Musically Inclined

Introducing Music to Your Baby

By Laura Blattner

Music is truly a universal language. Babies drift into slumber as they listen to the softly hummed melodies of an adoring mother. Laughter and joy echo through a schoolyard as children play "Ring around the Rosies." We reverently bury our dead to the quiet harmonies of a hymn. No matter what language is spoken, music has the potential to penetrate through all barriers -- regardless of gender, race, religion, financial or social status.

So why is music important for your baby? "We know babies need a nurturing, stimulating and consistent environment," says Dr. George Askew, a developmental pediatrician at Zero to Three, a non-profit organization and one of the nation's leading resources on the first three years of life (www.zerotothree.org). "Music is a wonderful tool that helps to promote time shared together with a parent."

Conflicting research disputes the validity of the highly popularized Mozart Effect®, in which music is believed to have transformational powers in health, intelligence and well-being. "You can't use music to make your baby smarter," admits Dr. Askew. "However, music is one of many tools that can be used as a bridge to building a solid relationship with your child in the early years. Reading a book, bathing, playing, singing and the everyday magical moments in life are all important facets of a nurturing relationship."

Lisa Clayton of Salt Lake City, Utah, mother to 3-year-old Anna and 1-month-old Kate, says music has had a profound effect on both of her children from the first days of life. Clayton began attending a local Kindermusik® class for parents and babies when her oldest daughter, Anna, was just 3 months old. Clayton immediately noticed that music provided her with new tools to develop her relationship with her daughter. "It was nurturing, stimulating, and bonding for us," she says.

Want to see more?

• Sing and Play with Your Baby
• Kindermusik: Something to Sing About
• Songs to Soothe Your Baby