It has been said that babies seem to have a great response to music and voices while still in the womb. It is a fact that hearing is one of the first senses used during fetal development. As the unborn child continues to grow in the womb, the response to music and voices grow as well.

“In fetal development the auditory system forms extremely early and the ear is actually the first sensory organ to develop brain connections. And from those first weeks in the womb an infant’s ability to process sound and music only grows stronger”, says Angela England from Infant Toddler Play.

So what are the benefits of music when it comes to your baby? Research done in this field has always shown a dramatic increase in health, especially with premature babies. According to studies done in Neonatal Intensive Care Units, soothing music can lower blood pressure and stress hormones in premature babies.

“Music is a logical intervention, because it is structured and sequential. If a steady, calming rhythm and melody are introduced into an environment, it supports and encourages those in that environment to become steady and calm”, says Jan Schreibman, a music therapist at Methodist Children’s Hospital in Indianapolis, Ind.

The most important benefit, however, is the proven positive effects music can have on brain development. During the first 6 years is when the most crucial brain development takes place for your child. Music can play a big role in your child’s brain development during their younger years. The Mozart Effect is worth looking into as well, since it explains how listening to music can enhance the intellect.

**Here are a few specific pieces of music that infant’s enjoy:

• Vivaldi Flute Concerto – The Four Seasons
• Massenet - Meditation from Thais
• Bach - Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring
• Beethoven – Piano Concerto 5 (The Emperor Concerto), 2nd Movement
• Brahms - Symphony No. 3, 2nd Movement
• Haydn – Cello Concerto, 2nd Movement
• Tchaikovsky – Symphony No. 6, 2nd Movement

**List from Angela England from Infant Toddler Play