In fetal development the auditory system forms extremely early and the ear is actually the first sensory organ to develop brain connections. And from those first weeks in the womb an infant’s ability to process sound and music only grows stronger.

When a baby is born he is already able to recognize familiar tunes and songs and distinguish between the voice of his parents and any other voice. Babies show a marked preference for a song sung by their own mother or father than a song sung on tape or CD. Even premise show a preference for soothing classical music over harsher rock beats and studies done in Neonatal Intensive Care Units with premature infants show that soothing music from the Baroque period can lower the blood pressure and stress hormones of these young infants.

How Babies Respond to Music

• Birth to Six Months: At this young age most babies respond to music playing that they enjoy with full body movements and wiggles. They will turn their heads towards sounds that catch their attentions and cry in response to unpleasant noises. Babies show a preference for songs sung by familiar voices so it is better for parents to rock and sing to their babies rather than putting in a CD with a stranger singing the lullabies instead.
• Six Months to One Year: As an infant’s eye-hand coordination develops and they become more mobile, babies will grasp and manipulate objects. This means that a baby can shake a rattle and understands that the shaking causes the noise to occur. Babies begin to clap their hands in response to music and this should be encouraged and demonstrated by the adults around them. By the time she turns a year a baby will understand the purpose of an instrument such as a drum or keyboard and understand how to produce the music and sound.

Songs to Sing with Babies

The wonderful thing about singing with an infant is that the baby doesn’t care whether your voice is good or you can carry a tune. Sing lullabies like “Go to Sleep” or “Hush, Little Baby” for a few minutes before tucking your baby in for a nap or evening. Make up silly-songs that include the infant’s name or describe a daily activity you are doing.
Music Selections Infants Love

While many instrumental pieces can be beneficial for babies some, even “classical” pieces are not pleasing to young infants. Music for babies should be well-ordered, complex (meaning lots of instruments or a definite melody and harmony part) and be rhythmic without being overwhelming or overly dissonant.