My Baby Loves ... Music!

My baby is growing up and becoming a person with clear likes and dislikes. I find this extraordinarily fascinating, and I'm sure other parents out there can relate. There's just a happy wonderment that fills you up when you realize, "Oh, the baby is enjoying this!" It's such a progressive step from the time when your child sits around and stares, to the time when they focus on something, recognize it, and look forward to their next contact with it.

My 17 month old Mr. Baby currently likes musical amusements. I am very happy about this, as studies have found that playing music can be good for your brain, and can help with language development. (Check out these articles from MedicalNewsToday.com and SFGate.com.) Getting my boy interested in music, rhythm, and musical instruments is a great start. I can't wait for him to get a little older so he can take music lessons.

This is a list, in no particular order, of his Top 3 current music related entertainments.

1. The Backyardigans
Ahhhh... The exploits of five animal friends who have fabulous singing and dancing adventures in the backyard. I can honestly say that I really enjoy watching this with my son. A few of his favorite episodes include: Mission to Mars (which guest stars Alicia Keys), Into the Deep, and Cave Party, and he just really enjoys the great music.

2. Putumayo Kids Presents: African Playground
This is a very fun and energetic collection of music. One of my favorites is Mbube, which most people will recognize as The Lion Sleeps Tonight, by The Mahotella Queens. I put this on about an hour after breakfast and we dance around the living room. I'm excited because I can see my boy is developing great rhythm!

3. Melissa and Doug: Deluxe Band Set
This great set of musical instruments includes a recorder, harmonica, xylophone, rhythm sticks, castanets, kazoo, and triangle. Mr. Baby has figured out the harmonica, and it is currently his favorite, with the xylophone being a close second.

Music captures my boy like nothing else, and I love to see him dancing around, or just bobbing to a rhythm. If your babies are into music, please share! I'm always on the lookout for more fun and educational stimulation for Mr. Baby!