Sing lullaby!
Published
Social media is rife with advice for anxious parents about the perfect hypnotic lullabies you must sing to soothe your baby to sleep. But music teacher and founder of Mini Mozart, Clare Shaw, has some different advice. ‘The best lullaby is literally any song sung by you. Forget the must-sing lists, your voice is what your child loves and responds to most.’
The NHS states that while newborns average anywhere from eight up to 16-18 hours of sleep a day during the first two weeks, they wake up frequently and rarely sleep for more than four hours at a stretch, even at night. Clare, who is an an ex- presenter for BBC Young Musician of The Year and The Proms offers three tips on how to help to soothe your baby to sleep:
Personal touch: It’s not the song itself, but the sound of your voice that envelops your little one in comfort and calm. Whether it’s a chart-topper or a simple hum, if it’s sung by you, it’s perfect. Your voice carries a unique soothing power that no one else’s does.
Consistency over specifics: The soothing nature of bedtime songs has more to do with consistency than any specific tune. Singing the same melodies nightly creates a reassuring routine, signalling that it's time for sleep.
Emotional assurance: As you sing, your focussed presence—steady breathing, relaxed posture and calm demeanour—transmits contentment and security to your child. They don’t just hear the lullaby; they feel your reassurance, making the bedtime experience deeply comforting.
Mum-of-two Clare says: ‘These moments of song and closeness aren't just for now: they lay the foundation for your child’s emotional development. Consistent bedtime rituals foster a sense of predictability and safety, critical for healthy emotional growth. So next time you tuck in your little one, pick any song that feels right.’
She adds:’ Growth spurts, teething and illnesses can all affect how babies sleep so be prepared to change routines as your baby grows. But one thing that is consistent will be your calm and loving voice.”
Visit www.minimozart.com
