You might not realise it, but one of the very best things you can do with your baby is also one of the easiest: sing to them!
In the first year, that baby brain is still forming all its connections, so everything they see and hear shapes the way their brain develops. Singing's something they tune into naturally and can really help them learn new words.
Singing lullabies can relax your baby and soothe crying and there's nothing better for getting them off to sleep.
Singing regularly to them in your preferred language, while you give them a cuddle is a great way to bond and the more the two of you really bond, the more a hormone called oxytocin is released in the brain. It's known as the love hormone as it reduces stress, so it's good for your health too because the more oxytocin is released the happier you're likely to feel.
And of course, nursery rhymes are a great way to start you and baby's singing careers.
You may not have the voice of an angel, but your baby will love to hear you sing anyway.
Better still, singing to your baby is great for their language learning as well as your bonding together - so belt out a nursery rhyme or soothe them with a lullaby.
Image caption, Singing to baby is one of the best things you can do to help their early learning.
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