Here are 5 benefits of singing to your baby and why we should do it more often! It starts in utero and doesn’t stop there. Don’t have a good singing voice? Well, you are in luck because guess who could care less? Your baby! So belt it out and read on as to all the wonderful advantages singing will provide.
1.) Bonding with your Baby
One ‘tangible’ thing you can do as soon as you find out you are pregnant is to talk and sing to your baby. As your baby grows, they will learn to understand rhythm. More importantly, they will recognize your voice when you sing as they are growing. A few great ways to bond with your baby are singing, smiling, eye contact, reading as well as cuddling. Even as your little one grows, that song you always sang to them (or with them) will always bring you right back to when they were young.
2.) A Release of Emotions (for both of you!)
It is no question that singing can be an outlet for our emotions. Singing can make us feel better about ourselves as well as the world we live in. Sometimes, after a long exhausting day, singing can be just what we need in order to find peace. On the other end of the spectrum, your little one loves the rhythmic pattern along with your soothing voice.
3.) Language Development
Children learn through watching, listening and practice. Practicing sign language while singing is also beneficial because it allows your child to connect an action/noun with a word. Remember, if your child can sign a word, that “sign” can be applied to their total word count. And don’t forget to pause at the end of a verse from your favorite song- you just might be surprised as to how much your child knows. A great way for grandparents to stay involved with their grandkids and keep their brains in tip top shape, singing can help exercise their own brain for longevity.
4.) Transitions and Predictability
Babies thrive off predictability so it’s no surprise they love songs associated with different parts of their day. Brushing teeth can seem so daunting, but pairing it with a song can make all the difference. Songs are wonderful (often vital) parts of a naptime/bedtime routine that can tip off to your child that it is time to go to sleep.
5.) Creativity
Many times as parents, we have many thoughts and checklists running through our brains. Did I sign up for that activity, what are we eating for dinner tomorrow, did I buy a birthday gift for the party this weekend? You can drown out the mental noise while singing and bring your focus directly to your little one. When you can focus on one thing at hand, it allows more ideas to enter which helps with your creativity.
Check out this website that has 10 great songs to start out with just in case you are having a mental block.
I can personally remember when I first brought my oldest son home from the hospital, I could not remember a children’s song if my life depended on it! It was as if my brain completely shut off and the ONLY song I could think of was the ABC’s. Luckily, he was a week old and didn’t know any different. Alas, it did the job and is still one of my go-to’s when I’m in a pinch. Hopefully this list of 5 benefits of singing to your baby was helpful and please email clementineparent2020@gmail.com if you have any sleep questions or book a call to chat! Cheers.