Want a Baby Einstein? Play Music to Your Unborn Child

Most parents want their children to grow up to be the best they can be.  With this in mind, a mother may try to do everything she can to provide a nurturing environment for her child while it is in the womb.  This may include taking prenatal vitamins, eating nutrient enriched foods and playing classical music for her bump. While the latter measure may seem a bit odd and not at all connected to a child’s development, research indicates that music can aid in sparking intellectual growth in unborn babies. In a recent study, scientists established that there is more brain mass in the auditory cortex on the right side of the brain in musicians than in the average person. Since imitating sounds are an essential element of acquiring language, music can in fact initiate hemispheres on the brain that promote learning. Many researchers also believe that the mathematical structure of music can also help a child’s cognitive abilities.

Tests on individuals who listened to a variety of music showed and enhancement in memory processing, largely due to the fact that the neural network becomes more engaged due to the repetitive nature of song structure. So, what does this have to do with playing music to a pregnant belly? Plenty. Researchers have long since established that babies still residing in the womb can detect when a light is shone on their Mommy’s growing stomach or respond to the sound of their father’s voice. This means the child has the ability to learn even before it has entered the world. With this in mind, playing music can be a great way to engage your child’s mind and prepare it for all the education it is soon to encounter when it emerges. While it was once thought that classical music was the best style to play to the baby, studies indicate that the genre is not very relevant since all songs follow a basic pattern.   Besides, if you are not into classical music you will rarely play it and therefore not reap the benefits of what music can provide. Of course there are detractors who feel music does very little to impact learning on the unborn or anyone else for that matter.  To these individuals we say, if music merely provides a form of entertainment to the tiny little being, isn’t that a worthy result on itself?

the psalmist

thanks for posting this article. perfect for my unborn baby. yes, i heard about this that music can help nurture a child's brain while still inside the womb.

claudette-dane

does it have to be classical music? i have nothing against classical but everytime i listen to it, i get bored. i prefer pop or r&b.

panthera27

you can play anything that you enjoy whether it be classical, rock, blues, country, or what ever! Your choices are limitless! I just use to play whatever I felt like listening to at that moment.

Chapman

a friend of mine once told me the benefits of playing music to your unborn child and according to this article, music can initiate hemispheres on the brain that promote learning. am just wondering about how loud should have the music going, should it played softly?

Oscar F

I agree with the blog that music develops a tiny being's brain. my niece, when she was still in my sister's womb, used to listen classical music from mozart. now, she's two years old and she's very music minded and intelligent.

jadaluvsmusic

music soothes and heals to people's ears. thus, it brings good effects to the baby too.

Leopold

I'm not really sure if playing music for an unborn baby make his/her smarter is 100% accurate. Some say that newborns can notice music their parents played for them when they were in the womb and even perk up or fall asleep when they hear a familiar song. But some researchers say these conclusions are purely anecdotal, and aren't based on true research.

Blue-Eyes

Well, we have different opinions, Leopold but I trust those researches who support music as a tool for developing an unborn baby's brain. They say that even without playing a music, a mother's womb is already rich in sound -- the heartbeat, the rhythmic swoosh of the placenta, even the gurgles of the stomach are music to the baby's ears.

Richie D

As far as I know, music is thought to be pre-linguistic and contributes to your baby's foundation for language skills. Listening to music yourself, and singing tunes you enjoy can provide healthy stimulation for your child's development. The baby, when born, will likely turn toward the sounds of music familiar to him while he was still in the womb.

Simone

Actually, I play the music that I normally listen to for my first unborn baby. It's like a pleasant idea of sharing something I love with my baby. So, there's no wrong of what type of music you want to listen with, just as long as it helps you connect with the baby. And to answer your last statement, Yes! Definitely worth it.

michaelangelo08

There are claims that exposing your unborn child to classical music will make them more genius. I think it's not a guarantee to turn the baby into genius but it will actively encourage one's development, such as development of a sense of rhythm and of motor planning abilities, and provide a great source of entertainment and stimulation.

Charlie

I don't think it can hurt although I am myself skeptical--however, I don't have any children but so what do I know...?

Shayna

Well--whether it makes a kid smart or not -- it could be fun putting earphones on the tummy and listening to your fave tunes--and to answer Claudette, I think it can be any kind of music...

MiSS_Anthropy

Why would you put ear phones on your baby belly--that's just cruel! Besides, why do you get to pick what your baby listens to -- doesn't the kid have a say?

Parsnip

Kids learn a number of way and music is one way to stimulate interactive responses that facilitate learning. Just playing music won't make a kid smart--it will however, help them get concepts much faster.

Cappacina

I know that there is some debate over whether or not music helps kids get smart but I have a fried whose kid is a math genius at the age of five and she swears it is because she played her daughter classical music in and out of the womb.

Chanel

I will have a baby in the fall and I am thinking about trying it just to see what happens...can't hurt right?

veronica

I'd rather not put earphones on my belly to make it safe. It's true that baby can hear noises outside the belly but they are not clear so the baby cannot tell them apart. The scary thing is I saw a movie where they put earphones on the mother's tummy for the baby to hear music and when the baby was born, he was deaf. Scary, isn't it?

archangel

I will not take a risk too. Anyways, I've heard from a friend of mine that the baby won't be scared to noises. Sounds are very muffled inside the belly and it's actually quite noisy in utero. The first things they hear is your heart which is their comfort beat. When you go under water and you hear people talking that's what it sounds like to them.

Constantine

If you think putting earphones in the belly scares you then don't take risk or better consult your doctor and ask for opinions. I'm not sure at what point they can hear things like that and voices outside but it should not scare the baby. Babies can be startled by loud noises. They can also be soothed by pleasant music, and it's thought this may stimulate the baby intellectually.

Rose

This is kind of interesting topic. My sister is in her 21 weeks and she can definitely feel her little one moving. She loves music and she always listen to any types of music. When a woman relaxes, that's good for the fetus and that's an indirect effect of music on the baby in the womb. As a conclusion, play music because you enjoy it, not because you're trying to make your unborn baby smarter.

Sweet Pea

I know a lady who was tense throughout her pregnancy and her baby was very fussy and cried no matter what they do for it--and doctors could find no cause. On the other hand, I know of two mothers who were relaxed and listened to music and the babies were easier--a correlation?

One Love

I can imagine being in the womb and hearing and music and thinking “What is this stuff?” but it could be very soothing to the baby as well – it soothes us, right? I would definitely ask my wife to do it if the need arose…

Jessica

I personally believe that it doesn’t matter if it makes you kid smart or not—it is probably just fun for them o heart the tunes. If it makes them smart too—well it is a great side benefit!

Glory Hound

I agree with the posters who say that music is but one aspect of helping a child grow. I know this may go without saying, but so much of what a child revives both verbally and non verbally can shape them and their capacity to learn. Parents should find a number of ways to engage and educate their kids.

Art Maven

I think children should be developed to be the best they can be but I get so disturbed by the emphasis on making kids into super Braniacs. Why can't they just learn and grow and be who they are--not every kid wants to be an Einstein.

The Messenger

Valid point, but as you pointed out there is no harm in trying to educate your kid--their capacity to learn would manifest itself soon enough and then you can see where their tastes will lie.

Angel baby

I have always believed that kids are born blank slates and they grow to be themselves by being pushed one way or the other—that is why it is best to start them off as best as you can, with whatever you can.

Art Maven

You have obviously not held a newborn in your hands. Every baby I have ever seen has their own distinct personalities very early on, later on, those fundamental traits are developed over time into something good or bad depending on the situation…

Sir Wilbur

I've read a true story years ago about a tiny baby who had complications and the parents almost give up hope for the baby's survival. But when the baby's big brother began to sing "You are my sunshine", the struggling baby listened to the familiar lullaby, her body responded with healing. She made an amazing recovery.

hale brown

Amazing story. Music makes miracles. It uplifts and heals a struggling soul. Parents and future parents should not underestimate what the power of a lullaby can do to their babies. Music stimulates that connecting process like nothing else. Every mother knows that her lullaby can calm her agitated baby. Lullabies are powerful influences to a newborn’s growth.

OJ Summers

Yeah, I've heard that story too, which is why I have no problems with baby ipod device and other music baby players are approaching these days. Many parents are convinced that the 'Mozart effect', a belief that playing classical music to unborn babies will help develop intelligence. Scientists also talked about music being a catalyst for an unborn child's mental growth for years.

Mars 2000

There is one side which says nothing is scientifically proven but this does not mean the other side is wrong in believing in the positive influence of music in the womb. The most often heard effect of music for unborn babies is it will have a similar relaxation and soothing effect like we grown-up have by listening to relaxing music.

Liam

Yeah, a lot of inventions, theories and observations. Those devices just give moms a chance to try out that theory and also to help form a bond with their baby before they are even born. Of course, classical music is what the experts have suggested be used, but there is nothing to stop you playing your favourite Beatles track or even U2.

Sammy

You know what is really cute? Put on a tune and see your baby's eye slight up--even before they can stand they try to move around. My 2 year loves listening to what she calls "baby songs" and will sign along and dance. Kids respond so well to music.

nanny fae

baby Einstein? I would settle for one that is healthy happy and grows up to be a well adjusted loving person. Being the best of the best doesn't automatically denote eternal bliss--in fact it can be alienating. I like the idea of using music but not to make a master race of intellectual elitists.

Nicolette

I am with some of the other folks on her who said that babies should be left to be babies not bred into super anythings....I like the idea of playing music for their enjoyment not to make them bigger, better, smarter...

Levelheads

whats wrong with the idea of wanting your kids to excel? I don't think people who want their kids to be smarter expect them to be rocket scientists--they just want them to get the most out of life.

Nicolette

Nothing wrong with wanting your kids to have good things--but some folks take it to a bad level, practically becoming the "stage mom" of the genius world. I have seen it first hand and watch time I just wanted to take the kid and run away with it...sad....

FrauFrau

It may be difficult to level Einstein's brain to our babies nowadays, but who cares if we try hard? We just want what's best for our babies. Based on my observations, music is a great tool to stimulate the unborn baby's brains. Come on, we can't deny the power of music that we've heard from people's stories and experiences.

Nevada Joe

I have a niece and nephew who go crazy whenever they hear anything with a beat--hey get up and dance, giggle and have fun--and they are also both ahead of their class. coincidence I think not! Music opens kids up to learning--I have seen the evidence myself.

Mastadon

isn't it wonderful to see kid's dance? they do not care if they look good they just enjoy moving. I wish we would never lose that joy but the world just slowly steals it away from you. But music will always live in human beings--this is great thing.

weather man

Heck, I still try to dance like no one is watching--finally married a woman who didn't care that I had no rhythm. We are both big music lovers and with a baby on the way, we hope to share that with him or her, keep our rhythmless genes going...lol.

Music Notes

As a musician I routinely introduce my kids to music. Funny thing too, they are the most laid back, down to earth kids on the planet. I am very lucky but I know music helped mold them into who they are just a little bit...it just makes you appreciate life more

The Voyage

All one has to do is look at the interconnections of nature to realize the interconnections of art and the sciences. Of course, man can be very short-sighted. If it doesn't make money or progress technology it has no value in the current world.

Art Maven

that's just the thing, art can be lucrative for even those who have no real appreciation for it. And one poster pointed out architecture is essential to progress and begins with an artist's conception. People are just idiots.

Lady_Mirage

Hmmm... this article is perfect for my friend's upcoming baby. Modern science is quickly coming to the conclusion most parents have made intuitively through the ages that music is beneficial for children’s development and singing to babies is just the beginning of a lifelong journey of learning. A mother's steadily beating heart gives the unborn baby its first taste of percussion.

Frederick

As exciting as discovering the next musical genius is, music and movement classes offer developmental opportunities for all children. According to studies, babies are born able to understand complex musical rhythms. This innate musical ‘radar’ is hardly surprising as fetuses are actively listening to their world from inside the womb, months before their birth.

Tracy Strauss

Indeed, newborns will turn their heads to identify where a sound is coming from. I learned it from my close pal, which is an obygyne. That's what makes music so important to a child's ears. It can shape attitudes, interests and discipline within children by helping them focus, improve listening skills and gain confidence and self-esteem.

Felicity

Music is such a wondrous building block for babies. I have twins and I was thinking that it would be way cool to have a music video with them in it. Just play music and record them moving around. Both of them love music and always groove to the beats and they are just 18 months old!

Art Maven

Then you are starting your kids off right! They will grow up with an appreciation for music that will help keep them steady through the years. I think it is instinctive in mothers to do this anyway, which is why we sing to our little ones.

Laureli

Lady_Mirage, I really liked what you said about the heart being the first percussion a baby hears. That is so true. There are probably many internal rhythms going on that make infant more in tuned to music as a whole.

Scritti Politi

Kind a like that whole deal with washing machines. Many of my friends who are parents swear by putting their kids to sleep by turning on the washer., They think it mimics the Mothers heartbeat. Sounds can so influence a child in many ways and music even more so because it is so structured.

gregor

Exactly.

gregor

Musical activities in the formative years makes a difference to how children’s brains work, but the objective should not be to create a musical genius, but a well-rounded, confident and intelligent individual. Learning music goes beyond developing the brain and many parents note that the benefits of learning music has a knock-on effect on their children’s broader lives.

KiNg ArThUr

I have been reading this post many times but I never had the chance to view my opinions. After reading some comments that really strike me, I have come up to a conclusion that offering musical activities has been found to enhance the same neural pathways used in abstract reasoning, because children use reasoning to organize notes in their brain in order to make melodies.

Eli

Well, think about it. Music is broken up into patterned segments. 4/4, 6/8 ...rhythms like this can be linked to math. This could be why kids exposed to art and music score so high on standardized tests. They are using both hemispheres of the brain.

Sunbeams

Not mention music makes them more open and laid back--less stiff. They tend to laugh more and enjoy life. This could be due to the fact that music and art lets them express themselves. Kids who write poems while being perceived as moody are probably more in touch with their emotions.

Zephyr

That is so true. People who are expressive tend to know more about who they are. They are honest with themselves and willing to explore the world around them. Most people want to hide from life. Artistic kids do not--which is why they are often misunderstood. They see pass the masks and try to make others do the same, but they are unprepared.

felicia

Music has had a very positive effect on my life, and with the knowledge that I am going to be a mom for the first time, it had me wondering what I could do to help pass my love of music to my unborn child. As astonishing as it is, I just discovered that unborn babies have the ability to remember the music they hear.

logan

Astounding thoughts, felicia. It's amazing to think that unborn babies can start headbanging while they are still in their mothers' wombs. From Mozart to Metallica, the baby does indeed hear what you are playing. Since babies' brain has the ability to register rhythmic patterns, changes i1n beat and melody are all picked up by your baby even when fast asleep.

Blue_sky

Just my sister's experience with using music as a prenatal education tool for babies, when she was pregnant with her children, she sang "twinkle twinkle little star" to them every night. When they were born, they notice the song and it can actually soothe them and calm them down. It is worth that you let your unborn child listen to a variety of music.

armstrong56

Thanks for the thoughts. If parents will invest in their child's future by providing music while their baby is still in the womb, then they'll have a healthier, well-adjusted, smarter baby. I think that the hard work and dedication of the parents has had more of a role in shaping them. I have a reason to beleve that sound has definite effect on a fetus.

Dalrymple

I had so much fun reading this. Although I'm still not a parent, it provides me insights on how music greatly affects an unborn baby. Personally, I really do enjoy music and somehow this article helps me understand that even fetus has the right to listen and introduce to music. Wow, it's really an awesome experience for the baby.

Lemming Yellow

what a fun post! I too believe that babies get so much not just from music but from the world around them. They are like little sponges soaking up the atmosphere. That is why the stuff they can say every so often will simply surprise you. They have no guile and they are so open to learning! Music is the perfect tool to teach them with.

The skeptic

Music is a great tool, I concur. You can sing nursery rhymes to them things like numbers and letters and they can pickup on it right away. Watching them learn this stuff is so incredible too--I love kids!

Funny Face

I just found out I am pregnant and I am already on the music baby craze--bought a boom box and play my fave songs all the time. Funny thing is I feel less nauseated when I lay down and listen to music. I'd this Jr's way of telling me to keep the hits coming?

Tomb Raiser

Not sure -- depends on far along you are--but if you just found out chances are that the baby can't even hear the music yet, but then what do I now, I am not an OB/GYN. It could also just be that the music relaxes you and makes you think less about feeling sick...lol...

Funny Face

That's what my husband said. He said if Mommy is feeling good the baby just chills out and decides not to give me any trouble. Either way I feel as if music is helping and will play it to my baby when he or she gets here too! :-)

Sam911

I've heard from lots of people that classical music like Mozart, Beethoven or any classical music is good. They said that the baby has a certain reaction to this. The babies bounce around when hearing these sounds. These type of pleasant and soothing music will be stimulating to baby but I'd rather not let my future baby listen to noisy sound.

Dane Jones

Truth to be told, I put together of my favorite songs, as well as my husband's favorites and my baby move around to soulful sound. He moves around to it the whole time. It was really an experience. I suggest playing some music that you and your partner listen to, so the baby knows that music as well.

Roberto M

Regardless of age, music has always played an important role in an individual's life. Babies prefer high-pitched sounds. Therefore, the quality of music is unnecessary but sound makes a difference. The sounds also helps form important physical, psychological and social developmental components. Relaxing music has occasionally been used to help with premature contractions, in conjunction with medical treatment.

phoebe

Prenatal music helps prepare the ear, body and brain to integrate and ultimately enhance intelligence. The number of cells in foetal brain is important but how they interconnect is more important. Perhaps, simple sensory experiences can such as singing and harmonizing can either energize or relax the baby and act as a perfect interacting tool for the unborn child.

Josh Foley

Thanks for your views, phoebe. Prenatal music is the best thing that the parents can provide for their child's early development. It can be a pre-linguistic tool for the unborn. There is no scientifically proven evidence that music will enhance your baby's intelligence but there is evidence that listening to calming music can help the mother to relax and breathe deeply and easily.

Lancelot

According to a friend, if you sing or hum a carefully selected eight tunes for baby, these very same songs, sung after baby’s birth, will calm and soothe baby immediately! They will be associated with warmth, nurturing and feeling safe. If possibly your little one comes early these songs will help her to gain weight faster, stabilize body rhythms and temperature.

Fantasia

I love it! Kids are just so accepting and introducing them to sounds at any stage has got to be the most rewarding experience. I don't have any kids at present but I am so excited by the prospect of one day showing them the world--and music will be one of the stops!

Sylversmith

I feel the same way--I am too young to be a dad but I do love kids and think they are the future. So how do we make the future better? We give our kids the best start and I think making them well rounded, with artistic endeavors, is one way to do that.

Doppleganger

Not to mention that you will get to see where their talents lie. You can play music and see if they start trying to keep rhythm. Or put a guitar in their hand and see if they are inclined to play. really rmearkbale how open tiny humans are, eh?

Veronica

Even if they not turn into prodigies the benefits are so numerous it should almost be mandatory to play music to unborn babies. But then, you can barely get some parents to put their kids in car seats! I don't know why but some people will never see the good(or maybe won't try to see) the great potential of thinking outside the parenting box.

Doppleganger

It is because people are so afraid of "screwing up" their kids or being bad parents. To me a bad parent is one that won't attempt to try everything in their power to give their kids a good start and what can be simplier than playing music.

Rainbow Unicorn

I know. I have yet to hear a kid say "I hate singing!" Or "I don't want to hear a nursery rhyme"! children are naturally inclined to enjoy and desire music. Introducing them to musical sounds prior to birth seems to be a no brainer really.

Laureli

Me too, unfortunately there are far too many people who would disagree with that assertion.

Praveen

Yeah, I think now she's two years old and she's very music minded and intelligent.