Sing

Music plays an important part in children’s lives.

Music provide the opportunity to:

It might feel strange to talk out loud to your baby. Especially when all your baby can do is smile back, or just blink and stare. But babies love to hear you talk! So talk as much as you can. The more you do it, the more natural it will feel – even in public! (We promise.)

Tips for Singing with Your Baby

Sing the Same Song Again and Again

Hold your baby close during bedtime and sing a favorite song again and again. Singing the same song can help your baby feel calm and safe.

Sing Silly Songs

Sing silly songs about your day to help get your baby’s attention during diaper changing.

Your Voice is Comforting

Your baby loves to hear your voice even if you think you can’t sing! The sound of your voice is comforting to your baby. Encourage baby to participate. Making sounds, moving bodies and clapping hands ways that your baby can participate in the song.

Sing During Everyday Activities

Sing during everyday activities like driving in the car, or during bath time. It can be repetitive and simple, like “Wash your toes, wash your nose!”

Sing Songs With Counting and Rhymes

Singing songs that have basic counting or rhyming patterns also helps children learn basic math skills. “One, two, buckle my shoe. Three, four, open the door.”

Give Positive Attention

Your toddler loves to get positive attention from you. Singing is a great way for you and your toddler to share an activity together.

Singing is a chance to bond

Whether it’s a bed time lullaby or a playful song, you are building important connections to your child as you enjoy music together. Your voice is one way your child responds to you. If you don’t feel confident about your singing voice, watch your child as you sing. Does your baby move around and babble? Does she quietly listen and turn towards your voice? Does she get excited or attempt to join you in song? These are all ways children positively respond to your voice! Keep singing, make eye contact, smile, and move to the music.

Singing supports language development

Children respond to music at a very young age. When your child is a newborn, you naturally speak to her in a sing-song voice. Your voice comforts and interests her. As she gets older, she will try to repeat the sounds she hears by cooing and babbling—she is singing with you! Listen to these sounds and then respond by singing back. You are creating your own conversation with your baby and she learns that she is successfully talking with you. Include dance and hand gestures to make it even more fun. She may want to listen to or sing the same song over and over. It’s okay–repetition helps children learn.

Songs introduce your child to your family’s heritage

Do you remember a favorite song from your childhood or one that was sung at family gatherings? Share these special songs with your child. Talk about the memories you have from this music. Introducing these songs that have a deep meaning to you help your child understand and connect to your family and culture. This is important as he builds his identity.

Songs help build security and confidence

Songs in your daily routine help your child transition from one thing to another. A nighttime lullaby can help him feel safe and secure just like a special stuffed animal or blanket. It is a cue that it is time to quiet down and go to sleep. A special song that you sing before he goes to child care can reassure him you will be back later.