Music is a wonderful way for you to calm and soothe your



baby, especially during the first year. How many times

have your heard parents say that there was nothing that

they could do with their crying, fussing baby until they

tried music. This is because music does indeed soothe the

savage beast, or in this case, the baby.

There are certain distinct sounds that have been proven to

calm even fussy babies: the sounds of nature, white noise,

and music. Even if your baby isn't fussing or crying you

may want to use music as often as you can to encourage that

feeling of calm and peacefulness. All it takes is a few

minutes every day and before you know it your baby will be

looking forward to hearing that certain song emanating from

the CD player.

There is nothing complicated or mysterious about introducing

your baby to music from day one. You don't need to search for

the perfect song or a certain type of music. All you have to

do is start by having your baby listen to your favorite songs

and music. If jazz is on the top of your list, let your baby

listen to the sounds of John Coltrane as he sits in his baby

seat watching you in the kitchen. It doesn't matter if you

play the schmaltzy songs of the eighties or some wicked

African beat, your baby is going to listen and his mood is

going to be altered by any musical sound that he hears.

Besides the music that you yourself can introduce your baby

to, there are hundreds of CDs on the market today that are

filled with baby songs and lullabies. At the end of the day

you may want to play a CD of quiet baby songs that have a

slower beat. There are so many CDs for you to choose from

that you will have a hard time making up your mind. Choose

something that interests you. Many baby CDs will have

lullabies and faster beat songs on the same CD.

Playing music has other benefits besides soothing your

fussy, crying baby. These benefits include:

- Babies are introduced to musical sounds.

- Music enhances your baby's behavior and cognitive skills.

- Relieves stress for the entire family.

- Will stimulate curiosity and an interest in music.

Take time to find a variety of music CDs for your baby to

listen to. You'll soon notice which music your baby is most

drawn to and can use that music when he is particularly

fussy or is crying.