Why Music Offers More Benefits Than White Noise for Babies
Watching a peacefully sleeping infant is a delight for anyone, but is white noise truly the best environment for these serene moments?
Research suggests otherwise, and here’s why: your baby’s auditory system is constantly at work, and sleep aids like white noise can sometimes overstimulate it.
Our auditory system is remarkably active, developing early on and continuing to be vital throughout our lives. By the time a baby is born, their auditory system has already been processing sounds for about five months in the womb.
Before we delve into why soothing, patterned sounds like music are preferable to white noise for babies, it’s crucial to understand the mechanics of the auditory system.
1) Hearing is a brain-driven process.
While sounds enter through our ears, it’s our brains that interpret and make sense of them. Furthermore, sound processing isn’t confined to the ears alone; it’s a holistic experience involving our entire bodies.
Sound reaches us through both air and bone conduction, and it’s this combination that shapes our perception of the world around us.
Consider the peculiar sensation of hearing a recording of your own voice. We’re accustomed to hearing ourselves through both air and bone conduction, but recordings only capture the air-conducted version, often leading us to question, “Do I really sound like that?”
2) Unlike other sensory systems, our auditory system lacks an off switch.
Unlike sight or touch, we can’t close our ears to block out unwanted sounds. Our auditory system remains active even during sleep, constantly processing the sounds around us. While our brains do filter out unnecessary noise to some extent, this filtering process is still immature in babies.
3) Music provides a more structured auditory experience.
The brain thrives on patterns, and music is rich with them. Unlike white noise, which lacks discernible patterns, music offers the brain something to latch onto—a framework for organizing auditory information.
In the absence of patterns, the brain works overtime to find them, resulting in increased exhaustion even during sleep.
So, how can we help our babies achieve true rest without overwhelming their auditory systems?
Here are four ways music can help:
- Play thoughtfully curated music, such as softer classical pieces or lullabies, to provide both auditory stimulation and relaxation.
- Be mindful of your baby’s sound environment, avoiding prolonged exposure to loud noises.
- Establish a daily routine for music, incorporating moments of calm listening to help your baby learn to relax purposefully.
- Consider attending Kindermusik classes, where babies can experience a stimulating musical environment that supports their auditory development. Even if your baby falls asleep during class, they are still processing all that is going on through their body and their brain.
By incorporating music into your baby’s routine, you not only provide a soothing environment for rest but also nurture their developing auditory skills for a lifetime of sound enjoyment.
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Music and dance have held a significant place in my life since my earliest childhood memories. It's been a lifelong aspiration of mine to work with children, nurturing their growth and creativity through these art forms, ultimately bringing them joy and a means for self-expression.
My professional background has primarily revolved around human resources, recruitment, and finance, all driven by my innate interest in people and psychology. This passion has been further fueled by my academic pursuits in counseling.
In July 2021, I assumed ownership of Kindermusik by Jan, taking the reins from the founders, Jan and Scott. My journey with Kindermusik began six years ago when I enrolled my two children in the program. Witnessing their enthusiasm and growth throughout these years has been incredibly rewarding. While my daughter has now graduated from Kindermusik, my son continues to embark on his Kindermusik journey.
Observing the tremendous fun and the boost in their self-assurance during these classes has left me with no doubt that Kindermusik has played a pivotal role in their development. As a parent, I have personally experienced the benefits of Kindermusik, and I am deeply passionate about extending these same benefits to families in the Mid Sussex area.
Being able to deliver a unique blend of fun and enthusiasm to children and their families through our classes, thanks to our exceptional team of educators, is an extraordinary privilege. I am proud to mention that Kindermusik by Jan has been recognised as a top program for the past three years by Kindermusik International, earning us a coveted spot among the top 100 Kindermusik programs worldwide. Additionally, we have received formal Kindermusik full accreditation, enabling us to teach all levels within our program. This is a remarkable achievement that underscores our commitment to providing the best possible experience for your children and families.