Do children enjoy music?Do you? Yes, children enjoy music as much as you do. Whether or not playing it actually makes infants and toddlers smarter, as some studies claim, is hard to support. But who cares? Music is supposed to make life better and if smiles, gurgles, and waving fists are any indication, it mostly works for the younger set.
There's another benefit to music: By associating it with bedtime you can use it to train your child to sleep. Since this goal is at the top of most parents' wish list, it isn't surprising that the most popular children's music is the lullaby. Still, when the occasion calls for more rousing music, you have plenty to choose from (see below).
What music should I try?
Some of our favorite music for babies include the following:
Til Their Eyes Shine (Sony Music)
These lullabies are sung by Laura Nyro, Gloria Estefan, Carole King, and other well-known female musicians. Although nothing is guaranteed to send every child to sleep, these voices are sure to make the transition more pleasant.
Daddies Sing Goodnight (Sugar Hill Records)
Many kids prefer Daddy's singing voice. This collection of bedtime ballads sung by Leon Redbone, Doc Watson, Jonathan Edwards, and others adds some delightful variety to any lullaby collection.
Happiness Cake, by Linda Arnold (A&M Records)
A compilation of songs to delight even the youngest kids.
Rainbow Sign (Rounder Records)
A lively collection produced by an eclectic mix of artists including Arlo Guthrie, Michael Doucet, and Sweet Honey in the Rock. The songs range from the traditional "Oh Mary, Don't You Weep" to the more rousing "Unite Children," protesting racism and greed.
Sleep, Baby, Sleep, by Nicolette Larson (Sony Music)
This collection, subtitled "quiet tunes for quiet times," delivers just what it promises. Accompanied by such folk-rock notables as Graham Nash, David Crosby, and Linda Ronstadt, Larson croons sweet songs that are complex enough to please a parent's more demanding tastes, too.
Wee Sing Sing-Alongs (Price Stern Sloan)
All those old-time favorites whose words you've forgotten come to life again in this collection. A helpful booklet with each song's lyrics accompanies the tape.
Baby Beluga, by Raffi (MCA Records)
Led off by an ode to a baby whale, these songs — like all of Raffi's music — are very much in tune with what amuses young children.
Diddy Bop Dinosaur, by Gary Lapow (Springboard Records)
Lapow's catchy tunes get you laughing and singing along. Some of his songs carry welcome messages, such as his "Look in a Book."
source from http://www.babycenter.com
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