Music to His Ears: Your Young Child and Sound

It is the same with newborn babies: if those who were prenatally stimulated hear familiar music, they usually turn their heads in the direction of the music. Dr. Gabriel F. Federico, MD, in his article Music Aids Development in the Womb, says that "babies can change their facial expressions while listening to these rhythmic sound variations, perhaps even smile and increase their sucking. Their pupils might dilate and eyes begin to stare for four to 10 seconds. They will stretch their small fingers and toes, trying to catch the stimulus." He also says babies' heart rates will likely slow and their breathing becomes regular.

According to Dr. Brewer, research shows that musically stimulated babies seem to develop more quickly, talking up to six months earlier, and have improved intellectual development. This development refers to the increase of spatial understanding needed to complete such tasks as jigsaw puzzles. Spatial intelligence is also imperative in activities such as higher brain functions of mathematics, music, and chess.