Music is a wonderful way for you to calm and soothe your baby,
especially during the first year. How many times have your
heard parents say that there was nothing that they could do
with their crying, fussing baby until they tried music. This is
because music does indeed soothe the savage beast, or in
this case, the baby.

There are certain distinct sounds that have been proven to
calm even fussy babies: the sounds of nature, white noise,
and music. Even if your baby isn't fussing or crying you may
want to use music as often as you can to encourage that
feeling of calm and peacefulness. All it takes is a few
minutes every day and before you know it your baby will be
looking forward to hearing that certain song emanating from
the CD player.

There is nothing complicated or mysterious about introducing
your baby to music from day one. You don't need to search
for the perfect song or a certain type of music. All you have to
do is start by having your baby listen to your favorite songs
and music. If jazz is on the top of your list, let your baby
listen to the sounds of John Coltrane as he sits in his baby
seat watching you in the kitchen. It doesn't matter if you play
the schmaltzy songs of the eighties or some wicked African
beat, your baby is going to listen and his mood is going to be
altered by any musical sound that he hears.

Besides the music that you yourself can introduce your baby
to, there are hundreds of CDs on the market today that are
filled with baby songs and lullabies. At the end of the day you
may want to play a CD of quiet baby songs that have a slower
beat. There are so many CDs for you to choose from that you
will have a hard time making up your mind. Choose something
that interests you. Many baby CDs will have lullabies and
faster beat songs on the same CD.

Playing music has other benefits besides soothing your fussy,
crying baby. These benefits include:

- Babies are introduced to musical sounds. - Music enhances
your baby's behavior and cognitive skills.- Relieves stress for
the entire family.- Will stimulate curiosity and an interest in
music.

Take time to find a variety of music CDs for your baby to
listen to. You'll soon notice which music your baby is most
drawn to and can use that music when he is particularly fussy
or is crying.

Article written by JT.