Can Music Help with Infant’s Brain Development?

How Does Music Impact Baby’s Brain Development?

Baby’s brain is constantly developing and making new neural connections. So many things around them can have a positive impact on their development—including, as some researchers believe, music! So, why is music so impactful? We know that music engages many regions of the brain at once. Music for infants’ brain development can be an important part of many play, social-emotional, communication, and sensory experiences, and can possibly strengthen those experiences.

Here are some more ways music may have an important impact on your child:

Music experiences promote predictability and enjoyment

Music naturally creates a social, playful mood, which is the best learning environment for your little one. Not only will baby have fun in these surroundings, but music will also create a sense of predictability. This is because after hearing a song repeatedly, children will begin to know what to expect, when to dance, and how to sing along. Using music as a part of a routine can further help to create a sense of predictability, reduce anxiety and help with executive function development. We’ve seen even in the NICU, music therapy can help promote positive emotions.

Children’s music activities naturally use different senses and skills

Children don’t just listen to music—they sing, they use facial expressions, they make physical gestures, they get moving! This means that the impact of music is much more than sensory—it’s also using motor, communication, and play skills.

Music promotes bonding

Singing to infants captures and keeps their attention

They’ll naturally be drawn to the source of the singing, so it can be a great tool if you have time with your little one. This also helps get baby’s attention, so babies are more open to learning when music is involved.

So how can you and your child engage with music?

Here are some easy ways to enjoy the power of music together.

• Dance together!
• Find ways to perform and make music together.
• Consider music lessons.
• Sing out loud.
• Try teaching new lessons or telling stories in song.
• Have regular times of the day when you listen to music, such as in the car or before dinner.

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