Have you ever tired turning on music or singing when you have a crying baby? Did it work for you, and maybe you wonder why? Well the first answer is to remember that babies under 3 years old don’t regulate their own nervous system, so that means they are dependent on your nervous system as the parent. And since music relaxes you, it will relax baby.
One magical thing music does is increase dopamine, which is this wonderful brain chemical or neurotransmitter. Dopamine is referred to as the “feel good” hormone, and it is part of the “reward center” in our brain. Dopamine is lower in neurodivergent people, especially those with ADHD. We are designed to crave things that give us dopamine hits, that give us that wonderful reward and feeling. That’s why certain things can be addictive, especially for certain people, like sugar or gambling, dopamine makes us want more, to keep that fantastic feeling.
Music also decreases cortisol, our main stress hormone. Cortisol is a stress hormone, but also has other functions. Cortisol helps regulate blood glucose, helps with sleep and blood pressure. With acute doses of cortisol it’s anti-inflammatory, but in long term chronic amounts it is actually increases inflammation. Keeping cortisol on the lower side helps our nervous system and whole body.
Emotions and memories are deeply tied to music as well. It’s amazing how hearing a few notes of a song you first danced to, or your favorite song with a friend, transports you right back to that memory. Music has the ability to help us heal, feel, connect, love and enjoy life.
Music also lowers your heart rate and breathing rate, helping you feel calmer. It can help you be more present in the moment and help with grief. Music helps with concentration and focus, there are studies that show a slower paced tempo music can help with learning and retention, helping with test taking too! It even helps us feel more creative. Music can also help with sleep.
So have you tried soothing your baby, or yourself, with music? I love how there is a type of music to help me feel creative, a different type to focus and learn, another to feel calm and sleepy, and still many more types. There is always a perfect type of music for my mood! I’d love to hear what helps you and your baby with music.