy. Accessed on 28th February 2020