Key takeaways: Singing to babies can calm them, hold their attention, and strengthen bonding. Some research suggests music play may support how babies process rhythms in speech, but evidence is limited, and “Mozart makes babies smarter” claims aren’t supported. You don’t need special programs; singing, rhythm, and dancing together are enough. Keep volume low.
Babies love music, especially your voice.
What Research Shows
- Infant-directed singing (the way parents naturally sing to babies) captures babies’ attention and can help soothe them.
- A small 2016 study by Zhao and Kuhl found that 9-month-olds who took part in music play sessions showed differences in brain responses to rhythm in music and speech. More research is needed.
- The “Mozart effect” (that listening to classical music makes babies smarter) isn’t supported by good evidence.
From the author
From First Breath to First Birthday is my month-by-month guide to your baby’s first year, written as a NICU and postpartum nurse. My book follows your baby’s growth and development month by month, from the first hours after birth to the first birthday.
Ways to Bring Music Into Your Day
- Sing lullabies at bedtime.
- Sing during routines: diaper changes, bath time, car rides.
- Make up silly songs with your baby’s name.
- Dance while holding your baby.
- Clap and bounce to rhythms.
- Play simple instruments like shakers and drums (age-appropriate and safe).
- Attend a baby music class if you enjoy it.
Your Voice Matters Most
Babies prefer their parents’ voices. You don’t need to sing well!
Hearing Safety
- Keep music at a low volume.
- Avoid headphones for babies.
- Use ear protection for loud events like concerts or fireworks.
Screens
Music videos count as screen time. The AAP recommends avoiding screen media for babies under 18 months, other than video chatting.
The Bottom Line
Sing, dance, and play with music together. It’s a joyful way to connect, even if it doesn’t make your baby a genius.
Want more support for your baby’s first year? My book, From First Breath to First Birthday, is available on Amazon.
Related Articles
- Newborn Hearing: What Babies Hear and How to Protect Their Ears
- Talking, Reading, and Singing: Building Language From Day One
- Bonding During Bottle Feeding
Sources
- Zhao TC, Kuhl PK. Musical intervention enhances infants’ neural processing of temporal structure in music and speech. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2016;113(19):5212-5217.
- Trehub SE. Musical predispositions in infancy. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2001;930:1-16.
- Council on Communications and Media. Media and young minds. Pediatrics. 2016;138(5):e20162591.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice. Always talk with your baby’s health care provider or your own provider about your specific situation. If you think your baby or you may have a medical emergency, call 911.
