Everyone knows that lullabies are for babies, but no one really questions why babies like lullabies, or what it can do for a baby physically, and what the worst music for your baby is.  Luckily for you, I will be able to answer all those questions.

Contrary to popular belief, the themes of lullabies (like what sounds animals on a farm make or three bags of wool) are not what makes babies want to listen to the songs. Something as simple as beat can affect a baby’s liking to a song. According to Halcyon Media, “Most are written in 6/8 meter and composed of only a handful of notes. They’re simple, repetitive—almost hypnotic —and their gentle rhythm embodies a rocking or swaying that’s reminiscent of the womb.”

Lullabies can also affect your baby physically, just like it can adults. Just like how some songs can make someone feel energetic, relaxed, or sleepy, the same thing can happen to babies. According to American Academy of Pediatrics, “When another group of scientists repeated this experiment in 2013 using live music, they found the lullabies had an even greater effect. The premature infants enjoyed improved respiratory function, reduced heart rates — indicating lower stress levels — as well as better sleeping and sucking patterns. Even more surprising is that singing these lullabies actually reduced parental stress as well.”

The majority of people assume that faster paced music or rock music is worst for babies; but actually there is no proof of this. Even though a baby might not like the fast paced music, that doesn’t mean that it’s going to “rot their brain” or make them “violent.” Some babies enjoy fast paced music but it’s just not for everyone.

There are several ways to help your baby grow up to be a more happy and enjoyable person. Something as simple as music can make that happen. By understanding what positives happen to babies who grow up with music, I hope that you can help improve your baby’s lifestyle by letting them listen to lullabies.