So, what tunes are best for babies?

If you’ve been reading up on this or talked to friends and family (who hasn’t?) you’ve probably heard that classical is a good way to go. That’s probably because of the intuitive creativity involved in its creation, complexity of melodies, and the fact that it’s purely instrumental (i.e. not synthesized by a computer like a lot of trendy music).

The “Mozart” effect

 Studies show that Mozart does indeed improve intellectual capabilities. And it isn’t just Mozart. Beethoven, Chopin and Bach are all safe options too.

Of course, one of the best benefits for baby is that mama is happy and enjoying what she’s hearing, too. When relaxed and enjoying yourself, your cortisol hormone levels go down, which directly affects the way your little one is feeling, too.

So if you’re not vibin’ on the Classics, try modern instrumental interpretations of music you like.

Carnatic Music of Kalyani Raga

Most of us have probably never heard of Kalyani Raga — but this ancient Hindu classical music has been shown to improve reflexes and enhance mental stimulation. It’s also shown to have a positive and calming effect on mama, too.

Anything soothing & melodic

If it lowers your blood pressure and leaves you feeling calmer and more peaceful, chances are it’s a good choice for baby, too. We recommend soft, melodic music that infuses harp, piano and other soft tonal qualities.

Ballad

While this hasn’t been studied the way that classical music has, we’ve heard anecdotal stories from mamas who claim that soothing ballads like those of Adele have had a positive effect that babies even recognize after birth.

We recommend making your own playlist using a tool like Spotify with a combination of these options. You can even make an experiment out of it: does she/he kick during certain songs? How do you yourself feel?

BONUS: With the SneakPeek Fetal Doppler, you can tune in to baby’s heartbeat at 16 weeks, kicks and hiccups anytime, anywhere. The built-in speaker makes it easy to share with others, too!

It’s an experiment, so have fun! You could also try making four different playlists with each to use for different parts of the day, or just to switch it up.

A few pointers for listening

We’ve all seen photos online that shows headphones directly on mama’s belly

— but as it turns out, that’s not advisable. Amniotic fluid is actually a great conductor of sound, and your baby has very sensitive hearing, so it’s better to err on the side of caution. Music that is too loud could be overly stimulating and even stressful for your little one. Try playing it at a normal level on the stereo throughout the day.

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An at-home Fetal Doppler is not a medical device and should not be used as a substitute for regular prenatal care by a licensed doctor. Be sure to make regular appointments and visits with your OBGYN, midwife, or doula.