5 Different Benefits of Music for Baby’s Development
Music is a great ally in child development and can provide lifelong learning. From the last trimester of pregnancy, the baby is already capable of hearing sounds from the environment and responding to them. After birth, music continues to be present, whether through toys, instruments, or even everyday sounds, such as a cellphone ringing. Below, see how music contributes to your child’s growth and well-being.
Stimulates body expression
Music has the power to connect the body and mind, promoting the expression of feelings through movement. From clapping to a rhythm to dancing freely, music encourages the child to express themselves. The melody, rhythm, and lyrics evoke emotions and invite people to express themselves. This can help us create adults and teenagers who are more comfortable expressing their feelings.
This expression can also be worked in therapeutic contexts, considering that music exercises help bring out sensations from the brain or express emotions through composition and concentration. Music therapy, for example, is a recognized practice that supports the emotional and cognitive development of children, being used to promote self-confidence and self-esteem.
Develops motor coordination
Manipulating musical instruments is a great way to exercise both fine motor coordination, using small muscles, and gross motor coordination, which involves larger movements. Instruments like the piano and guitar help develop motor skills in a fun and engaging way.
Expands cultural knowledge
By exploring different musical styles and instruments, children have the opportunity to learn about diverse cultures. For example, instruments such as the bongos, atabaque, and timba allow children to explore African and Cuban rhythms, connecting them to the stories and customs of other peoples. This exposure encourages empathy and respect for diversity.
Strengthens creativity
Music stimulates memory, attention, and creativity, helping to establish important neural connections in the frontal brain region. When children interact with music from an early age, these benefits can accompany them throughout life, also contributing to emotional understanding and regulation.
Benefits for children with autism or ADHD
Music can also play an important role in the development of children with disorders such as autism and ADHD. For children with ADHD, melodies exercise areas of the brain related to concentration and social development, as well as contribute to boosting self-esteem. In the case of autistic children, music can activate brain regions associated with processing emotions, helping with the expression of feelings.
Music in daily life
To enjoy the benefits of music in childhood, it’s not necessary to have expensive musical instruments or a deep musical education. Simple everyday sound activities—like clapping, singing in the shower, dancing to music, or even using kitchen utensils as instruments—can be extremely valuable for your child’s development. Singing to the baby from an early age can also promote language and communication, helping with the learning of new vocabulary.
