When a newborn comes into this world, everything around him affects his development — the mother’s voice, the light in the room, the sense of touch and… music. Science has now proven that music is not just a means of entertainment, but it also plays an important role in the brain development of the baby. This article is a mini parenting masterclass, in which we will learn how music can take the mental development of your newborn or infant to new heights.
Music and baby: When does this relationship begin?
You will be surprised to know that the baby can feel music while it is in the womb. After about 20 weeks, the hearing ability of the fetus starts developing. When the mother listens to some melodious music, it also affects the baby’s brain. Many studies have revealed that babies who listen to music in the womb are more calm, spontaneous and responsive after birth.
Effect of music on baby’s brain development
The baby’s brain develops the fastest in the first year of birth. If music is included in the right way during this time, it can have many benefits:
- Improvement in hearing ability
When the baby listens to the same tune, rhythm or music repeatedly, he starts recognizing sound patterns. This increases his hearing ability and his ability to understand sound. - Preparation for learning language
Music contains tones, rhythm and beats — which are the basic components of language. When the baby listens to the lyrics and rhymes of songs, he subconsciously starts understanding the pronunciation and sounds of the words. - Emotional bonding and social development
When the mother or father sings a lullaby to the baby while holding him in his lap, it creates a deep emotional bond. This process makes the child feel safe and lays the foundation for social bonding. - Improvement in motor skills and movement
Gradually as the baby grows, he starts moving his hands and feet to the rhythm of the music. This develops his motor skills.
What does the research say?
- A Harvard University study found that babies who were regularly exposed to music had better language and cognitive abilities.
- In a joint research by IBM and Brown University, it was observed that the level of stress hormone (cortisol) is lower in children who listen to music.
- Through the ‘Music Together’ program in the UK, it was observed that the bond between parents and children who do musical activities is stronger and more emotional.
Useful tips for parents
1. Make a daily ‘music time’:
Fix 15–20 minutes every day when you play music to your child. If you want, you can sing yourself or take the help of a good music track.
2. Use lullabies and traditional tunes:
In the Indian tradition, lullabies like “Nindiya Aai” or “Chhand” are considered very beneficial for babies. These give the baby an understanding of language and culture.
3. Give musical toys or instruments:
By giving light musical toys like rattles, xylophones etc. to children above 6 months, they start understanding rhythm and beat.
4. Connect music to routine:
Play a special tune or song at the time of sleep, food or bath. This helps the baby to understand the routine.
5. Give preference to live music, away from the screen:
Playing music through mobile or TV is less effective. The live voice of mother or father is more beneficial for the baby.
Effect of music on mental health
Music reduces stress in a growing baby, calms the mind and increases the ability to concentrate. This is especially useful for children who have problems like autism or developmental delay.
Which music to choose?
- Calm tunes (Classical, lullabies, bhajans)
- Natural sounds (sound of water, chirping of birds)
- Moderate tempo instruments (flute, harmonium, tabla)
- Children songs or rhymes (ABC Song, Twinkle Twinkle, etc.)
Note: Avoid very loud or aggressive music as it may distract the baby.
A foundation for the future
Engaging a child with music in the early years can facilitate his/her lifelong learning process. Children who are exposed to music in infancy are usually academically sound, emotionally balanced and socially active.
Conclusion
The baby’s brain is like a blank sheet of paper — what you write forms its foundation. Music is a powerful tool that can bring about positive changes in the baby’s brain without any language barriers. It’s an easy, safe, and natural way — not only for brain development, but also for a beautiful and deep parent-child relationship.
