The Role Of Music In The Growth And Development Of A Baby

When a child is born the first sensory organ to develop a connection with the brain is the ear. Many parents may not realize how quickly their newborn is able to recognize familiar sounds and tunes. Babies have a preference for soothing music over the loud and harsh beats. Several scientific studies have shown that if the music is appropriate for the child, it can help lower his or her stress hormones.

Birth to Six Months

In this age group, babies enjoy music with full body movements and wiggles. The baby will tend to turn his or her head in the direction from where the music is coming. Music helps keep the baby active and cheerful, and also allows him or her some physical exercise in an enjoyable manner.

Six Months to One Year

During this age group, the child’s eye and hand coordination improves, and he or she learns to grasp and manipulate physical objects. If the music is right, baby may even clap his or her hands in response. The baby begins to understand sounds better and knows that if he or she shakes a rattle, it will make a sound. The inducement of physical activity caused by the music also helps in overall mental and physical development.

Singing with the baby

The most soothing time for babies is when the familiar voice of mom or dad sings to them. Parents can use the help of CDs that are designed for babies and sing along with them. All daily activities for the baby such as cleaning, changing and eating can become much easier to handle if the baby is enjoying good music or sounds. Even while putting the baby to sleep, a soothing lullaby can be of great help in letting him or her go off to sleep peacefully.

The babies who grow up with a good exposure to music will tend to sing too. Singing at an early age can help to enhance their vocal and speech development, and the listening skills and concentration of such children also tend to be better.

However, the most significant benefit of music for a child is its positive impact on brain development. Scientific research clearly indicates that the maximum brain development of a human being takes place in the first six years of life. These are the crucial years when music can help and support this developmental process with positive results.

By: Bizymoms.com Management

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