We have all heard countless lullabies, either because we remember them from when we were children or because they were played to our younger siblings. The truth is that lullabies are a tradition in different cultures, languages and countries, and are used, more than anything else, to soothe, entertain or put infants to sleep. But perhaps you have asked yourself on more than one occasion what are the effects of lullabies on babies?
Well, lullabies or lullabies have characteristic rhythms, quite slow and similar to the rhythm that most mothers use when lulling their children to sleep. These rhythms move in time with the movements of a rocking chair or the mother’s arms, provoking a feeling of protection and security in the baby. In addition, these rhythms are associated with the mother’s heartbeat, which can be heard by babies during gestation or when they are on their mother’s chest, making them feel that they are under her care.
Another effect that lullabies have is one that is universal to all human beings, and that is that music reduces stress and triggers the production of dopamine and other positive neurotransmitters. For babies, it works in a similar way, since music produces similar effects, especially when it is harmonious and melodic like traditional lullabies.
Lullabies have even greater benefits when implemented into a baby’s routine. If you play lullabies every time your baby is about to go to sleep, he will associate the sounds and melodies of lullaby music with bedtime, making it easier for him to fall asleep at regular times, which is always a benefit for busy mothers.
But lullabies can not only be played on your smartphone or any other device, they can also be sung directly to the child. There are many benefits related to singing lullabies to babies, the main one being that a stronger emotional relationship is established with the music when it is sung by the mother. It is not necessary to be a professional singer or to be always in tune, just sing to the child and form an emotional bond with the music.
Singing these lullabies directly is also part of the infant’s early stimulation, since it exposes him/her to language and new vocabulary, necessary aspects when babies eventually learn to speak. If, on top of that, you accompany the singing of these melodies with movements, expressions, gestures or other actions, you will also be stimulating their motor development and coordination.
As is evident, the benefits only increase when singing these types of songs to your baby. Whether you are looking for easy ways to get your baby to sleep, you want to start with early language and coordination stimulation, or you are simply concerned about whether lullabies have any benefits for your child, you can be sure that lullabies are a tool with many benefits for your baby’s development.
