Running baby music sessions is one of the most fulfilling jobs I have ever done. Knowing the joy that you are bringing to little ones, the personal attention, the literal physical demonstration of love and care is the most priceless, rewarding experience that I could ever describe. While children may not remember events and specific experiences from when they were younger, they always remember how you make them feel. And to know that they experienced music, they experienced love, is the most joyful gift.
Having a structured plan of activity can be a helpful way to save time on both planning and delivery of the baby music session. When you have a set sequence of baby music activities, not only does it allow for creativity in the mini-section, it also helps you as the baby music session leader to feel relaxed, in turn giving little ones confidence in your care because they get used to the pattern and pace of activities and begin to know what to expect.
The format that I ended up using in all of my baby music sessions is still one that I highly recommend because of all the boxes it ticks (language, movement, vocal play, listening, story time) – and it genuinely worked so well with hundreds of children, both in nurseries and mum-and-tot groups. One of my tips or ‘hacks’ was to use a different item for each activity, lay them out in order, have a list of songs written down, and that would remind me of the next activity.
Gathering time: Using the same “hello” song is a wonderful routine that sets up expectations for all. The regularity of the song sends an automatic message to the brain that the previous activity has ended, and for the next 20, 30, even 45 minutes, we have nothing more to think about than musical activities, songs and games
Intentional touch: This activity is a gentle introduction to the session using baby massage techniques. Gently stroking baby’s arms and legs, shoulders to fingertips, hips to toes, is not only a lovely physical relaxation but also a lovely way to support proprioception. This is the ability to recognise where our bodies begin and end, how far our arms and legs reach, helping us to judge distances and manage ourselves in space.
Warm-up exercises: Muscle-building techniques are important at every age, but especially for those who don’t or can’t move much. Gentle arm raises, leg raises, and even lifting little ones’ legs up and over for a gentle spine stretch can be easily done to a gentle beat – maintaining the all-important eye contact.
Sing and chant: Rhythmic chanting has a lovely beat, and there are wonderfully descriptive baby music and songs with magical words that are fun to say and hear. While baby may not repeat them soon, they will love bouncing on your knees – quickly or slowly – and even sliding down your legs.
Movement: Having a dance with little ones is such a magical experience. Holding them tight as you sway, glide, spin and twirl around a room can be so freeing as they giggle and smile, with no judgement or criticism – just pure love.
Lullaby: After so much physical activity, a calming, gentle lullaby may just send baby off to sleep. Rocking little ones in your arms, draped over your back, or even swinging them in a blanket like a hammock, between two adults, acts to calm both you and them. Taking time to slow down can become a skill that we lose with the busyness of life, and making time for yourself is a valuable life skill that we can share.
Vocal play: Little ones quickly recognise that different sounds hold value and meaning, and are quick to copy the ones that help them most. Singing songs ending with easy words may just end up being the encouragement little ones need to try to speak themselves.
Literature: Sharing reading time is a special skill that many teachers encourage parents to develop from early on towards a love of reading. Some children absolutely love it, some just don’t, but sharing storytime together is another way to get little ones to relax.
Object play: Using everyday items can be a lot of fun. Examples include tapping cups or spoons together, having a splash in a tub of water, using socks as ‘puppets’ or even using mirrors and reacting to reflections. There are so many ways to play. Adding a song to it just makes it even more fun.
Listening: Many songs can be sung and even learnt as children grow, but some music is more complex and it is just as magical to listen as it is to join in. This is an opportunity to introduce children to different musical styles, eras and influences, giving them a wide range of experience from their earliest years.
Quiet time: Silence is as important as sound, and creating time to be, to think and to not think, can give us a break from activity, expectations and demands. Creating this space is valuable, not only to little ones but to grown-ups, giving us a chance to catch up to ourselves. This is a lovely way to take a minute, whether in complete silence or using simple drone sounds like singing bowls.
Leaving time: Having a regular ‘goodbye’ song can be a wonderful way to end sessions. Again it allows the brain to automatically end the period of time and prepare for the next part of the day
Baby music sessions are simply magical, and it is unfortunate that so many adults cannot see the possibilities or even the benefits of music sessions from the start. In fact, they can be so magical that many of my sessions easily lasted 45 minutes, with no boredom, screaming or distraction.
I will be including a complete baby session on YouTube, with sample songs for all of these activities, and hope that you too will find the joy and magic of musical baby sessions.
Read more from Frances here:
Learning Through Music! The Best Songs For 12-18 Month-Olds
Build Skills & Confidence With These Essential Songs For A Baby’s First Year
Music Ideas For 6-12 Months: The Best Songs For Your Baby’s Growth
