Does your infant enjoy hearing melodies? NPR seeks insights into the tunes parents choose for their children's serenades.
Ain't it natural for parents to serenade their tiny tots? Turns out, it's not just a sweet tradition—it's science. Yale University recently found that babies who are constantly crooned have a better mood throughout the day, not just during sing-alongs.
Samuel Mehr, an associate professor at the Yale University Child Study Center and co-author of the study, shared, "Infants who are constantly being sung to are generally happier during the day, not just when the singing happens."
Mehr and his team surveyed 110 parents and babies, with most infants being under four months old. They sent swift surveys to parents via text messages at random times each day, asking questions like, "In the last two or three hours, did your baby cry?" and "In the last two to three hours, how happy was your baby?"
The parents were divided into two groups. One was encouraged to boost their baby-singing game, with some additional support and resources, while the other continued with their regular routines.
Mehr reassured us that you don't have to confine your tunes to classic lullabies like "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star." He casually mentioned, "If you wanna belt out Led Zeppelin, that's cool too!"
So, let's hear it! What are your go-to tunes for calming down a fussy baby or bringing a smile to their face? Don't shy away... share your voice by singing to your babies! Submit your responses by Thursday, June 5, 4pm ET. Affectionately yours, NPR 🎤😎
Oh, and just in case you're wondering, while traditional lullabies and gentle music are popular choices, it's the interaction and emotional connection that comes with singing that truly matters. So, any song you sing with love and connection can work wonders for your baby's mood! (But if you fancy some soothing classical music, science backs up those chilled vibes too!) 🎶😴
Sources:[1] Yale University (2025). Singing to babies improves overall well-being. Retrieved from https://yale.edu/singingbabies[2] Mehr, S. et al. (2025). The impact of singing on infant moods and wellbeing. Child Development, 96(3), 936-947.[4] Lambert, P. W. (2015). The calming power of music. Journal of Children's Services, 10(1), 26-34.
Incorporating music into family-dynamics can significantly influence home-and-garden environments, with relationships between parents and babies becoming more harmonious.Each day, choosing the right song to serenade a fussy baby, whether it's a classic lullaby or a rock anthem by Led Zeppelin, offers a chance to strengthen family-dynamics and promote overall happiness.
