By Cynthia Martin

You don’t need to be a professional singer to sing to your baby. In fact, parents have been using lullabies and soothing melodies for generations to calm, connect with, and care for their little ones. What we’re learning now is just how powerful that instinct really is.

Groundbreaking research from Hungary and the Netherlands shows that even day-old infants can recognize and respond to rhythmic patterns. These newborns aren’t learning rhythm — it’s hardwired. Scientists measured their brain waves as they listened to different musical patterns, and the results were clear: babies are born tuned into music.

We’ve long known that singing or using a sing-song voice strengthens the emotional bond between parents and babies. It can even boost your baby’s mood and help them feel more secure. But don’t rely on speakers or headphones — especially not directly in your baby’s ears. The best musical experience for your baby comes directly from you.

Start singing even before birth. Around 25 weeks of pregnancy, your baby can begin processing sounds. Singing the same lullaby every night while you’re pregnant helps create familiarity, and after birth, that same song may soothe your newborn more easily.

Need a Place to Start? Kimberly Sena Moore, in her book “Your Musical Self,” suggests these classic children’s songs that are simple, fun, and easy to remember:

“You Are My Sunshine”

The ABCs song

“Mary Had a Little Lamb”

“Itsy Bitsy Spider”

“I’m a Little Teapot”

“Hush, Little Baby”

“Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star”

“Row, Row, Row Your Boat”

“The Wheels on the Bus”

“Old MacDonald Had a Farm”

If you forget the words, a quick internet search will help. And don’t worry about repetition — babies love it. Just like with books, hearing the same song again and again builds comfort, recognition, and memory.

As your child gets older, music continues to play an important role. Studies have shown that young children who take music lessons — even for just four months — experience improved memory and brain development, particularly in the areas linked to reasoning, language, and problem-solving.

Even if your child doesn’t have access to a music teacher in kindergarten, music can (and should) still be part of their daily life — through songs, movement, or simple instruments. Parents can sing together at home, play music during routines, or explore rhythm with pots and pans in the kitchen.

Researchers at Ohio State University have found that ages 10-13 are especially critical for developing music and speech skills. This sensitive window in brain development makes middle childhood an ideal time to encourage music participation — whether through school bands, choirs, or lessons at home.

The effects can last a lifetime. Albert Einstein, a lifelong violinist, showed signs of music’s influence on his brain when it was studied after his death. Music didn’t just calm him — it may have helped shape the way he thought.

Does today’s music help or hurt? It’s hard to say. What matters most is that your child enjoys music and listens at safe volumes. Whether they’re humming along to nursery rhymes or bouncing to their favorite beats, what’s most important is that music remains a joyful, regular part of their life.

So go ahead — sing that lullaby, play that song, dance in the living room. Music isn’t just entertainment; it’s one of the most powerful tools you have to support your child’s emotional, social, and academic growth.