It's no secret that music has the power to influence. For thousands of years, humans have been creating and enjoying music. The melodies, the rhythms, and the lyrics can influence the way we think, and the way we perceive things. This power to influence is much greater for babies. Over the years, that have been many studies that show a positive relationship between music and the development of a child. A recent study conducted by scientists at the Universtiy of Washington has shown that play sessions with music improved the processing of both speech sounds and musical patterns in a 9-month old's brain. But the benefits don't stop there. Music has the power to stimulate many areas of a baby's development. Music can affect a baby's motor skills, creativity, even their social skills!
Deciding which songs are appropriate for your child is a pretty difficult and personal task. Every baby is unique and will react differently to different songs, but generally, baby songs should be happy, simple, repetitive, and have a wide range of dynamics to keep your baby interested in the song. All the best lullabies and baby songs throughout history have had these qualities as they are great at keeping a baby engaged and happy while listening to the song. But baby songs aren't just the great compositions of the 18th and 19th century, they are also the soothing folk lullabies of the 60's or the doo-wop's of the 40's, and basically can come from a variety of places.
Below we take a look at the 7 Best Songs For Your Baby.
7 Best Songs for Your Baby
1. Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star
This is arguably the most recognizable melody of all time. Introducing your child to this melody will make it easier for the baby to recognize the alphabet song, as the notes are exactly the same. Composed by Mozart as a young man, it was probably intended as finger exercises for his students at the time. After some time, Jane Taylor wrote a poem entitled, "The Star", published in 1806. The words in the poem were then set to Mozart's composition and the song was born. The lyrics are simple and repetitive, while also being very calming. Parents from everywhere can vouch for "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" as the tune brings joy to the ears of babies all over the world. It would be hard to find a person who doesn't smile when they here the first words of the song, "Twinkle, twinkle little star, how I wonder what you are".
2. Here Comes The Sun
This timeless song by The Beatles is a true masterpiece and is one of the most positive songs of that era of music. George Harrison's bright and folky guitar and the joyful melodies written by Lennon and McCartney make this song perfect for babies. Lines such as, "little darling, the smiles are returning to their faces" are simple, poetic, and happy words that would always make a baby smile. Pair that with the song's timeless, bright melody, and you have the perfect song to serenade your baby.
3. Itsy Bitsy Spider
The lyrics, the melody, and the gestures are what makes this song one of the most well-known baby songs of all time. The melody of this song is simple and happy, which makes it a great song for sing-along and playtime with your baby. "and the itsy bitsy spider climbed up the spout again" are all syllables that your baby can easily distinguish and also speaks about not giving up and trying again. The gestures that come along with the song can make sing-along time more fun because your baby can interact with you the whole time!
4. Row Row Row Your Boat
This song is great for babies and can be great for getting your baby to move along and imitate your actions. The upbeat tempo and motivating melody make this song very well-loved by babies everywhere. The words of the song are perfect for babies as well, "merrily merrily merrily merrily, life is but a dream" can be great motivators for your baby, and will surely get the bundles of joy to giggle. Another sing-along time staple.
5. Rock a Bye Baby
This is probably one of the most-well known nursery rhymes of all time and is also used by parents everywhere as a lullaby. The nursery rhyme adopts a melody that soothes and relaxes a baby, this is a perfect song to use to serenade your baby right before bedtime.
6. Brahm's Lullaby
Written by one of the greatest composers of all time, Johannes Brahm composed an amazingly soothing melody, simply known as "Brahm's Lullaby" in English. Later on, Brahms also wrote lyrics to the song in German for a young mother who wanted a new song to sing for her newborn child. For generations, the words "Lullaby and goodnight, with roses bedight" have soothed and calmed babies. By far one of the most relaxing lullabies of all time, this song is perfect right before bedtime, as it has a simple melody that will surely put your baby to sleep.
7. Hush Little Baby
For countless years, parents have sung this song to their child when they're crying and making a fuss, and this song has worked wonders in calming them down. The lyrics of this song promise beautiful rewards if the baby stays quiet and peaceful. "Hush little baby, don't say a word, mama's gonna buy you a Mockingbird". The repetitive and happy melody of the song also makes it an easy song to sing for parents, even those who aren't the best singers.Â
Summary
Every baby is unique in their own beautiful little ways and because of that, some babies will dislike songs that other babies simply love, and there's nothing wrong with that. Just like their grown-up counterparts, babies have their personal tastes, and as a parent, it will take some trial and error to find the songs just right for your baby. It might take some time, but don't give up, sooner or later your baby will be giggling and laughing and dancing to a song that's just right for them.Â