Music Can Help Infants Sleep
Parents can use music to connect with their infants and help sooth them, whether it is a parent singing or a CD of favorite songs. Early exposure to music has been shown in some studies to have positive effects on brain activity and provide a calming environment. Many parents also use music to help their babies sleep, but some might question which types are best and how much music can be played at night. While there are no concrete answers, there are several guidelines that can be used to help choose appropriate music that will have the most benefits and how best to incorporate the music.
Parents speak, play music for, and sing to their unborn babies. The growth period of fetal development is one where infants are constantly exposed to sound, whether it is the heartbeat of their mothers or other distorted sounds from the outside environment. Many parents find that their newborns are comforted by calm, even familiar sounds soon after they are born. Prerecorded music can be used to soothe infants, and it most often contains simple pieces, incorporating soft, repetitive sounds. Even though classical music and jazz are often thought as the best choices, some of them are actually not fluid, include contrasting measures, and are unpredictable. Newborns and babies typically respond better to music that is evenly and rhythmically consistent and reliable, without differences as to whether it is classical, country, or even light rock.
Alternatives to music selections include those that are nature based, such as waterfalls, rainfalls, waves in the ocean, or simple outdoor sounds such as bird calls. These relaxation audio selections are often targeted to parents of newborns, those who are trying to reduce stress in their lives, or possibly those who are ill. Often the sounds on these recordings are very rhythmical, such as ocean waves. There is a natural rhythm in our bodies of breathing and heartbeats, so it is not unrealistic to think that the mind finds these sounds soothing and peaceful.
For those parents who use music or other calming recordings to help their babies sleep at night there are various electronic options. Standard CD players have playback options, such as an auto-repeat or auto-off, and there are even devices that are voice activated that come be turned on by the crying of a baby.
Parents of newborns might worry that playing music or other soothing sounds all night will be harmful or interrupt a healthy night of rest. The volume should always be low, ensuring that tender eardrums are not damaged. While this constant playing is not necessarily harmful, it can lead to challenges for infants who learn to sleep by relying on music. This is not always a practical possibility, especially when travelling.
Falling asleep to music might make it difficult for babies to self soothe when they awake in the middle of the night to silence. Devices that automatically turn on when voice activated can be helpful or parents can turn to more unconventional means for soothing sounds. Sometimes even placing an aquarium near the nursery can give enough rhythmic consistent sounds to be soothing and comforting for babies.
Baby Sleeping Problems Wanting to discover ways to get your baby to sleep through the night? Then take a look at www.BabySleepAtNight.com to learn more and download plenty of FREE parenting resources. Newborn And Sleep
Processing your request, Please wait....
