Music For Baby                                                                                                                                                              kidsmusicnurseryrhymes

It is considered that babies benefit from hearing sounds and music whilst still in the womb. Once born, babies are soon introduced to rhythm, melody and various sound-makers, through the use of shakers, bells and many other types of musical toys.

Speech between adults and babies often has a melodic and flowing tone, 'musical speech'. There is one-to-one musical interaction, such as a parent singing softly to their child. Baby play-songs include finger rhymes and tickling rhymes, including titles such as 'Round And Round The Garden' and 'This Little Piggy' - shared activities, an engaging experience for both adult and baby.

Gentle cradling and rocking, swaying in time to music, is comforting for the child.

Settings with carers, daycare centres, are likely to include stimulating musical participation, often a way in which communication between children begins. Music and song is cross-cultural, stimulates the mind, helps to improve motor skills, social and language development.

Gentle nursery rhymes, lullabies and classical music with soft tones and slow in tempo, provide calming and soothing tunes in times of rest and sleep. Of course, there's no replacement for intimate one-to-one communication, but playing suitable background music in the nursery can help to create a relaxing and comforting environment.