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Research into music in fetal and neonatal development

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Back in November, I presented at the Life With a Baby Preterm Symposium 2018, about using music in the NICU, and to support child development (especially brain development). Over the next few weeks, I am going to share some of the information that I compiled for this presentation.

All journals referenced are peer-reviewed. This is only a sample of the research available. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.

Fetal and Neonatal Development

Newborns preferred their mother’s voice to the voices of women who were strangers
De Casper, A., and Fifer, W. (1980). Of human bonding: newborns prefer their mothers’ voices. Science,208, 1174–1176. [Read more…] about Research into music in fetal and neonatal development

Lullabies to sing to your baby: Chinese (Cantonese and Mandarin)

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Music is an excellent tool for stimulating cognitive growth in infants, as well as speech development. It also offers an opportunity for baby to bond with a caregiver. One of the best ways to accomplish all of these things is to sing to your baby, and an lullaby is a great option. You may have family lullabies, which are a great choice. If not, and if you don’t know any other lullabies, it is quite easy to find one to learn. Remember that baby loves live voices most (especially those baby knows!) so put away the stereo and sing!

Here are some Chinese selections, in Mandarin and Cantonese. Do you know of others? Leave a comment below! [Read more…] about Lullabies to sing to your baby: Chinese (Cantonese and Mandarin)

Lullabies to sing to your baby: French

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Singing to your baby is a fantastic way to help them with their cognitive development. It is also a great way to facilitate bonding. Choose a lullaby in baby’s first language, and sit them where they can watch your face. Ask your loved ones if they sang to you: those songs can be an heirloom for your little one. [Read more…] about Lullabies to sing to your baby: French

How music therapists can help children with communication

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Do you have a child who has speech delays or a speech disorder? Is your child non-verbal? It may surprise you to learn that a music therapist can help!  As always, the precise goals and techniques used by a music therapist will vary depending on the needs of the child.

Working with your SLP as a member of the team

Your music therapist can work with your SLP to ensure that goals are complementary. In some cases, music therapists and SLP’s can provide joint sessions [Read more…] about How music therapists can help children with communication

Lullabies to sing to your baby (English)

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Singing to your baby has many benefits. It is great for calming them down. It is also good for cognitive development. And it isn’t just baby who benefits: singing has many health benefits for you too, and will also help to facilitate bonding.

“But I don’t know what to sing” you say? Lullabies are a great place to start! Think back to your own childhood: did you parents sing lullabies to you? If they are still around, why not ask them? Passing on a cherished song can be another kind of heirloom and allow you and your child to connect to your community.

If you don’t have a lullaby to sing, then stay tuned because I am going to share some lullabies over the next few blog posts, starting with English. Remember: live music (you singing) is more effective than recorded songs.
[Read more…] about Lullabies to sing to your baby (English)

How you can use music to encourage healthy development in babies and toddlers

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Maybe you have a reason to put an extra emphasis on development for your child (such as premature birth), or maybe you just want to get them started on the right foot. Either way, music can be helpful. Read about how music encourages brain development in young children. Here are some ideas of ways you can work with music at home to encourage healthy development.

The beginnings of communication

[Read more…] about How you can use music to encourage healthy development in babies and toddlers