• Written by Ipshita Ghosh
• With quotes from Dr Sushma Gopalan (Child Psychologist-Child Life Specialist), Dr Nanditha Rathinam (Pediatrician) & Aditya Kamakshinadha (Music therapist)
Songs of lullabies foster a strong connection between parents and children, creating a calming atmosphere, reminiscent of the comfort of the womb. Additionally, lullabies can be beneficial to children’s cognitive development, as they can help them learn new words and develop emotional intelligence. A lullaby can prepare the child for a peaceful sleep by reducing the heart rate and stress.
As early as six weeks of fetal development, the auditory system develops in a child, follicles develop around the 25th week of fetal development, and the baby responds to a familiar voice when the mother is singing. This helps to reduce the baby’s emotional stress, says Dr Nanditha Rathinam, consultant pediatrics and pediatrics intensive care, Manipal Hospital, Bangalore. The personalized lyrics of the lullaby can also foster empathy, alleviate anxiety, and lead a child to a restful night’s sleep.
The musicality of lullabies works wonder
Music therapists say that the maternal singing of lullabies is a universal phenomenon that conveys a sense of musicality and creates a special connection between parents and children. Aditya Kamakshinadha, a music therapist from Chennai says, “This tradition transcends the boundaries of culture, language, and social norms, and offers a universal perspective on human nature. Unlike traditional lullaby recordings, a mother’s individualized singing, which is tailored to her baby’s needs, increases the bond between parents and their children”.
Kamakshinadha explains that the rhythm is a mysterious yet profound aspect that is present in all aspects of life. “It is not something that is learned but is an intrinsic part of human nature. We are naturally drawn to rhythm, whether it be through bobbing or tapping, from a young age, and this influences our responses and responses to music and rhythms throughout our lives,” he added.
Lullabies have a profound impact on parents and their children
Music acts as an unspoken form of communication and its health benefits are numerous. Singing different types of songs, such as playful tunes and lullabies, triggers different responses in babies. Playful songs grab the baby’s attention, build a connection, and evoke positive emotions towards their mother. Lullabies, on the other hand, induce drowsiness and put the baby into a sleep state.
In neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), music can be used to provide a calming environment for premature babies in an otherwise machine-beeping environment, which helps in their neurological development. In these cases, doctors may allow mothers to accompany their babies at times, which can help the newborns find comfort in the anxiety-provoking hospital environment.
Dr Sushma Gopalan, child psychologist-child life specialist, Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore says, “In situations where mothers are away from the child for extended periods, recording their voice can help in maintaining the mother’s presence, even when physically away from the child. The baby can hear the voice, and the mother doesn’t feel guilty.”
Kamakshinadha suggests that lullabies should be composed in a rhythm and repetition, usually in a slow, 6/8 beat with a swinging or rocking movement, which can help to soothe an infant.
Mother’s lullaby calms the child and puts them into sleep
Lullabies also help your baby learn to speak. Babies become familiar with the tune and lyrics of the lullabies, and any variation of the familiar melody instantly grabs their attention. It strengthens their language skills and helps them learn how to speak and vocalize, explains Kamakshinadha.
Dr Gopalan says that holding and singing lullabies to your child releases the happy hormones in your body, making you feel fulfilled and happy, especially if you are going through postpartum depression or pregnancy. She says, “It is a bonding moment for you (mothers), especially when you are trying to soothe a crying baby. The physical closeness of your body and the soothing energy help you relax.”
Lullabies are a safe and soothing environment for a child who is struggling with mental health issues or trauma, says Kamakshinadha. “When a child starts singing lullabies, it helps them to self-soothe, which is a practice that is often suggested in music therapy,” he said. Studies have shown that listening to lullabies can lead to several physiological changes, including a lower heart rate, dilation of the pupil, and a reduced blinking frequency.
How to condition a baby for lullabies that helps them sleep
In addition to music, body language such as patting the child also plays an important role. The way in which the baby interacts with the body is very important. For example, tapping on their head or gently tapping between their ribs is effective without disturbing them. It is important to strike a balance between not being too firm and not being too gentle to ensure that the baby is able to perceive the tactile feedback properly.
Dr Gopalan explains that repetition in music catches a baby’s attention and affects the baby’s arousal response. Repeated exposure to a particular song or routine builds up a habit for the child, which helps in habit forming. For example, a lullaby signals bedtime or a soothing action after pain, which calms the child. Such routines offer comfort. While lullabies work well for babies, they may also work well for older children or even teenagers to provide a sense of comfort or reassurance.
Lullabies with simple, repetitive lyrics induce sleep by creating a relaxed state, similar to the chanting of mantras that leads to meditative and calm states. Melodies with a predictable and flowing structure promote relaxation by being soothing and familiar to babies.
Takeaways
• Lullabies make a strong connection between mothers and babies.
• They help babies relax by slowing down their heartbeat and making them feel calm.
• Lullabies also help mothers rejuvenate and feel satisfied.
• Lullabies contribute to cognitive, developmental, and emotional wellbeing.