Why singing helps babies thrive

Singing to babies is universal. Research has shown that babies respond positively to hearing songs even if they’re sung in an unfamiliar language.

A recent study looked at what happened when primary caregivers were encouraged to increase the amount of singing they did with their babies.

Researchers provided one group of parents with new songs to sing to their babies. For the control group, no new songs were provided. Both groups completed periodic surveys where parents reported how much singing they have done and a description of their babies’ moods.

Among families where parents were given more songs to sing:

• Parents sang to their babies more often
• Parents sang more often with the goal of soothing their infant
• Infant-directed singing improved infant mood

“I have found that parents experience huge benefits from engaging in music therapy or singing to their babies on their own both in and outside the hospital setting,” says Emma Anderson, a music therapist at Advocate Children’s Hospital. “Singing to babies supports physical and mental development in a number of ways.”

Singing to infants exposes them to sound, touch, eye contact and movement. Infants often respond with eye contact, smiling, cooing, and moving their arms and legs. Even parents who are initially reluctant to sing are encouraged to vocalize, hum or babble in a singsong voice.

To increase the amount of singing you do and improve your baby’s mood, you can find soothing and playful songs from your favorite online music source.

“Your baby doesn’t care if your voice is performance ready,” Anderson says. “They just want to hear you. After all, they’ve been listening to your voice since before they were born.”

She says the best music to sing to babies is the music that matters to you.

“Lullabies are always a good bet because they are simple, repetitive and easy to sing,” Anderson adds. “Whether it’s a time-tested melody or a new song by your favorite artist, your baby will love it when it comes from you.”

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