Using Music to Calm Your Baby

Music is a wonderful way for you to calm and soothe your baby,
especially during the first year. How many times have your heard parents say
that there was nothing that they could do with their crying, fussing baby until
they tried music. This is because music does indeed soothe the savage beast,
or in this case, the baby.
There are certain distinct sounds that have been proven to calm even
fussy babies: the sounds of nature, white noise, and music. Even if your baby
isn’t fussing or crying you may want to use music as often as you can to
encourage that feeling of calm and peacefulness. All it takes is a few minutes
every day and before you know it your baby will be looking forward to hearing
that certain song emanating from the CD player.
There is nothing complicated or mysterious about introducing your baby
to music from day one. You don’t need to search for the perfect song or a
certain type of music. All you have to do is start by having your baby listen to
your favorite songs and music. If jazz is on the top of your list, let your baby
listen to the sounds of John Coltrane as he sits in his baby seat watching you in
the kitchen. It doesn’t matter if you play the schmaltzy songs of the eighties
or some wicked African beat, your baby is going to listen and his mood is going
to be altered by any musical sound that he hears.
Besides the music that you yourself can introduce your baby to, there
are hundreds of CDs on the market today that are filled with baby songs and
lullabies. At the end of the day you may want to play a CD of quiet baby songs
that have a slower beat. There are so many CDs for you to choose from that
you will have a hard time making up your mind. Choose something that
interests you. Many baby CDs will have lullabies and faster beat songs on the
same CD.
Playing music has other benefits besides soothing your fussy, crying
baby. These benefits include:
• Babies are introduced to musical sounds.
• Music enhances your baby’s behavior and cognitive skills.
• Relieves stress for the entire family.
• Will stimulate curiosity and an interest in music.
Take time to find a variety of music CDs for your baby to listen to.
You’ll soon notice which music your baby is most drawn to and can use that
music when he is particularly fussy or is crying.