Bath time is an excellent opportunity for parents to bond with their little ones. And any parent will tell you that there couldn’t be anything cuter than a happy baby splashing and squirming in water. But bath time can also have its downsides.
For instance, it is not uncommon for kids to poop in the tub. The wetness from all the splashing also means that the risk of an accident occurring is heightened. And if you are dealing with an infant, these small humans are utterly reliant on you to keep their little noses and mouths above water.
That’s why it’s so important to make bath time both safe and fun for you and your kids. The key to successful baths, especially with toddlers, is being present and attentive. The more engaged you are, the less distracted you are. And music can help you and your baby stay engaged and focused on the task at hand.
Apart from the bonding, it supplies you and your child, adding music to bath time is also a great opportunity for you to observe and stimulate your baby’s growth and development. How? Try and think about how music affects you. Now try and think about how music affects you during bath time.
You know how an upbeat J-Lo song can chase away your blues and how the soft soothing sounds of Celine Dion can make you relax before bed.
Babies are no different. The benefits of music for babies cannot be understated. Music is so powerful for a baby’s development that it is sometimes used as therapy for premature babies owing to its direct link to improved weight gain.
And it’s not just good for your baby- it’s good for you too. As a parent, it isn’t always easy to keep it together and maintain your sanity. So playing your favorite tracks for your baby during bath time can help to lift your spirits after a hectic day, and soothe your frayed nerves so that you can continue being a great and present parent. And all you need is a high-quality shower speaker, some great tunes, and you’re good to go.
Here are some more reasons why you should introduce music during bath time:
Is there a specific type of shower music that kids should listen to?
You can play anything that you prefer; your personal preference should be your guide. If you like Mozart and your baby seems to enjoy it too, then go with that. Anything that has a great melody will do although slower songs are probably best if you’re taking a bath before bed.
It may also be a good idea to stay away from head-banging rock music. Kids, especially little ones, prefer pleasant and harmonic sounds rather than harsh ones. Generally, anything cheerful and simple is a great choice. And you don’t have to limit yourself to lullabies.
Even a simple game of peekaboo can be transformed into a musical show. As you sing along to your favorite shower speaker song, don’t take things too seriously. It helps to make silly faces and gestures as it will make bath time engaging and fun.
Music during bath time can help you create emotional security
You should try to incorporate music as often as you can whether you are reading, preparing for bedtime, or during bath time. Singing along to your favorite tunes as you make silly faces will help to establish a sense of safety in your baby. When you are willing to interact with your child in this way, it lets your baby know that he or she is valued.
Boost your baby’s cognition with bath time music
Why is music so magical and important to children, you ask? Well, you might as well question the value of language. Your voice is generally music to your baby’s ear. So imagine when it is filled with the organized patterns and the different sounds that music provides and your baby will be obsessed.
When you introduce music to babies, especially at such a young age, you are effectively providing your baby with a richer and more expansive range of sounds that will improve their cognitive potential. Beyond cognitive growth, music will also help you develop a deep and joyful bond with your baby.
Improve your baby’s motor skills during bath time
Plus, when you add instruments to the mix, the experience is even more enjoyable. Bring small instruments like shakers and small drums to the bathtub with you. Such small instruments that can fit easily in your baby’s hands are great for the development of fine motor skills, as well as teaching your baby about rhythms and beats.
When your kids get older, introduce blowing instruments such as kazoos or whistles and recorders. Small ukuleles are also great to have around as they are easy to manipulate and strum.
Mold your baby’s taste in music
During bath time, you should play the kind of music that you like so that you can mold your baby’s taste in music. Remember that kids learn by watching and imitating. As such, they will acquire a disposition for music from you.
If you like classical music, you can steer them easily towards liking the same by playing more classical music during bath time. If you prefer rhythm and blues, consider sharing that with your child. It is your job to model how fun music is and can be.
Final Thoughts
At the end of a long and tasking day, playing a little music at bath time can help both you and your kids have an enjoyable experience. We are well aware of the benefits associated with music, especially where children are involved. However, with busy schedules and the chaos of family life, sometimes it is impossible to find the right moment.
Bath time is the perfect opportunity to reap the benefits of music for your child’s development. Singing in the bath is not only education, but it is also relaxing and best of all, it will encourage your little ones to love bath time too. Now that’s a win in every book if you ask us!
