It does not matter if you feel that you have a bad singing voice. Your child will be the least critical audience ever—for certain. Babies simply love to listen to your voice making a floating, and pleasing melody. A baby recognize your voice as yours very early on, so the sound of your voice singing is the best sound for your baby to hear as you bond with each other.
It is amazing to see how much comfort that singing can provide to your little one. Music, especially when you sing to your baby, can calm your baby, stop your baby from crying, and can sometimes comfort them even when they are the most distraught. As the root word of “lullaby” indicates, a song can lull your little one to sleep and give you some time for yourself, or calm them when they are upset and bring them back to a better mood.
Many experts say neurological connections are made each time that your baby hears to music, even while in the womb.
Lullabies are composed of words, and use certain aspects such as repetition, rhyme, assonance and alliteration. The repetition of certain songs will reinforce sound recognition. Your children may even find themselves singing the songs and practicing these elements without even knowing it.
Ritually singing to your baby at bedtime can be an incredibly bonding ritual between you and your child. The child focuses on you and you on him or her, and there is an intimate connection that forms. There is no better means of relaxation for your baby than this, other than your touch, i.e. comforting and holding your baby. Playing music or singing to your unborn child can also make a difference in mental development. Lullabies can also increase language development.
Anne Clarke writes numerous articles for websites on gardening, parenting, fashion, and home decor. Her background includes teaching and gardening. For more of her articles on parental care please visit Baby Care.