Creating a Musical Environment

Using the Bond With Baby songs, rhymes, lullabies and instrumental music during caregiving routines, playtime and relaxation have proven to enhance mother-baby enjoyment and the elements of mothers' communication that stimulate babies' attention and contentment: combine your rhythmical use of speech and singing with movement and dance, your gentle touch and happy facial gestures to bring about the 'soothe or the groove' mood needed with Baby (the section Communicating with Baby discusses the importance of such interactions). And for added enjoyment extend on your own creativity by making up little ditties with Baby.

With the inclusion of some traditional rhymes and songs - This Little Piggy, Pat-a-cake, Round and Round the Garden, To Market, Itsy Bitsy Spider, Hokey Cokey, Old MacDonald, The Music of Brahms' Lullaby and Twinkle Twinkle Little Star (1st verse) - the musical activities have been written for enjoyment and enriching Baby's development right through the early childhood years.

While many 'old-styled' nursery rhymes may still be sung by parents and enjoyed, some are now considered to be 'educationally unsound' because of their lyrics. However, in the end it comes down to what parents choose to sing to their baby ... and it is the singing, interacting and enjoyment that are most important. So let loose, and be inspired to have fun, to soothe and to develop enjoyable daily activities - all of which are part of bonding and beyond with Baby.

To listen to the Bond With Baby recordings click on the title of the songs, rhymes, lullabies and music. You can also download them individually. Get singing, clapping/tapping, tickling, knee jogging and dancing ... or just take time out to relax and soothe.