A baby’s brain forms over 1 million neural connections every second. And when we sing to them, we’re helping wire those connections for language, emotion, and learning. After becoming a mom, I found myself turning everyday moments into mini musicals. My opening act? I’d pop Emmy on my hip each morning, sway like a metronome, and belt out, “Oh Mr. Sun, Sun, Mister Golden Sun, please shine down on me…”
Turns out, my off-key serenades were doing more than making us smile. Research shows that early exposure to music boosts babies’ brain development in powerful ways. And don’t worry, you don’t need to sound like a Grammy winner to make it count! (I sure don’t!) Here are 5 science-backed benefits of singing to your baby, plus easy ways to fit music into your day.
1. It improves your baby’s mood.
Science says: Singing makes babies happier. Research published in Child Development shows babies smile more and stay calmer when parents sing to them rather than talk. Scientists say it helps little ones regulate their emotions and feel more secure. It’s one of the reasons singing lullabies encourages babies to settle in for the night.
Try this: Add a simple melody to diaper changes, especially during those extra-wiggly ones. Try a made-up tune like “Diaper off, diaper on. Snug and clean all day long!” or sing a line from a commercial. Your baby doesn’t care about your words. It’s your voice that makes her heart sing, too!
2. It jumpstarts language skills.
Science says: The repetition and melody in music make words easier to understand now and easier to say later. Researchers have found that babies who hear more singing start talking sooner.
Try this: During bath time, instead of the familiar “Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes,” try personalizing it: “Chubby cheeks and button nose, tiny fingers, ten little toes…” Hearing new word combos supports a baby’s language learning, especially when you pair the word with the corresponding body part.
3. It boosts babies’ brain development.
Science says: Studies like this one show that musical experiences help form neural pathways that support math skills, spatial reasoning, and problem-solving later on.
Try this: Play musical Peek-a-boo. Sing a familiar tune, then stop mid-song and wait. Watch your baby’s face as he anticipates what comes next. Or hide behind your hands while singing, then pop out on the big note. You’re teaching cause-and-effect and prediction skills.
4. It deepens bonding.
Science says: When you sing, your baby’s brain releases feel-good chemicals that help her connect your voice with love and comfort. And guess what—your brain gets the same boost. Singing is one of the simplest ways to build closeness with each other.
Try this: Choose a song that’s just for bedtime. The consistent familiarity becomes a cue that it’s time to wind down, and hearing “your song” together creates a sweet ritual that’s just between you two. Record a version on your phone. Play it in the car or send it to the person who puts your baby down in your absence. Even when you’re not there, your voice brings comfort.
5. It helps you stay calm.
Science says: When you sing, your brain releases less cortisol (the stress hormone), and the steady breathing helps regulate your heart rate. Even if the song is upbeat, the after-effect is calming.
Try this: Redirect with a rhyme. Instead of “No!” try a quick tune like: “Let’s not eat the dog food, let’s find a snack for you!” Music shifts the mood for both of you.
Do you have a silly, made-up song that works like magic during diaper changes or bath time? Share your lyrics! Other moms would love to try them. It’s incredible how these simple moments can support babies’ brain development.
