The Effects of Music

Where did the music come from? Who invented it?

Music has always been an inseparable part of human lives. It has played an important role in the lifecycle of humans perhaps even before we could speak. It has always been with us from enchanting bird song, humming, rhythmic sounds produced by clapping hands or smacking rocks and sticks to the development of all modern instruments we have today. We don’t know who invented music, it is innate in human beings. Some theories suggest that music was invented to conquer fear. Today we can guess that music was part of traditional rites and ceremonies, dances, soothing melodies sung to babies or a way to express emotions.

However, we know that music is a universal language. It can be found in every culture all around the world and it has the same impact on music lovers.

Music and child development

Many recent studies have shown correlation between exposure to music and early brain development (from birth to age 5) on perception, memory, and language skills.

Making music, clapping, bouncing, and dancing develops fine and large motor skills. In fact, babies are more likely to start bouncing to the music before making their first steps. When children play an instrument, their brain builds important connections needed to carry out the complex actions and interactions humans require to thrive.

Besides early brain development and motor control, music affects the mood, helps children harness their feelings, builds intimacy and trust through lullabies and  traditional songs, humming and soothing rhymes. From the social point of view, when passed from elderly members of the family music strengthens children’s identity and sense of belonging, while for immigrants, music can be a powerful tool for integration. Music can also play an important role in healing from a trauma.

Our musical toys

Babily Gifts offers some interesting toys for musical awakening for babies and toddlers. Musical toys like Lässig‘s Digital music box with Bluetooth speaker from Tiny Farmer collection (choose between a sheep or goose), washable music pull toys (choose between a moon, cloud, star) or music pull toys from Little Chums collection (choose between a cat, dog or a mouse) with the famous Brahms’ lullaby “Good evening, good night” that gently helps babies fall asleep can be used from birth. From  6 months to age 3, we recommend wooden maracas from Bambino by Juliana that are child friendly, made from Beech, and filled with rattle rice to produce a pleasurable sound to delicate ears.

For toddlers from 12 months old we offer elephant or bear shaped xylophones. For children from age 3, we propose wooden handbells (choose between a bear, rabbit or elephant) all from Bambino by Juliana.

All our toys are made from natural materials, either 100% organic cotton or European Beech wood.

Until the end of March, all musical toys are 10% off. Let the music play!