From Bouncing Beats to Soothing Melodies:The Power of Music for Infants and Toddlers

Byearlychildhoodchristiannetwork

Hey Reader!

How does music affect infants and toddler development – maybe even before they’re able to talk? Let’s examine a few things today. Several of today’s ideas came from THIS article from zerotothree.com which includes LOTS of info on development and music including a fantastic chart with musical ideas for various development domains by age group!
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  1. Young children begin to learn self-regulation as a loving caregiver gently holds a baby close and rocks or sways to the beat of a gentle song.
  2. Young children express emotions through music and movement! When was the last time you saw a toddler bouncing to his favorite tune? Try figuring out which songs your students love the most…which songs make them want to bounce and wiggle and squeal? There is some evidence that young children react differently to music that sounds “happy” vs music that sounds “sad”.
  3. Melodies seem to “stick” in our minds deeper than just words. As you are rocking babies, or changing diapers, sing to them about how much God loves them; how God made their toes and fingers; how God already has a special plan for their lives. SING the truth of God into their hearts and build permanent brain connections that create “ear-worm” songs later on in life! These musical neural connections are more robust!
  4. Help children become more aware of their body as you sing songs like “head, shoulders, knees and toes” (slowly). Help them practice balancing their bodies as they bend over to touch their toes or reach up high to touch their heads! Cutest thing ever to watch toddlers do this!
  5. Give them scarves or shakers to move along to the music. They learn some cause and effect and build motor skills as they participate. This is also an activity that encourages collaboration and cooperation among young children as they experience music and movement together.
  6. Did you know that gentle, peaceful music actually physically calms babies (and adults) because our bodies naturally adapt to rhythm around us (breathing and heart-rate slow down to match the music)! This is also why it’s important that you calm yourself before you try to calm an infant – if your heart is racing while you hold a baby close, their heart rate will actually speed up to match yours! I found THIS lullaby playlist from Youtube for naptime that includes gentle piano worship songs with a white noise background.

​THIS is a great article to share with parents of young children about the importance of music in building language skills, family bonding, even calming and self-regulation! (It also great reminders and ideas for teachers of young children! ?)

Cheering you on this week!

-Your ECCN team

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Colossians 3:16

“Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.”

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