Is music good for babies while sleeping?
Absolutely. There’s a reason why singing lullabies has remained a practice used universally by parents for thousands of years — from Ancient Egypt and medieval England to the remote tribes of the Amazon, the power of music has been understood for millennia.
And the benefits go beyond sleep, too. In 2002, a study found that music improved premature babies’ heart rates and breathing patterns. Similarly, music therapy has been shown to reduce stress in babies and even promote healthy cognitive development.
What’s the best music for baby sleep?
Assuming your baby hasn’t figured out how to create their own playlists (and if they have, congrats on your little genius!) there’s going to be a little guesswork involved here. Just like adults, every tot has their own musical tastes, so what works for one baby might not necessarily work for another.
However, thanks to the thousands of years of trial and error performed by the billions of parents before us, we’ve learned a thing or two about the type of tunes babies tend to dig. The best music for baby sleep tends to be:
Gentle and slow-paced: Songs with a tempo of around 60-80 beats per minute (similar to a resting heart rate) tend to work well, as they mimic the rhythm of your heartbeat — a familiar soundtrack from their days in the womb. The jury’s out on whether babies consider songs with this tempo ‘throwback anthems’, but we like the idea nonetheless.
Simple and repetitive: Babies find comfort in predictability, so songs with repetitive melodies and rhythms are a surefire hit.
Soft and low-volume: This probably goes without saying, but loud or sudden sounds are likely to startle your tot, so it’s a good idea to avoid the thrash metal for now. Besides, rock music is far more suited to the chaos of toddlerdom, no?
Which genres of music do babies like the best?
Provided you’re not relying on music to calm your baby before bed, basically anything goes. From Baby Shark to Mozart’s 5th, little ones have broad tastes. As long as the tunes are kept to a safe volume (below 50dB), feel free to experiment. However, if you’re looking for specific recommendations for soothing your baby to sleep, may we suggest:
Ambient music for babies
A genre widely believed to be invented by Erik Satie, ambient music — or as he referred to it, “furniture music” — is unobtrusive, relaxing, and in many cases, utterly hypnotic, making it ideal bedtime listening.
Track recommendations:
“Weightless” by Marconi Union — often cited as one of the most relaxing songs ever created, this track is ideal for winding down.
“19” by Aphex Twin — an artist more typically associated with frenetic, clamorous electronica, this dreamy soundscape is one of several ambient compositions with a reputation for utter relaxation among listeners.
“1/1” by Brian Eno — the opening track from “Music for Airports”, an album designed to calm listeners who suffer from a fear of flying.
Classical music for babies
While the so-called “Mozart Effect” (the claim that listening to classical music boosts IQ) is still debated, there’s no denying its calming and engaging qualities. Not sure where to start? Try these on for size:
Track recommendations:
“Gymnopedie No. 1” by Erik Satie — instantly recognisable and endlessly replayable. The cozy, ambling composition is considered one of the very first ambient compositions.
“Clair de Lune” by Debussy — French for “moonlight”, Clair de Lune is arguably one of the most relaxing piano pieces ever composed.
“Notturno” by Ottorino Respighi — a beautiful, breathy composition, perfect for bedtime.
Jazz music for babies
Jazz can be surprisingly soothing for babies — but we’d recommend against taking your baby to a smoky bar in the city to enjoy it. Try these classics and see how they react:
Track recommendations:
“What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong — a timeless classic with a soothing melody and Louis’ trademark husky tones.
“Peace Piece” by Bill Evans — the ultimate “let’s tuck up and get cozy” soundtrack.
“Dream a Little Dream of Me” by The Mamas & The Papas — this soft, lullaby-like tune is perfect for cuddles.
Lullabies for infant sleep
Lullabies have been used for centuries to calm fussy babies and encourage sleep. Why are they so effective? The answer lies in their structure and emotional tone. Most lullabies feature slow tempos, simple melodies, and soothing lyrics, all of which work together to relax both the body and mind.
Research backs up the efficacy of lullabies in promoting sleep. A study published in the Journal of Pediatric Nursing found that singing lullabies to babies not only helped them fall asleep faster but also improved the parent-child bond. Another study from the University of Montreal noted that live singing helps babies to develop a knack for emotional self-control.
The best lullabies for baby sleep
Some timeless lullabies have stood the test of time for good reason. Here are a few classics you might consider:
“Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star”: This gentle melody is a universal favorite, with simple lyrics that practically everyone knows off-by-heart.
“Brahms’ Lullaby” (Wiegenlied): A staple in baby playlists, this classical piece has a serene and repetitive structure perfect for inducing sleep.
“Hush, Little Baby”: This traditional lullaby’s soothing tune and promise of comfort make it a go-to for bedtime routines.
“Rock-a-Bye Baby”: While the lyrics may seem a bit dramatic, the melody is undeniably soothing and has been used for generations.
What about white noise?
While music is undeniably effective, white noise has also gained popularity as a sleep aid for babies. White noise mimics the whooshing sounds of the womb, creating a familiar and comforting environment. It can also mask household noises that might otherwise disrupt your baby’s sleep.
We’ve discussed the potential benefits and drawbacks of white noise at length in our comprehensive white noise for babies article, but here’s a brief overview of the pros and cons:
Pros:
Helps babies fall asleep faster by creating a consistent auditory environment.
Masks sudden sounds like doors closing or dogs barking.
Can be easily incorporated into bedtime routines using apps or white noise machines.
Cons:
Over-reliance on white noise could make it harder for babies to fall asleep without it.
Playing white noise at too high a volume (above 50 decibels) could potentially harm a baby’s hearing.
How to introduce music into your baby’s bedtime routine
Ready to get those tunes thumpin’ (at a safe and reasonable volume of 60dB or less)? Follow these final tips below:
Stick to a routine: Babies thrive on consistency. Playing the same type of music at the same time each night can signal that it’s time for sleep.
Choose the right volume: Keep the music soft enough that it doesn’t overwhelm your baby’s senses. Remember: keep it to 60dB or less!
Avoid overstimulation: Songs with rapid tempos, dramatic shifts, or loud choruses can be too stimulating for bedtime. Save these for playtime!
Give a live performance: Babies have a preference for their primary caregiver’s voice, so don’t be afraid to sing yourself — regardless of whether you hit every note perfectly!
Ultimately, every baby is different, and finding the right music might require a bit of trial and error. Some infants might respond better to traditional lullabies, while others find comfort in classical piano or gentle acoustic guitar. Some may even prefer the sound of silence — we can’t all be music aficionados. The key is to observe your baby’s reactions and adjust accordingly.
Reviewed by Rosey Davidson, Sleep Consultant, founder & CEO, in November 2024.