Babies and Music - Let's Get Wiggling!

Before I had children I could never understand the point of nursery rhymes. I mean, babies can’t understand words right? Or sing, dance or anything musical surely? When I first heard of baby music classes, I laughed, and put it down to over-indulgent, pushy parents.

Fast forward 10 years and I am proud to say I am a regular attendee at my local library’s bounce and rhyme session for babies aged 0-2. Why the change of heart? Simple. I’ve witnessed both of my children’s joy and laughter, their funny little wiggly movements and head nodding, and their I-ain’t-got-no-rhythm-but-I’m-enjoying-myself-anyway clapping and have been both enchanted and delighted. As a parent/child bonding experience, it is not to be missed.

So why do tiny babies love music?

First, despite their out of time clapping, babies do have an innate sense of rhythm. Academics suggest that this is demonstrated by the repetitions in their babbling - da-da-da and mum-mum, instead of just da or Mum. This theory is supported by the natural inclination of babies to move their little bodies to the beat. No-one teaches them that music is for dancing, they seem to realise that all by themselves!

There is also evidence that babies recognise and remember tunes for far longer than an adult would expect. Infact, some scientists claim that babies can remember music that they heard while still in the womb. This familiarity no doubt creates a comfortable, reassuring feeling to a baby who is trying to make sense of the big, scary world.

Movement is also a big part of their enjoyment. At my music classes it is very obvious that the songs most loved by babies are the ones that have actions.. The Wheels on the Bus is a firm favourite, especially the bit where “the babies on the bus bounce up and down”!

• Mobiles. Attach one of these to your baby’s cot and watch your little one be mesmerised by the movement and sound. You can get mobiles with just music, or singing too. My children preferred the ones with classical music - maybe because I listened to classical music a lot while pregnant.
• CDs. There are thousands of CDs available with nursery rhymes, and at very good prices too. Handy if, like me, you realise that you can barely remember the words to Baa Baa Black Sheep and are totally out of touch with what’s new in the world of baby music.
• While pregnant. If you are the admirable, super organised type and are reading this while pregnant, why not give the music in pregnancy theory a try? Play some soothing music to your tummy, or some hard rock if that’s your thing, and see if has any effect on the baby’s movements. At worst, you’ll have a nice time listening to music, and at best, you’ll be able to calm your baby just by switching the CD player on.
• Music Groups. I cannot recommend joining a music group highly enough. Not only will you and your baby love it, you will meet some lovely new mummy-friends too.
• Classes. There are several baby music classes available, such as Jo Jingles and Monkey Music, that offer a more structured class, often with instruments available for Baby to play with. These are usually run by someone with musical knowledge and experience, so your budding Mozart will be in safe hands.
• Singing. If nothing else, sing, sing, sing! Buy a book of nursery rhymes if you’ve forgotten them all and entertain your little one whenever you get the chance. Baby doesn’t care if you’re tone deaf!

And now for the good stuff.

So you’ve filled your baby’s life with music. What next. Well, it’s time to sit back and enjoy the benefits. Research suggests that music can calm a fussy baby, aid sleep and de-stress fraught parent. There is also some evidence that music and singing can help to develop babies speech and communication, perhaps shortening that frustrating period when they know what they want, but just can’t get you to understand (I’m sure all babies think their parents are stupid!)

You may also be helping to develop your child’s musical ability, giving them an early introduction to melody and rhythm. Perhaps you could enhance this by keeping some simple, inexpensive instruments, such as maracas, tambourines and drums around for Baby to play with.

Even if all of the scientific research, academic opinion and wishful thinking proves to be wrong, I can assure you that a musical baby is a happy baby. And a happy baby makes a happy parent. So go on, find your voice and make some noise!