Calming, relaxing music can help to soothe and relax babies and children at bedtime. New research suggests that music by Brahms and Bach is helpful and has a calming effect; many schools use it to soothe infants and children. Lullabies, gentle song stories, rhymes and poetry also help.


New research shows that singing to babies soothes them, reduces their heart rate and lessens pain. Songs such as Hush a Bye Baby and Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star were shown to reduce pain and lower heart rates. In contrast reading pop-up books to the children, or books with animal sounds, had no effect on pain levels.


Calming songs to soothe your child


Lullabies have been used to soothe babies and children for thousands of years, but this research shows Relaxing music and lullabies that their soothing effect is about more than just getting attention from a parent. Music seems to tap into the emotional side of the brain better than storytelling, with babies and children responding first to the singer's voice and second to the instrument being played.


When music, like a lullaby, is sung, rather than a recorded version being used, this is even more effective in helping to calm a baby or child as the singer can respond to the child's mood and adapt the way they present the lullaby according to the moment.


Research centering around music and lullabies helping to calm children and babies down and reduce pain is growing. For example a study carried out showed that newborn babies who were played music put on weight and were discharged from hospital more quickly than those who weren't.