Did you know that music can benefit people of all ages, even infants? In fact, music can support infants’ developmental skills such as gross and fine motor skills, vision skills, pre social skills, sensory processing, and speech imitation!
Here are some ways music can support an infant’s developmental goals:
Early infancy
Singing a special lullaby to your baby while holding or rocking them strengthens the parent-infant bond. It also introduces your baby to your culture and language, and stimulates growth in speech-related areas in their brain as they process the words you are singing.
Live music can be adjusted to follow the baby's cues; for example, as the baby falls asleep, gradually singing more slowly and softly will help them fall asleep faster and into a higher quality sleep.
Months 2-4
By about three months, an infant may settle in response to hearing calming music, especially when sung by a parent or caregiver. This is especially effective if they associate this music with being held, such as a special lullaby that is used consistently during holding, feeding, or bonding time.
Playing a colorful toy instrument near their line of sight can help your little one practice the skill of visual tracking. Try moving an egg shaker or small rattle in different directions in front of your baby. They may try to follow it with their eyes or by turning their head!
Often, babies at this age are exploring different vowel sounds through cooing and vocalizing. Songs such as “If All The Raindrops” or “I Like To Eat Apples and Bananas” promote exploration of simple vowel sounds. Sing to your little one face-to-face so they can see your mouth changing shape to make different vowel sounds!
Months 4-6
Infants in this stage are awake and alert more often, and are highly interested in the world around them. Try singing them a song that switches from slow to fast, soft to loud, or high to low. Many babies react with curiosity to these changes in the music!
Infants often also react when music is paused at a critical moment, such as right before the next section or the end. Their eyes may widen and they may coo or vocalize to ask “where did the music go?!” Then, you can continue singing and watch your baby’s reaction. This can be a fun game for your baby to learn pre-social skills!
Music can be incorporated into tummy time to support your baby’s gross motor skills, including pushing up onto their elbows or forearms. Playing a colorful, interesting instrument in front of and slightly above your infant’s eye level may encourage them to push up and look at the instrument.
Months 6-9
Many babies start to reach and grasp around this age. If you sing a song and shake a colorful maraca in front of them to the beat, they may be mesmerized by the colors, movement, and sounds, and reach toward the instrument!
Try singing a silly song to your baby - at this stage, they are learning to laugh in response to something funny! Songs that use silly sounds, sung in an exaggerated voice, or paired with fun visuals will likely make your baby laugh.
Babies at this age may wiggle their bodies to music they like. Playing an instrument and singing a lively song to them, or playing a recording of an upbeat song, may get your baby excited and moving! This will help your baby develop their gross motor skills, including control of their arms, legs, and trunk.
Months 9-12
At this age, your baby may be babbling and mimicking speech. Songs that use repeated words and sounds, like “Baby Shark” or “Five Little Ducks” can encourage your baby to practice certain sounds as they try to sing along.
Babies at this age are also learning to respond to their names. Try singing a song using your baby’s name, such as “Mr. Sun” or “Patty Cake”. Your baby may recognize their name in the song and smile!
As your little one develops fine and gross motor skills, they may try hitting two objects together to see what happens. Instruments such as rhythm sticks, small cymbals, or infant sized maracas promote this skill, as striking them together makes interesting sounds.
Singular handheld instruments are also a great way to promote fine motor skills in your baby. Give your baby a small egg shaker or rattle, and see if your baby transfers it from one hand to the other.
The above suggestions and age ranges reflect standardized developmental milestones published by the CDC (link here). However, every infant develops at a different pace, especially those with developmental disabilities or a history of extended hospitalization. Regardless of your baby’s developmental level, music can help little ones practice crucial developmental skills, experience positive sensory input, and grow closer with their loved ones.
If you are interested in music therapy to help your child practice developmental skills, reach out to us today!
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